City Harvest moves to new Suntec home

Looking at what is happening in terms of religion, it is increasingly obvious that schools should equip Singaporean students with good thinking skills so that they can better analyse what they hear, see and read in order to make sound decisions for themselves. Our youths and even adults seem to lap up whatever is presented to them in beautiful packaging, without questioning or using logical thinking.

In a multi-racial society like ours, it would be good if religious bodies use their resources not only to help their own kind but to help other less fortunate compatriots regardless of religion and without spiritual conditions attached. Less exclusive religions that demonstrate compassion to all are more beneficial to Singapore than those whose objectives are wealth accumulation and earthly gains.

After so many arguments, can someone tell me is Jesus a god? What does Father means and referring to?

Hi Caleb, The truth is always refreshing. In this modern day and age, transparency is appreciated. if there is nothing to hide, then there shouldn't be an issue. In fact new media is good for exposing the truth and education is the best way to expose fakes, cults and etcetra. For churches and maybe GOD, the key is "free will". If you donate out of the kindness of your own heart, that is one thing. However if you are coerced to donate, that is another thing. Could even be criminal intimidation. Nothing to hide, expose yourself if you are clean.

To Me, In Whatever A Christian Does, Be It A Pastor, Leader Or Just A Member, They Have To Be Accountable To God. So We Need Not Have To Comment To Many, God Is Judge.

God Bless
Shao Hua

The house of God must be Magnificent....if the Emperor of China have his Palace and if The king of England have his Castle ... why cant God have a luxuries house...

after reading most of the comments here, I cant help but feel that religion is truly a very sensitive issue. In a multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-racial society here, tolerance and understanding of each other, are really important factors in building a cohesive society. My humble advice is that if one is religious, by all means go ahead and worship the religion you believe in. Example if you are devout christian, do go to church every sunday, read/acquire knowledge from the bible, donate whatever amount of money within your means and do have a circle of christian friends to be with and share ideas and love of GOD.
For those who are not religious, simply live your life and stop condemning other's religion as non-existence in god or substance in belief. Embracing the principles of tolerance and understanding in our multi religious society will ensure harmonious existence amongst our people.

I have every respect for christians, but honestly, all these extravagant display of church assembly, multi-million dollar investments, pastor's wife dancing away in front of church goers - are these what Jesus taught you??? To me, all these make a mockery of the true teachings of Christ.

honestly, who are we to judge them? when Christ our Lord and Saviour comes again, there will be judgement for all, no matter what you've done.

for me, honestly, i feel that Christians have to keep up with the current age. but that being said, Pastors, Reverends and those Church Leaders have to have the right stuff and lead their flock in the right direction, and be the light and salt of the earth for their congregation to follow.

God wants us to love him above all else. to put him first before anything. and that being said, we don't need fanciful displays to show our love for God the Father and Christ our Saviour. we don't need extravagance and lavish lifestyles.

i'm not judging the leaders of CHC. when our Lord comes again, they will not be judged by earthly laws, but by Christ Himself.

instead of complaining and whining and just ranting and raving at them, why not take a stance. show them love and compassion. and teach them the right way. God is not a god that preaches wealth and to bring us out of the fire instantly, but God tries us by fire and leads us through trials so that we learn to rely on His Strength and Wisdom and to be still and know He is God.

remember,l that is it said in the Bible that in the end times, there will be false prophets. even now, there are the Pharisees and Sadducees of this world that want glory for themselves, not for our Father. they lead us not on His straight paths and righteousness, but on their own values.

so let us not judge, but let God and Christ our Lord judge them for who they are.

after all, it is said that "let he who has no sin, cast the first stone"

We are nobody to judge. However we have a brain to think. This is the difference between man and animals. Actually some animals can think quite well too. And when something is obviously not in order, we can and should say so.

No one is truly worthy of being the judge. What comes from God shall not perish but remain. Just let God be God.

We believe that singer wife of his should just sing for charity and donate all proceeds to Japan for the tsunami victims. In addition, the money to build another commercial building should also be use to help the tsunami victims. Only such acts will bring your devotees back.

God's works are not done in big hall ...singing and clapping...God's works are done from the heart...in quiet moments. We do not need to sing loudly to show him cos he hear our silent prayers everyday. The church is in the heart. It is not in Orchard road, or anywhere else, etc. However, we do respect all that go and attend such social settings. It is also good for the soul but if you pray to God in whatever form. He will only expect a one to one quiet moment with you.You do not need someone to tell you what to do cos his message to you is in his reply to your prayers. Did you check his "SMS" today like you always do everyday?

Why spend so much money in paying for display lightings for concert, etc...these all cost money.Money can be given to charity at this moment of need.

We do not need to punish those that take God's money if any...they will receive their punishment in time...

We can only write here but we believe those that truly knows God, will truly understand what his message ask of us?

Sorry for being blunt..but i feel that all this activities are nothing but BULLSHITS...They are just using this activities for business."I love you with all my heart"...Why don't paster Kong donate to all worshippers instead of worshippers donating to him and his wife for their luxury lifestyle and fat salaries.Dont be fooled by his words "Love". Be yourself and and do good deeds without even seeking these people's help and you will be blessed with good health,prosperity and happiness.Help the needy disabled people, disaster countries,blood donations,organ donation when your are dead ..sounds more meaningful while your are still alive on earth than attending such brainwash activities.I am not being bias on cristianity, buddhism,Hiduism or Muslim.I am just being myself to show compression and help the world of unfortunate people and disaster counties who really needs help. I feel that being born on this earth and doing something more meaningful in life makes me more satisfied when I die or leave the world.

3D glasses for church service? what's next, OSIM massage chairs?

After reading so many comments. I would like to say that to those who think that we are not donating any money to Japan, what makes you say so? even if we are not donating the money, could it be because the church is restricted to spending the money due to the ongoing investigation?

Rev Kong has NEVER EVER said that if you do not donate or give money to church, you will go to hell. He even said, "if you wanna give, give. don't wanna give, don't give. we do not force you in your giving." We have never forced people to give money, To those who has experienced CHC leaders forcing you to give money to church, you cannot say the entire herd is black because of a few black sheeps. There are members in the church who has donated money to the victims. Why don't you say that City Harvest donated money because there are members who donated instead of saying that a few leaders offended you therefore the whole church is bad. Also, 30,000 people and 100% good inside? there's no such thing as a perfect church but neither are you.

The Bibles says to praise God with crashing cymbals, harp, lyre and trumpet. They praise God night and day. Those instruments in those days are what we know now as Guitars, Drums, etc. It can be found in Psalm 150. So who says that it is not relevant to praise God with our modern instruments and lighting?

Also, CHC is 30,000 members strong and to say the population has halved is equivalent to saying that our current population is 15,000. that is definitely not the case... also, are you able to prove that the population has halved? Maybe you should spend a little more time in CHC to really know what CHC is like, how so many lives has been changed and what are our beliefs system.

一个爱打, 一个愿意被打. 一个爱钱, 一个愿意给钱. 你情我愿, what can others say? Their business lor.

After reading all the comments, I just have one question. Is CHC obligated in any way to donate to Japan? Seems like they are. So if any natural disaster happens then churches now need to donate? How bout temples and mosques? Are they obligated as well? And how do you know whether they have or are planning to donate or not?? I think you should do a bit more research before complaining. To all those who have complained, have you all donated or volunteered in any way towards Japan? Or do you all just feel good hiding behind a computer screen waiting to complain bout anything and everything? Why don't you all stop being a bunch of hypocrites and do something for Japan since you all feel so strongly about donating. And comments about the lighting and loud music the church plays I feel are unecassry, stupid and from people who have got their head up their @#$%!! Does a church service have to always be solem, or funeral like for it to be considered holy? Is that written in the bible? If you feel that you're $$$ is not used well, then don't tithe or donate to church. Simple as that. Why complain? Seems like just because a church is doing well and moved to a place like Suntec, people seem to think that its evil or corrupt or just seems like something is not right. So churches have to be poor for it to be holy or acceptable?

By the way, I don't go to CHC, never been in case any of you all are wondering.

Try asking Pastor Kong Hee to hold his services in a community centre hall, no air-con, no special effects, no high-tech equipment....see if his congregation will still remain as big.....are the people there to really pray to God???
Do they really need to spend so much money for a place of worship??Does a pastor need such a high pay??

I don't see anything wrong with the posting of this column on yahoo. There's nothing personal with whatever that is written.. What I see are facts, an what I see below in the comment section are opponents of criticizing CHC, and proponents of CHC defending their church. Seriously, you people should just read, keep your opinions to yourself and just shut up for everyone's sake.

Name already speaks volumes...want to Harvest the City. Gundoos still going there? God doesn't need your money and He is not sitting in Churches and Temples...He is OMNIPRESENT...in your own homes, in your own Hearts. Learn to connect with HIm lovingly and He will speak, as He speaks to me constantly. Is very wonderful when you've got re-connected with HIM. Forget sposoring these blooody pastors, priests etc etc who themselves have not seen God. HOw can you get wisdom from a fool who hasn;t seen God himself and is teaching you about it? Aren't we bigger fools to follow these fools. Stop now and be your trueselves. GOD will come to you, as a Mother comes to her children. Save your money and hand out to the needy and poor that you come across your daily life. When each of us do this in little ways, it will transform the nation and make good of everything. See Chijmes...bars Pubs restaurants all advertised at the main entrance with the old church and steeple standing behind. Has the Catholic church or Chirstians every raised issue about this? NO...they turn a blind eye to the abuse of the old convent church with a cross on it's steeple now housing pubs and bars and running midnight masses where people with skimpy dressing go in and come out as intoxicated 'born again' Chiristians. Wake up dear people. Wake up.. Stop sponsorong pastors and priests who have ammased enough of your wealth and live flamboyant lives behind the scenes.

This is totally unacceptabe..With so much money, why dont they donate to help japan??

oh ya no wonder sun ho got most popular music award. High tech display? WASTE MONEY.

SERIOUSLY..... something is wrong here