I. Introduction

Good day to all! Today I'd like to share with you a topic that is especially close to my heart: Faith! At the core of one's character lies faith. You will observe that those with a strong character are, in essence, individuals of great faith. And conversely, those who possess unwavering faith tend to exhibit strong character. Brothers and sisters, today marks the final installment of our series on Mingding Destiny and character, a journey that has spanned nine sessions. Frankly, I hadn't anticipated delving into such length, but as we progressed, I discovered the profound interconnectedness between the tenets of Chinese Mingding Destiny and the development of our character. Have we exhausted the subject? Perhaps not entirely. However, I intend to revisit and enrich these discussions as opportunities arise in the future. Today, we conclude with a discourse on: Faith!

Faith is the linchpin of character. I encourage you, if you are so inclined, to conduct a simple experiment with your children. You will notice that when their confidence blossoms, it is reflected in their demeanor – they become more resilient and exhibit more distinctive personalities. Conversely, when their confidence falters, they become more vulnerable. You'll find that when confidence wanes, troubles follow. And indeed, many mothers inadvertently undermine the confidence of their children, a rather peculiar phenomenon. The roles we play – mothers, sons – often fall short of their potential, indicative of a broader need for guidance.

Thus, the work of the Church carries significant weight! You see, our Chinese Mingding Destiny has its own definition of faith. Why is this so? Because much of what is considered faith is, in reality, a spurious faith, a far cry from the faith described in the Holy Scripture. As a consequence, the outcomes produced by such faith are rendered futile. As an engineer by training, I am acutely aware of the inadequacy of something that is dysfunctional or simply does not work.

Do you understand why people experience joy? It's because of faith. Why do they endure with patience? Because of faith. Why do they possess character? Because of faith. These are fundamental truths to grasp! Why do people unravel complexities? Because they have faith. Therefore, for your understanding to be clear, your foundation must be built on faith. As many of you know from project management, many projects fail because of a lack of character. But if you can successfully complete a project, it is because you possess a certain character, the core of which is faith. I therefore urge you to cultivate character, to be people of faith.

And the faith I speak of is the faith as defined by Chinese Mingding Destiny: the faith of Abraham. Why do people find life so burdensome? Are there those among us who feel weighed down? It is due to a lack of Abraham's faith. Why do people suffer from headaches? Today, we prayed for those afflicted with headaches. Why do they experience shortness of breath? Why do they suffer from gastrointestinal pain or cancer? Why do their vision fail? Because they are not walking the path of Abraham's faith. Abraham did not suffer from headaches, nor did he succumb to cancer, gastrointestinal pain, or blindness. Why? Because he was Abraham.

Therefore, with the faith of Abraham, you will live a life of abundance, you will live freely, you will live with great ease, and you will become individuals of strong character. How much importance do people place on faith today? Some are truly peculiar: I cannot manage this task, Teacher. What is the issue? I've been rather busy with work of late, they say. Busy with what? You can always find time, you simply lack faith.

I tell you, with this faith, you will live a life of extraordinary quality, a life of vibrancy. But we do not simply desire a vibrant life; we are not striving for mere vibrancy. It is not simply about aspiring to a vibrant life in order to achieve it. It is only through living freely, through embracing the faith of Abraham, that you will undoubtedly experience vibrancy.

Do you know that more than two decades ago, by my own assessment, I contracted cancer? Although I did not seek a formal diagnosis, I experienced all the symptoms associated with the disease. And yet, I did not die. I took no sick leave, nor did I consult a doctor. What am I conveying to you? How is it that I did not succumb? The reasons are not easily understood by many. Please, do not emulate my actions, for you are you, and I am I. I do not wish for you to adopt my approach after hearing my testimony, for you are not me. Because I am not particularly attached to life, whereas you may cherish it, how can our circumstances be the same?

I would often think, Let me just die, let me just die. Let me rest, let me rest. In Chinese culture, death is often referred to as rest. I did not have such a strong desire to live. I did not have the same strong desire for living that many people have. I did not die. You can not always swallow that last breath, some people just pass away, but I did not pass away. Last year, I contracted COVID-19, a truly life-threatening experience. But I could not swallow my last breath How could this be? Some may take my story as a jest, but I assure you, it is far from humorous; it is the reality. Delta, that variant is rather formidable. As a result, I experienced fever and severe difficulty in breathing. Please, do not follow my example. You cannot emulate me because I have Abraham's faith. You must understand, if you cling tightly to life, do not follow my lead. Only those who are detached from life can learn from me. Consequently, I did not seek medical attention. However, I did act responsibly, confining myself strictly within my home, maintaining isolation, and yet, I did not die.

One couple, a sister and a brother, remarked, He cannot die. (though it was nearly so.) Why can he not die? Because his work, his position, cannot be replaced. His Mingding Destiny has yet to be fulfilled. In truth, I am not overly concerned with its fulfillment. Later, someone wrote a poem for me, titled Already Let Go. Understand that consistently desiring death, yet failing to succumb, is a peculiar state to be in. I simply long to rest from earthly labors, to be with the Lord, which is infinitely better.

As you know, I neither sought hospital care nor underwent intubation. Why? Because enduring life with tubes and ventilators is an arduous existence. Not character but faith is at play. I have faith. You might think I would go to the hospital, but I do not, why would I do that to myself? I do not want them to put more tubes in me, and not be able to remove them, that would be troublesome! Why would I involve myself in those matters? Because I have faith. As of now, a dear friend of mine has been battling COVID-19 since last month. Experiencing breathing difficulties, he sought hospital care and was admitted to the ICU. Following admission to the intensive care unit, he underwent artificial lung ventilation and intubation, with tubes inserted into his armpit and a tracheostomy created for another tube. Oh, my goodness! The photograph depicted a near-lifeless figure, a sight most unsettling! If you were to ask me, I would never undergo such a procedure; why would I subject myself to that?

I ask you, can demons contend against a person of such character? Can demons challenge me? Therefore, it is essential to recognize today that many Christians pray for intubation. Some time ago, I received a prayer request: Teacher, would you pray for so-and-so to be intubated? I responded, why pray for such a thing? Why do we not pray for an earlier death instead? I have observed that people are reticent to embrace death. Why intubation? Because they are unwilling to die. How can someone unwilling to die truly live? Teacher, pray for my chemotherapy. To such messages, I respond with simple acknowledgments—'ah,' 'yes,' 'okay.' What is there to pray for? Prayers for continued life are, in my view, futile. Over time, I have witnessed the passing of one individual after another. On one occasion, I remarked to my colleague, Ah. He replied, Another death? Who? I responded with another name, to which he queried, Another death? Then, I mentioned another, prompting his exclamation, Still alive?

At times, my interactions with my colleagues have become somewhat humorous. Why humorous? Because the question frequently revolves around who has passed away. As of now, my friend remains in the ICU, grappling with mortality. In my own case, I would never subject myself to such a place. Differences in mindset, character, destiny, aspirations, and outcomes all stem from one's individual nature. And the outcomes of prayer vary as well. My life is in God's hands, not in the hands of the ICU. My life does not depend on medication; it is sustained by the Spirit of God. I tell you, during my illness, devoid of other options, I devoted my time to prayer. With closed eyes and labored breathing, I prayed in tongues, a comforting practice. Unfortunately, my dear friend does not share this blessing.

Our Chinese Mingding Destiny understanding of faith begins with the observation that many prayers in the Church go unanswered. Why do these prayers fail? Yet, I observe that these individuals possess great faith! Why do their prayers remain unanswered? God, please help me to be successfully intubated. Alas, their prayers are often unsuccessful. God, please help me to successfully complete chemotherapy. Upon hearing such prayers, I imagine God on His throne, weary of hearing such requests. I find it perplexing that people are so intent on clinging to life.

I have come to realize that faith manifests in various forms. However, the faith of Abraham is the faith we espouse. The Chinese Mingding Destiny definition of faith is exceptional. We aspire to usher in a new era of Christian transformation, redefining salvation to align more closely with Scripture, and redefining faith to be more in line with the Bible.

For instance, some individuals offer testimonials that are truly fascinating. One speaks of a paralyzed father confined to bed for years, a circumstance that has left his daughter exhausted and overwhelmed. Let me tell you, caring for a paralyzed patient entails the management of all bodily functions, a demanding and consuming task. When her father appeared to be nearing death, her prayers revived him, proving quite efficacious. Yet, upon meeting me, she lamented her father's condition, expressing her fatigue. I could empathize with her sense of anxiety. I observed that whenever her father was near death, she would pray for his recovery, a repetitive cycle. Has God not answered your prayers? So then, why the complaint? Perhaps it is time to approach things differently, I suggested.

When the time came once again for her father to pass, she prayed and his life was sustained. And yet again when they met, she complained over this. I said before do not become upset with this but the truth is that both the father, and the mother were suffering. Why not ask God to take him away.

Many among you may not understand this. How can this be possible? Because my perspective on life differs from that of many others; my perspective aligns with that of Abraham. How many can truly comprehend the essence of life? Few. My missionary friend, a devoted servant of God, has he fully grasped it? I am uncertain. Which gospel do you preach? Why has no one ever prayed for an early death? I find it perplexing and continue to ponder over these details. It appears that life here on Earth is truly the thing. So if only we can have hope in the things of this age, but I will remain and pray that we will die soon.

Some say your husband accompanies you every day to the hospital and attends to your needs, and some would even utter if I did not have him I would not have become like that.

I thank God that I am able to come and know the truth. I thank God for saving me from some of that tribulation. 20 years ago I would have been a person on a ventilator. My sights are not on this world, rather they are set on things above, my faith is the faith of Abraham, I am referring to the one which is spoken of in the Bible.

Modern science is so strong, now I will rant so do not come for me. Nowadays, the companies are all about 10 billion, 100 billion, 1000billion, or even in the trillions, science is so strong. So strong an apple company that makes a lot of money. But it is not immoral for businessman to make lots of money. you feel happy when you buy it, so they also feel happy since they are making money! but let me ask you, this science, this medical advancement tortures the person both alive and dead. how much it costs to be in ICU, 5k to 10k SGD. Now if I was in their management I would order my staff to keep the person alive, so that the revenue will keep coming in. Do you understand? They are alive to serve as money to be made. If I was in the management I would say that my goal is morality through wealth. You want to earn my money it is hard, since I will not come.

The reason why our prayers are effective is because we see the spiritual and secular through it, we can see it, because is the truth that Abraham possessed the faith. I am thankful for the life of Abraham, and because of him, I will be going to visit and bless two men up in heaven, this one is Abraham and for the road that you have made for faith, you are the Father in this world. And I am thankful I never put my hopes in this Earth because is I learn about Abraham. 2nd Is Paul. And because he does not hold the hopes in this world, instead he has a strong desires to be with God. How many are like that? And yet because of the pain of the world, not just for those suffering but also for me in my flesh, so that one day we will join them in heaven.

Brothers and Sister, here is my advice. Do not have luxury in this world, for we can only have disappointment, depression and sin! I thankful never have that to seek help. If someone ask, I will pray for us to leave this world! I was asked why I would say things like this, and because it is you whom is not tired of living, but I long do be there. We will know about the world's tribulation.

So look at the verse with each other, and tell yourself, to leave with him is good. Some are already tired. It is good that we can see past it, no need for money nor wealth. I realize that Abraham is rich, and in him there is richness, and for me it is fine, since I will become richer too. Now we will look at today's world, which will make you think about the verses of Abraham and Paul.

II. Scripture

As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” (Romans 4:17-18)

III. Prayer

O God, today, let us inherit the faith of Abraham. Today, let us be like Abraham, no longer placing our hopes in this world, but building our hopes on the foundation of faith in You. Let our faith be like the faith of Abraham, believing that You are the God who raises the dead to life and calls into existence that which does not yet exist. O God, Abraham is our father. The path we tread is the path of Abraham. Our hope lies in the hope of eternity. You have said, So shall your offspring be. O God, we are the offspring of Abraham. We inherit Your promise. The promises of God are faithful in Jesus Christ. O God, may Your promises be fulfilled in our lives. May we have a crown of glory reserved for us in eternity, so that we may be prepared to see Your face. When we meet You, may we receive that glorious praise! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

IV. Scripture Background

We should best understand the Book of Romans, or at the very least, be amongst those who understand the Book of Romans best. Why is that? Because the events in Romans are very very pertinent to the Chinese Mingding Destiny. The details of faith in Romans are super clear, but throughout history not many truly understood it.

In the period of Paul, one place in Rome consists of a Church, but the gospel that the church is preaching is not Paul's version. Because the old gospel that has been proclaimed. The theological basis under Peter and James is not the same as Paul. This had a vast widespread effect on those during that time.

The Roman church is not the roman church of today, but is the Roman church of the time of Paul. Because within the Roman church back then consists of lots of doubts. So what doubts? That the Gospel is supposed to spread power, but why is there no power? So in this powerful Gospel why is there no power? Apostle Paul understands the Roman. Because of this Apostle Paul writes in response to the Roman. Paul starts and mentions he is proud of the gospel, the gospel will save those who believe.

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)

The doubts of the Roman are too much, one of the main reasons is that the Gospel does not have power. Because of this the interpretations of Apostle Paul are so good that it goes beyond that of the Roman understanding of God, because of something lacking in the the cognition of those Roman. This is why it is revealed through God's wrath, and revealed of God's divine powers. With the unveiling from God's wrath to the roman produces many issues, with why some praying is just not effective.

The verses mentions on relying to Jews, because there is no new testament yet, only the old testament at the time. If you happen to unearth it you have to read it like genesis, but during that time no many can understand the contents of genesis. Later the genesis became law rather than faith. The road to faith existed and started with Abraham, and still to rely to the law, therefore even today's churches are the same, just it is written in the Bible but not many understand.

Now we will clear more on faith, people who wants to come before God, but there is nothing there, it is all meaningless and has none. If it is not perfect, even if they start attending the Sunday services. You think they are there just to meet friends. If he makes effort and the life is good and puts down the chairs. So the life is good until all the way to be a blind to lead the blind.

Now what if we make our life better by living? The thing is that we make it through the surface, look at others' behaviour, then I want to follow too, this is a lie. If you do it then I will be very very touch, then you are making fools of other preachers. From the back the person is still is the same. Yesterday is yesterday can it become today? Yesterday is a devil can it become an angel? Not a thing, it is just wearing a new coat. A wolf can be a sheep? It can't, there is no such thing as a dog becoming a cat, instead there are a number of wolves in sheep's clothing. Later in one will not judge, just by looking the acts you will understand it.

Because of this, Rome became like this, if anyone says about this behaviour, it is useless. Why are people so shocked, and why is the power of God being doubted?

====输出开始
What hope does he have in this world? His hope is in eternal life! Once he believes that there is no eternal life and no God, nothing makes sense. Can you imagine? Abraham was over seventy years old, childless, and had not taken a concubine. He could have easily done so, having access to many women, because he had the wealth. He did not pursue it because he felt it was meaningless. Later, his grandson Jacob, in his seventies, did not pursue romance or marriage until he herded sheep for his uncle Laban and then married and had children. Why? Because he had no hope in worldly matters. If you have hope in this world, you are in trouble. Can that work? If you rely on that, you are in trouble.

Therefore, the God Abraham believed in is the God who raises the dead and brings into being what does not exist. Can you understand that? Who believes in such a thing? You believe God can raise the dead? Have you seen it? So why believe in that? Why believe in that? Because death is the end for everyone. If this issue is not resolved, what is the point of living without eternal life? It is better to die sooner! Therefore, Abraham still had hope. What was his hope? His hope was in God's promise. It is hard for us to understand when God speaks to Abraham! But today, the paper I am presenting is another new paper, with new understandings and insights into the Bible. Have you all noticed that? It has exhausted me, having to come up with fresh things every day!

Because what did God say to Abraham? Your descendants will be enslaved in Egypt for four hundred years. What kind of talk is that? If you or I heard that, we would not understand. My descendants will be enslaved in Egypt for four hundred years; it sounds like something is not right. But Abraham listened with great interest! And after four hundred and thirty years, they will come out and enter the promised land. If Abraham were an ordinary person, I would say, I will be dead and turned to ashes; what does it have to do with me? I have seen through life and death; what does it have to do with me? No, Abraham believed that he would personally witness his descendants entering the promised land, you know? Because the God Abraham believed in is the eternal God. Everyone is now beginning to understand: when Abraham heard God speaking to him, he gladly received it because he was not living for this life but for eternal life. In this life, his hope had long been extinguished.

If you still have many hopes in this life, your prayers are not effective. He sought glory in eternity. What is so great about four hundred years of slavery in exchange for God's glory? This slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory, that hope in eternal life. Today, brothers and sisters, you now understand my behaviour patterns. My behaviour patterns are somewhat like Abraham because Abraham is my father and my ancestor. With this faithful God, Abraham's life was extremely exciting and blessed, turning misfortune into good fortune. If you are someone who pursues glory in eternity, someone who carries the same faith as Abraham, someone who has no hope in this life but only hopes in God in eternity, I tell you, you are a blessed person, and you turn misfortune into good fortune. Today, brothers and sisters, I want to completely shatter your dreams in this life. What is the point of this life? Not much. It would be good if everyone understood that!

Later, in Romans, the Apostle Paul talks about joy, patience, and character, not in this life, but based on the foundation of Abraham's faith. So later, he described the flesh within people, the sin within people, this hope for this life, and the pursuit of eternity in the spiritual realm, constantly struggling there. The Christians in Rome were confused by this: I am always struggling inside; sometimes I pursue worldly dreams and feel bad, and sometimes I pursue eternal dreams and feel good. Oh, it is frustrating! Is that not the confusion of Christians today? Today, Chinese Mingding Destiny will bring a Christian transformation in this generation, also through Romans. Sometimes we just lie down, and then we get up again. We lie down again and then get up again, constantly doing sit-ups, living anxiously and tiredly!

So Paul proposed: Who do you obey? What do you really believe in? Who do you ultimately obey? If you choose to obey the Holy Spirit and obey God, God will become the strength in your heart, and you will obtain a victorious gospel. Only this victorious gospel can remove people's confusion. Today, the Jesus Christ we believe in is the God who makes us victorious! Amen! Because we have seen the crown of glory prepared for us by God in eternity. Today, brothers and sisters, we must remove the many confusions within us. This is the victorious gospel. Later, there were many Christians who were not victorious. In Romans, Paul mentioned another very interesting thing. Do you know what the very interesting thing is? God’s election. Everyone has the opportunity to go back and read Romans again.

God's election, belief, and unbelief sometimes seem like a very miraculous thing. Such a simple and straightforward principle, but some people cannot hear it. God's purpose is not to turn these unbelievers into believers but to bring God's people into God's kingdom, to bring those with the same faith as Abraham into God's kingdom. Only Abraham's descendants can be brought into God's kingdom. If you still have hope in this life, you are not Abraham's descendants. Do you hear that clearly? Later, Paul said to offer ourselves to God, and that is destiny, from today until forever and ever, living in Jesus Christ.

Today, brothers and sisters, you need to know one thing: if you are in vain in this world, what should you do? Offer yourself to God, obey God, and God's Spirit will become the strength in our hearts and become all our reliance. I tell you, you will never lack anything, how confident! Not because you work hard, but because you trust God, do according to God's word, and then do the work.

## V. Abraham's Faith

The gospel we believe in is an effective gospel. Why? Because our faith is the faith of Abraham. So, the Christians in Rome, after reading this, said, Ah, so that is how it is; we were all wrong. If today's Christians hear what we are saying, Hmm, yes, we were all wrong. Do we still have hope in this life?

This gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, but many people's belief is not the faith of Abraham, so there is no way to save them. Because Abraham's faith is to raise the dead and bring into being what does not exist. Can you believe to that extent? You cannot believe it, and that is your fate. Originally, God's plan was to make Abraham and his descendants a great nation, absolutely not other descendants, but those who inherit Abraham's kind of faith are to become a great nation. What is called a great nation? Can everyone understand what a great nation is? A great nation has the responsibility of a great nation; a great nation has the mentality of a great nation. Destiny is to become a blessing to all nations and peoples on earth; that is a great nation mentality. It is not to cut leeks among all nations and peoples on earth, do you understand? We are to become a blessing to people. God will make our name great to bless others.

If you carry the faith of Abraham, you are to bless others. What is called blessing others? It is to enable others to also have the same faith as Abraham; that is called blessing others. God's plan was revealed in Abraham's time and is revealed again today, letting us know that according to Abraham's faith, there is no hope in this life, so we pursue a hope in eternity, and then this gospel becomes a powerful gospel. Why is it that when you come among us today, prayers are effective? Why? Because this is the place of Abraham's descendants, where the faith of Abraham is inherited.

Abraham's faith is in the God who raises the dead and brings into being what does not exist. He believes not in other things but in the One who raises the dead and brings into being what does not exist. Therefore, in this place, we no longer seek worldly things; we seek heavenly things. We seek heavenly things in the world, and as a result, God also satisfies worldly things. So when you come among us, you will find, Oh, my finances have improved. Why? Because this place seeks the faith of Abraham.

## VI. Abraham Had No Hope in This World

If you have hope, you are in trouble; if all your hope is in this world. You say, Teacher, what business should I do? I say, Do whatever business you like. You say, Teacher, which job should I choose? I say, Do whatever job you like. You say, Teacher, which industry should I be in? I say, Be in whatever industry you like. You say, What kind of talk is that? Can you give me some decent advice? I say, If I give you some decent advice, it is to let you have no hope in this life; if you have hope in this life, you are more pitiable than the people of the world. When I see Christians who really want to live, I feel very sad, that is, Christians who pray and pray to live.

Some time ago, I ministered to a cancer patient from Singapore, a good friend of mine. Oh, he wanted to live so much that he suddenly rushed to the hospital, thinking the hospital could solve his problem, but recently, he died last month, dying miserably. All the arguments were based on this life. I said, Are you living under a curse? He said, Look, my business is not bad. But many unbelievers also have good businesses, so brothers and sisters, do not have hope in the world.

Someone types and asks, What about faith, hope, and love? What is faith? Abraham's faith. What is hope? Abraham's hope. What is love? It is God's love. Slowly you have to figure it out. You think that faith, that hope, that love of yours might just end up on the opposite side and become enemies of God, right? So brothers and sisters, when you see Christians who want to live, you know they have got it wrong. Sometimes I am also very emotional. When someone gets a little better, they think things are about to turn around, and then they are overjoyed. What are you happy about? You are happy too early, right? And worrying about the children, in fact, without you, God will still take care of your children, does everyone understand that? Sometimes, without a doting mother, the child still has hope.

Sometimes I wonder, God is fortunate to have taken away his mother, otherwise, the child would have been ruined by his mother. Are you saying that I said something that hurt some people's feelings? You think as a mother you are constantly transmitting bitterness, constantly transmitting complaints, constantly transmitting negativity, constantly transmitting this thing, are you not cursing your children? Where is the child's future? The future is completely ruined by you. So sometimes, for the sake of your children, it is better for God to take you away. You worry about your children, but God is even more worried about your children; God is even more worried about you ruining your children; you do not need to worry.

The church is arranging introductions, having children, and organising activities. Later, I thought about it and realised they are all preaching the gospel of this life. What are they doing? Why are they so hopeful in this world? Everyone now needs to know that our church does not have this kind of thing. Why? Abraham's faith? Abraham's faith treats these things in the world as having no hope; what are we doing with that kind of thing?

So some people come and say, Teacher, I want to find a boyfriend. I said, there is a physical church over there, that is a physical church of two thousand people, that is a physical church of five thousand people, and there is a physical church of ten thousand people. There are quite a few foreigners in that church. If you want to find a foreigner, marrying a foreigner is also very good. Later, she really listened to my suggestion and went there. After a while, she said, It's pretty good. I said, That's good, go in peace. Why? Because we do not do this here, and God does not really give you the opportunity.

What are people pursuing? The plane we are on is flying to the kingdom of heaven. Where is the plane you are on flying to? I am going to that heaven in the east, and you are going to that heaven in the west. Can we take the same plane? Oh, I am emotional. Abraham had no hope in this world; can you listen to that? If Abraham had no hope in this world, you would say, why was he so rich? It is because he had no hope, so God made him rich. OK? You say, Ah, that's how it is. You think about it and say, OK, I also have no hope in the world. Fake, why? Because having no hope in the world is like Abraham becoming rich? Still for this little bit of worldly stuff, still for that wealth.

So I think everyone needs to know today, why is our church's prayer effective? Because there is that kind of character that Abraham's faith brings, that kind of character is not having hope in this life. So everyone now understands that if couples have problems and come to me, I will not mediate to determine who is right and who is wrong; I do not have that kind of time. You say, What do you do then? I break their hope in this world. You say there is no hope in this world, but there is hope in eternity. If the two of you find each other pleasing to the eye, then you find each other pleasing to the eye; if you do not, then you do not. If you want to live together, then live together; if you do not want to live together, then live separately. Marriage is like not being married, the married man is like not being married, the married woman is like not being married, if there are children, then there are children; if there are no children, then that's it.

Some time ago, someone said on U (English), no children. Why? Her husband's genitals were broken from a fall when he was young, and he might have been sewn up during the surgery or something. Then I said, if there are no children, then there are no children. She said, if there are no children, how can we glorify God? Abraham's faith can glorify God? Right? Do children glorify God? Later, I found that many Christians had children, and after having children, did they glorify God? No, they did not glorify; what are they glorifying?

## VII. The Hope Abraham Sought Was the Hope in Eternity

Abraham began to seek the hope in eternity before Genesis chapter 12, verse 1. What was he seeking before that? It was the hope in eternity. If there is no hope in this life, what should we do? We will seek a hope in eternity, and you will find that there are many things he cares about and many things he does not care about. I ask you, if Abraham really got sick, would he have a tube inserted? No, he does not care much about this kind of thing; he would not go to the ICU, he would not have a tube inserted, right? Save it. How good it would be to see God sooner? He does not care about many things. He does not care if his wife is taken away, he does not care whether he should marry a concubine, he does not care whether he has children.

I think this person is amazing; Abraham's faith is really amazing. It seems like he does not care about taking care of his father in his old age? Why? Take care of him. Anyway, I have no hope. You have no hope in living either. You live and live and then die, that's it. You live and live and then you die, and what if you die? If you die, then do not do anything about it. Does everyone know that catchphrase I say? This time you know that it came from Abraham. Although Abraham is not from Northeast China, he might have said something in the Northeast dialect. I will speak about Abraham in the Northeast dialect. It is easy to deal with when a person dies. I tell you, everything that does not involve death is a small matter. So, Abraham is like this; you thought I invented it? I learned it from Abraham. And everything that involves death is not a matter; it is nothing. That's how Abraham does it: Who died? Died, so what.

One day my mother took my hand, tears streaming down her face, and said, What if Mom dies. I said, What's wrong? She thought I would hug her and say, Mom, you can't die. She thought I would say that? To her surprise. I said, What do you want to do? I don't even care about my own death, why would I care about your death? Forget it, stop doing this and get up, do whatever you should do, can you still read the Bible? She said, Yes. I said, Read a passage. After she recited it, the tears were gone, and she was happy. Hey, this trick of mine is pretty effective? Right, my trick is effective? Amazing. If it were an ordinary person, I guess, don't type, I guess it's you, you would definitely hug your mother's head and say, Mom, you can't die. The two of you would be howling and crying, full of BS. Why is this happening? Because there is no hope in this life, my hope is in eternity. I said, Mom, even if I tie you to the wings of an airplane, I will take you to the kingdom of heaven, to God's blessing. She said, Really? I said, That's right. She said, No way. I said, If you don't, I'll punish you for being naughty. Everyone slowly ponder.

Later, why did Abraham care about having children again? Does everyone know? Because God said that I would give you a son, and I would give you this son who would really have sons; because he originally did not want a son, it was good not to have children. Ishmael was what his wife said, let's try a miracle, since God promised to give us a son, then I will give Hagar to you, and maybe that's who it will be. Later, Abraham really had Ishmael, and then God said it was not him. Actually, Abraham did not take it too seriously. Later, Ishmael was driven away, and he did not take it too seriously either. Abraham's behaviour is beyond your imagination, do not underestimate him. As a result, Isaac was born. Oh, this is the promise God gave. Wow, my God really brings into being what does not exist. Later, he offered Isaac to God. Can you understand that? Doesn't matter, having this one or not having this one, it's all the same; God can raise up descendants for Abraham from stones. Good, this is Abraham.

## VIII. Following Abraham's Faith Is the Way to Be Abraham's Descendant

Following Abraham's faith is the way to be Abraham's descendant. Come, I will read it to you. We read verse 17 earlier; let's read verse 16 again:

> Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. (Romans 4:16)

So today we are talking about following Abraham's faith. You ask, is this effective? It is effective. How do you know? I have tried it; how can I not know? How did I get here? I walked this path of Abraham's faith. God is effective, God's power is revealed, God's promise is there, God's promise in Jesus Christ, in the victorious church, is all faithful. We have to build the church right.

If you are not one of Abraham's group, who knows which group you are in? Maybe you are in Esau's group, maybe you are in Amalek's group, or maybe you are in Egypt's group. Then you can do whatever you want. Actually, the church needs to be cleaned up. Our pastors should start cleaning up and see what these are. If our pastors still have hope in the world, it would really be a small problem. It's like getting on an airplane, don't get on the wrong plane. If you hijack my plane again, I'm heading east, and you hijack it to the west, wouldn't that be a problem?

So this gospel is the power of God because it has the faith of Abraham, believing that God is the one who raises the dead and brings into being what does not exist. Such faith can see the power of God. Can you see the power of God in our midst today? If you can see the power of God, if you have also experienced the power of God, and begin to destroy your dreams in this life, and destroy your hopes in this life, then you will begin to become a person of character. This faith is a character. This is a very important character. If the foundation is not effective, if the foundation is destroyed, what can the righteous do?

Why is our prayer effective? Because we follow Abraham's faith. We are going to bring about a new era of Christian transformation, which is Abraham's faith. I think we Chinese, physically speaking, seem to be descendants of Abraham, because some of Abraham's sons, the children born from Keturah, went east, and we don't know if they went to China. We don't know, this is just a guess. But that doesn't matter.

In this generation, God wants to raise up this small group of people, to become followers of Abraham, to become blessings to this generation, and to pass on Abraham's faith. This powerful gospel will be restored here in Chinese Mingding Destiny, and Chinese Mingding Destiny will bring about a new era of transformation in this generation. This generation will see God's glory because of us, and see the powerful gospel that the Apostle Paul mentioned in Romans. In fact, it has already been revealed.

> For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. (Romans 1:16)

This gospel will save everyone who believes, that is, those who follow Abraham's faith. In fact, it is: first to the Jew, then to us Chinese. Because the righteousness of God is revealed in this gospel. This righteousness is from faith to faith. We Chinese are very excited to be used by God in this generation. God will use us Chinese in this generation, and God will raise up the Chinese in this generation, to become blessings to all nations and peoples on this earth.

## IX. Conclusion:

I want to make a conclusion, what to conclude? It has all been explained clearly, following Abraham's faith, not having hope in this life, this life originally has no hope. If you live and your head is full of thoughts about living this life: husband, children, work this, or that, green hat, red hat, looking down on your husband this or that, your head is full of buzzing, your ears are ringing, your eyes are blind, your nose is not working well, your stomach has tumours, what are you trying to achieve? That is the price of having hope in this life, the return of having hope in this life.

Let us completely destroy the false things within us. If what you pursue is only the hopeful things of this life, then that faith is not Abraham's faith. Our brothers and sisters need to know for sure that you have come to Chinese Mingding Destiny not because of other things, but because of God's wonderful arrangement, not to let you pursue worldly blessings, but to let you be raised up by God in this generation, to be able to spread Abraham's faith! What Abraham cares about, we also care about. What Abraham does not care about, we also do not care about. Become a person with Abraham's kind of character. If your emotions are not stable, if you have Abraham's character, you will definitely be very stable. May God bless everyone!

Let's sing another song and prepare to receive today's offering. If you do not understand the meaning of offering, please