Idolatry...Don't!

©2009 ~silvermoon76

Remember the 10 Commandments ?


NO ONE, I repeat, NO ONE, should worship any carved image or any form of statue/picture (image) other than the LORD our God, for our God is the only one whom everything on Earth should worship.


Today Pastor Koshy paid a visit to our church and shared about the 2nd Commandment (continuation). Yes, it's about idolatry. Owh, Pastor gave us some really cool bookmarks too..! Thanks Pastor..! Thanks… person who made them..? LoLx.


Okay, back to our point. What portrays idolatry? According to Pastor, the word 'worship' in Hebrew, when translated into contemporary English, literally carries the meaning 'to bow down before'. I guess everyone here knows how it looks like to bow down before something made in the image of anything. Yes, that 'image of something' is the idol. It is not worthy of worship, for we should worship the one and only living God, our Father who art in heaven. Remember - we shall have no other Gods before Him.


Worshipping idols is a sin. Repent. Pray and ask for God's forgiveness.


So, brothers and sisters, think of what Pastor Koshy has shared (and what I have typed)


Pray and ask for God's light to shine upon your path. I'm sure you'll find peace of mind. =)


=Jeremy=

Weary? Burdened?

[© image subject to copyright by webby.com/humor/i/Weary-Traveller.jpg/. No copyright infrigement intended.]

Are you weary? Tired and heavily burdened with all that life demands of you? Looking forward to rest after all those tuitions, homework, assignments, examinations, sports, and everything else that you have to do?

Let's remember what we learnt in Pastor Hiew's session last week.

The Lord has promised you rest in His presence; a lighter burden than you've been carrying all along.

Matthew 11:28~30 says:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Seek no more, for the Lord our God has offered rest to everyone who will come to Him.

The promise is ours! Let's proclaim it and live it out loud!

May our days be productive as we fully utilize the time and resources He has given us. And let us remember to enjoy His rest!:)

Easter & Sacrifice – Painting Project @ Rapha Home

It's Easter! A very blessed Easter to you! Christ is risen!

As we know, Easter is the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ after the sacrifice on the cross. This year, we wanted to do something different in the right spirit

About 2 weeks ago, during Joanna’s session in youth fellowship, we watched a touching music video about the crucifixion of Christ. That’s when Elder Peter Cheng spoke about sacrifice and shared an idea about getting involved in a small community project.

Talking about sacrifice, we decided to save some money, sacrifice our time and energy and do something meaningful; following the example of Christ.

We decided to paint the grills and gates of Rapha Home, which was terribly in need of a new coat!

We met up in front of our church after Easter Morning Service. Uncle Peter Gan was our team captain, and he provided the necessary supply of painting materials and equipment. The cost was covered by our Youth Fellowship. We were also honored to have Rev. Johnson Chua pray for the success of this project.

We arrived at Rapha Home at 11.10 a.m. Without wasting any time, we started scrapping the dirt and rust off the grills and the gates so that we could coat them up with white paint. Some of us used scrapers, others used sandpapers, while some were innovative enough to use screw drivers and other tools to get rid of rust and dirt.

As soon as the grills and gates were clean enough for a new layer, we were each given brushes and paint to start work! Even the kids from the home were eager to help! The taller ones among us climbed ladders to paint those hard to reach places. The rest of us painted the lower areas. The kids were very helpful, but as older youth, we did quite a bit of touch up in an effort of ‘quality control.’:P

Youth involved in this project are:

Jared Yap, Daniel Cheng, Joyce Cheng, Ariel Poh, Jaslene Ku, Daniel Hiew, Aaron Pua, Joyce Ang, Pao Suen, Alex Ho, & Jeremy Yap (myself).

Among the adults who came over to help us paint, provide transport, food, support etc. ( Thank you all!):

Brother Peter Gan (team captain), Elder Peter Cheng and wife, Brother Ang Joo Kang, Sister Tabitha & Joseph, Uncle Pua Kim Teck. Aunty Jessie & daughter, Aunty Li Chin, & Joanna.

[Please let me know if I left out any names. Sorry and thank you.]

It was really tiring, being a first time experience for many of us. Besides, it was not easy to protect our hands from the paint. Naturally, we got a little dirty. Thus, we had to use turpentine to get paint spots off our hands and faces.

Nevertheless, we had a great time! It was truly satisfying to see the gates and grills finally repainted! It is true; you feel good when you do good things!!! xD

Besides, teamwork fosters a closer bond among all members. The fellowship built as we worked together towards one goal was wonderful - we chatted, joked and laughed while working with our hands till the painting was completed.

Apart from that, we learnt the value of commitment. When we have an idea, it takes commitment to make it happen. Each of us played an important role to make the project a success. When we made an effort to keep ourselves free for that 3 hours after Easter service, we put away our personal plans, we planned our time and made a few sacrifices so that we could be part of it – and that is the kind of commitment we need to make anything a success.

It was totally worth it!

Upon completion of the task, we were exhausted and hungry. Lunch was brought to us and we were thankful for the chicken rice, biscuits and drinks. After finishing up with the painting and clearing, we dismissed at 2.30p.m.

We left the place with gratitude to the Lord for giving us the opportunity to serve and celebrate Easter in such a meaningful way! We had such a memorable time, and I strongly hope that we'll have more of such outings again. Don't you agree, guy & gals?

-Jeremy Yap-