I. Introduction
Good day to all! Today, I will address a very important topic: being filled with the knowledge of God's will in all understanding! This is truly worth discussing, as this generation is fraught with perplexing issues, a plethora of them indeed! Today, I tell you, if one lives without knowing God's will or His power, it is a tragedy of life! Since the day I came to know God, I have been inseparable from Him. You often hear, Oh, how can one live without God? Because He is the God of power! The God of glory! A God of great might and glory, great and awesome! And He has good intentions and plans for me!
If you recall, I am reiterating what I have said before: I was in a desperate situation, truly desperate! My parents loved me dearly, I knew that. But they could not help me; their capabilities were limited. So why did I seek a God? Because I felt I needed to find a God who would love me. He loves me, and He has the power to love me, which is infinitely good! To love without the ability to solve any problem is futile.
To love, and to have the power to sustain all things with His might, is immensely good. Thus, after I came to know God, I tell you: it was the best thing that ever happened to me! The power of God makes it clear to me that all my life's needs will be met in Christ Jesus; I will never be impoverished. You ask: where does such great faith come from? Can one not have faith when one knows God? Having faith based on understanding is what it means to know God in understanding.
Yesterday, a sister shared with me, saying: Teacher, do you know, she said, laughing, how our pastor explains the story of the five loaves and two fish? If you heard our pastor's explanation of the five loaves and two fish, I tell you, even the angels in heaven would burst out laughing, thinking he was doing a comedy routine! He says: 'Do you know how the five loaves and two fish fed five thousand people? It turns out that each of those five thousand people had brought their own bread and fish. And when they saw Jesus, some of them took out their bread, and then everyone took out their bread.' I tell you, I heard this for the first time. I said: 'My heavens, what does that have to do with God? It has nothing to do with God. It's not that God feeds us; we feed ourselves, using our own bread.' Imagine saying such a thing! The angels in heaven would be laughing.
Oh! What kind of mind is that? The angels in heaven would laugh. If you encounter such a pastor, wouldn't that be unfortunate! You have a backache, and you come to this pastor, and you continue to have a backache. Why? 'I don't have the cure; find your own medicine.' That's truly frustrating! And there's more, I tell you, there's more! Not only did he say that the five loaves and two fish were all brought by the people themselves—he wasn't even there; he's just making things up. I tell you: the God I know is not such a God. The God I know in my understanding is absolutely not such a God; my God can feed us.
I knew a young man whose wife was pregnant. He was penniless and cried for three days at home before coming to me. I am, I tell you, particularly good at building people's faith, you know? I am especially skilled at building faith; that's my specialty. I said: Why cry? Look at you crying like that; oh my heavens, so foolish, so clueless. I scolded him. I said: Do you know that the child comes with his own provisions? He asked: Teacher, the child comes with his own provisions? I said: Of course! They are all heaven-fed! Oh, I don't need to prepare bread? I don't need to buy milk powder? Ah, I don't need to? I said: Yes! Heaven-fed, God will provide! Didn't he grow up for several years, neither dying nor lacking! It's quite amusing.
Is it really heaven-fed? I tell you, people are just foolish. Raising a child, heaven-fed, God will provide. I ask you, if we love God in Jesus Christ today, loving Him with all our heart, soul, and strength, will we lack anything? Absolutely not! Today, I will reveal a small secret: if you see a pastor who is very poor, likely lacking and impoverished, needing people to support him, he likely has garbage in his mind; he doesn't believe in God, thinking his bread is all self-supplied. How can loving God lead to lack? Even those among us who don't love God much don't lack; how could those who love God lack?
Later, this sister told me: Pastor, don't laugh. My former pastor also preached a sermon. I asked: What did he preach? He said: He said that the Israelites crossed the Red Sea during the dry season. Oh, the dry season? I said: What about the Egyptians who crossed the Red Sea and were drowned by the seawater? He said: That was the rainy season. Oh, just one season apart? It sounded like a joke to me, a joke in Jesus Christ. The Israelites had just crossed, and the Egyptians were about to cross, and the season changed in an hour? It sounded so strange to me. Rain season and dry season change so fast? Switching quite fast. Even Noah's Ark took a long time to float because it rained for a long time, you know?
Later, I realized that this mind is quite something; this mind's understanding is quite something. What kind of mind is this? Can explain everything. Everyone says: isn't that right? Ah, Wang Lin's empty pot producing snakes is fake, moving objects from a distance, fake. All of this. When I was little, I lived in an environment full of spiritual things. Although I was very young, I thought it was quite amazing. Later, this sister told me: she said that the church she used to go to was what kind of church? It was actually an atheistic club under the guise of a church. Where are ghosts? There are no ghosts. Where are spirits? There are no spirits. Believe and you shall have; don't believe and you shall not have. What is this talk? Is that the word of God? It's not the word of God.
Some years ago, we had someone come to us, suffering from depression, severe depression, a very troubled child. She called everywhere but no church would take her in. Why? Those churches were scared when they heard about it; they couldn't handle it. She called me, and I answered myself, I was customer service and pastor all in one. I am the best customer service, but I can't do it anymore, I don't have the energy, so I have to train others to do it. After she came, she contacted her former church, which told her that there were no ghosts, believe and you shall have; don't believe and you shall not have. What kind of mind is this? Do you say: I believe there is a sun, and the sun is there; I don't believe there is a sun, and the sun disappears? It sounds very strange. Then her depression was cured by me. Could it be cured if they were doing what those people did?
What I mean is: if a person does not know that God sustains all things with His power, then that is a problem! It's all human theories. So wherever I go, God is with me, and signs and wonders follow me. I look at the people around me, at a glance, and I think: if you hadn't met me, your life would have been miserable. That’s what it is. It’s not because they met me; it’s because they met someone with God. I met another one; if you hadn’t met me, your life would have been miserable. I looked and saw that it was all of them. It’s all God working through me; I have to tell you that it is God manifesting His glory and His power, making the blind see and the lame walk!
Do you know how many miracles I have performed in my life? Countless! Over the years, I have performed a lot of miracles. Even today, I tell you, sometimes I say: Come, let's have some tea. People come from afar, and I pour them a cup of tea. Ah, this tea is very good. I have something better than tea. That is to savor the miracles that I have done in the past. So many miracles, a life without miracles is a tragedy! Thank you for typing. You should just become GPT and type as I speak, okay? Type a few more sentences so I can read; otherwise, I will lose my train of thought. Those online, please type more for me, and give me a reminder.
Oh, I just feel that without the power of God, how can we live? Without the glory of God, how can we live? Without the great power of God, I tell you, those with lumbar problems, cervical problems, depression, those who cannot graduate with a doctorate, those who cannot get into university, those who cannot do their jobs well—it's a tragedy! Of course, I will serve everyone practically, but this service is nothing without the power of God. So today, I must tell you, never lose the power of God! Never lose the glory and power of God! Believers will have signs and wonders following them, and transforming people's lives through miracles is truly wonderful! After it is done, do you know? Their walk is different.
The other day I saw a short video of a dog that had won a fight outside, it won a fight with another dog, have you seen this short video? People recorded a short video, the way that dog walked was so cocky, so arrogant. Has anyone seen this video? What kind of steps did that dog walk? It walked steps of utter defiance. It was just incredible, the way it walked. After I minister to people, I walk like that. I have fought a victorious battle in the spiritual world, and I walk like that. Like a dog, what I mean is that my walk is like that of a dog who has won a battle, a victorious dog. You won’t misunderstand, right?
You say there is no advantage? Do you say there is no advantage to living in this world? I tell you, I am a person who knows God in understanding. Why is that so? I thank God! God created me well, or I have developed this over time, I do not know. But I know one thing: since the day I came to know God, I have desperately read the Bible. I wanted to know my God, as this God is too good! This God has given me work, has given me cash, you know? He has given me good opportunities, He has given me everything, how could He not be good? I know my God.
Once when I was speaking to someone, they said, Wow! Your God is so good. I said, Of course, so much advantage! Some people just don't know, they don't know God, they never read the Bible much. I tell you, are there those among us who don't like to read the Bible? They fall asleep as soon as they read the Bible. I am different from you; I used to read the Bible in English. One page of the English Bible had twenty new words; I'm not exaggerating! That Bible was marked up by me, it was a mess. Oh I just gnawed at it, reading until two in the morning. Most people can’t compare. So when I often talk to people, when I speak about my God, I speak eloquently, with so many stories.
Some people gave me the nickname “Christianity.” From far away, walking over from the cafeteria, they would say, “Christianity is coming, Christianity is coming.” I said: If I am Christianity, that would be good. Others mocked me, but I took it as a compliment. One day, a young man was playing a game; he didn’t know God in his understanding. After listening to me, he prayed while playing,凭着信心比魔鬼坚持多一分钟, he determined to be victorious, to be a victorious person! Did he win the game? After praying, he rushed in with faith but was defeated. He prayed again, rushed in with faith, and lost even more miserably than before.
He turned around and felt bewildered: Teacher, I did what you said to do. I asked: What did you do that I said to do? He said: Didn’t you say we should have faith? It didn't work. I said: Is that how you use it? Oh, it's not? I said: You have to study hard. Study hard, work hard, and master the knowledge. When it comes to playing games, you have to master the skills to beat the game, you can't just do it blindly. Then he said something that stumped me. He said: Teacher, if we believe like this, what advantages do we have? I said: How can believing like this not have advantages?
Have you found the taste of idol worship here? You’ve found it, haven’t you? This person, I was thinking, according to his logic, oh, I like that too. Because that logic is: click! And it’s done immediately, no need to do anything at all. Burning incense before the college entrance exam, if incense doesn't work, burn paper, burn whatever you can. Right? Setting up a few paper houses in the factory, burn, burn like crazy. Then when you take the college entrance exam, you get into 清华 University, what kind of logic do you think that is? If that thing works well, we would be doing it that way.
I think my idea is much better than his. Let’s do it this way: I will give you money. Let’s have ten people each contribute ten thousand, adding up to one hundred thousand. Bringing it into the casino, we can stay outside, and us ten Christians, even three or five hundred Christians if we need, let’s praying outside,发功, raising our hands and praising God! 发功,one hundred thousand comes out become ten million, how great would that be! Isn’t my idea good? What’s the point of playing games? Isn’t my idea good? Let’s take action for real, what do you all think? Gather a group to sing praises! I tell you, when you come out, you might be owing more than ten thousand, not to mention praying.
Some people say gambling is bad! If gambling is bad, let’s have shopping mall live-streaming, I will be 发功 in the back. With my 发功 and praying, we will gather the entire one thousand eight hundred Christians from our church, and we will make money to share. What do you think? This is called lack of spiritual understanding. Not good, because this is our own intention, not God’s intention. You must be fully aware of God's will, I see that you are just being foolish, all thinking about your own things, as if God doesn’t really care about all this. God lives in heaven, thinking: little rascal, still trying to play tricks. It is as if someone would say: Lord Jesus, tomorrow I will rob a bank, please bless me to rob the bank successfully. Before I even walk to the bank, I will be caught by the police. It would be better not to pray, imagine having such a mind.
I tell you, I often tell such Christians a story; I only tell half of the fact. This person is known of me, because when I was buying a house, he drove me to look at the houses. He was good to drive me as i didn't has a car that time,.Driving was much better than taking the subway or bus. This frd was awesome, say: i has a unit in this block, i also has a unit in that area, plus a Bungalow. Do you know how much a Bungalow can cost in Singapore? At least 10 millions. Then i asks him: how do you make so much money?
He was church frd, say i use to stay at one of Indonisa island, the island got one temple.every time i go to the temple take one number, come sinapore buy toto normally got prize, very offener is first prize. this is where i stop my storytelling, certianly you going to ask: Where is temple? I help you find out. I will only tell him one part. if you asking a christians, people got intersting. Really? very good! My story is only tell half, 2nd part i dont tells story. will become tragedy. People enjoy doing reckless things because spiritual senselessness leads to disaster with no honor. This is because they are not smart. It simply will not work if one is not so smart in this world, then it would be a complete and utterly tragedy if he is not smart in the spiritual world.
If one does not know God in understanding, and does not know God's will, it is troublesome. People are always thinking about rushing. Many people among us are like this, and I think it is difficult for them to stay. Because what they want inside is they are thinking 啪!in one shot. I tell you, there are many such Christians; there are too many. I can tell many such stories. My goodness, let's not discuss the theses below the Bible studies today. Lecturing on the following dissertation have spent too long and peoples would have been watching their timepieces. In other words, there are many of these things, which is spiritual stupidity! If you always want to pursue something all at once, I think the day you leave the church is not far off. People have many confusions that are not a spiritual understanding or belief but simply a desire to do somehting all at once.
I once ministered to a person whose legs hurt, especially at night. Her husband was a pastor. I ministered to her until three in the morning on the first night, exhausting myself, and her legs got better. The next day, when I got up early to attend the meeting, her husband also went. I said, I prayed with your wife for two hours last night. I thought he would say, Thank you, Pastor Lau! No. That's not what he said. Pastor Lau, that's not good. You should have 啪 snapped your fingers, and the pain would have disappeared. Do you understand? He said, You should have, he was teaching me how to do things.
I thought to myself, What kind of brain is this? I really wanted to kick him in the face, really wanted to punch him. You don't thank me, and you don't take a piss to look at yourself. Do you know why her legs hurt so much? It's because of all the shit in her mind, how long do I have to remove it? Two hours spent spraying with high-pressure water guns may not be enough to clean it, the things in the brain are hardened, and he's coming to me to 啪. I think you look like a 啪, how awful! His wife said from the side, My husband 啪! Then you 啪! You know these things are like this; people have a lot of confusion and also like to argue.
Do you all know that if you don't do it right, the result will tell you? If the result is like this, it means you didn't do it right. If you didn't do it right, don't talk nonsense. So in the past years, in our ministry, I have put in a lot of effort to change these pastoral leaders among us. I am not afraid of them making mistakes, but if they make mistakes, they have to know it. Why do people get deceived? Impatience and greed. Why do people talk nonsense? Impatience.I tell you,老想一下子. Can you not be get cheated?Can you be整吗?When you see one matter, you have to research the matter and be clear instead trying all in once step.
Some time ago, one young man and his wife came among us, and we taught them to do正经事儿. In the local church, they loved this trick, then results has financial changing. As financial getting turnover, 鬼 is trying to work. 一下子就给他“啪”了!Suddenly one software guy came over to try finding him. After that week, he got 6k. one weeks earn 6k, Four weeks means 24k not to bad. After he earn 6k, result it got trick. It needs 3 part and everyone come and act.
So brethren, be careful; my best advice is to rid yourselves of self-righteousness. If you align yourselves correctly, things will not be as they are; if you err, errors will persist. Erring and remaining unaware, presuming correctness, is tragic! This world brims with perplexing matters. Observe others robbing banks, unscathed! Pirates, untroubled! Yet, upon my venturing into piracy, I encounter the Russian Navy! And they're far from amiable! Why does fortune favor others, yet elude me? Why am I apprehended? Does this not confound you?
Those who believe are often blessed, but why am I not blessed? Did Jesus not feed five thousand with five loaves and two fish? Yet, your own five loaves and two fish wouldn't satiate a single person. Without diligently honing your understanding, many things remain chaotic! Brothers and sisters, eschew shortcuts; they lead to tragedy. The devil lies in wait. Pursue the righteous path, devote time to knowing God. Those who neglect understanding lack even the capacity to love the world. Acquire that capacity first, and when you can love the world, what else should you love? Grasp God's power, His glory.
The paramount aspect of Chinese Mingding Destiny lies in the breakthrough of understanding. Do not misconstrue Chinese Mingding Destiny as mere mystical practices; it is a breakthrough in comprehension. Lately, we have invested much effort in understanding, resolving many perplexities, guiding people into God's will. Where do human perplexities originate? From their own intentions. Today's discourse is somewhat lengthy, unintended yet extensive. In my past ministry, I often spoke briefly, only to be interrupted, as I lacked time to listen to their incessant chatter, their experiences deemed reasonable. Thus, I've developed a knack for retort; forgive me, but without it, I cannot halt the endless chatter. I frequently interject: Where is God's word? All I hear are your own words.
In recent sermons, such as Choose the Best Portion! have you chosen it? Do Not Be Burdened by the Yoke of Slavery! Are you still burdened? All Who Rely on the Works of the Law Are Under a Curse! Are you cursed? Beware of the Yeast of the Pharisees! Have you heeded? What is a Pharisee? One obsessed with rigid adherence, lacking substance. The devil never binds you with ropes, threatens with knives or guns, compelling you to fulfill his will. He merely needs you to replace God's will with your own, and he rejoices. We meet God unexpectedly, as He awaits us. Likewise, we stumble upon the devil, who declares: I have long awaited you. Do you not enter of your own volition? The devil uses no weapon. One's life is the ultimate testament.
Brethren, examine your current state; it speaks volumes! Why do you sacrifice and suffer? For the inglorious, for that which lacks glory. I assure you, can God not resolve these matters? Nothing is beyond His reach. He sustains all things by His power; can He not sustain us?
But it is crucial to understand that most people, particularly grandparents, dote on their grandchildren: Pastor, pray for my grandchild! They seek instant miracles. Yet, it is not so simple. God could readily intervene, but why does He not? The issue lies within us! Let us now read from Colossians 1:9.
II. Scripture
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. (Colossians 1:9)
III. Prayer
God, open our minds, turn our hearts to You, that we may fully know Your will through spiritual understanding. God, You have a wonderful plan for us, a beautiful purpose. God, according to Your power, fulfill Your plan, turn our hearts to You, that we may fully know Your glorious power, relying on You for strength, and joyfully endure with patience.
God, enable us to clearly know our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, who existed before all things, and in whom all things hold together. He is the head of the church. God, in Jesus Christ, let us enjoy all the abundant glory and grace, that we may be strengthened and not deceived by the elemental spiritual forces of this world. God, lead us out of delusion, that we may fully know You in understanding! In Jesus Christ's name, amen!
IV. Scriptural Background
The context of this passage is intriguing. Upon scrutiny, one observes that, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. Why? Because upon hearing, these individuals were often misled. Beyond what the brethren shared, much remained unwritten. Why unceasing prayer? They were prone to deception. I tell you, misled by what? As detailed below. By Jewish customs versus Gentile practices. The Jews possessed the Mosaic Law; why did we believe in Jesus? Confusion ensues. The Jews had circumcision; were we second-class citizens? These questions were raised by figures such as James and Peter.
James, Peter, and others traveled widely, causing much distress for Paul and the brethren. The confusion was pervasive. Was one Jewish or Gentile? The Old Testament was for Jews, not Gentiles. Gentiles grew bewildered, ignorant of God's will, ensnared in pitfalls. They had experienced God’s power. Suddenly, a person's child misbehaves, occupying their every thought.
You are familiar with such scenarios; you suddenly lose sight of everything but your own will. Perhaps your work suffers, your boss is unfair, or your business falters, filling your mind, obscuring the omnipotence God has demonstrated. Had He not been omnipotent, you would not have reached this day; the devil would have destroyed you long ago. Faced with trials, one panics, yearning: Did I neglect circumcision? Did I fail to observe the Feast of Tabernacles? God's power, God's glory? Forgotten. I underwent circumcision yesterday; why does it not work? More circumcision. More circumcision until one is female. The essence is lost.
What of God’s power, His glory? One becomes confused, bewildered by trials. Church? One drifts into self-cultivation. Yet all abundance resides in Jesus Christ. Paul penned Colossians because the Colossians were easily misled. They observed: Those people have arrived. See Paul’s suffering? He is ill; distrust him. We are superior! Such delusion arose because Paul suffered imprisonment. Was his arrest not deserved? If God were with him, would he be imprisoned? Such perplexities arise.
And these newcomers claimed to pray, to see visions, to hear God’s voice. Familiar, is it not? Hearing God's voice, seeing visions, constant prayer. Ah, I see Jesus. I see angels. Yet upon opening their eyes, none beheld. The speaker alone saw. And the effect? Aha, so spiritual. He saw Jesus, yet I did not. Competition for spirituality. I have witnessed this in the church, then and now. Neglecting the study of Colossians, of course? What use is seeing? Their minds remain filled with trash, does it not?
Once, I ministered with a brother to a couple with numerous issues. As we prayed, I and a district pastor leading, their minds filled with garbage. Then, the brother beside us spoke: During prayer, I saw Jesus standing behind you, placing His hands on your heads. The couple glared at him. Too many problems. Had Jesus touched me, I would not be as I am today.
Recently, some mystical individuals have claimed: I see Jesus behind you. Yet upon returning home, the problems worsened. Lies, mysticism, hence the glare. And I glared as well. Nonsense. If you see, why do I not? All I see are two demons. Which was true. So it goes. Not circumcision, but adherence to festivals.
Have you heard of churches observing the Feast of Tabernacles, Passover, all such things? Why are you not well? Failure to observe the Feast of Tabernacles. All this. Should one bother? Why bother with such trivialities? Is it not better to dwell in tents daily? Does our church observe the Sabbath? We observe it daily, enjoying God’s presence. Understand? Thus, in such a context, seeing the Colossians filled with confusion, the Apostle Paul wrote Colossians. People are fond of rituals.
I have witnessed people typing, blowing trumpets, waving flags. I once attended a trumpet-blowing, flag-waving event with brethren. New to us. They grasped each other, forming a circle, running and shouting. I gathered our brethren, who stood idly by. Come, let us join them. A kindergarten game, good exercise.
Useless, I knew, but we could not stand idly. I joined the circle, participating for fun. When my turn came to preach, I asked, “Those who are sick, raise your hands.” All hands rose. I asked, what was all that running about? A play? God's power was undermined, replaced by rituals. This is the background of this passage.
People often fixate on what they have seen, readily seeing and worshipping angels, feigning humility. Look at the calluses on my knees; I kneel seven hours daily. I should kneel eight. Jesus fasted for forty days; I will fast for forty-four. To what end?! He died on the forty-third. A true story. The person was known to me, nearby. Fixation on useless things.
Remember, brethren, all of the Old Testament points to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ points to the church. Jesus Christ is the head of the church, the church is the body of Christ. Thus, the New Testament speaks of building up the body of Christ. Abandon empty rituals: trumpets, flags, shouts, rolling on the ground. Our Father delights in all fullness dwelling in the body of Jesus Christ. Today, let us dispel these myths. Ah, speaking for forty minutes. Anyone watching the clock? Apologies. Patience, thank you.
V. Do Not Be Taken Captive by the World's Elementary Principles
The inherited and elemental things are not reliable. This is known as a breakdown in understanding. And because of this breakdown, one falls into these practices. Why is this so? For example, Jews versus Gentiles, the Old Covenant. Then, festivals, New Moons, the Feast of Tabernacles, Pentecost.
Recently, someone inquired, “Why twelve?” I rebuked them. God favors twelve. So what? Why ask that? What will you achieve? Focusing on that path, the power of God is lost. Then, circumcision, all these elemental things, mere outward appearances. These are all works-based. I have done this; you cannot say I have not.
In our businesses, employees often excel at shirking responsibility: Do not blame me. The boss inquires, “Why did this happen?” Because I did this and that, causing that. Excuses abound. But had they a boss like me, a once-lively squid would become cooked. I would ensure those barbs pierce you. I have methods. Do not think I do not. People think, “You cannot fault me.” Whether effective or not, they do not know, they do the required.
I dislike PPTs; they are for show. I prefer straightforwardness: What do you want to do? How will you do it? Someone typed: PPT, Piàn Piàn Tā” (骗骗他) meaning ‘fool him’. A façade. I once bought twenty gigabytes of templates online, a vast collection for eight Renminbi. Why? Because I worried that someone might present a PPT, and I would be able to respond, “Aha, I have seen that; I bought that package. In short, can we simplify this? What to do? How to do it? Does that not save time? If your boss likes PPTs, then by all means, create them well. For show.
Circumcision is troublesome. Imagine, we sit together. Brother, have you been circumcised? Yes. And I feel unsettled. I have not. I feel lacking, inferior. Problematic? Then, one falls during prayer. So spiritual, they always fall. And I never do. The pastor consoles me, Do not worry, brother, try again.
But no, your efforts to knock me over will not succeed. I will stand firm. Some are genuinely knocked down. By what? Who knows? They fall. Some ask, “Pastor, was I really knocked down?” I answer, “And then? Are you not still the same?” Cease pursuing such things. Attempt that amongst us, and I will pour cold water on it. Useless.
Two brothers: Have you been circumcised? Yes. You too? Yes, twice. I have only once. I will do it again. Next day: You did it again? I did it again. How many times now? Three. I must match five. Increasing the number to outdo each other until they are transformed. Destroyed. Senseless.
VI. Let No One Disqualify You, Insisting on Ascetic Practices
Today, I tell you, such angels, prophets, are potentially misleading. One woman could not conceive, but after prayer with us, she conceived. Yet, she left the church before the child's birth. Why? I spoke to her on the plane, and upon landing, she left the group. I learned the reason through private channels. Her prophet, a neighbor warned her about me. I had not deceived her; what was there to fear? So, she left the group.
There's also another one, who was with her. I was the one who made it impossible for her to conceive, but she later conceived and served another person, all with names and surnames, but I won't mention the names. And what was the other one like? Pain all over the joints, arthritis, rheumatic or something-type arthritis. Among us, I actually ministered to him and did a good job. In fact, when I was ministering to him, I had a strange experience. When I was leading him in prayer, with my hand on the table, I saw my hand, boom, bulge up with a hard lump. Huh? I thought, ministering to this person is quite interesting. Why did a lump bulge up in my hand? I didn't pay much attention to it, and it took several months for it to go down.
Then there was also a prophet next to this person's house. This person then said, You must be careful of this Pastor Liu, he's deceiving you. I didn't quite understand how I was deceiving them. I ministered well to him, didn't I? I didn't minister badly, did I? I was thinking, if they are prophets, wouldn't it be better to fix your rheumatism first? If they are prophets, can they fix the problem of not being able to have children? If they can't fix it, come to me. After I fix it for you, you go back and find the prophet. Then the prophet says bad things about me, and you believe it.
Isn't this Colossians and Corinthians all over again? Isn't it like Colossians and Corinthians? Galatians, Corinthians, it's all the same. Because what? They often see angels, in fact, they often see angels. How do these prophets deceive people? I tell you, if you want me to act fake, I can act more real than the real thing, do you believe it? Ah, ah, I saw an angel, with two white wings. Ah, ah, he's talking to me, he's telling me something, something, something. Actually, it's all me saying it, you know?
These people, I tell you, Christians love to pursue this stuff. It's dangerous for Christians to pursue this stuff. That's what happened in Colossae back then. Those in Colossae, they didn't know that the heaven Paul saw was even more than the heaven they saw. Paul was once caught up to the third heaven, but I won't tell you. I saw secret things, but I won't tell you. Why? Because telling you is useless. Even if I told you, could you verify it? I tell you, some people are very bad, especially those who seem to be a little spiritual.
Then there was a pastor who heard a sister had a nightmare. Wow, this is a prophetic dream. As a result, that sister was still living in fear ten years later when she met me. Then I said, What dream? Nonsense, throw it away. So you need to know why the Apostle Paul didn't talk about the things he saw in heaven. It's not that he didn't see them, because the Apostle Paul's epistles are completely devoid of these things. Why? Because these things are not needed, and these things cannot be photographed. Even now, if you take a picture with your phone, there's nothing. You saw an angel, why didn't you take a picture? So, don't be deceived by these things. I'm not easily deceived, it's hard to deceive me.
One day, I was sitting there praying, really. I had nothing to do at that time, so I liked to pray. Kneeling on the ground, the whole prayer mat, my legs really couldn't stand the long kneeling, so I just stubbornly knelt there praying. Every Tuesday, when the time came, I would go to pray. Praying, praying, praying, I was even fasting, I tell you, fasting. Praying, praying, praying, I saw a person, wearing a white robe, really three-dimensional, walking in from outside and kneeling next to me. Then he told me, I am Jesus.
He's Jesus? I wasn't born such a silly person. You say you're Jesus, so you are? Ah, you're wearing a white robe. And I didn't really care about him that much. I didn't care about him that much. I thought, how could Jesus have time to wander around? Anyway, that's my logic. I said, in the name of Jesus Christ, if you're fake, go away. Praying, praying, praying, the white robe fell off, turned into a wolf, and then the wolf left.
If today's Christians heard this, oh my goodness, they'd come back and tell me about Jesus, and what He said to you? This is not a sign of spirituality! This is boasting, this is bull, this is bragging, exaggerating the truth, this kind of thing can be easily fabricated. What speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues, what seeing visions, hearing voices, whether they heard it or not, I don't know, but I don't do it.
If you do it, don't come to me to show off. After you show off, I'll pour a bucket of cold water on you to sober you up. This is not a sign of spirituality. The sign of spirituality is in understanding, to be filled with the knowledge of God in spiritual wisdom and understanding! If you can't explain something clearly, then forget it, it's useless. If you really saw it, then thank God, if you didn't see it, then forget it. Because this thing doesn't represent anything, it doesn't explain anything. If you want to know, then know the power of God's glory.
Seven, Know The Power of God's Glory
You must know that our God is a God who performs miracles. I have so many stories to tell wherever I go. Even today, it still happens every three or five days. When we encounter it, we see God's power and God's glory manifested among us. Because I am filled with the knowledge of God's will in understanding. You must know that God's will is spiritual wisdom. God's will is for us to know in our hearts, to be fully acquainted with God in spiritual understanding and spiritual wisdom. If a person doesn't understand the spiritual world, and when you talk about the five loaves and two fish, he takes out his own bread and fish to eat, what is that? That's nonsense. And how do you explain that twelve baskets were filled? Can't explain it.
The spiritual realm is so real. From a young age, I lived in all kinds of supernatural events that fortune tellers can't explain. You can't use these people, even fortune tellers can't explain it. And those spirit mediums can't explain it even more. These things are simply impossible to explain. Today, brothers and sisters, you must know how real the spiritual realm is. In the spiritual world, our God is mighty, great, and awesome, a God who can solve problems. Remember, Chinese Mingding Destiny is about solving problems through God's power. Until now, which of our brothers and sisters' transformation has not been through God's power? All of them. So your faith should not be based on human wisdom, but on the power of God.
If a blind man sees, it's not about discussing whether it's the blind man's sin, or the sin of the blind man's father, or the curse of his ancestors, but to manifest the glory of God. If you make the blind man even blinder, that's troublesome. So until today, our God, through me and through those who minister among us, manifests such great glory. So let your faith be based not on human wisdom, but on the power of God! You must grasp this point. You say, Teacher, my illness hasn't gotten better yet. It will definitely get better! Why? Because the reason is very simple, it's God's will. I will definitely lead you. As long as there's still a breath left, we'll continue to deal with that thing.
I know God has good intentions for our bodies. I will never tell you, Oh, all things work together for good, even for those who get cancer. What kind of nonsense is that? Ah, I'm just filled with emotion. Good? Do you know the power of God? Today, I can't tell too many stories. There are so many stories to hear, and I'm not stingy. I don't come up and ask, Do you want to believe in Jesus? If you don't believe, then that's it. I'm definitely not like that. Do you want to be healed? Want to be healed! God's glory can be manifested. One after another, it's all of them.
Eight, Know the Abundance in Jesus Christ
If you read Colossians carefully, you will find that there is nothing虛 (empty/false) in it. Many people can't interpret it. Why can't they interpret it? It is that they don't think that there is all the abundance in Jesus Christ. God has caused all the abundance to dwell in Jesus Christ, all the wisdom is in Jesus Christ, all the abundance is in Jesus Christ, and all things are provided by God. Moreover, not only that, but God can also上尖下流的,倒在我们的怀里 (pour into our laps, pressed down, shaken together, and running over).
So some people say, Is this the gospel of grace? No. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has abundant glory. All things are provided by God, so among us, those who are eager to get rich, change that habit. Eager to change this thing, that thing, this problem, that problem, change these bad habits. Anxious? What's the rush? Isn't it? People are raised by heaven. God raises both good and bad people, let alone us. Money is not a problem either. In Jesus Christ, God will provide for us forever.
All our needs in this world are met in Jesus Christ, but people don't know it. Do you know it today? If you still don't know, I'll tell you. If you want me to demonstrate it, there are so many stories. It's not by your ability. Today, those among us who have received grace must know that the abundance of Jesus Christ has come upon you. You must know how abundant it is in Jesus Christ. Then some people say, No, I haven't! I'll tell you where the problem lies.
Nine, Know That The Church is God's Will
You must know that the church is God's will. Many people like to practice alone, it is useless. Many people do not know that in the church can we draw on God's promises. The church is the body of Jesus Christ. Until today, there are still many people who say, Jews and Gentiles are united as one, and do a lot of these things. Some people even go to Jerusalem, make a trip to Israel every year, and think they should pray for the peace of Jerusalem, but they are completely wrong. Jerusalem refers to the church. Some people say, Then he's very rich. No, he borrowed money to go.
The most important work of the church is shepherding. The work of shepherding is to restore the image of God in us. Then we must dedicate ourselves and do our best. If what you are pursuing is, Snap! I tell you, you can't do the work I do. The work I do doesn't have a, Snap! moment. The church is God's will. Did you get the point? Those who leave the church and practice alone, it is not uncommon to cultivate cancer. Don't practice alone. Know that building God's glorious church is our destiny. It is our vision. The church is the body of Jesus Christ. This is the concept that the Apostle Paul emphasized throughout the first to fourth chapters of Colossians. But this concept has been lost by many people.
Ten, Know That Suffering for The Church Is Glory
You must know that suffering for the church is glory. I ask you, is serving hard work or not? It is hard work. Then when people work hard, they shrink back, thinking: Oh, believing in the Lord is so peaceful! Believing in the Lord is so blessed! Oh, believing in the Lord is grace! I tell you, many people give testimonies about grace, but I tell you, receiving grace doesn't count, giving grace counts. Why have you received grace among us? It's not because you are spiritual. It’s because there is a group of people here who strive to serve Jesus Christ. Suffering for the church is a glory! So you don't need to be confused about Paul suffering for the church.
Do brothers and sisters know today? Who falls down that I am not anxious? Sometimes, for the sake of ministry, I often say: Laozi, Laozi, Laozi, quickly recover and be Laozi again. Actually, it's not. What's the point of being Laozi? I am willing to suffer for the church of Jesus Christ. This is my choice, to dedicate myself and do my best. My pastor's brother once said to me, when I was still a young brother, he said, I tell you, what is the best profession in the world? I said, What is the best profession? He said, The profession of pastor is the best! I said, How do you know? He said, My brother is one. His brother is a pastor. Listen to this, is this called dedication and doing your best? Is this suffering for the church? Lazy! A lazy ghost!
So, do you know? Can you shepherd God's flock and pay the price for God's flock? Like Jacob, who grazed his uncle Laban's sheep, there were no miscarriages, no such things, such things as being snatched by wolves, he would snatch them back. If they were caught by bears, they would be snatched back. I tell you, brothers and sisters, don't just talk about people. One of our sisters cried for a long time after her dog died. If a person does not know God in the spiritual understanding, how should we shepherd them? It is very hard. If an accountant doesn't do well, I learn accounting and teach him. If an HR person doesn't do well, I learn HR and teach him. It's hard work, how could it not be hard work?
Later, one of our sisters cried when someone else's dog died. It was terrible. Later, we asked her, What are you crying about? Did your father die? She said, No.” It was their dog that died. Ah, a soft heart. I tell you, if your heart is hardened, if you are not soft enough, if you don't have a heart of compassion, you can't do the work of shepherding. Don't be so hard-hearted. Of course, if a weasel comes, you have to know it's a weasel. Don't treat the dog you raise at home as a wolf.
Every time our brothers and sisters receive grace because of our ministry, I give glory to our God. Jesus Christ suffered for us on the cross. What does our suffering count for today? Coming to church is not to receive grace, but to serve. Our culture of service didn't start today. A long, long time ago, even taking a bottle of mineral water in the church required a donation of one yuan. I tell you, I wholesale it for two毛钱 (two cents). You say, Wow, you're good at making money. No, I want to train brothers and sisters to be people who give. It's not to come to church to retire, nor is it to come to church to receive grace. Coming to church is to receive the glory of God.
Eleven, Dedicating Our Best Is Our Duty
In this scripture from Colossians, the Apostle Paul speaks of dedicating ourselves and doing our best twice. Brothers and sisters, you may not have the opportunity to be by my side, but you must be able to clearly understand the message I am conveying. I have no lies. We should dedicate ourselves and do our best. These people in Colossae always want everything at once, how can they dedicate themselves and do their best? You must know that dedicating ourselves and doing our best is our duty. God has such glorious and abundant grace, that we should strive to pursue it.
Eating, drinking, and playing are certainly good, but eating, drinking, and playing are not my duty. I also thank God that from childhood to adulthood, I have not touched any of these things. I just like to work. Which company hires me, I am a good employee. Which boss finds an employee like me, that is a great grace. I am also a favor. Later, because of God, because of His miraculous favor, He gave me the opportunity to serve Him. I just like to serve, teach, and admonish everyone, leading people from the realm of understanding to the presence of God. Today, brothers and sisters, you are my testimony. Seeing the growth of brothers and sisters makes me happy in my heart, and no one can take this away.
Summary:
These things are not because of any feeling, but because I know God's will in my heart. But such service is such a grace. A life filled with God's glory, filled with the testimony of God's presence. Suffering a little is a joy; spending some energy is also a joy. I often don't know how to pamper myself. I'm not sad because I don't know how to pamper myself, but I long for the brothers and sisters to be able to know God in their minds every day, to know God's will in their hearts, to take many things lightly and know that many things are not important.
However, we have obtained this excellent blessing, and we have firmly grasped this excellent blessing, and we are willing to pay the price for it. May the sermon I preach inspire batches of brothers and sisters to be willing to run this glorious path, a life filled with God's glory. As long as we meet, we see the hope that comes from God, we are the ones who give people hope. May God bless everyone!
Let’s sing a hymn and prepare to receive today’s offering. If you do not understand the meaning of giving, please do not give. May God create within us a clean heart and enable us to fully know God in our understanding. Actually, I will tell you the truth, when I was preparing today’s sermon, I was very moved, really very moved. I thank God for choosing me to serve Him. Today, brothers and sisters, you must know that this place is a place where God’s glory dwells, this is God’s temple and the gate of heaven. Come here and offer yourselves as a living sacrifice, no longer living in confusion, but living in God’s glory. If you do not understand the meaning of offering, please do not offer.
Place our hearts before God, so that we can be praised by God as faithful and good servants. We finally know God, we finally have the opportunity to trust in the Lord. Let this path lead to God's glory, triumphing in the spiritual world! No longer using our own will to replace God's will, but using God's will to replace our will. In faith, I have already seen that many people will be blessed because of you, and in the future many people will be your testimony. Come before God that we can give an account to God, being a person who gives, a person who gives away. If there is still nothing to give, quickly find something. The best thing is the glorious power of God, a ministry that is filled with God’s glory. You must know that the blind can see and the lame can walk. Because of you, many people will be blessed and the curse of poverty on our lives will be broken!
Everyone raise your hands and let us recite the Lord’s Prayer together: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, for the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen!