Summary: The Prosperity Gospel is quite a popular brand of Christianity especially in recent times. It is quite controversial in the Christian community. The message is often appealing, as it is about prosperity – “God wants to bless you”, “God wants to show you favour”, “God wants to give you liberty”, “God wants to give you hope!”. None of these words are wrong in themselves. Blessing is good, liberty from the Lord is good, to have hope is good. If we go and listen to these people, it is very similar to inspirational speakers. Very motivational. But is it founded on the sound truth – the Word of God? This evening, we will look at two examples.

Summary: The book of Joshua begins by saying in v1 - “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord”. The first message from this book is the death of Moses. When God opened His mouth, He started by saying, “Moses, My servant is dead.” What is the significance of the death of Moses? Moses was one whom God spoke to face to face. He was different from all the other prophets. How was Joshua supposed to succeed Moses and lead the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan?

Summary: When I put aside my usual self, who am I? When I lose my riches and abilities, who am I? When I am without help and lose my mobility, who am I? When I lose my beauty, who am I? When my soul departs from my body, who am I?
I have a body that can be seen but inside this visible body is an invisible soul. I have a temporary life but I also have eternal life. I am a man full of contradictions and my actions and thoughts are often in contrast. When I have high blood pressure, I take medication because I am afraid to die, yet when I see delicious food, I eat without worrying about my life. I have the spirit of God in me but my thoughts and actions are as though I do not know God.
Main points:

1. I am a son but still a sinner
2. I have the Holy Spirit but also human lust
3. Besides my flesh, I also have a soul

Summary: The book of Joshua records the history of the Israelites conquering the land of Canaan. This history also describes the journey of their faith. Their journey of faith into the land of Canaan can be referred to to guide our journey of faith to heaven. What kind of journey is it? It is not only a journey in which we have to fight, but also a journey of faith.

1. To follow His commandments immediately
2. To keep His commandments fully
3. To be patient and keep His commandments to the end

Summary:
The world may view gentleness as a weakness, but in church, it is a virtue. We learn the following from four Bible characters:
1. Moses: The most humble man on earth still spoke rashly and sinned. The next time we’re angry, hold our tongues and don’t speak, lest we sin. Even a fool who holds his tongue will be considered wise.
2. Michal: She spoke sarcastically and despised David in her heart. Often, the people who get hurt verbally the most are those close to us. After living with our spouse for some time, differences become evident. Let us endeavour to continue accommodating each other, working through things and loving one another.
3. Mary: She only found missing Jesus after 3 days; how worried she must have been! But notice her first words to Him was a question to understand why He had done this. Often, we skip the step of fact finding and go straight to executing judgement. Let us take time to understand our children.
4. Jesus: He did not rush to answer the teachers of the law but kept silent instead. He spoke gently to the adulterous woman, restoring her spiritually. Let’s do the same (Gal 6:1).