Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Lukec12:6-7) ESV.

Lord, thank you that I am immeasurably valuable in your sight. I bring to you every single need today. You know me inside out - fear, worry, concern and desire. I now submit all these to you, yes, everything for what I have are what you have given me. May I worship you with a heart if love, adoration and thanksgiving. In Jesus' wonderful name I pray and ask.

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. (Psalms 62:5-6)

Father, I know that I shall not be shaken for you are my rock, my salvation and my fortress. Grant me the strength as I wait silently, also confidently, for you. My hope is forever in you. Let today be a meaningful day reflecting your love and power to many who need a touch from you. I give you glory and honour. In Jesus' name I pray.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3) ESV

Father, I am blessed for your abiding presence in me is what makes me completely satisfied and peaceful despite of the external circumstances. May my attitude always be one of deep spiritual hunger for desiring to know you and to becoming more like Christ. Father, the Kingdom of Heaven is truly where I belong. Let my heart, soul, strength and mind worship your holy name in yet another brand new week. I pray in Jesus' lovely name!

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. (Luke 9:23-24) ESV.

Lord, I am saved and I know it. I am affirmed by your timely words that 'whoever loses his life for my sake will save it'. Jesus, you already had my life since that day I asked you into my heart. Now my whole being breathes and lives is to worship and glorify you, my personal Saviour and Lord. Strengthen me as I choose to put you first, to take up my cross everyday, and to fully trust you to lead me to be in the Will of God all the times.

But the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. (Luke 9:11) NIV.

Lord Jesus, your Kingdom is about the unconditional and steadfast love of God which is all inclusive, for everyone, rich or poor, sick or healthy. You proclaimed the good news to them and Healed them all! Jesus, I needed to be healed. Touch me, let your healing flow into my weak body. I receive your healing Lord because you have provided it at the Cross. Thank you Lord!

But the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. (Luke 9:11) NIV.

Lord Jesus, your Kingdom is about the unconditional and steadfast love of God which is all inclusive, for everyone, rich or poor, sick or healthy. You proclaimed the good news to them and Healed them all! Jesus, I needed to be healed. Touch me, let your healing flow into my weak body. I receive your healing Lord because you have provided it at the Cross. Thank you Lord!

But the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. (Luke 9:11) NIV.

Lord Jesus, your Kingdom is about the unconditional and steadfast love of God which is all inclusive, for everyone, rich or poor, sick or healthy. You proclaimed the good news to them and Healed them all! Jesus, I needed to be healed. Touch me, let your healing flow into my weak body. I receive your healing Lord because you have provided it at the Cross. Thank you Lord!

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6) ESV.

Father, thanks for another fresh week, another new day to begin my walk with you. Slowly but steadily, my faith in you has increased, that is, knowing who you are and what you have done and still doing what is best for me. May the intimacy with you reflect a life of joy, meekness, righteousness as well as eternal blessings to many this entire week. I know that you will bring into completion what you have begun in me. In Jesus' name I pray.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5) ESV.

Heavenly Father, I have received your great mercy. I thank you sincerely. Now I have been born again, have a living hope and salvation.  Let my faith, my relationship with you, remain unmovable by your divine strength every day.  Refresh me with your abundant grace and mercy. Father, may my life glorify Jesus as I experience more of your love each new day.  Thank you Jesus.

Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us-eternal life. (1 John 2:24-25) ESV.

Father, I abide in you, in your love, in your goodness and grace. You are everything to me since the day Jesus came into my life and remain in my heart. I know I have your divine life, that is eternal life with you throughout eternity.  Thank you Father!

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.  (Psalm 19:14) ESV.

Father, may I reflect on your goodness quietly in my heart knowing you are always faithful to me in all my sleeping and waking time. Let my heart today be close to you as I ponder all you are to me. Thank you Jesus!

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. (1John 5:14-15) ESV.

Father, your perfect will is for me to believe you, love you, fellowship with you and glorify Christ with the divine life you have given me. Help me to love you with all my heart, mind, soul and especially with my strength. Let my whole body worship you Father. This is my sincere request and I know you hear me. My confidence is in Jesus, the name which I experience salvation of my soul, healing of my body and deliverance from sin, satan and sicknesses. Deepen my love for you and increase my faith in you God. In Jesus' wonderful name I pray.

With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless; (Psalm 18:25) ESV.

Father, I know you are merciful, all the times.  With you, I receive comfort and strength.  Thank you for touching me.  I have been made blameless because of Christ. I pray in Jesus' name.

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. (John 10:14) ESV.

Lord, it is so assuring to know I am your very own, who was once a lost sheep but now in your loving and protective hand. Jesus, you are really my everything.  I commit my life to you afresh again.  I love you and thank you for loving me.

Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. (James 5:11) ESV.

Heavenly Father, i know you are compassionate and merciful toward me all the times. Strengthen me Father so that I can remain steadfast in you. I desire to fulfill your purpose you have for me. Thank you for this brand new week.  In Jesus' loving name I pray.

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live (John 11:25) ESV.

Lord, my life is a resurrected life because you have risen for me and sent the Holy Spirit to live in my heart. I live, move and have my being in you Father God, and shall live with you forever.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) ESV.

Father, I live because Christ lives inside me. He truly loves me and give His life in exchange for mine. I belong to Jesus, now and throughout eternity.  Thank you Jesus, my Lord, Savior and Healer!

In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. (Proverb 12:28) ESV,

Lord Jesus, I am eternally grateful for you are my righteousness making my life blameless before God. Every waking and sleeping moment is eternal life with you giving me love, peace and joy. I praise you with all my heart, mind and soul, my Lord and Savior!

And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. (Luke 8:24) ESV.

Lord, you are always with me in the boat, and I know it. The Holy Spirit affirms it in my heart. Therefore I cannot and will not sink, despite of any external circumstance. Thank you Jesus for this timely assurance that your will for me shall be done for the glory of God! Thank you Jesus!

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (1John4:15-16) ESV.

Father, I know you love me because of Jesus who had gone to the cross for me. I will always abide in your love. God, your love in me indeed cast out all my fears. Let today be a day filled with your loving presence gently touching my spirit, soul and body. Thank you Lord!

And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:19) ESV.

Father, help me to experience Christ's love in a deeper way today. Let me be filled with everything that is from above, which is good and perfect for in Christ is abundant life. Fill my heart with your love, peace and joy.  In Jesus' name I pray.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11) ESV.

Heavenly Father, the life I have now is given by you. I am now, and always will be, living in your presence and under your protective right hand. Keep my heart warm so that my love for you remains steadfast in your sweet presence.  Jesus, I thank you for showing God's love to me. May this brand new week be filled with your abundant grace and mercy. In Jesus' name I pray.

Sermon Title: What Lurks Behind
Speaker: Pastor Samuel Sam
Date: 10 November 13

1. Introduction
Many parents and young people alike struggle emotionally and spiritually in this age of post-modernism.  The truth is that what we behave depends on what we believe. In other words, if one's belief system is biblical, his behavior produces the fruit of the Spirit. Conversely, if one’s belief is unbiblical, his behaviour will reflect worldly values.

2. There are six untrue statements to look out for:
a. There is no absolute truth. It is relative depending on a person's perception. Truth is in one’s perception of reality! For example, one person believes that it is true that by drinking alcoholic drinks, it can improve one’s health. This is truth to him and it is acceptable!    
b. Facts and falsehood are interchangeable.  What is factual today may not be so tomorrow.  For example, drinking coffee is generally good at one time, but as time passes, drinking coffee can only be good if it is brewed in a certain way! Facts can become obsolete, and even can become false as time passes. Thus it brings only confusion, unlike biblical truths which are absolute.
c. Opinions only matter. For example, New Age Movement is rampant in our culture today, for they embrace anything and everything without subscribing to absolute truths.
d. "Truths are beliefs one had been conditioned by his society to accept”.  In other words, when one leaves his society with its rules and norms, whatever he has been conditioned will not continue to be true when he moves into another culture.
e  Any statement that claims to be true is a power play to dominate others.  It means that truths are used as power to make others conform or submissive.

3. What experts say about this age? They called it the age of post-modernism. People challenge conventional ways and go for convenient ones throwing out objectivity and absolute truths.  For example, the idol Lady Gaga has become so famous that she is listed amongst the top 100 most popular figures in the world according to Forbes’ list.  Also, gay movement and its practices are getting prevalent throughout the world championing its rights and privileges in the age of post-modernism.

4. What are our young people's view of God? Their common responses are: God is a killjoy God, God is like my grandfather, and God is a very busy God. Their views of God should make us think of the influence our societal norms have upon their moral value and belief system. Today's teens are led to teens to believe that everything is relative and nothing is absolute.  For example, they will say: “What you believe is good if it works for you. Everyone can have his or her own belief system.  It is fine because there is no absolute truth”.

5. It is no wonder that many teens do have problems with absolute truths.  They question whether the Bible is God’s Word or Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. They do not want to offend anyone, and they want others to be non-judgmental by not shafting one's belief system into their throat.  They are convinced that a truth is only true if one believes in it to be true!

6. Such subjective belief system is destroying one’s biblical foundation.  Warning: If Satan cannot destroy your house, he wants to ensure you are building your foundation on sinking sand!

7. God’s Word forewarns us of his deception:
a. Colossian 2:18 warns Christians of having a hollow foundation.
b. Romans 12:1-2 warns against following the worldly pattern.
c. Psalm 11:3 laments on what could the righteous do, if their foundation is destroyed. Our Christian faith is  objective, and can be verified and identified.

8. The Bible reveals absolute truths:
a. God is the author of the Bible as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:16. The Bible was written by about 40 writers who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. It spans over a period of 1400 years, and amazingly, they all point to Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Saviour!
b..God created the entire universe as recorded in the first chapter of Genesis. The physical world began to exist at one particular point in time; the creation account revealed how God created this world from day one to day six. Man is His highest creation!
c. Every person has sinned as recorded in Romans 3:23.  To sin is to miss the mark which is missing God’s standard of perfection. Only the sinless life of Jesus Christ meets God's standard. One need not be a murderer to be a sinner. A person sins against God when he tells a white lie or brings home office stationeries secretly  or by steals "time" by deliberately displaying a carpark coupon with incorrect timing.
d. All who sin will die without Jesus as indicated in Romans 6:23a.  We know that the result of a divorce is a physical separation between two persons, but the result of sin is an eternal separation between the created being and the Creator God!
e.  Jesus died for us to reveal God’s love as found in Romans 5:8. Jesus is an expression of God’s tangible love for mankind.
f.  Jesus is the only access to God and Eternal Life according to John 14:6.  Only a sinless life can make this possible.  Jesus makes eternal life a reality for sinful humanity.
g. Jesus resurrected as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:6.  There were more than 500 people who saw Jesus after His resurrection. Thus history recorded the true account that Christ’s resurrection had indeed taken place!

9. Conclusion:
We have deep conviction in what we believe and what have experienced in our heart.  Our personal experiences bring meanings to our lives.  Therefore, we can demonstrate to the world that objective and absolute truths can be experienced in a relational manner.

10. Applications:
How do we translate subjective beliefs into steadfast convictions?
a. Check our faith by devoting ourselves to an indepth study on the God's Word as Apostle Peter admonishes us in 1 Peter 3:15.  We must be able to explain to others our faith.
b. Encourage open and honest discussions about other’s beliefs, especially with that of our teens.  We must be non-judgmental.
c. Engage with others on fundamental questions of life. Our teens need to be grounded on absolute truths!
d. Teach biblical truths with life applications as clearly taught in 2 Timothy 3:16. The goal of teaching is to connect people to God so that they are taught, corrected, reproved and trained toward righteous living
e. Relate truths to the loving Person of Jesus Christ according to John 14; 6.  We have to help people find the relevancy of God's Word in their lives, so that they will know and love God resulting in holiness and Christ-likeness.

Note: This is a personal sermon notes with additional pointers. Some points have been added which may differ from the intent or purpose from speaker.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) ESV.

Father, this morning I come to your throne of grace for my needs. I want to receive your mercy at this juncture of my life, and find your grace to strengthen me so that I can manage the challenging circumstance I am in now. I know this assurance is from you instructing me to come to you personally with confidence. I know you listen to me and know all of my immediate needs.  In Jesus' name I ask and pray.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalms 73:26)

Father God, I need your divine strength today. I want to experience more of your goodness and abundant love for I know that when I am weak then I am strong in the Lord. Help me to keep experiencing your peace. Thank you Jesus!

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4) ESV.

Father, help me to be steadfast in trusting you despite of the external circumstances. Let every new day see me desiring more and more of Christ. Thank you for the inner joy and your abiding presence all the times.

Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. (Psalm 5:1-2) ESV.

Father, let your presence be with me always for to you alone do I pray. I need your peace as I quietly reflect on your love and faithfulness.  Thank you Father. In Jesus' name I pray.

But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. (1 Corinthians 8:3) ESV.

Father, it is assuring to know that you truly know me. Help me to love you the way i know and let everything I say or do pleases you. I need your strength every moment Father. In Jesus' name I pray.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11) ESV.

Lord, you are my good Shepherd and always will be. I thank you again for exchanging your perfect life with my sinful life, so that I can experience God's love in a deepest possible way.  May my heart always be grateful and my life constantly glorify your holy name in words and deeds. Thank you Jesus!

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) ESV.

Father, I receive your comfort and the eternal hope I have in you because of Jesus Christ. May your grace keep me steadfast in loving you as I abide in your sweet presence today and throughout this brand new week.  Thank you Jesus!

Sermon Title: The Rich Fool (Mirrors and Windows - Part 7)
Speaker: Senior Pastor Rony Tan
Date: 3 November 13
Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

Introduction
A. These 2 words seem incongruent.  But God's opinion of the rich can be foolish for one can be rich materially but bankrupt spiritually.
B. Successful failure is one who is unprepared for eternity. Only Christ can give us the perspective of a balance and joyous life now and prepare us for eternity.

1. Jesus is prompted to give this parable because an unhappy person comes to Him hoping He will make a judicial decision to get his brother to give him the share of his inheritance.
A. However Jesus deals with the root cause of the problem which is man's covetousness.
B. Covetousness is about acquiring an appetite that craves for worldly things in this life without true fulfillment or satisfaction in one's heart.
C. It then develops into greed that blinds one from seeking what is truly matters - the destiny of one's soul.

2. Two fatal mistakes in life
A. Living a life as though there is no God, and
B. Living a life without an end in mind.
As long as these 2 fatal mistakes continue, the results will be a life filled with haughtiness, pride and arrogance.

Three Warnings to take heed:

3. 1st warning: Life does not consist in the abundance of things.
A. Physical life is never freehold. Many earthly life is much shorter than HDB 99 years lease!
B. Spiritual side of man like emotions, will and thinking faculties continue after he dies. Eternity once dawns on you, it is the spirit of man that matters.

4. 2nd Warning: Matthew 6:19-24:  it warns us to not focus on temporal things but on things that will not rust or be destroyed.
A. What is truly the treasure in a person's heart?  It is the answer from this question: "What does he think of most of the times?" That is his treasure in life!
B. If a person is thinking of making money all the times, then money is his treasure!  He worships mammoth and not God.
C. No one can serve two masters. You cannot serve Jesus truthfully, if you are money-minded. This person will have an unhealthy mindset for he sees life issues always in monetary terms. Money becomes his master!

5. Matthew 16:26 - Jesus is saying even if you have the whole world, it is absolutely folly of him if he loses his soul!
A. True wealth is contented with a few things and trust Jesus for all his needs in this life.
B. Real life is one who trusts God daily and be prepared to meet Him face to face.

6. All earthly possessions will eventually pass from your hand.
A. 2 Tim 6:7-10: Craving to be rich and having the love of money will  lead to destruction.
B. Warning for shoppaholics: It is an addiction which can develop into covetousness.

Seven Guidelines to help impulsive shoppers:

1. Do I know exactly what I buy?
2. Don't be mesmerize by the packaging and the promise of the product.  Eg. Can you believe you will have beautiful skin complexion for 10 years by using a bottle of cream for 30 days? The salesman is not selling to you the bottle or the cream but the hope of what this product promises! Unfortunately it is leading the buyer to believe a hidden deception.
3. Can I afford it? Walk away if it is a clear NO!
4. Do I really need it or am I feeling bad to disappoint the very likeable salesperson?
5. Am I going to use it regularly or it is because there is a terrific special offer? Why buy a shirt for $5 if you are going to wear it only once?
6.. Does it require high or expensive upkeep?
7. Do I have a space in my home for it?  Is your home too cluttered?  A cluttered home may lead to a cluttered mind!

3rd Warning: You may even die  tonight.
Hebrew 9:27 - Death appointment supercedes everything.

Conclusion
1 Timothy 6:17 - Don't trust in uncertain riches!
2. The day will come for life's accountability.
3. God gives us all things richly to enjoy without resorting to being covetous.
4. How many people are speeding to their death prematurely, and into the judgement of God?

Altar call: Come to Jesus to trust Him fully, If you are not certain about eternity.

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!  (Psalm 27:13-14) ESV.

Father, help me reflect on your goodness and grace  today as I learn to wait upon you knowing that my prayers shall be answered. Refresh and strengthen me Lord. In Jesus' name I pray.

He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. (Proverb 28:13-14) NIV.

Father, I desire my walk with you to be blameless at every moment.  Help me to keep a very short account of things that displease you. May the holy fear of God in me keep me from hardening my heart. Thank you Father for your rich mercy toward me every morning.  May my heart be pure and faith simple as I let the fear of the Lord guide me today.  In Jesus's name I pray.

Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy.The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. (Psalm 28:6-7) NIV.

Father, I receive your mercy for you listen to my every cry. My heart trusts in you and you only, for you are my strength every day. I know you help me even though I am unaware many a time. I want to give thanks to you regularly. Thank you for another day with you Lord Jesus for your joy brings strength to my soul. I sing Hallelujah!  and Amen!