CHRISTIAN VIEWPOINT FEATURE #2

UK–based Methodist Church votes to approve gay marriage, recognize cohabitating couples:

The Methodist Church of the United Kingdom passed resolutions to approve the blessing of same–sex unions and recognize cohabitating couples. The London–based Methodist Conference announced Wednesday that it has voted to confirm the resolutions at its gathering held in Birmingham.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.christianpost.com/news/uk-based-methodist-conference-votes-to-approve-gay-marriage.html by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter – as featured inside Christian Post Magazine – 30th June 2021)

Prophetic Word: The Lord Wants You to Use Your Voice to Advance the Kingdom:

I was in a time of prayer recently when the Lord began to speak to me about becoming a voice. I believe this word was not just for me but for many in the body of Christ in this hour. As the Lord spoke to me about becoming a voice, He revealed to me that our voice is not just about our words, but also about the influence God has given each of us

(For more info, do click onto this link – https://www.charismamag.com/blogs/prophetic-insight/49169-prophetic-word-the-lord-wants-you-to-use-your-voice-to-advance-the-kingdom by Joe Joe Dawson is the founder and apostle of Roar Apostolic Network and Roar Church Texarkana. He is the author of Kingdom Mindset, Destiny Dimension, Living Your God-Sized Dream and Recipe for Revival, as featured inside Prophetic Insight – 31st May 2021)

Only 6% of Americans have a “biblical worldview” research from George Barna finds:

Only 6% of Americans have a “biblical worldview” according to research from notable evangelical pollster George Barna released as part of a new endeavor with the Christian conservative advocacy organization Family Research Council.

 (For more info, do click onto this link – https://www.christianpost.com/news/only-6-of-americans-have-a-biblical-worldview-survey.html by Michael Gryboski from Christian Post, 27th May 2021)

John MacArthur warns culture “systematically designed weaponized to destroy children”

Pastor John MacArthur has warned that culture is “systematically designed” and “weaponized to destroy children” and stressed that God will severely judge parents who fail to raise their offspring “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

(For more info, do click onto this link – https://www.christianpost.com/church-ministries/john-macarthur-culture-systematically-designed-to-destroy-kids.html? by Leah MarieAnn Klett, Christian Post Reporter, 6th May 2021)

Can One Marriage Support Two Callings?

After suffering a panic attack in a Shenzhen municipal office, I began to ask God why he had brought me to China at all. My husband and I had moved overseas believing we were called to work on his startup. I left a job and friends I loved to support his dream of providing solar products for the developing world. I convinced myself that it was my dream, too.

(For more info, do click onto this link –

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2015/october/can-one-marriage-support-two-callings.html to read this article by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun 15th October 2015 in CT)

When Women Blame Men for Domestic Stress, They Miss the Big Picture:

TIME recently published a piece on housework and parenting asserting that until men share the “invisible workload that drags women down,” women will never be free. Lisa Wade reports on a study by sociologist Susan Walzer in which “Walzer found that women do more of the intellectual, mental, and emotional work of childcare and household maintenance,” she  wrote.

We have come a long way toward giving women the freedom to build a life outside the home, but the last step may be an invisible one, happening mostly in our heads. To truly be free, we need to free women’s minds. Of course, someone will always have to remember to buy toilet paper, but if that work were shared, women’s extra burdens would be lifted. Only then will women have as much lightness of mind as men.

Wade is exploring a well-known and seemingly unresolvable debate: In a post-industrial society where the home space is often cleaved from the work place, who does the domestic work around the house? How do men and women share (if at all) the tedious work of mopping floors, changing diapers, and dashing to the grocery store when the milk runs out? And for those who work outside the home, how do they balance both?

 (For more info, do click onto this link – https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2017/january-web-only/when-women-blame-men-for-domestic-stress-they-miss-big-pict.html by Anne Carlson Kennedy, 13th January 2017)

 4 Ways to Involve Everyone in Evangelism:

Many people have slipped into the mindset that evangelism is a gift that some believers have and others do not. The reality is that when someone becomes reconciled to God, He sends them out to reconcile others. That’s not a gift – we all have the responsibility to take Christ to others.

 (For more info, do click the link –  https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2015/february/4-ways-to-involve-everyone-in-evangelism.html by Ed Stetzer – Executive Director, Wheaton College Billy Graham Center; Ed Stetzer, Ph.D., is a professor and dean at Wheaton College who also serves as Executive Director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. Stetzer has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches, trained pastors and church planters on six continents, has earned two master’s degrees and two doctorates, and has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books, as featured inside Christianity Times – 18th February 2015)

Can You Believe Which City Is the Most 'Bible-Minded?’

After three years of having the most Bible-minded city in America, Tennessee has relinquished the title to Alabama. Birmingham moved up from the second spot in 2014 to the top spot in 2015 in American Bible Society's annual ranking of America's Most Bible-Minded Cities.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.charismanews.com/us/48132-can-you-believe-which-city-is-the-most-bible-minded by Christine Cape – as featured inside Charisma Magazine – 2nd March 2015)

The Man Who Asked God For More:

On January 20, 1994, an unassuming pastor from St. Louis walked into a small storefront church situated in an industrial park near the Toronto airport. The 42-year-old minister had been invited to preach for a few nights at a series of meetings scheduled by the church's pastor, John Arnott. Little did Randy Clark know that here, in Toronto's subzero weather, God would use him to spark a fire of revival that continues to blaze into the 21st century.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.charismamag.com/site-archives/131-features/igniting-revival/7-the-man-who-asked-god-for-more by C. Hope Flinchbaugh – as featured inside Charisma Magazine – 31st March 2000)

 

Peter’s commission

As I did my today’s meditation, I pondered upon how Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (MATTHEW 16:18-19, NIV), I saw how Jesus gave apostle’ Peter the keys of the Kingdom. And, keys represent authority. Indeed, all Twelve Apostles are part of the Church’s one foundation. All are in perfect alignment with Jesus the Chief Cornerstone (EPHESIANS 2:20; REVELATION 21:14, NIV).

In Isaiah 22, I’m being reminded of how Eliakim was summoned to high office in the kingdom of Judah; as the LORD said, “I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open” (Isaiah 22:22, NIV). Just as Eliakim became a steward of the house of David, Peter will become a steward of God’s kingdom.

Today, I pray for Jesus to reveal Himself afresh to this generation in Singapore. And, may our work be an act of worship flowing out of our constant communion with Jesus Word and in prayer (ACTS 6:4, NIV). I pray for a life-changing revelation of Jesus among the unsaved in our city – especially those who are disillusioned with false securities and empty belief systems in their lives.

Indeed, the Apostles of Jesus and their successors have kingdom authority to make decisions, resolve disputes, restore peace, and establish divine order in the Church. And, their decisions when made by revelation

Hence, I pray for Jesus to anoint each one of us that we may:

• Lead by revelation and establish divine order in the Church

• Resolve controversies, settle disputes, reconcile enemies

• Expose pretenders, silence deceivers, correct heresies

• Pioneer new kingdom initiatives that rattle the gates of hell

• Stand together against evil and promote truth, justice and righteousness

• Turn Singapore Godward through Gospel proclamation and united prayer

• Make new disciples among unreached peoples in Asia and beyond

In Matthew 18:15-20, we see how Jesus extends this awesome authority, not only to apostles, but to ordinary disciples who are rightly related to the Body and submitted to its leadership.

Truly, the keys are given to God-ordained leaders who are under apostolic authority and who walk in Peter’s faith and virtues (ORIGEN) as he highlighted this point inside the 40 Days (2019) devotional text. And, binding and loosing is a metaphor for exercising kingdom authority, especially in situations of conflict in the Church.

Come Lord Jesus, build your Church today!

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 9th July 2019)

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. Jeremy has worked in ServeHope Pte Ltd – Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant for 5 years (March 2008 – August 2013). And, Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch). He was Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017). Jeremy worked as GB Connector in GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd (October 2018 to December 2019). Today, he continues to be in GB Youth Organizing Team/as a GB Youth Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster in YCS, and a Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Story for LIFE that serves the Special Needs Community at-large in society today.

 Prayer Response to this featured article:

Jesus, let your kingdom authority flow through us to build and to bless the communities through our good works today:  Jesus, let your kingdom authority flow from your throne into the Singapore Church as you manifest your power through your appointed leaders who bear your mantle, share your suffering, unite your Body, and serve your mission.

Peter’s confession

As I did my today’s meditation, I pondered upon how Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For, flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” (MATTHEW 16:15-17, NIV), I see how both John the Baptist and Simon Peter knew Jesus by revelation except neither had the full picture. John (pre apostolic person) nearly stumbled when Jesus didn’t break him out of jail as the prophet Isaiah had prophesied (ISAIAH 61:1, NIV). And, Peter (pre apostolic person) tried to squeeze Jesus into the mould of popular expectations.

Whereas, Peter lacks formal education, yet he is both a practical man and a profound thinker. He follows Jesus like a shadow even in the dark. Today, I see how every revival brings a fresh revelation of Jesus except it’s not a new revelation, but a return to the Original Jesus who is often forgotten and cannot be known by human reasoning alone.

Truly, revival brings a fresh revelation of Christ that places him front and centre and above all else.  Indeed, Knowledge is good. Revelation is best. Knowledge is human. Revelation is divine. Knowledge makes you think. Revelation makes you see. Knowledge teaches your mind. Revelation changes your heart. Knowledge is informational. Revelation is experiential (ZACH BURANDT) as he highlighted this point inside the 40 Days (2019) devotional text.

Hence, the Private and Public Spheres reported that 86% agreed that religion is as relevant to life today as in the past. About three in four Singaporeans said they followed a religion. The majority of respondents were likely to believe in religious concepts such as heaven, hell, life after death and religious miracles, as mentioned this point inside the 40 Days (2019) devotional text.  Today, I pray for apostle’ Peter’s first-hand revelation of Jesus will become a reality for you & me. And, I pray for apostle’ Paul’s stunning revelation of the Gospel to arrest us today.

Let’s unveil the minds of pre-believers see the light of the gospel of Christ’s glory upon their lives! As the apostle Paul said, “Let them see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 CORINTHIANS 4:4, NIV).

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 8th July 2019)

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. Jeremy has worked in ServeHope Pte Ltd – Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant for 5 years (March 2008 – August 2013). And, Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch). He was Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017). Jeremy worked as GB Connector in GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd (October 2018 to December 2019). Today, he continues to be in GB Youth Organizing Team/as a GB Youth Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster in YCS, and a Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Story for LIFE that serves the Special Needs Community at-large in society today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:

Jesus, we pray for a divine visitation of revealing Christ as the Son of the Living God in our lives today. Declare this as Jesus says, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life” (John 10:10, NIV).

 

Peter’s conviction

As I did my today’s meditation, I pondered upon what Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God” (JOHN 6:68-69, NIV), I pondered upon how Jesus asked a question to His twelve apostles, “Do you want to leave too?” truly, I saw how Peter (pre apostolic person) had to choose among other options between choosing the door to eternal life and going back to normal life such as supporting his family again – taking the boat to catch fishes that are multiplying in the sea.

Today, I choose Jesus + having eternal life through Him and this prompts me to share the gospel of eternal life with pre-believers (able-bodied & PwDs) that they’ll have Jesus eternally. As the apostle Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (ROMANS 1:16, NIV).

Do you choose to live your current life or choose to accept the words of eternal life which Jesus gives today?

As the Psalmist said, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you” (PSALM 73:25, NIV)

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 7th July 2019)

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. Jeremy has worked in ServeHope Pte Ltd – Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant for 5 years (March 2008 – August 2013). And, Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch). He was Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017). Jeremy worked as GB Connector in GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd (October 2018 to December 2019). Today, he continues to be in GB Youth Organizing Team/as a GB Youth Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster in YCS, and a Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Story for LIFE that serves the Special Needs Community at-large in society today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:

Jesus, give us grace to live enthusiastically take your Truth to heart.

MISSIONARY NEWS FEATURE #12

Chad:

Challenges for Prayer;

Training of leaders remains a major challenge. Poverty, instability, violence, poor communication and lack of both financial wherewithal and management hinder training of pastors and evangelists.

(Do click onto this link – https://www.operationworld.org/apr02#prayer to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 2nd April 2021)

Central African Republic:

Challenges for Prayer:

The physical human needs of CAR are immense. The seemingly endless series of coups and counter-coups devastated the economy and infrastructure.

(Do click onto this link – https://www.operationworld.org/apr01#prayer to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 1st April 2021)

Georgia:

Challenges for Prayer:

Positive social, economic, and political changes continue since 1991. Less corruption and more democratic reform point towards a more peaceful future. Openness to spirituality and Christianity in particular increased greatly! But inter-ethnic conflicts of the past generation displaced nearly 250,000 people. The August War of 2008, when Russian troops briefly occupied much of the country, reversed some of the good economic progress.

(Do click onto these links – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-29/#georgia to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 29th May 2019)

Germany:

Challenges for Prayer:

The decline of Christianity in Germany continues into the 21st century. West Germany was 97% Christian in 1960, but Germany is now less than 60% Christian, and that percentage decreases every year. Church attendance for all denominations is low, and many churches have shut down.

Germany’s wealth, influence, and location in the EU and Europe could be of great value for the Kingdom of God. This would require strong, courageous leadership based on Christian values, but the spiritual health of Germany is currently in decay. Destructive criticism of the Bible in the 19th century weakened the Church, and opened the way for pagan Nazi rule in the 20th century. New Age, the occult, Satanism, and new forms of the old pagan religions all gain followers, but none grow as quickly as the group claiming “no religion”.

Millions of immigrants, guest workers, students, and refugees came to Germany since 1989. Many arrive illegally, and some have connections to international criminal networks. Some are vibrant Christians, but most do not know the gospel. Germany’s generous openness (and need for a larger workforce) were most pronounced by the large numbers of migrants who arrived as a result of the migrant crisis of 2015 and thereafter. German society and government struggle to react well to this massive inflow of people, and some have reacted with violence or bitterness towards immigrants, especially in the east. Yet it is an amazing mission opportunity

(Do click onto these links –

https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-30/#germany, https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-31/#germany & https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/06-01/#germany to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 30th/31st May & 1st June 2016)

Ghana:

Challenges for Prayer;

Young people remain the key in the efforts to bring revival to Ghana. Over 40% of the population is under age 15, but specific efforts to reach them are insufficient, despite their spiritual openness. This is particularly the case outside the major cities. In the villages, Islam and African traditional religions tend to hold sway.

Ghana enjoys a rich Christian tradition! Many newer churches emerged, and many traditional denominations have a vibrant spiritual life. When churches multiply quickly, doctrines can become confused. Ghana has the blessing of many training institutions.

(Do click onto this link – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/06-02/#ghana & https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/06-03/#ghana to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 2nd & 3rd June 2013)

Gambia:

Challenges for Prayer;

Thank God for the mostly friendly relationships between Muslims and Christians in Gambia. Christians have more religious freedom here than in most Muslim countries. But most Christian work has been in the Greater Banjul area (coast). Few reach out to the Muslim majority, especially those who live upriver in the less-developed inland area. Pastors who serve inland struggle to maintain financial support;

(Do click onto this link – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-28/#gambia-the  to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 28th May 2013)

Gabon:

Challenges for Prayer:

Despite Gabon being wealthy in resources, many Gabonese continue to dwell in poverty. This is largely due to decades of neglecting the nation's infrastructure and to prevalent corruption that prevents the country's wealth from trickling down to all. Women and children are vulnerable to poverty through lack of education and social mores; exploitation and trafficking of children are particularly evil situation

Spiritist beliefs and practices lie beneath the surfaces of Catholicism, other Christian groups, and Islam. Many Gabonese still use charms, hallucinogenic drugs, and ancestral spirits, and go to medicine men. Some leaders of the government, the police, and the army participate in nighttime rituals that use witchcraft and black magic. Christians who do not participate can be refused academic or professional opportunities. Do pray for followers of Jesus to remain faithful to Him alone, and for such faith to spread the Gospel even further.

(Do click onto these links – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-27/#gabon to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 27th May 2013)

French Polynesia:

Challenges for Prayer;

Tahiti is a paradise lost. Formerly a strongly Christian nation that sent missionaries all over the Pacific, Tahiti is now being debased by increasing vice and immorality as well as serious challenges to traditional values and ways of life. There is spiritual openness, but it seems to be shouted down by materialism. No longer do Tahitian missionaries leave for other lands as they once did.

Those with a vital personal faith are now rare. As a result, there is a reversion to the bondage of pagan occultism and a multiplication of syncretistic and foreign sects, especially two forms of Mormonism. Do pray for a spiritual revolution to take place among the many nominal Catholic and Protestant Christians.

(Do click onto this link – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-26/#french-polynesia  to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 26th May 2013)

France:

France stands at a political and economic crossroads. The economy needs radical reforms to prosper in the globalized world. The population has aged to the point that the current retirement age and pension system cannot support it. The large immigrant community continues to grow and challenges the traditional understanding of French identity. The majority feels content as individuals, but they do not have much confidence in the future of the Republic, with so many points of tension in their society. Young people especially feel the crisis, and often long for meaning and purpose. These factors, especially the economic frustrations of the working and middle classes, brought about the rise of the Yellow Vest movement. Do pray for both economic justice in France and for Christians to be able to offer French people a hope beyond mere economic respite.

The accelerating decline of religious faith since the 18th Century has seen France's Catholic and mainline Protestant legacies plummet in recent years, even as atheism has grown. Hostility toward organized religion as well as the privatization of spirituality means that regular attendance in any church is below 8%. Some surveys show that over 30% of French people are non-religious. Most French have a profound ignorance of, or indifference to, the gospel, many having never meaningfully encountered it. Yet, the relativism of postmodernity has generated acute emptiness and existential angst; as many have noted, this in turn has created a spiritual hunger that has grown rapidly in recent years. Do pray that such hunger might overcome the suspicion toward religion. Do pray that Christians would be prepared to patiently and relationally share Jesus with those who seek.

(Do click onto this link – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-24/ & https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-25/ to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 24th & 25th May 2013)

Finland:

Finland has a largely secular society, even though Christians number 84% of the population. 90% look with favour on the Church’s social work, but only 8% consistently attend any kind of religious service. The last revival came in the 1960s. Strong belief in the power of human reason, and rejection of supernatural things, now dominates the society. An ultra-modern country like Finland probably needs both reformation in the existing Church and also new expressions of faith. Do pray for a spiritual breakthrough that will cause people to seek the Lord.

(Do click onto this link – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-23/#finland to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 23rd May 2013)

Fiji:

British colonial greed left Fiji ethnically divided. The British imported Indians as indentured labourers from 1870 onward. Fijians lived as a minority in their own country at times. Indians worked hard to build new lives in Fiji, but they cannot own land. They face resentment and racial prejudice. Poor treatment by the British and Fijians, both considered Christian, discredited the gospel for most Indians. Do pray for a spirit of repentance and reconciliation, and a society known for freedom and equality.

Do click onto this link – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-22/#fiji to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 22nd May 2013)

The Story and Purpose of Father’s Day

According to an article on the Holistic Living website, “Sonora Dodd,” of Washington, first proposed the idea of a “father's day” in 1909. Dodd was inspired with the idea of Father's Day while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon at church. She wanted a special day to honour her father, William Smart.  As result, the initial Father’s Day was observed on 19th June 1910 in Spokane, Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across America, people were beginning to celebrate a “father’s day.” In 1966, Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day for USA. Canada, Europe and several other countries have since adopted it.

Indeed, the apostle Paul said, “Fathers, do not antagonize your children, so that they will not become discouraged” (Colossians 3:21, NASB).

Today, when we celebrate Father’s Day yearly, we bear in mind that the importance and responsibility of the God-given role we have been entrusted with in the emotional development and health of our children.

(Written by Richard Innes inside the ACTS devotional text – Daily Encounter Devotional Ministries except the unrecalled date/year of published time)

 Prayer Response to this featured article:

Pray, God helps fathers today to fulfill the role that given by God to be responsible fathers they can be. Pray, they continue to build relationships with their kids.