What are Tithes for?

If the church is not out to make money, then why venture into businesses?

With such a big congregation, surely there are more collections than needed weekly.



The recent furor of churches using tithes and offering donated by her members to venture into businesses has sparked government investigation into the misuse of church funds.

http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/06/07/new-creation-church-explains-business-ventures/

Once you have a lot of money, you want even more! Churches are not spared that temptation. The 2 biggest churches in Singapore started humbly like another other churches. But when they grew into mega-churches, the funds collected exploded because tithes are still enforced on their members. Instead of following the Bible on how money in churches is to be used, they follow the world – use money to make more money!

Tithes are primarily given to the Levites and priest because the LORD did not gave them any inheritance. Numbers chapter 18 spelt out clearly how the tithes collected in the ancient Israel was to be used. In particular, verses 20 and 21:

20 The LORD said to Aaron, "You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites.

21 "I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting.


Levites are wholly dedicated to the work of the LORD and so they could not generate their own business or income, the tithes collected are given to them and the work of the LORD. Today, we have full-time pastors, church workers and missionaries who are performing like the Levites. So, any church collections must serve the same purposes as that stipulated in the Old Testament.

There is no New Testament command on tithing. Don’t ever give to a church that uses her collection for any other purposes than that to meet the need of God’s servants and HIS works.

Money collected in God’s Name is never money collected to generate more Mammon.
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Sermon Reflection: Mindful of “Bodily Discharges”!!

Sermon Text: Levicitus Chapter 12-15

Those non-verbal gesticulations and facial expressions are more deadly than what we say!!

As I was listening to the sermon yesterday, of all the bodily discharges, why did God chose to call semen and menstruation as unclean? We all sweat, vomit, sneeze, cough, drip mucus, urine, and even pass motion. But these discharges are not considered unclean. (They sometime stink though).

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(Otherwise, we will be forever unclean right?)

Then it dawn on me that only semen and mensturation are live-giving fluid, just like blood. To be discharge from the body is to indicate death of life. And the offenders have to offer a sin-offering (Lev 15:15; 30). OK, maybe this bodily discharge is not refering to semen or mensturation, need to check this out.

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What then are some non-verbal discharges that we normally do to others that can kill or wound?

We all heard of staring instances between strangers which ended up killing one another. I am afraid of talking to people with aggressive body language. A cold shoulder and cold look are more deadly than arguing with someone you will have face up with everyday at home and at work.

A few weeks ago, I felt very down after talking to a relative. She had approached me numerous times asking for help which is beyond me. I explained it carefully to her. But her body language showed frustration and anger. It’s never gonna be the same again.

Thank you Lord,
For helping me to understand this difficult passage.
Help me to glow from inside out.
To be able to touch and show care by my non-verbal expressions.
Amen!

Body Language – bodily discharge are deadly. :)

Sermon Reflection: Beware! Unclean Food for the Soul

Sermon Text: Leviticus Chapter 11

How does clean and unclean food apply to me? I am not a Jew!!

Surely I can eat Chilli Crab and even pork! Jesus declared that all food are clean for consumption (Mark 7:19) when He was confronted by the Pharisee.

To generalize it as an OT Law and compare it as NT Grace is to broaden the discussion too far. The passage is not calling us to witness our faith to our unbelieving friends. That calling is found in other text.

Surely there must have bridging context and contemporary significance for us to apply. Otherwise today sermon would be quite meaningless?

As I meditate on the key verse in Leviticus Chapter 11:

For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth. (Lev 11:44 NASB)

This verse makes me realize that indeed there are many unclean things swarming on this earth!! In this internet age that information are swarming on the earth, we often tune in to You Tube, listen to music, and even read one another’s blog. How often do I pause and ask, are these clean or unclean food for my soul?

Sometime ago, I have been idling away blog hopping randomly. On many occasions, I must confess I tumbled on unknown blogs that just vent frustration, vulgarity, and some even with sexual content. Sometimes, I do watch meaningless You Tube shows like body building contest, Michael Jackson’s dance moves and even Wonder Girls. As I reflect on Lev 11:44, my spirit is telling me that these are unclean for me.

No, I am not imposing on any of you who are reading this.

Just pause, each time we tune in to the internet and ask:
“Clean or unclean??”

(There are other unclean things you may be able to think of that are swarming on the earth, and even in your life. Take time to reflect on this verse, Lev 11:44)

This is my personal reflection. Thank God, I have set some goals for myself to work on clean food for my soul.

Agape :)

Life of simplicity

What is a life of simplicity?

Is simplicity equal poverty (like Mother Theresa and Saint Francis of Assisi) or frugality? For example: being careful and keep re-thinking and discussing (between spouses) whether to buy that video recorder? Is the “Poverty Saint Syndrome” the way to holiness for the Christians (like Mother Theresa; Saint Anthony who sold away all his wealth and lived in poverty; like Saint Francis who foregone all his father’s wealth and lived a life of asceticism??)

When you have just sufficient for the family, living in simplicity is easy. (You don’t have a choice to spend and to waste).

Last Sunday, Pastor shared how he lives a life of simplicity and how he spends prudently. It is quite easy to live simply and spends prudently when you just have sufficient. Hearing him talking and his needs for a piggy-bank as a reminder to save tells me that he does not have abundance. How much should full-time church workers be paid? Shouldn’t their salary be peg to those working as social workers and counselors?

Ya!! Maybe the church should relook into his salary!! :) What do the rest of you think?

How does one who has abundances yet lives a life of simplicity?

Is it OK when we have abundance to also adopt a life of convenience? By that, I mean buying 2 cars (one is a very cheap car) to make travelling and transportation more convenient for the family? Have 2 or more computers at home so that family members need not wait for one another to use it. Having a mobile iPhone … Is there any wrong with these?


Or is a life of simplicity just a change of mind-set?: (This is what I do)

(1) Not pressured into last minute purchase – No “last day sales discount”?

(2) Buy for needs rather than wants – is a hand phone a need or a want?

(3) Share rather than own things – one computer 4 or 5 people share?

(4) No need branded goods – normal running shoes, No Nike, Adidas or New Balance?

(5) “Waste not, want not” mentality

(6) Habit to give freely

(7) No addiction, no covetousness – see a nice handbag, must buy. No free football channel, must subscribed to pay TV?.

Like to hear from you all! :)

Silence versus Speech

Today’s Devotion from Our Daily Bread, reminds me of the verse in Ecclesiastes 3:7b “a time to be silent and a time to speak”

The quote at the end of the devotion passage “Silence can be valuable; don’t break it unless you can improve on it.” give me a guide when to remain silent or when to speak up.

There are places where we must speak up. Group Bible study is one of these places. Oftentimes, I find that people come to Bible study and behave like a phantom. Quietly they come and go, without any sharing. Even if they are called to share, it’s either a monosyllable or repeating what others have said. And I am not talking about newcomers into our Bible study group; they have been with us for a long time.

In a relationship, conversation is necessary. We open our lives to others and learn of what others are going through life. Blogging is one of those ways where we share our lives and our thoughts. However, I find that none of my so call “friends” really bother to share or blog about what they are going through in their lives. Often times, it is important to add a comment to others’ blog. It is about “giving” your thoughts after reading his post. I believe I have done my fair shares to those blogs that I have read. (Though none are from Bethany) How strong a community of faith is, is measured by the depth of its sharing. Although I am out of bound to the Living Water BSG and the Eden BSG, I think the ladies Bible Study groups should probably be stronger than the guys’. Only then can they pull together and do meaningful project like raising fund for the Haiti Crisis.

Silent does have its place though. Listen and reflect what others are saying. Listen to sermon and reflect deeply on them. When be falsely accused, it is best to remain silence. When we need to defend, Eph 4:15 applies – Speak, Truth, Love


Above all learn to be silent & listen to God. (will share about this in future)

PTL

Devotional Thought: Why follow Jesus?

My thought: "What does it mean to follow Jesus?"

Reading today’s Daily Bread on Matthew 4:18-25 , this question lingers on my mind for a long time …

Different people follow Jesus for different reasons. Let’s read the text again:


Jesus’ offer: “Come, follow me!” (verse 19)

Peter and Andrew follow Him. (verse 20)

James and John follow Him. (verse 22)

Large crowd follow Him (verse 25)

To Peter and Andrew, following Jesus meant that they need to forsake their net (their lively hood) and travel around preaching. It’s a tough calling. :( For James and John, it’s much more. They left their father and their boat. Seem like they are wealthier, to own a boat. They have to give up their own business. :(

What about the large crowd. Well, they follow Jesus because they can get good things by being followers. Jesus can do miracles – healing, feeding them with bread, …

But what did Jesus call them to follow Him for?

To be made fisher of men.

So, all who follow Jesus must be made to be “fisher of men”.

Are you a fisher of men? (Not yet, lah!)

If so, where are your fish??

Have you throw any bait recently?

Bible study / Meditation

How’s your personal meditation daily (I wonder)?

Not sure who are following this blog and have been regularly mediating on the WORD. This blog is meant for saints who want to be equipped.

Perhaps, you are struggling with personal devotion or don’t really know what to do after reading the Bible passage. Let me share how I do it. But first, I like to point out the different between Bible Study and Meditation:

Bible Study .......................Meditation
- dissect the text .............................- savor & enter the text
- ask questions bout the text ........- let the text ask questions of you
- read and compare fact .................- read and let God speak to you
- find ways to apply ........................- let the light/fact shine on you


Let’s meditate on today’s devotion from Our Daily Bread on Luke 15:1-7

As you enter into the text, you may want to imagine yourself as the lost sheep. What is it like to be lost and helpless? What is the feeling like? Let it flows through you. As you read the passage again, questions will arise: How did the sheep (which is me) get lost? The text never says how, so let the spirit prompt you. How will you get lost? The shepherd here is the LORD, He went looking for this lost sheep. How does it feel to know that my LORD is looking out for me when I am lost? …

There are many things to learn in meditation and after pondering over the text and being questions by the text, have you any incident when you were lost physically or emotionally? How doest this passage encourage you now? Share with someone and encourage one another.

I remember one incident many years back when I needed to drive my children to Amara Hotel in Tanjong Pagar for their music theory examination. As I was not familiar with the place, I looked up the direction in the street map. I even gave myself ample timing for driving. Unfortunately as I left the house, I forgot to bring the street map along! So trusting in my memory, I headed towards the East Coast Expressway (ECP) and exited at Keppel Road. But the road I travelled seemed to be very different from what I could remember! ::(, I knew I was LOST. Fortunately, I still have time and so I drove back into ECP again and try to find the correct exit. Still, the roads looked different from what I expected. I started to get panicky. As time was running out, I began to get panic and asked the children to pray. I too prayed aloud as I drove. Then, it dawn on me to stop the car and asked for a general direction. The first person I approached did not know the direction. The second person pointed to my back and I was heading in the opposite direction. Finally, as I reached the Hotel, I was 10 minutes late.

On reflection, I got lost because I was careless. I forgot to bring my street map along. But most of all, prayer make the difference. And you know what, the children told me that even though they were late, the examination has not started yet when they enter the examination room!

PTL :))

Devotional Thoughts: Struggles in Ministry

What is your most challenging and painful encounter in Christian service and ministry?

Like it or not, doing God’s work is no easy task. Elijah had to run for his life. Moses had to face many rebellious Hebrews. Likewise for Apostle Paul as we read today’s devotional passages from 2 Corinthians 6:3-11 from Our Daily Bread.

This passage brings back memory of the time when I somehow volunteer to “work” with the Youth Alive! some 11 years ago. At that time, I had just completed my course work on Youth Ministry in the Singapore Bible College and written a good proposal about youth ministry, which earn me an A-, I thought it might be a good time to implement it in the church. And so with my big mouth, I requested the Pastor to let me serve in the Youth Ministry for 3 years. I was a bit naïve then, not knowing that he had already appointed a youth president who was running the whole youth ministry.

As it turned out, I could not do much in the youth ministry. Since all the programs were carried out by the youth president and the youth committee, some parents were very unhappy because they were not informed of what their kids were doing. After many such incidents, one parent confronted me and questioned my handling of the youth. I was dumbfounded as I was actually quite helpless. Another sad moment was when one parent told me in the face, “When my children reached secondary school age, I do not want them to join the youth ministry”.

During my time in the ministry, I would look at the youth and visualized how they would turn out when they grow into adulthood. On most occasions, I was right. Many of them are not with us in the church now. I sensed the youth ministry lack vision and direction and after 3 years disappeared from the ministry quietly.

From then on, I never will volunteer for service in Bethany PCES.

Judgmental or Analyzing?!

Self-righteous, judgmental, superiority complex, … these are some of the flawed perceptions we tend to unknowingly harbor when we climb up in the corporate and life “ladder”.

To hide our feelings and motives, we tend to say that we are just evaluating or analyzing the situations.

In today’s Our Daily Bread ,Luke 7:37-49,

That was what the Pharisee; Simon did when he saw the prostitute washing Jesus’ feet. Unknowing of his self-righteous feeling, he thought he was analyzing Jesus encounter with the woman and concluded that Jesus could not be a prophet. To be sure, Simon the Pharisee was not a good host for he did not welcome Jesus by having his servant to wash Jesus’ feet when he arrived. In those ancient days, the road was usually dusty and people wore sandals, it's a norm to get one’s feet washed when entering a house. But the woman did just that. And her intention was to seek forgiveness for her sins.

There is always this conflict when our point of view is different from others. I see the church as not growing, complacent, apathy. To me, that is analyzing, and I want to do something to change the situation. But to others, they see me as critical; there is no need to change. To some, I am like Simon the Pharisee. So, it is better to keep quiet and remain status quo in church thingy.

Stay and keep silence. OR leave quietly.

“The challenge is clear. Lulled into thinking how good we are, our love for Jesus wanes because we have forgotten that we too are among the ones “forgiven much.” And when that happens, ready or not, it’s time for a change! — Joe Stowell “

Devotional Thought - “Run by the Rules”

All game and sports have their rules. A player must know the rules and abide by them, or else he will be disqualified. A sportsman must also be discipline. I used to represent my primary school in softball. Beside our normal training period; during every recess break, we would practice our throwing, catching, pitching and batting, mustering the basic important skills.

Through sport, I learnt 2 very important virtues in life – (1) abide by the rules, (2) be discipline.

I believe these 2 virtues apply to all walks of life.

In today’s Our Daily Bread (1 Cor 9:19-27), The Apostle Paul also talk about these 2 rules – (1) Do as the “Jews” do, in other words, follow the rules; verses 19-23 (2) Be discipline or be disqualified; verses 24-27

Likewise, as a Christian, there are certain rules and discipline. Most Christians think that just by coming to worship service on Sunday is sufficient. There is more to it. Following God’s Will and His teachings found in the Bible is the rule for a Christian. Regularly or daily, I discipline myself to read, meditate on HIS Word and pray. Slowly, as one grows in his faith, he will find more rules and discipline to obey. Hence, the Christian faith is really a marathon, not a sprint.:)

Devotional Thought: Fulfilling Vision!?!?!? :)

I got very excited today as I read Our Daily Bread devotion on Ezekiel 12:21-28

Say to them, 'The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled. (verse 23)

The LORD has laid on my heart a vision some many years ago about Bethany PCES …

26 The word of the LORD came to me: 27 "Son of man, the house of Israel is saying, 'The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.'


As I wait and watch, watch and wait, wait & wait, watch & watch, then the waiting and watching just turn into wondering, as the years go by. But through all these watching, waiting and wondering, HE reminds me that GOD IS ALWAYS AT WORK AROUND YOU. Who else is watching what GOD is at work on?

For the last 2 years (2008 and 2009), I see a clearer direction what HE wants to do. Unfortunately, I realize that the Pastor is not sensitive to Him. The pastor preaches his sermons, but did not realize that those messages are also for him to act on.

The question to me then is: “Should I speak up?”

What! You think you are a prophet, can see vision, meh?


"Therefore say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign LORD.' " (verse 28, see verse 25 also)

Devotional Thought: I Quit! :(

Sometimes, I feel like saying: “Enough is enough, I quit!! :(“

This happens when:
(1) Serious Failure - when my research project seems “no light at the end of the tunnel” and time is pressing hard for results.

(2) Fear – everything seem to cave-in and there is an impending disaster to my life, like a health problem, or disease going to occur (when you train so hard for a marathon and body tissues are tearing apart …)

(3) Threat – boss is jumping at me and customers are bursting out in anger. Time to throw in the towel and resignation letter: “I quit!”

(4) …

Well, I can find solace in the Bible. Look at Peter (he almost quit and gone back fishing) and Elijah as we read today’s from Our Daily Bread - http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/23/devotion.aspx - from 1 Kings 19: 1- 18

"I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." (verse 4)

But interestingly, the LORD came to him, not in a strong wind, an earthquake, a fire, but a gentle whisper. Gently, the LORD gave him some new assignments to keep him busy and prove his usefulness.

Principle: When we feel like quitting or things are caving in – look for new assignment. Shift to new focus.

http://www.thedontquitpoem.com/

(Not sure how to add the video here. Need some advice.)

Agape. :)

Devotion Thought: Helping Someone :)

When was the last time I help someone?

Usually the people I meet are my offices’ colleagues and family members. Yes, helping around in the family is normal. Helping colleagues getting things done is also normal.

OK, there is this neighbour who is an elderly woman leaving alone. She also has some sickness. Whenever she needs help, she would call my wife and she would go over to her flat to help her or talk to her. She is not a Christian and I think she is not easy to live with because she has dismissed her maid which she used to have. Her son and wife are staying and working in Melbourne who were once our neighbour before his mother came to stay in this flat.

Be a good neigbour. Not point clashing with people, especially we tend to see them often.

In today’s Our Daily Bread - http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/22/devotion.aspx (Luke 10:29-37)

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is about helping someone (even a stranger) who is in need. Would I go all the way to help such a person?

The priest and Levite would likely be going down to Jerusalem to perform their duties. Hence they may rationalize that helping the needy would delay their travelling or make them unclean. Yeah! We all rationalize when we see someone in need and we are not helping. There’s always a reason not to help :)) or :(:( ??

So this parable is a good reminder and also a time to reflect about doing good or at least be kind to someone who cross our path daily.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Mat 5:16)

Devotion Thought: What is Christian Friendship?

What is true Christian friendship?

From Our Daily Bread on John 15:9-17:
http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/21/devotion.aspx


The Lord Jesus Christ gave us a definition of Christian friendship:

You are my friends if you do what I command (verse 14).

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you (verse 12).

This is my command: Love each other (verse 17).


So, a Christian friend is someone who loves other exactly like how Jesus loves him.

King David has 3 kinds of friends which we also need:

1. Jonathon (1 Sam 18)
- someone who truly love you, encourage you and stand by you even when everyone is against you.

2. Nathan (2 Sam 12)
- someone who chastise and discipline you when you go wrong or fall into sin.

3. Mephibosheth (2Sam 9)
- someone who you can help and care for, knowing that he will never be able to repay your kindness.

Years ago, I have a “Jonathon” where we encourage one another in every aspect. I can consider my spiritual mentor during my younger days as a “Nathan”. Now I don’t have any.

In BPCES, we dare not chastise one another when we see something wrong. Even when I wrote about it, it is considered dangerous and highly critical. Our friendships are just “Sunday” friends, like someone once wrote in my blog. We don’t dare to intrude into others lives, even when they have problem, they try to remain anonymous. None of us want to be a “Mephibosheth” and let others be our “David”.

So, to all Bethanians, be these 3 kinds of friends. Will you?

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity (Prov 17:17)

Devotion Thought: PRESSING towards Heaven! :)

Like the proverb says: “Time and tide wait for no man”, Life can only move forward, not backward. PRESS ON!!

Each of us has our own success (and failure). For me, I have won many trophies in cross-country race, sword-winner for Officer Cadet Course, scholarships for undergraduate and graduate (oversea study),…

But as I read today’s Daily bread http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/19/devotion.aspx (Phi 3:7-14);

I couldn’t agree more with Apostle Paul that the greatest event in my life is knowing Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord (verse 8). While we may strive to achieve greatness is all our pursuit – like 9A1s for “O” Levels, gold medal for polytechnics studies, scholarship for undergraduate studies, trophies for sports and arts, sword-winners for Officer Cadet Course, CEO and Entrepreneur Excellence in business, etc, still all these achievements are temporal and “side-shows” (non-events & non-accreditation) when one day we stand before the LORD for accountability. After achieving success (or even failure), we don’t need to savor that sweet feeling (or hurt) but continue press on in life.

That doesn’t mean I can slack in all my duties and tasks. No, I still do my best in all things, and bring glory to God in all achievements. But worldly success or failure is just a passing of this sojourning on earth. So, Press on!!

My real goal is achievement for Christ Jesus. That is my life goal!! :)

(memory verse)
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phi 3:13b,14 NIV)