Friday, 31 January 2025

CHRISTIAN VIEWPOINT FEATURE #16

Being Counter–Cultural:
In this article, Dr Simon Chan highlights two possible dangers showing that Christians may claim their ultimate allegiance only to Christ, yet this claim has been usurped by some nation– state to say that sovereignty is over their citizens, showing that sovereignty is relative, limited and partial only. Secondly, Christians claim that it is impossible for the church to find a common ground on which people of different faiths could live harmoniously, when in fact, finding common ground is both urgent and necessary rather than for the gospel to be reduced to general ethical principles only; and for the narrative of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to be retold to the present generation of Christians through the political correctness.

(For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/being-counter-cultural/ by Dr Simon Chan | 20th Jan 2025 | inside Credo)

Flesh Made Word:
This article shows how often that analytic theologians often disagree how God’s Word in doctrine is to be understood and explained as, and how Thomas Aquinas seems to have gotten it quite wrong, and that his way of understanding the concept that could be either be radically revised or abandoned altogether. Indeed, Christians do lip service to reading God’s Word because they do not appreciate how truly radical the doctrine is, implying that God does not even possess distinct attributes of being God, unable to reconcile with the doctrine of the Trinity. Yet again, metaphors, parables and poetry can convey God’s truth, in ways that a proposition cannot, which can speak of the divine in a way that does not make God captive to formulations; and how the transforming Word is being made into flesh. (For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/flesh-made-word/ by Dr Roland Chia | 20th Jan 2025 | inside Pulse)

Is Your Hospitality Christian?
This article explains how what makes for distinctly Christian hospitality? Faith keeps the house. Love sets the table. And wisdom opens the door. Indeed, “Hospitality is an opportunity to prove that God is better than anything an unshared, ‘more comfortable’ home could ever afford.” (For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/is-your-hospitality-christian by Tanner Kay Swanson (Guest Contributor) – 14th Jan 2025 |inside Desiring God)

9 Hongbaos to sow into the Gospel this Chinese New Year:
This article highlights how one hongbao by ChezHemdi is so intricately designed that it tells the full story of Jesus’ life with 80 key moments from His life. “Our hope is more people will be inspired to use this as a tool to share His story and the hope it brings,” said its creators. They are just one of many who have designed hongbaos to share God’s love with others this Chinese New Year. (For more info, do click the link – https://saltandlight.sg/news/9-hongbaos-to-sow-the-gospel-this-chinese-new-year/ by Peck Sim | 11th Jan 2025 | inside Salt & Light)

God Still Speaks: Reading the Bible with Astonishment
This article highlights how does one heart posture would lead us to open the Bible daily with humble expectation and joy finding astonishment that God speaks.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/god-still-speaks by Seth Porch (Guest Contributor) – 10th Jan 2025 |inside Desiring God)

The Christian business leader:
This article shows how a business leadership must begin with the theology of vocation. This concept was given renewed emphasis in the writings of the 16th century Protestant Reformers, although its origins in the Christian tradition are much more ancient. The English word “vocation” is derived from the Latin vocare, which simply means “call”. On the basis of 1 Corinthians 7:17 (“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.”), the Reformers teach that God has called every individual – not just the ordained priests – to serve him in the different arenas of life.

The Christian business leader must understand his role and work as nothing less than a vocation, a calling from God. This means that the role that he plays and the business that he does simply cannot be bracketed away from God’s own work and purpose in the world. (For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/the-christian-business-leader/ by Dr Roland Chia | 6th Jan 2025 | inside Credo)

Outpray God’s Goodness:
This article highlights how God is not a hearing God but that He’s an answering God, who is able to accomplish far higher than every one of our tallest prayers. (For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/outpray-gods-goodness by Greg Morse (Staff writer) – 1st Jan 2025 |inside Desiring God)

Is the Palestinian Flag Linked to the Four Horsemen? 
In a recent podcast with Mondo Gonzales of Prophecy Watchers, best–selling author Rabbi Jonathan Cahn explains a profound connection between biblical prophecy and modern events, focusing on what he calls the “Jubilean mystery.” This mystery, rooted in the celebration of Jubilee – biblical period occurring every 50 years when God restores what was lost, particularly for Israel – reveals a divine pattern in history.

(Reported by James Lasher a staff writer for Charisma Media in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (23rd Sept 2024) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/is-the-palestinian-flag-linked-to-the-four-horsemen/)

Doctrinal Reflection on Creation:
This article shows how the doctrine of creation plays a vital role in the overall shaping of one’s beliefs about God that brings forth about the importance of creation.

(For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/doctrinal-reflection-on-creation/ by Rev Dr Edmund Fong |16th Dec 2024 | inside Credo)

The Quiet Strength of Godly Fear: Lessons from the Life of Sarah 
In a world that wants women to be feisty, fierce, and fearless, how should Christians respond with the quiet strength of godly fear? (For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-quiet-strength-of-godly-fear by Kristen Wetherell – (Guest Contributor) 14th Dec 2024 |inside Desiring God)

The Finish Comes Fast – Counsel for Running the Race: 
How can we run now to finish our race well? Number your fast – fleeting days. Follow closely your cross–bearing Lord. And remember that you have a great Savior. (For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-finish-comes-fast by Tim Keesee – (Guest Contributor) 30th NOV 2024 |inside Desiring God)

The Far Right’s Two Christianities:
In this article, Dr Roland Chia highlighted the importance of Culture Christianity where it is a particular understanding of Christianity that is intricately interwoven with Europe and its broader culture. It presents a vision of a pure Europe which is devoid of cultural and ethnic diversity, and where Christianity is the dominant religion; yet, Culture Christianity opposes multiculturalism because it regards it as a threat to the cohesiveness of European society under one religion. Culture Christianity is therefore suspicious of an “other” culture, and seeks to protect the dominant culture (in this case, European culture) from adulteration, whereas Crusader Christians lament the way in which contemporary Christians have become soft and docile. They argue for a more “masculine” – a form of Christianity that boldly declares the truth without compromise, and they call for courageous Europeans to stand against their adversaries and reclaim their cultural heritage.(For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/the-far-rights-two-christianities/ by Dr Roland Chia | 2nd Dec 2024 | inside Pulse)

What’s Wrong with the Religious Far-Right?
In this article, Dr Roland explores the term of “far– right” which seems difficult to define and the groups that are labelled as such are so diverse that attempts to generalise & be both superfluous and misleading. It’s said that the religious right–wing extremism takes on an insistence on a militant interpretation of Christianity; and how militant Christian extremists tend to interpret passages in the Bible that speak of divine wrath and judgement as mandates for action, & sometimes violent, against those perceived to be against God’s law. (For more info, do click the link https://ethosinstitute.sg/whats-wrong-with-the-religious-far-right/ by Dr Roland Chia |18th NOV 2024 | inside Pulse)

Good Deeds, Great Kids: The Power of Volunteering:
In this article, we explore how volunteering isn’t just for adults, yet it’s a meaningful way for kids to grow too. Discover how three families used simple acts of service to teach their children empathy, resilience, and teamwork and learn how you can start your family’s volunteering journey to make a difference together. (For more info, – https://family.org.sg/resource/kids-who-do-good-feel-good-how-volunteering-boosts-kids-happiness/by Douglas Ong, Author | 14th NOV 2024, inside FAMILY FOCUS/BLOG)

Foundations of a Lifelong Marriage:
In this article, it shows you how you can create a lifelong marriage that goes beyond just love ranging from strong beliefs to open communication, helping you to establish the essentials & setting the tone for years to come. Discover tips for creating a bond that grows stronger with every chapter.

(For more info, – https://family.org.sg/articles/foundations-of-a-lifelong-marriage by Helping Families Thrive| 1st NOV 2024, inside FAMILY FOCUS/BLOG) 

Religious Voices in the Public Sphere:
In this article, Rev Dr Jeremy–Joe Tan remembered how the Singaporean government announced in 2022 that they will repeal Section 377A of the Penal Code. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong broke the news at that year’s National Day Rally and immediately spurred a deluge of comments and statements. Christian denominations and their leaders, for one, voiced their response to the repeal along with their views on the wider issue of marriage and family. However, their voice was not entirely welcomed. A recurrent retort that I encountered then both on social media and in personal conversations questions the legitimacy of their voice. It asserts that Singapore is a secular state, so concomitantly, religion and religious voices should stay out of the public sphere. But is this claim valid?

(For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/religious-voices-in-the-public-sphere/ by Rev Dr Jeremy–Joe Tan, an ordained minister | 21st Oct 2024 | inside Credo)

For Richer, for Poorer: How to Steward Money in Marriage:

In this article, Randy shares that when money is wrongly used, money can wreak havoc in marriage. But when we steward money as God designed, it becomes a currency for our joy and his glory. (For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/for-richer-for-poorer by Randy Alcorn – Director, Eternal Perspective Ministries; Desiring God |26th Oct 2024 | inside Desiring God)

Biblical Justice:
This article by Christopher Tan shows us that biblical justice is both retributive and restorative; and when we lift up the poor and oppressed, provide for those who lack, and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, we reflect the character of God.

(For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/biblical-justice/ by Christopher Chan, a priest |7th Oct 2024 | inside Feature)

Was Israel’s Return Prophesied About by Charles Spurgeon?
In this powerful sermon by New York Times best – a selling author Jonathan Cahn, Cahn unveiled the mystery behind a prophetic message given by Charles Spurgeon over the nation of Israel. “I want to take you back to the century before the 20th century, to the 19th century, to a preacher many of you have heard of,” Cahn says. “Charles Spurgeon; a preacher in England, 19th century of great influence who took the Bible seriously as the Word of God;

(Reported by Abby Trivett, a content development editor for Charisma Media in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (20th Sept 2024) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/was-israels-return-prophesied-about-by-charles-spurgeon/)

University of Arkansas Sees 10,000 Seek Jesus in Powerful Revival:
In the fourth major collegiate revival in less than a month, thousands of students gathered at the University of Arkansas on Thursday night, Sept 19, to seek Jesus Christ and find salvation in His name. Unite US reports that 10,000 students from 67 different universities gathered in Bud Walton Arena. (Reported by CBN News in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (20th Sept 2024) –

https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/university-of-arkansas-sees-10000-seek-jesus-in-powerful-revival/)

3 Ways the Holy Spirit Speaks to You Through Dreams:
Do you ever have dreams and visions of spiritual significance?
In a recent livestream, David Diga Hernandez discussed three different ways you can know if God has decided to speak to you through a dream or a vision. The first Scripture Hernandez uses to back up this point is found in Genesis 40:8 which reads, “And they said to him, ‘We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter for it.’ Then Joseph said to them, ‘Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.'” (Reported by Abby Trivett, a content development editor for Charisma Media in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (13th Sept 2024) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/3-ways-the-holy-spirit-speaks-to-you-through-dreams/)

Tomb Restoration in Process to Complete Biblical Prophecy:
Tomb restoration in Israel is underway in hopes of completing biblical prophecy. In an video done by The Daily Wire, the media giant was given a tour by Yishai Fleischer, who acts as the international spokesperson for Hebron. The goal is to restore the tombs of King David’s lineage, including the Tomb of Ruth, David’s great-grandmother and Jesse, David’s father. “So, what did this place look like two or three years ago?” Fleischer asks. “People visited; it was a holy site, people knew about it, but it wasn’t nice. It wasn’t welcoming.” (Reported by Abby Trivett, a content development editor for Charisma Media in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (13th Sept 2024) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/tomb-restoration-in-process-to-complete-biblical-prophecy/)

Understanding Transhumanism’s Risks Through the Lens of Scripture:

In this article, Pastor Billy Crone, a Christian author and speaker, has raised concerns about what he describes as the “transhumanist plan for humanity,” linking current technological advancements to biblical prophecy. Speaking with Gary Stearman of Prophecy Watchers, Crone warned that the global elite, led by figures like Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum, are pushing humanity towards a future of genetic manipulation and digital control that aligns with the “system of the Beast” revealed in the book of Revelation.

(Reported by James Lasher a staff writer for Charisma Media in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (12th Sept 2024) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/understanding-transhumanisms-risks-through-the-lens-of-scripture/)

Are We on the Verge of the Great Tribulation?
In this article, it highlighted how a pastor and author Dr. Mark Hitchcock spoke about current events in the Middle East and how they connect to biblical prophecies concerning the end times in a recent video. According to Hitchcock, the escalating conflict between Israel and Gaza and the worldwide call for peace could be a prelude to a pivotal peace treaty, which he believes will be brokered by the Antichrist, marking the start of The Great Tribulation period described in the Bible. “The talk about peace in the Middle East right now is pervasive,” Hitchcock says. “It’s dominating global news. The yearning for peace just keeps building.”… (Reported by James Lasher a staff writer for Charisma Media in Prophetic Insight (9th Sept 2024) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/are-we-on-the-verge-of-the-great-tribulation/)

Holy Spirit Fire Ignites Revivals on College Campuses:
In this article, we find out how students at Texas A&M Corpus Christi are rejoicing at the joy and salvation being found on campus. A student event hosted by New Life Church and the New Life Young Adults ministry saw “nearly 1,500 students” attend and 62 baptisms take place, according to New Life pastors Mike and Bonnie Fehlauer’s Facebook post. (Reported by James Lasher, a staff writer for Charisma Media in Prophetic Insight (5th Sept 2024) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/holy-spirit-fire-ignites-revivals-on-college-campuses/)

Tuesday, 28 January 2025

Family Reunion – God’s Design for Family


 
We know that reunion gathering brings solidarity of the family and its cohesiveness where our family members are expected to return to the family home for reunion dinner on eve of the lunar new–year.

As we celebrate Lunar New Year this year, we look to how the family is the foundational institution of society ordained by God, and it is constituted by marriage and is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood or adoption. By this, the family is a fundamental institution of human society (Genesis 2:20–25/ 4:1; Exodus 20:5–6; Joshua 7:10/15/24–25; 2 Kings 13:23, NIV). Indeed, the main purpose of a family reunion enables us to show love and appreciation to each other and how we can always work together as a unit whenever we meet as one family household where we can see each other. Through family reunions, we can always share experiences and develop lasting bonds and memories with one another as we let these reunions to preserve our family history and build new memories for future generations of our descendants.

I believe how family is at the center of God’s plan for the happiness and progress of His children and that God established families from the very beginning of creation, allowing us to have strong bond in our families – having a loving, happy family today. Also, this masterpiece of family showcases God’s Creation – where marriage and parenthood reveals God’s character, and how God put children in families so they can experience His love and learn how to love others. Indeed, Family Reunion also defines the nature and experience causing us to see God’s redemption leading to salvation.

Family Reunion is also a good time to build cross–generational relationships, allowing us to share stories, traditions, and favourite family recipes with one another during gatherings. To sum up, God has a purpose for us to raise a Godly heritage in families – filling the earth with God–fearing Children, who are’ morally–mature, emotionally–sound, Spirit–filled believers allowing His righteousness to work through our lives today;

Truly, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children” (Proverbs 17:6, NIV).

Are you uniting your family this LNY season?

Have a blessed Lunar New Year Season!

Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987–1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills & a HR Administrator Graduate (CHRA) under Human Capital Singapore–SGEnable Collaboration of Partnership – HCS HR PowerBank (7th Dec 2021 to 3rd June 2022) | Former Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant |A Connecter in ServeHope Pte Ltd & GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd | A KeyGuard Specialist @(these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch) | an Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017); A Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Stories for LIFE (Affiliated with Youth Corps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster) |A PwD Advocate – a representing voice of the Disabled Community to the public today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Do pray that God helps us to bond our families in stronger unity this season.

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 28th January 2025 – Lunar New Year’s Eve)

Saturday, 11 January 2025

Hens & Chicks

 
On this New Year’s Day, I meditated upon what Jesus asked, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing” (Matthew 23:37, NIV), indeed, Jesus showed us a picture of the love of a hen he wanted to give to His people. Truly, I thank Christ for offering me hope and eternal sanctuary amidst of sorrow, disappointment, and illness that might come into my life, and how God protects me safely while I am under His presence, loving me all the time, even when things seems challenging in my life today.

By this, I fully believe that Jesus expresses His love through His self–sacrificing, nurturing, protective, and comforting symbolizing Himself as a mother hen for His children (chicks under His wings) who fulfills His mission to save & redeems us by His blood that washes us clean as He forgives us from our our sins (1 John 1:9, Ephesians 1:7, NIV) no matter how things that seems challenging are to us today.  
 
Is God protecting & nurturing you today? 
 
Happy New Year 2025!

Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987–1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills & a HR Administrator Graduate (CHRA) under Human Capital Singapore–SGEnable Collaboration of Partnership – HCS HR PowerBank (7th Dec 2021 to 3rd June 2022) | Former Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant |A Connecter in ServeHope Pte Ltd & GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd | A KeyGuard Specialist @(these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch) | an Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017); A Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Stories for LIFE (Affiliated with Youth Corps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster) |A PwD Advocate – a representing voice of the Disabled Community to the public today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
We thank God for protecting us by His presence. Do pray that we continue to trust God as He nurtures, protects and comforts us today.

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 1st January 2017 – New Year’s Day)

MISSIONARY NEWS FEATURE #28

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