This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24) ESV.

Father, i truly want to rejoice specially for the freshness and newness of today, the very 1st day of Lunar New Year, which you have made. It is a time of family bonding and a time of joyful rest in your presence. May I take this wonderful privilege of testifying your great love, goodness and faithfulness amongst family members and friends today and throughout this festive season. In Jesus' name I pray.

I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil-this is God's gift to man (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13) ESV.

Father, today is the eve of Lunar New Year, and I want to  keep being joyful and do good because every day is a gift from you. May I reflect on your goodness and enjoy your sweet abiding presence during this festive season. Let all eating and drinking with family and friends be glorifying to you and edifying to one another.  In Jesus' name I give thanks!

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3) ESV.

Father God, you are so powerful yet so loving. This is who you truly are, your nature, your being, which is clearly seen in Jesus when He was in earth. I know that when I see Jesus, I see you too. Let the joy of knowing who you are make me humble, strong and faithful so that others will see Jesus in me. Father let your glorious nature radiate in and through my life today.  In Jesus' name I give thanks.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Father, your divine peace means so much to me. There is this inner knowing that enables me to feel your sweet abiding presence, no matter what is happening in the outside. Your peace brings comfort and rest to my soul. I am an overcomer because you have overcome sins, sicknesses and satan. I give you glory and praise!  In Jesus' mighty name I pray.

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:16-18) ESV.

Father, thank you for this important truth in that I am loved to love. I want my heart be continually filled and overflowing with Christ's abundant love to quench the thirsty and feed the hungry. I know that I can walk the talk because I have tasted the greatest gift through Christ. Father let me be a gift to someone who needs a touch from you while celebrating this festive season of Chinese New Year. In Jesus' wonderful name I pray.

Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long (Psalm 25:4-5) ESV.

Father, your ways and paths lead me to experience your divine truths about your saving grace and mercy. I want to wait patiently upon you knowing that you shall provide all my needs. Thank you for the gift of salvation found in Jesus, my Lord, Savior, Healer and Deliverer!

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (Colossians 1:11-12) ESV.

Father, I thank you for who you are to me. You are the source of my strength and hope.  My life, family and future are in your protective hand. My destiny is life everlasting with you, together with all my brothers and sisters in the Lord!  In Jesus' name I pray.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matthew 3:33-34) ESV.

Father, let my heart yield to you fully including my thoughts and feelings. I trust in all that you say in your living Word here - to seek your Kingdom and your righteousness. Father, grant me wisdom as I reflect on this today. Thank you for this assurance.  I need it. I give you praise in Jesus' name.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16) ESV.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your divine strength by the power of the Holy Spirit every day. Let my desire keep growing to continually walk in the Spirit.  Help me identify every sin that so easily entangles me, and make practical steps to overcome it by your grace. In Jesus' name I pray.

By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:5-6) ESV.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for Enoch whose life truly pleases you because he walks by faith and trusts you wholeheartedly in all things.  Father, grant me spiritual understanding and insight on walking by faith and not by sight. I desire to do your will for my life and to please you in everything that I do and say. In Jesus' name I ask.

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:4-7) ESV.

Father, I am deeply encouraged and truly thankful for this passage which is filled with God's unconditional love, bountiful mercies and awesome grace upon my life, both now and future as co- heir with Christ. What a joy you bring to my heart Father God! May I share with someone this loving truth today and this week. In Jesus' name I pray.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24) ESV.

Father, thank you for another new and fresh day that I can worship you with my words and deeds at home and in the marketplace. Guide me and empower me to serve you with a sincere heart as you lead me to touch those around me. I want to make your great love visible to them so that they shall see your light and experience the same love I have received.  In Jesus' name I pray.

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created (Revelation 4:11) ESV.

Father, I am created, saved to love you and experience your everlasting presence of peace, joy and love forever. You are indeed my great and awesome Creator!  Father God, I worship you and give you gkory, power and honour!  In Jesus' wonderful name I give thanks.

Sunday Sermon Topic: Understanding God's Righteousness in Christian Life

Speaker: Senior Pastor Rony Tan

Date: 19 January 2014

Key Scriptures: Philippians 2:12 & 1 John 1:8-9

1. Introduction

Biblically there are two aspects of righteousness

A. Positional Righteousness

B. Practical Righteousness

2. The life of Abraham

A. God's promise Heaven to Abraham - Hebrews 11:10

He has positional righteousness which is a legal right to come before God as one who believes God and His promises. However his belief in God is translated into practical righteousness or right living. Practical righteousness (it is a sanctification process to be more like Christ) is about right or holy living.  

B. When a Christian does sin, his positional righteousness is not affected because his relationship with God remains intact in that he is still a child of God. However his fellowship with God is affected by sin, unless he repents and confesses his sins to let the blood of Jesus cleanses him from all unrighteousness as mentioned in 1 John 1:8-9.

3. Hebrews 12:5-6 - Do not take lightly of God's discipline when one sins or keeps sinning.  God corrects His children because He loves them.

4.  Positional righteousness occurs when one repents and receives forgiveness of sins,  and thus he is born again or saved. This gives him a right standing before God as long as he keeps his faith in Christ. Because of positional righteousness, one can have the power to experience practical righteousness which is right living before God. Its goal is towards Christ-likeness. Hence Christians are blameless before God but not sinless as they are not perfect.

5. The Book of 1 John

A. 1 John 3:7 - One who practices righteousness will be led to righteous living so that he shall not be deceived. 

B. 1 John 3:10 - Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God.

C. 1 John 2:29 - He who is born of God practices righteousness. 

6. Two importsnt questions: A. Are we able to practice righteousness perfectly? 

No. But the provision to live righteously or to experience practical righteousness again is made possible by confession of one's sins to God and to receive His forgiveness for the blood of Christ is able to cleanse him again snd make him blameless before God.  It is not to be saved again but to have right living and fellowship with God.

B. What if I don't repent, will I lose my salvation? 

No. But if one keeps sinning and his life beomes a lifestyle of sins, then his sins will pile up, his conscience will sear and heart will eventually harden. The outcome of being a backslider may finally lead him to renounce his faith and lose his salvation.  

7. Two Biblical Examples:

A. The life of King David - Was he still a king when he sinned against God by committing adultery and murder? 

Yes. Positionally he is still a king before God. But practically he is not living righteously before God. His fellowship with God is affected but he is still the king positionally. 

B. The life of Judas Iscariot - he is a disciple of Christ and an appointed treasurer. 

Did he repent after he betray Jesus? 

No. Thus, he lost his position as Christ's disciple and treasurer. 

8. What does it mean to be a New Creation?

2 Corinthians 5:17 - We are new creation spiritually but our mind (soulish part) needs to keep renewing by God's Word. It is the same as crucifying our flesh, figuratively speaking. However we have the power of God to overcome temptations and sins, and live victoriously.

9. Christians still have sinful nature 

A. Romans 7:18-25 - The propensity to sin in us is real even as a new creation. Our spirit is saved, our soul is being saved (renewing of mind) and our body shall be saved. 

B. Triumphantly, Apostle Paul declares that he is victorious through Chrsit Jesus! So are we!

10. Two key biblical principles to help us live a successful Christian life

A. Be quick to repent

B. Be quick to forgive

11. Consequences of sins

A. Sins can be forgiven but they have consequences. 

B. The consequences of David's sins - anguish of soul, hatred, bitterness,  division and calamity in his household and eventually death occurred. 

12. How to deal with sins?

A. Never stop coming to God

B. Take practical steps to avoid and overcome sins that easily entangle you. 

C. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.  This needs repentance. 

13. Warnings from the Book of 2 Timothy

A. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - God's Word leads us to righteous living. 

B. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 - The time will come when many people will have itchy ears to hear what they want to hear which are contrary to sound doctrines.

14. Conclusion

We must take heed to every warning in the Bible.

Note: This is a personal sermon notes taken by Bro Robin Png. He has added some pointers for personal consumption.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Father, today I want to thank you specifically for the peace I am experiencing because I believe Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Thank you for your divine peace which surpasses all human understanding.  Thank you Father! In Jesus' name I give thanks (Romans 5:1-2) ESV.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13) ESV.

Heavenly Father, let me experience the joy and peace from you personally for my hope is in you alone.  It shall always be. I love you Father. In Jesus' name I pray.

And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God (Mark 11:22) ESV.

Father, let my heart be pure and faith simple. May I keep trusting you in every area of my life. In Jesus' name I pray.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23) ESV.

Father, thank you for this important truth that your steadfast love is unconditional and endless. Your mercies are new every morning!  Oh Father, truly you are great and awesome!  Thank you for your faithfulness.  In Jesus' name I give thanks.

LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. (Psalm 30:2) ESV.

Father God, thank you for every healing received and every help given. You hear me and show me mercy whenever I poured my heart before your throne of grace. Gracious Father, let my faith in you keep growing and love for you go deeper and stronger especially in challenging times. Thank you for your lovingkindness every morning.  In Jesus' name I give thanks and praise.

The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself (2 Timothy 2:11-13) ESV.

Father, thank you for this wonderful truth  I am blessed by the assurance of your living Word. Let my walk with you today, the beginning of another fresh week, be filled with vitality and divine strength. Empower me to endure all things and be faithful to Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. I give you praise and adoration in Jesus' name.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Proverb 3:3-4

Thank you Father for granting me your favor and good success. I receive them by faith as I keep loving and trusting you always.  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.

Father God, coming into your presence daily brings peace to my soul and assurance of who I am in Christ. In your presence I experience inner joy refreshing my spirit and revitalising my body. O Heavenly Father, let the joy of the Lord flow in and through me making God's love visible to someone who needs your touch today. In Jesus' name I pray.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Father, you know my deepest concern, desire and need.  You are my strength and comfort daily. Help me to put my trust in you every moment.  I surrender everything to your loving care. In Jesus' name I pray.

But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it (Luke 18:16-17) ESV.

Father, every child is very precious to you, everyone of them. They fill your Kingdom for you love them deeply. Help me to learn from these children and have childlike faith and obedience to you. Truly the Kingdom of God is within me now that I am a child of God! Lord Jesus, I love you and desire to be your instrument that ushers in the afflicted, captives, poor and sick into your Kingdom where they shall find rest, strength, healing and deliverance for their soul and body and experience eternal life.

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6) ESV.

Father, your grace gives me the joy to walk with you, the peace to experience your abiding presence, and the love to serve you. I want to keep knowing you - your goodness and faithfulness. I humble myself and submit to your leading in order to be a blessing to the lost especially the poor and sick. In Jesus' name I pray.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matthew 6:33-34) ESV.

HeavenlyFather, help me to have Kingdom mentality and values like righteousness, love and obedience. Let my faith in God's love replace every fear and anxiety so that I can cherish every day as a gift from God. Thank you Father for daily strength and provision.  In Jesus' wonderful name I pray.

Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it (Luke 17:33) ESV.

Father, my prayer is to be constantly aware of the new life, a divine life, that I have received when Jesus came into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. I am able to preserve what I receive from and that is abundant life and eternal life.  I give you praise and thanks Father God.

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14) ESV.

Father, i know you are compassionate toward me every day. May I walk in holy fear and simple faith. Thank you Jesus for knowing and loving me.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,  who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,  who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,  who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalm 103:1-5) ESV.

Father, today, I truly rejoice over these 5 benefits from you. Sins forgiven, sicknesses healed, life redeemed, crowned with ove and mercy, and renewed youth like eagle! Yes, bless the Lord O my soul! I love you Jesus, my Lord, Saviour, Healer, Deliverer and Provider!

And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left (Isaiah 30:20-21) ESV.

Father, thank you for the assurance of divine guidance. In every step that I take, help me to be sensitive to hear your still small voice in my spirit so that I shall obey you and always be in your abiding presence.  I praise you Lord Jesus.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth (3 John 1: 2-4) ESV.

Father, may I delight in walking in your truth knowing that this gives you great joy. I know that good health and walking in obedience to your Word go together for they make me fruitful and strong in the grace of God. In Jesus' name I pray.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10) ESV.

Father, on this first day of 2014, I am walking with you a new chapter in this journey of faith. Thank you for the assurance of divine strength, heavenly provision and supernatural protection. I shall continually be surrounded by the love of God, peace of Jesus Christ and joy of the Spirit allowing no room for fear of any kind to come near me. In Jesus' mighty name I pray.