Whenever I think about talent, I am reminded of the parable of the talents that is used by Jesus. I thank God for the many talents in FCC and how these talents are brought into the house of God to first bless Him.

I am so encouraged by our IGNITE EP Launch. Last year, IGNITE took on the form of a virtual conference. The continuing circumstances did not dampen the zeal of the organizers. The team put their hearts and minds together. Songs were written and sung unto the Lord in worship and praise in this difficult time. Songs to bring us to return to worship. Songs to encourage us to put our faith in Jesus in trying times. I am reminded of the story in Acts 16:16-40 of Paul and Silas singing in prison. The other prisoners were listening. And there was a violent earthquake. And the foundations of the prison were shaken. V26b At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. May this be our testimony. That “prison doors flew open” and “chains came loose” through this EP launch.

If we are faithful with little, we will be entrusted much. Use what you have and sow it into the kingdom. Let us bring to the House of the Lord what He has given us and build His church. If we can sing, sing to serve. If we can dance, dance to serve. If we can play an instrument, play to serve. Come forward to offer our talents and our gifts. There are many other ways to serve. We can contribute to many parts of the worship service and our cell group meetings. We can participate in visitation of the sick. We can give to someone in need. We can call someone who has not been in worship for a while.

Serve Him.

Sermon

THE SEEKER

Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26, Mark 10:35-45

1. The Quest

Ecclesiastes 1:13a I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens.

2. The Journey

Ecclesiastes 1:14-15 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. What is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted.

Wisdom, Pleasures, Wisdom and Folly and Toil is Meaningless

3. The Outcome

Ecclesiastes 2:26 To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.

Questions for Application

1. Share what you think it means to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. How will you answer people who are looking for meaning to life?

2. Share if eat and drink is the only thing that can bring satisfaction to your life. How can a person find wisdom, knowledge and happiness.

• Sermon Date: October 17, 2021
• Date Posted: October 16, 2021
• God's Words: Download

We are starting a series of messages based on the book of Ecclesiastes from the Bible. The key question is, ‘What is the meaning of life?’ The narrative says that the writer is rich and powerful and has everything a man desires. He is wise and has experienced life at its best. He has achieved that which is beyond our wildest dreams. It may be a shock to us at the conclusion that the writer seems to suggest that life is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

We may feel that life is beautiful. You have done well in your studies and is holding down a good job. Your career prospects are bright. You are in a relationship with someone who loves you and adores you. You have everything going for you. We will discover that we will all be tested and must stand the test of time.

My view on meaning is always linked to the conceptualization and creation of a product. If you want to find out the function of a product, ask the one who made it. We will only find meaning and purpose when we are reconciled to our creator God. He made us. We are His creation.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalms 139:13-14 (NIV)

As we study the book of Ecclesiastes, we will find the purpose of our existence and true meaning in life. In these uncertain times, gather your cell group to dig deep into the word. Together, grow in our understanding of His ways. Together, live to make every day count for Jesus!

Sermon

QOHELETH

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11, Mark 10:17-31

1. Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!

Ecclesiastes 1:2 (ESV) Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

2. Practical madness

Ecclesiastes 1:3-11 (ESV) What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises. The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full;
to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us. There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after.

Questions for Application

1. Share if you agree with the Preacher that life is meaningless. What is one thing in your life that makes life meaningful?

2. Share what is the one sure thing in life we will all have to face. What would be our priority in life to ensure we have meaning.

• Sermon Date: October 10, 2021
• Date Posted: October 8, 2021
• God's Words: Download

I wish all children a Happy and Blessed Children’s Day. Whenever I see children, it reminds me that when we have children, we have a bright future.

Children, honor and obey your parents. They are giving you the best that they have learned from their life experience. They work and strive to give them the best education and a good start in life.

When they discipline you, remember that it is for your good and for your future. They do it because they love you.

Teach your children well. Our children will be better and smarter than we are. When they are young, they need to be brought up to know Jesus. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Show them the path of righteousness and when they have grown, they will not depart from His ways.

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” Psalms 127:3  When we invest in the lives of the children, discipline them to heed correction, they will grow in the likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ. They will grow in stature and in favor with God and men.

Sermon

THE DOXOLOGY

Romans 16:25-27, Mark 10:2-16

1. The Power of God

Romans 16:25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel.

2. The Gospel of Christ

Romans 16:25b, 26a The message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed.

3. Evangelization of the Nations

Romans 16:26 … made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith.

4. The Praise of God’s Wisdom

Romans 16:27 To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Questions for Application

1. Share what you think is the way suggested by Paul to share the gospel? Make a plan together how you will share the good news of the gospel.

2. Share if you think that Paul achieved his objective in writing this letter? What is one thing you learned to put into practice from Romans?

• Sermon Date: October 3, 2021
• Date Posted:
• God's Words: Download

Sermon

I URGE YOU

Romans 16:17-20, Mark 9:38-50

1. Watch Out

Romans 16:17a I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.

2. Keep Away

Romans 16:17b Keep away from them.
Philippians 3:19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

3. Be Wise

Romans 16:19b But I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
1 Corinthians 14:20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Romans 13:12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Questions for Application

1. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Share testimonies of God’s grace in our lives.

2. Have you ever asked God – “How long, O Lord? How long till the victory comes?” Share the ‘battles” in your life.

3. Share ways we can grow in discernment – how to be wise about what is good, innocent about what is evil.

• Sermon Date: September 26, 2021
• Date Posted: September 25, 2021
• God's Words: Download

King Jehoshaphat was one of the two good kings of Judah. He honoured and obeyed God in the beginning and was successful. His one choice of Israel to be allies led to his downfall.

What are some of our decisions that we need to make changes to avoid falling spiritually?

We must look at how we spend our money. What we spend the major portion of our income would tell us what our priority is. Scriptures tell us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be.

Another telling indicator will be what we spend the major portion of our time. What or where or who is our priority?

We must work hard. But not at the expense of our spiritual pursuit to grow in our relationship with God. A pertinent question would be, ‘How well do I know God?’ Is He the priority in my life?

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Let the word of God be the guiding light for our lives. When we allow His Word to govern our decisions, we will have a spiritual compass that will guide our walk with God.

Sermon

WHAT FAITH?

Romans 15:14-22, John 4:46-54

1. Crisis or Christ

John 4:46-47 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.

Matthew 8:23-27 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

2. Confidence or Christ

John 4:48-49 “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”

Matthew 8:5-13 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.” Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him,
“I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.

3. It is Christ

John 4:50-54 Jesus replied, “You may go. Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour.” Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and all his household believed. This was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed, having come from Judea to Galilee.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Mark 11:22-25 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Questions for Application

1. What are the differences between crisis faith, confident faith and faith in God? Did you ever do things or handle life issues not knowing Jesus is on the boat? How would you resolve that?

2. What should we do in order to have faith in God? What steps or changes will you make to achieve that goal?

• Sermon Date: September 19, 2021
• Date Posted: September 16, 2021
• God's Words: Download

Many of us have learnt to utilize social media to keep in touch with family and friends. While communication may seem to have increased, people have become more isolated. In the past, we could sense and discern the emotional and spiritual condition of one another when we met. Now that we are meeting online, we can mask our real situations. Many choose to hide their pain and despair and try to cope in silence. This may be why we hear of so many cases of depression lately. Depression may be due to the loss of close friends or loved ones. It could be due to our loss of income. It could also be due to health issues or a change in the season in our life. There is no need to be afraid as help is available.

We are created social beings in the likeness of a triune God. There is a need for us to be in the community. Jesus while He was on earth, had good friends like Lazarus, Mary and Martha where He could go for friendship and fellowship. We must cultivate some close friendships that we can go to when we feel lonely, helpless and hopeless. This is the reason why FCC is organized in cell groups. Our cell group should be our refuge where we can be our true vulnerable selves. Our cell group is one place where we can get help in times of trouble.

We need to cultivate an intimate relationship with God. He is sovereign over the whole creation. Everything that happens is according to his plans. He holds our future in His hands. When we cast our cares and troubles on God, our perspective will change. We will be assured. Come to Jesus when you feel afraid and discouraged.  When Joshua was afraid, Moses said to him, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Jesus said to his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Be a friend to someone who is in need of care and concern, someone who may be depressed and in need of help. Let us be the light in a dark and desperate world.

Sermon

LOVE THE WEAK

Romans 14:1-15:1-13, Mark 8:27-38

1. The Weak

Romans 14:1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.
Romans 14:5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.
Romans 14:10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister ? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.
Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.
Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

2. Walking in Love

Romans 14:14-15 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

3. Glorifying God

Romans 15:2-3 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”
Psalms 69:7-9 For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face. I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my own mother’s children; for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.
Romans 15:4-6 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:9-13 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.” Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.” And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Questions for Application

1. Share what your attitude is to people different from you before you became a disciple. How will you treat non-Christians now so as to win them for Christ?

2. Share what are some of the matters that you used to dispute with others about ‘Christian’ practices. What are some non-essentials that threaten to disrupt unity among you?

• Sermon Date: September 12, 2021
• Date Posted: September 11, 2021
• God's Words: Download

Discover your destiny

 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

Finding our significance and our place in life is such an essential part of human existence. Life without a sense of destiny can be quite meaningless. Mankind seeks all these in the pursuit of success and achievements, hoping that in them, they will find a purpose for them to live for, destiny of their own making.

For Jeremiah, the Lord said He knew him before he was formed physically. Before his conception in his mother’s womb, God has a calling upon him, a destiny for his life. The destiny and calling of a person are written in the spirit of the person. Before our physical existence, God has already determined our identities and destinies. No one is ever born into this world by accident, or by the sheer will of man, even if it may appear to be so. James Robison, a televangelist who transformed countless lives in the past 50 odd years, demonstrate such amazing truth. James’ mother conceived him as a result of rape. His mother wanted to abort him but failed. She even put up an advertisement for him to be adopted. His years of growing up were turbulent and his future seemed very bleak. But the Lord did not forget the identity and destiny He has written in his spirit. James went on to live out his identity and walked into his God-ordained destiny, after he has come to know Jesus personally.

You too, have your identity and destiny written by God in your spirit. You don’t need to create your own destiny and try to find your calling in life. As you draw closer to God your Heavenly Father, you will discover your true identity and calling in your life.

When Jeremiah was finally called by God to live out his calling, Jeremiah responded by saying he was not ready. The Lord assured him and “put His words into his mouth” in order he might fulfil his calling (Jeremiah 1:6-9). When we realize our calling, we may well be far from ready to answer it. We need equipping. The Diocesan Vocation Committee endeavors to help our members to discern their calling, to suggest ways to equip those who have received God’s call to serve God in His Church.

Whatever your past may look like, it does not determine your future. Your future is in God’s hand. Your destiny has already been planted by God in your spirit. It is the choices you make in your life that will determine whether you will walk in your God-given destiny or the future that you create for yourself.

The choice is always yours. Choose wisely.

By Rev. Canon Kenneth Thien
Chairman
Diocesan Vocation Committee

Sermon

AND DO THIS

Romans 13:11-14, Mark 7:24-37

1. Understanding the Time

Romans 13: 11-12a And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

2. Doing what is Right

Romans 13: 12b-14 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Questions for Application

1. Share what you think When Jesus is coming again. In view of what you believe, what is your plan to share the good news?

2. Share what you think we should put off and what we should put on. How do you share with others to avoid gratifying the desires of sinful nature?

• Sermon Date: September 5, 2021
• Date Posted: September 3, 2021
• God's Words: Download

In the creation story, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15. “Work it and take care of it” is a responsibility assigned to man. All of us can learn to care for the world we live in. Our destiny and well-being are tied to the health of the environment. Plants use carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Some plants can break down toxins in our surroundings. Every day, we make decisions that affect water and air, upon which we depend for life.

We may not feel very strongly about this. We may even feel the responsibility lies with others (the environment department). Our indifference and inaction collectively will lead to irreversible climate change. The deserts are getting bigger. Natural calamities are happening with increasing frequency and severity. What is God saying to us?

Many people have taken up the challenge to plant their own fruit and vegetables. Others have taken up the hobby to plant house plants and flowers. Shredded paper and vegetable scraps are being composted and used in raising organic vegetables. The discharge from our washing machine can be used to water the garden. This help to produce healthy plants and reduce the chemicals washed into the sea. Used cooking oil can be sold to recyclers who convert it to biofuel.

Make every effort to reduce the power consumption which contributes to global warnings. Switch to LED lights which consume less electricity. Commit our homes to recycle to conserve our natural resources. Take a shopping bag with you for your shopping to reduce the use of plastic bags. Buy products in a glass container that you can reuse. We can all do our small part. The total will make a world of difference.

I have strived to create a garden at the back of the church and to green our church by growing potted plants. Over the pandemic, it has been neglected and the plants are in a sad state. I am reminded ‘to work it and take care of it.’ There is nothing that is maintenance-free. We need to be disciplined to “work it and take care of it” regularly. We are to be good stewards to God for all that we have been given. I am reminded of an old hymn,

This is my Father’s world
And to my listening ears
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheres

This is my Father’s world
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees
Of skies and seas
His hands the wonders rod

This is my Father’s world
The birds their carols raise
The morning light the, lily-white
Declare their Maker’s praise
This is my Father’s world
He shines in all that’s fare
In the rustling grass, I hear him pass
He speaks to me everywhere

God is the Creator. He can restore. He can save our world. Let us do our part in the care of this world as good stewards.

Sermon

LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOUR

Romans 13:8-10, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15,21-23

Why we should love our neighbour?

1. Fulfilment of the Law
John 13: 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
Romans 13: 8b For whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
John 13: 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

How to love our neighbour?

1. An Unpaid Debt
Romans 13: 8a Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.

2. Does no Harm
Exodus 20: 16 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
Romans 13: 10 Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.

3. Love them as Yourself
Romans 13: 9b You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
Romans 13: 10 and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.

Matthews 5: 43-44 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Questions for Application

1. Share what you understand by love is the fulfillment of the law. What is one thing that you are convicted to do to show love to your ‘neighbour’.

2. Share what you understand by ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. What debt of love do we owe?

• Sermon Date: August 29, 2021
• Date Posted: August 27, 2021
• God's Words: Download

The pullout of the American troops from Afghanistan after 20 years of occupation has thrown the country into chaos. Missionaries and converts to Christianity will have their faith in God severely tested. Many have chosen to remain. Many Christians will die for their faith. Let us pray that great courage will rise in the face of great adversity. “As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11)

Man can fail us when things get difficult. God will never fail us. When we are in need or danger, we can call on Him. We can depend on Him to see us through. He was with the Hebrew people in Egypt and delivered them from slavery. He was with Daniel and his three friends when they were living in captivity in Babylon. He was with the early Christians when they were persecuted by their leaders and the Romans. God is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. He is with us.

It is tempting to make all kinds of negative remarks about the affairs of our nation. But let us be instructed by Sciprtures to bring to the Lord what concerns us, what troubles us, what angers us, what disappoints us. “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry”. (Psalms 34:15) “Let us keep our tongue from evil and our lips from deceitful speech. Let us turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it”. (Psalms 34:13-14). Let us taste and see that the Lord is good.

In his foreword, Cease From Striving, Rev Dr Eu Hong Seng (Chairman of NECF) wrote:

We can be still because He is our refuge, our strength and very present help in times of trouble (Ps 46:1) Our God is present among His people and the help of our God is greater than any crisis.

We can be still because He is “Yahweh Sabaoth”, the Lord of hosts (v7). He is the commander of armies, both the army of His people and the armies of heaven. He is the God of all glory and might. This glorious God is with us, His people.

“Be still and know that I am God” is not a call to a contemplative life, important as that may be. Realize that God is essentially saying, “Lay down your arms, surrender, and acknowledge that I am the only one who can usher in indubitable victory.”

Let us be still and know that God is God.

Sermon

LOVE NOT HATE

Romans 12:7-21 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Why do we hate?

We hate when our identity or personhood is devalued, denied, dishonoured or rejected, when we are violated

Progression towards hate

– Offended, hurt
– Angry
– Bitterness and vengeful
– Hate
– Evil

“Evil goes against anything that is godly and violates what is good”

Ephesians 4:26-27 Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.

“Hate defiles a person and modifies our emotional responses, attitudes and behaviour”

1 John 2:9-11 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light,
and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

“Not only we need to get out from Darkness, we need to get Darkness out of us”

The antidote for hate is love

1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.

Love cleanses us from the defilement of hate

– Offended, hurt: forgiveness, healing
– Angry: peace
– Bitterness and vengeful: trusting the Just God will avenge
– Hate: love
– Evil: good

Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Questions for Application

1. Why is it important for us to love instead of hate, to overcome evil with good?

2. Share with one another a particular struggle you have between love and hate. Pray and ask the Lord to help you and invite the Holy Spirit to intervene.

• Sermon Date: August 22, 2021
• Date Posted: August 20, 2021
• God's Words: Download

“David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.” 1 Samuel 22:1-2

The cave represented an answer to a spiritual need. The circumstances were against David so he had to seek refuge in a cave in the wilderness. But God was with him.

We are in a similar situation where we are surrounded by danger all around. We must put our trust in God that He will provide a safe haven for us.

In every situation, we are not alone as God will bring people alongside us. David had his family and also those who are in need gathered around him. Our Cell Group is a place we can experience this – God bringing people alongside us, God using us to be the people alongside others, where we can be there for one another. Cell Group is a home where everyone feels included and belongs.

At the beginning of the church, Acts recorded for us, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”Acts 2:44-47

We may not be able to gather physically in this season. But let nothing stop us from caring for one another. Let nothing stop us from extending help to those in need. Let nothing stop us from expressing concern for one another. Let nothing stop us from walking the extra mile for one another. The Lord is with us in every season. May the Lord make our Cell Group a “cave” for many. May it be a place where many will find God and experience Him as a refuge and a home.

Sermon

OUR FAMILY

Romans 12:9-16, John 6:51-58

Romans 12:9-13 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

1. Love Must Be Sincere

1.1 Let love (agape) be sincere/without hypocrisy
1.2 Hate what is evil
1.3 Cling to what is good
1.4 Be devoted to one another in brother love
1.5 Honor one another above yourself

2. Love Be Expressed

2.1 Never be lacking in zeal

– to recognize the importance of the mission
– to recognize the importance of our own health
– to recognize that we can do part of the job

2.2 Keep your spiritual fervor
2.3 Serving the Lord
2.4 Be joyful in hope
2.5 Patient in affliction
2.6 Faithful in prayer
2.7 Contributing to the needs of the saints
2.8 Given to hospitality

Questions for Application

1. Share what is the evil we need to hate? What is one good thing that you would like to cling to?

2. What are the practical acts of love that Paul listed? Share which ones are most relevant to you?

• Sermon Date: August 15, 2021
• Date Posted: August 13, 2021
• God's Words: Download