You are currently browsing articles tagged Singapore.
My thanks to my good brother and friend Nelson for highlighting this to me via MSN.
Back in April, I highlighted that a Singaporean couple was charged with distributing some evangelism tracts from Jack Chick which are considered seditious here and have been registered as a banned publication.
Following a long silence, the trial has now commenced, and I’ll be following it very closely. Below is the news article taken from today’s Straits Times.
Read the rest of this entry »
Over the next five days, starting today, thousands of delegates will be descending upon this small island to be part of the Asia Conference 2008 where one of the highlights of the convention will be Benny Hinn and his fleecing healing session on Saturday evening.
I had meant to go to that particular session to attempt to give a first-hand report but I’m going to heed the advice of my wife, who upon hearing about my intentions earlier, asked if I was indeed mad. I still have half a mind to just go and get a first-hand look at Saint Hinn myself but there’s no other good excuse I could come up with to sneak in.
Well, hello there, Circus Church!
A report in CityNews, City Harvest Church’s online newsletter (I think) tells us that, following the immense success a Manhunt and Beauty Pageant held during their Emerge! Conference in 2007, a “search has now begun for the next king and queen of good looks to be crowned at the upcoming Asia Conference 2008 this November”.
I just stumbled upon this site a few days ago and was smiling to myself — thank you, whoever you are who put up the blog and page on YouTube with a whole load of sermon excerpts; it will now be easier to use the resources to warn of the dangers of Kong Hee’s Word of Faith theology and prosperity message!
Technology is wonderful, heh!
Here’s just a couple of samples of Kong Hee’s theology — the first is his vision of a stadium in the marketplace, and the second a very succinct summation of the prosperity message taught at City Harvest Church.
The world around us, and as we know it, is falling to pieces. There’s panic at every corner — the financial crisis is sending ripple waves across the world and being felt by millions at an unprecedented speed; there’s war (Iraq, Afghanistan) and rumors of war (Iran, Israel), political uncertainty, and the list goes on.
To many, it’s doom and gloom – time to hunker down and try to ride out the crisis as best as we can, while counting on the governments and experts to devise manners in which to bring the world out of the mess caused by unbridled greed and lust for mammon.
An advertisement in the papers Saturday (11 Oct 2008) caught my attention with the headline screaming “Calling All Christians” directing interested parties to either call a number or visit a web site. My curiosity got the better of me and this was how I found about MyHope Singapore.
While I don’t know who is or are behind the site, it looks to have been put up in cooperation with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and has the support of churches in Singapore to “bring the message of lasting hope to Singapore this Christmas”. Participating churches will be screening DVDs to bring the “Christmas message of Hope”.
It’s already bad enough that we didn’t get to catch Ben Stein’s Expelled here, so if any movie distributor in Singapore is reading this, bring this movie in! Even if you don’t think the Christian message will be “popular”, think of the many 30-something women who once had a crush on Kirk Cameron — I’m sure they’d love to see him on screen again!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6wbajWWOcQ[/youtube]
My thanks to Yongchun at All of Grace for bringing this to my attention.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the Assemblies of God (AoG) in Singapore, a “Fresh Fire Conference” will be held in November when the organizers believe that “… the LORD will release a fresh prophetic word over the Assemblies of God churches as well as other churches in Singapore and release His anointing in a brand new way!”.
The website announcing the conference goes on to say:
We live in exciting times. The promise of a new era is upon us. As the Assemblies of God of Singapore moves beyond our 80th year, let us catch the fresh fire of the Lord - one that is greater than what we have experienced before - and let us come together to be equipped and empowered to impact this world for the glory of God. Catch the “Fresh Fire” of God as you listen to what God has to say to us through His chosen servants at this Conference.
Speakers at the conference include female apostle Naomi Dowdy (formerly from Trinity Christian Centre), Kong Hee (City Harvest Church), two other female reverends, and a healer/prophet.
Now, I can’t say that I am familiar with the AoG in Singapore, but I would also wonder aloud with Yongchun as to why we are seeing them yoked with the Third Wave and Word of Faith movements. Plus, while I might be seen as being a skeptic, I’m of the opinion that people won’t be hearing a very Biblical message at the conference — I just get very wary when folks claim that there’ll be new prophetic words and anointings.
Picture taken from the Fresh Fire Conference website.
A good brother highlighted this particular segment to me, and I managed to obtain the video and am now sharing it via YouTube.
You’ll see Kong Hee, the senior pastor of City Harvest Church, being “anointed” here by Alex Abraham of Indonesia to “replace myself; to replace Dr. Cho Yonggi”. My question, then, is who is being glorified here — God or man?
Besides, is it me, or does it remind you of the same sort of “anointing” that leaders in the false Apostolic movement love to heap on one another (remember Todd Bentley’s not so long ago)?
A couple of years after I became a Christian and had joined the teen ministry of the Navigators here in Singapore, I was given a book by my Bible Study leader which, till today, has had a huge impact in my life. Although the knowledge gleaned from it has been lying dormant in my being and I regret that I can’t seem to find the book in my collection anymore, I can still very much remember the title.
The system the Navigators had in place was so that my Bible Study leader would make me his disciple, and when I had learned enough I’d go on to disciple others. Unfortunately, the world stepped in before my wings hardened and I fell from the nest, hard, because the roots of the tree that nest was on were never deep to begin with.
I have since been re-learning everything, and this is one particular sermon by Dr. John MacArthur I particularly took to heart and am sharing with you today.
The State-controlled local broadsheet — The Straits Times — published a special report1 on religion on 9 August, which was also our National (or Independence) day.
The report noted a major shift in the professed religion/faith of many who were born Taoists to Christianity. For those who are not familiar with the religious landscape in Singapore, Taoism is the traditional religion of choice, so to speak, of many Chinese here. In fact, I was born into a Taoist family myself and had even considered myself a Buddhist/Taoist when asked to declare my religion/faith in primary school.
While seven out of 10 people would consider themselves to be Taoists 90 years ago, that percentage has taken a big hit through the years with recent census figures taken in the year 2000 putting this figure at just 8.5 per cent of the population surveyed. Conversely, Christianity has seen an impressive growth — from just 12.7 per cent of the population in the census taken in the year 1990 to 14.6 per cent in 2000. Given that numbers in the other major religions recognized in Singapore (Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam) held steady, the conclusion was that most Christian converts hail from a Taoist background.
I received an email on an interesting seminar organized by First Evangelical Reformed Church (FERC) that I thought might interest some of you here in Singapore:
Topic: The Christian Man & the Christian Woman (Part 1: Biblical Masculinity; Part 2: Biblical Femininity)
Speaker: Pastor Chris Coleborn*
Date: 26 Jul 08 (this Saturday)
Time: 4 - 6 pm
Place: FERC, 652, Yio Chu Kang Road.
Admission is FREE. If you are keen to attend, just email bengkui [at] pacific [dot] net [dot] sg by 24 Jul, Thursday, indicating your (1) name; (2) church; (3) number of persons attending.
View Larger Map
* Pastor Chris Coleborn is a minister of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia. His theological training was in both the Reformed Theological College of Geelong and the Collegiate of the EPCA. He served in the EPCA in Tasmania for 5 years, in Brisbane Queensland for 20 years and has been a minister in Cohuna, Victoria for 12 years. His wife of 29 years is Christine and they have been blessed with 7 children – 6 on earth and 1 in heaven. He is now semi-retired, but still active in preaching and teaching ministry.
My wife and I will be attending. If you are keen and have registered as well, drop us a note here; perhaps we can have some fellowship after.
This information is passed on with full permission from Beng Kui.
I’ll be taking this blog off ping.sg, a local blog aggregation site, so if you would like to continue to be updated on new posts on this blog, please subscribe to my RSS feed instead.
Or you can become a member at Plurk and add me as a friend or follow my plurks to receive updates whenever I post something new.
My thanks for all your support all this while.
Shalom Aleichem.
An email from a good brother, Coram Deo, about his visit to a Christian bookstore in the U.S. while on vacation prompted me to share my experience with such bookstores in Singapore.
Now, I love books and am someone who loves browsing through a bookstore for hours on end. Borders at Wheelock Place used to be a favorite haunt of mine. Ultimately, the fact that they are a secular bookstore just means that I have not much interest in what they had to offer.
So I spend much of my time in bookstores in Christian establishments. There used to be one at Jurong Point, the nearest mall to where I stay, but the small shop has since closed down and given way to some store selling items that have a wider consumer appeal.
Ah, the wonders of free enterprise!
While doing some research on Che Ahn, the pastor who recently spoke at City Harvest Church as a guest pastor and administered “healing”, I was troubled to find out that Che Ahn is very closely associated with Bentley, and has even pronounced a “prophecy”1 on the latter.
The more troubling issue is this: why would City Harvest Church, having knowledge of this close relationship between Che Ahn and Bentley (who is obviously a liar, charlatan and false prophet) invite the former to guest-speak to their congregation?
Please bear in mind as you read this that I am warning you in good faith and Christian love.
I am not too sure how to put it, but just last night (Saturday), I had a dream where I had a prompting that somehow one of the two guest pastors speaking at City Harvest Church this weekend would come out in support of Todd Bentley, thereby favorably introducing Bentley to an unsuspecting congregation in Singapore.
(The other guest pastor was Robb Thompson, who, in my opinion, executed a classic bait-and-switch at the end of his sermon, urging the many youths in the congregation to tithe beyond what they have normally given. In other words, he’s another prosperity preacher selling the “sow and reap” principle for success in life).
Moreover, this morning I just had an urge to catch the “live” sermon on the church’s web site.
Not only did I discover that this pastor Che Ahn helms Harvest Rock Church — a church that supports the Florida Outpouring, but he himself knows Todd personally and was enthusiastically promoting Todd’s ministry during the service in question.
Please understand that I mean no offense to this brother, but I just cannot stand by and do nothing while he wallows so deeply in such lies spun by the prosperity “gospel” preachers!
I stumbled across a local Christian blog yesterday, and being pleasantly surprised since I don’t really think there are that many Christian blogs in Singapore, decided to read some of his posts.
Written by Yeap Chee Seng, the blogroll on the blog immediately set off some alarm bells in my head — on it were listed the ministry sites of people like Creflo Dollar, Joel Osteen, and Kenneth Copeland and even a book he authored containing specific verses in the Bible that address prosperity.
This sermon made me think… a lot! Seeing that the Great Singapore Sale has started, and no doubt many Christians will be joining in the retail madness, I thought it’d be quite appropriate to share this sermon by Paul Washer that should really make us pause and think.
I’ve got nothing against taking advantage of sales to restock or stock up on necessities. In fact, I mostly restock my stash of socks and pick up a few new ties during this annual sales period, but I would caution against buying into worldly consumerism.
Â
I just learned about this from reading the blog posts at Simply Jean and Mr Wang Says So.
ST April 15, 2008
Couple charged under Sedition Act
By Elena ChongA COUPLE were charged on Tuesday with distributing a seditious publication to two others.
Ong Kian Cheong, 49, and Dorothy Chan Hien Leng, 44, are alleged to have distributed The Little Bride, an evangelistic material, to Sembawang resident Irwan Ariffin last Oct 19.
They are also said to have distributed the same publication to one Madam Farharti Ahmad at her home in Woodlands on March 6 last year .
It is not clear why they face the Sedition Act and the Undesirable Publication Act when the publication is the same.
Ong, who works in a telecommunications company, and his wife, a bank employee, were represented by Mr Selva K. Naidu.
The police prosecutor sought an adjournment of the case pending a Health Sciences Authority on handwriting specimen.
The couple were freed on $10,000 bail each. Their passports were impounded.
The case will be mentioned on April 29.
Under the Sedition Act, the maximum penalty is a $5,000 fine and/or a jail term of up to three years.
The maximum penalty under the Undesirable Publication Act is a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 12 months.
If this goes to trial, I’m guessing that it’ll become a landmark case whatever the outcome.
Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters who reside just across the Causeway.
This report was first aired March 25, 2008 on The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).
A local blogger recently posted an article calling Christians hypocrites because while many of us here in Asia choose not to consume food offered to idols, we have no qualms about consuming halal food, i.e. food that is slaughtered according to Islamic rites.
Now, for those who are unfamiliar with the Asian context, especially in Singapore and Malaysia, let me first lay out the premise for you.
In Singapore, most food sold in supermarkets are labeled halal (except for pork and some other food items for obvious reasons) to cater to a bigger number of consumers inclusive of Muslims. Barring any comment on whether it is right or wrong, or whether I agree or disagree with the practice, one must acknowledge that it makes economic sense for businesses to do so.
Back to the blog post in question: in response, I asked if he has any understanding of what Christianity is, my premise being that I think he has misunderstood the faith and, hopefully, present the Gospel if he should question what Christianity is.
The sexual morality ship is fast sinking and taking millions of people with it. If you think the sinking of the Titanic was a disaster, this ship is sinking faster and taking more people with it than the former. And worse, it is also sending many millions to the bottomless pit called “hell”!
In a recent court decision that is, thankfully, still under appeal, the State of California (CA) has ruled that parents can be incarcerated or have their children taken away if they homeschool the latter!
In other words, and this is how I read it as well, it means that parents are not able to educate and teach their children at home. However, if parents insist on homeschooling their children, they will be required to engage someone who has the credentials, or have a parent credentialed to do so.
It gets worse!
Daniel pointed to this report (with video) at The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), which is an insightful and interesting look at Christianity in Singapore.
I don’t know about you, but after watching it, I thought that they seemed to shine this light on Christianity in Singapore more as a response of a well-educated and prosperous populace to a “Jesus-shaped hole in their hearts” (ugh, I cringed writing that!).
Is this the beginnings of the one-world faith/religion that shall come in the Last Days?
I don’t think so because the movement has been in effect for some time, but this is definitely an open declaration that the movement is well and is being pushed to all and sundry from the United Nations, starting with the young in schools.
The movement pushes the idea that all religions are equal and reverence the same God, and it has crossed denominational lines and borders in the name of tolerance. That means that those of us who stick to the Bible’s proclamation that Jesus Christ is the only way and truth to God the Father will labeled intolerant bigots.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
And it’s about time too!
As an apparent and deliberate response to an ongoing public online campaign calling for Section 377A to be repealed, a group in Singapore calling itself “the Majority” has set up a website with an open letter to the Prime Minister urging for the retention of the law instead.
Section 377A states that homosexual acts between men is a punishable crime. If apprehended and charged in a court of law, the guilty can be sentenced to a maximum of 2 years’ imprisonment.
In the letter, the group notes that
Section 377A is a reflection of the sentiments of the majority of society. Most Singaporeans hold conservative family values and do not accept homosexuality as the norm. Repealing Section 377A is a vehicle to force homosexuality on a conservative population that is not ready for homosexuality.
No doubt there will be detractors wondering if the group has the right to call itself “the Majority” or to claim to truly represent the “majority” views of Singaporeans. In fact, I can almost already read the disparaging comments that might be left on their web site by those who support the repeal as I myself have experienced.
However, what is heartening to see is that there is now a group of people who are campaigning against the repeal, and not choosing to remain silent on an issue that concerns us as a society.
And, that, in itself is a big step forward in the name of equality, the favorite and most-oft cited word of those who argue in support of the repeal.
By the way, as one of those who oppose the repeal, I’d like to personally state that this is not an exercise of my rights to curb the choices or deny the rights of homosexuals to state their choices as many would like to see it. Rather, it is my view, or opinion, on the call to repeal Section 377A.
Unfortunately, there’s no link to the site from the news report (it’s not the job of the news agency to provide it anyhow since it’d be better if they remain impartial), but once I find out where the site is, I’ll post it here as an addendum.
To sign the petition to not repeal Section 377A, go to this web address: www.keep377a.com.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia.
Photo by Shahram Sharif.
The International press seems to have picked up the fact that hundreds of Singaporeans have signed a petition to ask the Government to decriminalize homosexual sex ahead of Parliamentary debates on Oct 22.
Though anal and oral sex between consenting heterosexual adults has been decriminalized recently, the same law, popularly known as Section 377A, continues to criminalize the same sex acts between homosexual men.
Homosexual men caught in the act can expect to be charged and serve a maximum of 2 years imprisonment.
I recently spoke to a few local Christians on what their stand is on the decriminalizing homosexual sex acts, and I actually didn’t get a unified response to the subject.
Have you ever faced or imagined this scenario where you stand before a judge in court, and they read out all the charges to you and you stand in trepidation wondering what sort of punishment will be meted out against you?
I have.
Now I have never been to court to answer a charge prior to a few months’ back, but I was served summons to appear in court for non-payment of some fees I owe to the Town Council during the time when I was desperately unemployed for more than 6 months.
I finally caught the name of the Fellowship — it’s called Hephzibah Christian Fellowship and is listed as a non-denominational church.
And I’ve also got the location down pat.
The building is actually along the stretch parallel to the MRT line between Queenstown and Redhill stations.
But the most interesting part is that I managed to get hold of the phone number and had a chat with Michael, one of the elders of the fellowship.
Among the things I learned is that they observe the Sabbath from 8pm Friday to 8pm Saturday, and are celebrating the seven feasts of Israel this week. I’ve also been invited to their celebration of the Yom Kippur on Sunday.
They don’t call themselves a church per se, but a gathering and fellowship of believers, hence the name. About 80 people make up their regular group, which is what I like as well, small and rather comfortable.
So it all looks like I am quite prepped to pay a visit tomorrow at three in the afternoon to learn more!
Hallelujah!
Shalom Aleichem.
Picture taken from Wikipedia .
Casey once told me to get off my ass to find a new church to attend and fellowship, and I think I have managed to get both of that done just this morning.
There was only standing room inside the cabin of the train I was riding to work — which meant that I was off my ass — and saw a large yellow banner between, I think, Queenstown and Commonwealth stations, that advertised a church service at 3 pm Saturday on the Law of Moses.
(I board the train at Lakeside train station and alight at Tanjong Pagar every morning.)
That looks good! Now, I cannot tell for sure if they have services only on Saturdays or if it’s a one-off, but I have rarely seen churches advertising services on Saturday so that’s one positive sign.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.
Join the Discussion