Is Plastic Surgery a Matter of Vanity?

July 6, 2009

Plastic surgery is a branch of surgery that deals with the remodeling of any portion of the human body that has been damaged or deformed. The word “plastic” is derived from the Greek word plastikos, which means “to mold.” Hence, it is the remolding and reshaping of body tissues—bone, fat, muscle, cartilage, and skin. It is largely concerned with the reconstructive work of the face and exposed parts of the body.

According to the Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia, plastic surgery is one of the oldest forms of surgery practiced. Nose-reconstruction operations were performed in ancient India as early as 2,000 BC, when amputation of the nose was a form of punishment.

Around 600 BC, ancient Sanskrit records an Indian surgeon named Sushruta, performing surgical reconstruction of the noses and ears of men who had lost them in war. Skin from one’s cheek or forehead would be removed and sewed onto damaged areas. To this day, this procedure is still referred to as the “Indian Method of Rhinoplasty.”

In ancient Rome, around 100 BC, plastic surgery became an important manner wherein people could better fit into the Roman society. During that time, the aesthetics of the human body was explored heavily in art and literature. Amalgamated with the fact that people bathed in public Roman baths, any abnormality was considered very shameful. A popular operation was the removal of scars from one’s back. These scars were considered dishonorable because they indirectly suggested that a person had turned his back from the field of battle or, worse still, had been “whipped like a slave.”

During the Renaissance, Italian physician, Gasparo Tagliacozzi (1546-1599), became the “father of modern plastic surgery.” In his plastic surgery textbook entitled De Curtorum Chirugiau (1597), he recorded the importance of plastic surgery due to the frequency of fights between men and the emergence of disfiguring diseases.

In modern times, war has become the sole most significant factor in shaping the practice of plastic surgery today. World War I saw hundreds of thousands of young men who suffered severe facial injuries in combat. This resulted in the necessity for doctors to quickly research innovative ways to reshape the faces of soldiers who had experienced severe deformity. From the 1960s, plastic surgery became fully integrated into the medical establishment and has resulted in greater acceptance, both socially and culturally.

There are three branches of plastic surgery:

Plastic Surgery: Correction of disfigurement. This is plastic surgery in its purest form—to fix the malformation that may have occurred congenitally (at birth), such as children born with cleft palates or cleft lips.

Reconstructive Surgery: Restoration of impaired function. This is the restoration of function to a damaged body part and the rebuilding of normal physical contours, like the nose, jaw, ears, or fingers, that are missing or disfigured. The large number of car accidents in modern times has resulted in many patients requiring reconstructive surgery of the face. Cancer patients who have undergone treatment with regards to the face and neck areas may also need reconstructive surgery. Such procedure requires complex technical skills for the grafting of tendons and the transfer of muscles to restore usefulness to the disabled part.

Cosmetic Surgery: Improvement of physical appearance. This is aesthetic surgery performed solely to improve appearances in otherwise healthy persons, to remove blemishes or to change contours. It is also often needed after disfigurement caused by burns, removal of tumors, and reconstructive work.

According to a 2007 survey conducted by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 46 percent of all cosmetic procedures were done by people aged 35 to 50. Ninety-one percent of them were women. The top five procedures of men and women are as follow:

Ranking	Men	Women
1	Liposuction	Breast augmentation
2	Eyelid surgery	Liposuction
3	Rhinoplasty	Eyelid surgery
4	“Breast” reduction	Abdominoplasty
5	Hair transplantation	Breast reduction

There are many positive psychological benefits of plastic surgery. The increased functionality of physical organs improves one’s quality of life. If one is born with congenital defects such as a cleft palate, facial birthmarks, or cross eyes (strabismus), cosmetic surgery can correct the defect and restore appearance to what it should have been. If a person has been victimized by an accident resulting in unsightly scars and deformities, plastic surgery can remove the stigma associated with such defects and allow the person to feel “normal” again.

One must not underestimate the psychological benefits in the correction of a perceived physical imperfection, for its own sake, on an individual. The enhanced physical appearance coupled with greater social acceptance could greatly increase the sense of self-worth for the person. For those who are very conscientious about their appearance, to the point of having damaging psychological disorders, cosmetic surgery, with the addition of proper counseling, can help them obtain the confidence they need to live life happily.

However, as with any surgical or non-surgical procedure, there are inherent risks in plastic surgery:

Risk of procedure going wrong. You may become physically and aesthetically worse off than prior to the surgery.

Risk of infections and complications such as puffiness, vomiting, nausea, allergic reaction to anesthesia, contagion, blood loss, blood and fat clotting, accumulation of fluid, permanent damage to nervous and immune systems, scarring, numbness, dangerous body temperature fluctuations, post-operation pain, bruising and swelling, long-term sagging and deformity.

Risk of the pain involved and the recovery time being greater and longer than expected.

Risk to mental health. Patients who are dissatisfied with surgery may request repeat procedures. “Plastic surgery addicts” may experience severe depression, adjustment issues, family issues, social isolation, and severe anger toward surgeons and nurses.

South Korean Hang Mioku became so addicted to plastic surgery that when surgeons refused to conduct additional procedures, she decided to inject cooking oil into her own face. As a result, her face became severely distorted and virtually unrecognizable. Her case is regarded as one of the worst cases related to plastic surgery in modern history.

Are Christians allowed to have plastic surgery, especially those that are cosmetic or aesthetic in nature? Does doing so mean that you are ungrateful to God for the physical attributes He has sovereignly endowed you with? Is such “unnatural” alteration of physical features an expression of fleshly vanity—the excessive pride of one’s personal appearance?

I know a pastor in my city with an overactive sweat gland (hyperhidrosis), causing him to have sweaty palms and sweaty feet along with a bad body odor. He felt embarrassed by it and had a thoracic surgery procedure done. Was he being vain?

I know an Indonesian church leader with severe drooping of the upper eyelid, a condition known as ptosis. Her pupil was partially covered, blocking the upper part of the visual field. She had corrective surgery done by a plastic surgeon who gave her a beautiful eyelid lift (blepharoplasty). Was she being vain?

I know of several Caucasian pastors who have had hair transplantations done to cure their hair loss. Their plastic surgeons moved skin containing hair follicles from one part of the body to balding parts. Grafts containing healthy follicles that are genetically resistant to balding are transplanted to bald scalp. Are those pastors being vain?

I know of another church leader who had a series of chemical peels to get rid of dark patches of facial birthmarks. Is he being vain?

What about the hundreds of people I know who have done LASIK, a laser eye surgery, so that they don’t have to wear eyeglasses? Are they all vain?

The Bible makes no specific mention of whether or not plastic surgery is allowable, although its practice was already around from antiquity. If it is an outright sin, there would have been ample opportunities to address it in the Holy Scripture. In such cases where there is no clear restriction, they are not issues of right or wrong, sin or righteousness; they are simply matters of personal preferences. As such, you must go according to how you believe the Holy Spirit is personally leading you.

Nonetheless, a common sense approach is needed if you are considering plastic surgery:

1.	Risk: Because there are risks in any surgery, you must weigh the risks involved adequately. Is this procedure absolutely necessary? Have you exhausted all options to improve your appearance or contour? Can you achieve the same results by regularly working out in a gym and wise dieting?
2.	Cost: Because plastic surgery is expensive, you must ask the question, “Can I afford it? Will this procedure get me into a debt I will struggle to repay?”
3.	Physician: It takes at least 11 years of studying and training to be a plastic surgeon. Ask yourself, “Is the doctor I am consulting with board-certified and experienced?” You may need to examine some of his works, and check his track records with other patients.
4.	Perception: Society often views reconstructive procedures, such as a cleft lip operation, more favorably than cosmetic surgeries, like say breast augmentation or a nose job. Although often unwarranted, there are some prejudices upon certain procedures. You must ask yourself, “Am I ready to do this even if people may unfairly judge me?”
5.	Self-esteem: Our self-esteem is the foundation of life. Will going through this procedure help you feel better about yourself and to function better in your life, marriage, career or ministry? If the answer is yes, then the possibility of plastic surgery should not necessarily be shunned. We must be careful not to judge someone who opts for cosmetic surgery as vain, or loving God less than the one who doesn’t.
6.	Emotional void: Many people seek cosmetic surgery to fill up emotional voids within. They already feel ugly about themselves inside, and presume that surgery is the only way for them to receive social approval or attention from others. If that is your motivation, you will be greatly disappointed. No outward alteration of physical features or contours can satisfy the needs of an empty soul.
7.	Aging: Even the best plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills cannot stop aging and the tide of time. You must establish specific limits to surgery, as all body parts that are firmed, lifted, and improved upon, will in due course, wrinkle and sag again. The Bible says that ultimately it is your spirit and soul that is most important. When all else fails, remember what 1 Peter 3:4 says: “Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”

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72 Responses to “Is Plastic Surgery a Matter of Vanity?”

TKH on July 6th, 2009 12:39 pm

Hi Pastor,

Thanks once again for bringing up another issue that many Christian leaders would not talk about openly.

I felt that the article provides a balanced view on the topic and the advice given at the end of the blog is very useful.

Some may argue that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19) and therefore we should not go through any plastic surgery. However, this argument is weak as the context of this passage has to deal with the issue of abusing the physical bodies in sexual immorality. Others may feel that we should just be grateful with what we have as a gift from God. Though this is true and valid, we should also be aware that we are born into a broken down world plague with sin and abnormality. Just as God uses doctors and medicine to help us when we are sick, plastic surgery can be considered as positive help to someone born with imperfection, or struggle with some forms of physical abnormality.

One thing we are sure, Scripture never calls plastic surgery a sin, and therefore we should not judge someone who has been through such an operation before.

Thanks once again for a well research article.

God bless!

TKH
Victor Lim on July 6th, 2009 12:43 pm

Dear Dr Kong Hee,

Thank you for addressing yet another arguably taboo topic courageously and cogently.

I really appreciate your dexterous unraveling of the many complexities surrounding the issue of plastic surgery.

It is not only a well-researched article, tracing the historical roots of plastic surgery to as far back as 2000BC in Ancient Civilisations, but it has also demonstrated the benefits of such surgeries, just as it has responsibly highlighted the possible risks involved.

While maintaining that cosmetic surgery (a branch of plastic surgery) can be controversial, the article has put forth a lucid and incisive argument on the differing perspectives, such as the positive benefit on the individual’s self-esteem, that is, the psychological state of a person, which must never be frivolously and carelessly dismissed as ‘humanistic’ regardless of one’s religious orientation.

The article is also founded on the Biblical position, which has been espoused clearly.

The article states unequivocally that:

“The Bible makes no specific mention of whether or not plastic surgery is allowable, although its practice was already around from antiquity. If it is an outright sin, there would have been ample opportunities to address it in the Holy Scripture.” [Kong Hee]

Given that premise, the conclusion posited is rational and reasonable.
“In such cases where there is no clear restriction, they are not issues of right or wrong, sin or righteousness; they are simply matters of personal preferences. As such, you must go according to how you believe the Holy Spirit is personally leading you.” [Kong Hee]
Since cosmetic surgery is a matter of personal preference, it becomes all the more important for us to be educated of the implications and consequences of such a choice.

This is so that we can exercise our God-given free-will in a responsible manner.

In this vein, the article offers a keen study of the very attractive benefits adroitly balanced with the very real risks involved in cosmetic surgery.

In particular, it was recognised that “for those who are very conscientious about their appearance, to the point of having damaging psychological disorders, cosmetic surgery, with the addition of proper counseling, can help them obtain the confidence they need to live life happily.” [Kong Hee]

While acknowledging this advantage of cosmetic surgery, the article expressedly cautions against cosmetic surgery to fill up emotional voids. To this group of people, it is pointed out emphatically that “no outward alteration of physical features or contours can satisfy the needs of an empty soul.” [Kong Hee]

In addition, while the quest to look young and good can be perennial, there are limits to what we can reasonably do against indefatigable assault of time.

A healthy dose of Scriptural understanding can be liberating; and the article has responsibly and rightly concluded that:

“The Bible says that ultimately it is your spirit and soul that is most important. When all else fails, remember what 1 Peter 3:4 says: “Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”” [Kong Hee]

Armed with the right understanding of the consequences resulting from their choices, Christians are empowered to make good decisions in their lives.

Dr Kong Hee, your well-written articles on this blog provide a guide and a light for Christians to navigate amongst the tumultuous sea of choices in life we all must learn to make.

Thank you for teaching us responsibility and how to make good choices in our lives; without binding us in a legalistic religious framework.

While the ultimate choice to undergo the knife for cosmetic purposes can be varied and personal, God is the one who judges the motives of our heart.

Your article has provided a sound reminder for us to be “careful not to judge someone who opts for cosmetic surgery as vain, or loving God less…” [Kong Hee]

In other words, let God be God.

Victor
ED on July 6th, 2009 12:51 pm

Wow pastor!

What a great article!

Thanks once again for discussing about a topic that is seldom discussed in the Christian circle.

As the Bible does not mention anything it as an outright sin, we should not be religious and restrict people from doing so.

I have also put some thought into this topic, as a few years back, a friend asked me this question:

If we are created in the image of God, then how we can improve on God’s image using cosmetic surgery?

Here are some of my thoughts on this matter.

I think that we must understand that this view on does not carry weight as, we reflect God’s nature, not his physical likeness.

Genesis 1:26-27 says, “God spoke, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle and yes, Earth itself and every animal that moves on the face of the Earth’. God created human beings; he created them godlike, reflecting God’s nature. He created them male and female,” (The Message).

Others tell me that we should not use cosmetic surgery because our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, as described in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Again, this argument lacks substance. Surgery in and of itself is not sinful. Damaging our physical body by smoking, having illicit sex or drinking alcohol excessively may be considered defiling, but most cosmetic procedures do not damage our body. In fact, some could use the exact same Scripture to justify their cosmetic enhancements.

Like make-up or jewelry or nice clothes, there is nothing wrong with seeking to enhance our appearance and make ourselves the best we can be, so long as physical appearance does not become an idol.

Just like when we have pimples, we buy acne cream.

Just like when we have bad breath, we buy Listerine.

Just like when we have grey hair, we dye it black.

Some don’t like their wrinkles, so they cover them up with cream…

Others, who have more disposable money, see a way to get rid of those wrinkles with botox….

I would see this as permissible activities to beautify oneself.
I believe that at the end of the day, it’s about personal choice.

As long as we remember that it’s not morally wrong and that God looks at our hearts, there is nothing wrong with going for plastic surgery.

As the Bible is silent about the procedure, we therefore should not pronounce judgment on anyone who decides to go for an operation.
Ced on July 6th, 2009 1:12 pm

Thanks Pst Kong, for this wonderful blog. Helps me think, appreciate and apply the word much better.

Thanks ED for pointing out this : “we reflect God’s nature, not his physical likeness.” and the many examples you gave … makes sense!
CL on July 6th, 2009 1:13 pm

Victor, well said.. I share your sentiments…
Abraham on July 6th, 2009 1:42 pm

Great post Pastor!
Terence on July 6th, 2009 3:42 pm

The problem with plastic surgery is that it widens the gap between the haves and the havenots. In other words, the rich die pretter, the poor die uglier.

Plastic surgery is expensive, and as a result it is often a plaything of the rich. As a result, they can splurge on looking beautiful and this gives them an advantage in the workplace and in life.

The poor, on the other hand, are trapped in a cycle of poverty where every advantage is taken away from them. When you are poor, you cannot afford nice clothes to look good. When you are poor, you can’t afford surgery to get a competitive advantage in the workplace.

Those that are saying that looks doesn’t matter in the workplace is lying. A commonly cited research shows that much of the job interview is determined by appearance alone.

Nonetheless, I don’t think there is much we can really do to change this reality, because we live in a capitalistic economic system where the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer.

What I suggest is this: Instead of splurging all our money in improving our own appearances, perhaps we should contribute money to help the poor, arresting the problem of the rich-poor gap facing all developed countries today.
Victor Lim on July 6th, 2009 4:37 pm

Dear Terence,

Plastic surgery can be expensive, but so are cars, overseas holidays, and beautiful houses.

Your response, though well-intended, presents a false dilemma.

Without a doubt,helping the poor can never be compromised.

But I think we can learn to walk & chew gum.

:)
Victor
Tom Wiik on July 6th, 2009 8:04 pm

Victor Lim,
Is your job to corretc everybody with a different opinion than Kong?
Tom
Melvin on July 6th, 2009 8:32 pm

Hi Terence,

It is commendable that you have a heart for the poor. It is indeed important for the poor to be helped and we should and must.

But that doesn’t mean you stop doing everything else… there is no end to helping and we should continue to keep helping.

But how can we help the poor, if we stop developing and growing ourselves? Unless your resources continue to grow, you will run out of resources and can’t sustain yourself.

That’s off topic.

So back to this plastic surgery thing…it doesn’t really have anything to do with the poor/rich divide. By going/not-going for plastic surgery won’t do any difference to the poor people.

Helping the poor to come up another level, by education, by improving their standards of living is more important than all these.
Victor Lim on July 6th, 2009 9:10 pm

‘Tom Wiik’,

No. As a teacher, I correct errors.

Victor
Tom Wiik on July 6th, 2009 9:32 pm

Victor,

So you mean that other peoples opinions than yours on this blog is
errors?

Tom
guitarwu on July 6th, 2009 10:02 pm

Hi Pastor! I knew you’re gonna share this topic anytime soon. Haha. The post is awesome! It is very detailed. Thanks for sharing with us pst! =)
Marc on July 6th, 2009 10:50 pm

I have done Lasik too last year, I find it perfecftly fine.

As for other surgeries, I am for all those, because I believe if one can go through cosmetic correction to make oneself feel more confident, why not right?
Ben on July 6th, 2009 10:55 pm

Great stuff Pst! Thank You very much for sharing =)
Kelvin on July 6th, 2009 10:59 pm

Hi Pastor,

I’ve been a follower of your blog for sometime and I must applaud you for your ‘tough questions’ post that few Christian leaders dare address, possibly due to the fear of criticism.

Although one might use Palms 139:14

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”

to argue that it is ultimately God who designed our biological blue-print, position our every facial features/body parts with precision and have done so with His divine wisdom,

we as Christians, having understood two things:

1) Our bodies are not ours to begin with but a work of God

2) Our inability to view beauty as God sees arguably caused by our sinful nature

should therefore refrain from ‘tweaking’ or making changes to our bodies.

I’ve also read an article about a Christian midget who professed that he struggled with his self-esteem and only found peace upon learning to accept his height as a gift from God .

Although these are powerful arguments, I am still driven to agree with you more. I believe that living a balanced lifestyle (a life devoid of extremism) and making decisions based on God’s word and weighing them with basic human rationalism are crucial to effective living.
Terence on July 7th, 2009 1:21 am

Victor and Melvin,

plastic surgery certainly has merits, particularly if you have met with an accident or are born with a mild deformity. But my question is, when does necessity become overindulgent spending?

It all depends on the circumstance. Should a lady go for breast implants even when she is already desirable. Should a man go for liposection just to get a slight edge over others? How else can the money be better spent? Where do we draw the line?

I think it boils down to personal choice. If your lifestyle is one of generousity, then perhaps it doesn’t hurt to spend a bit on cosmetic surgery. But if your life is about simply spending your hard-earned cash in pursuit of illusory perfection, then perhaps you might want to do a double-take.

Therefore, an obsession with plastic surgery, by my reckoning, is symtomic of a lifestyle of indulgence. It is important to maintain a lifestyle of giving with a lifestyle of preening.
BC on July 7th, 2009 1:32 am

Dear Dr. Kong,

Thank you for an exhaustive presentation on this topic.

I agree on your view that plastic surgeries are simply matters of personal preferences, and one has to exercise common sense and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Personally, I would view that cosmetic plastic surgery is in line with God’s redemptive nature. Redemption is to restore something which is broken down back to its orginal state and purpose.

The word “cosmetic” comes from the French word “cosmétique”; from the Greek word “kosmtikos” which means skilled in arranging; from “kosmtos” meaning well-ordered; from “kosmein” meaning to arrange; from “kosmos” meaning order. In other words, I would see cosmetic plastic surgery as an intent and service to bring order to, to modify or improve the appearance of a physical feature, defect, or irregularity.

As such, with proper consultation and wisdom, cosmetic plastic surgery can be “redemptive”. I don’t think that this has to do with vanity.

Of course, like the example you gave concerning the Korean lady, this plastic surgery can be abused and result in negative results and extreme pursuit. However, I will not call plastic surgery “evil” or “vanity” because of people’s adnormal use of it. There are many positive effects that plastic cosmetic brings, like those you mentioned.

Once again, thank you for bringing clarity to us.

BC
ihatechurch on July 7th, 2009 2:35 am

outstanding :: another intriguing topic of interest in our society and you have chiseled it down to a work of art :: i am taking notes to each post you make :: incredible pastor kong
Jaro on July 7th, 2009 3:29 am

World Shaker, History Maker. haha!
Stanley Tan on July 7th, 2009 6:48 am

I don’t there is need for another lengthy bashing one another debate. Matured people would understand plastic surgery is necessary for some people, esp those who are disfigured after being burned by fire or mauled by animal such as lion or dogs. But to have plastic surgery to look like someone else, “Worshipping his or her idols.” is certainly not right because the person can never find their “Own Self’ anymore. Do I need to comment more?

LOLz, seems like I already prophesied that Pastor Kong Hee going to write this topics. See below of what I commented on MJ with regard to his plastice surgery :-

Here is the extract of my post in FB 26th June ‘09

“Here is the legend. A pop star, MJ. He never really found himself and went through many plastic surgeries, sometimes he want to look like Eliz. Tried to build a world of fantasy for children but was sued for molestation, has lots of money but didn’t spent wisely and in great debt. He can never put back his real person again. Lost in the world that creates him. I knew his songs but I don’t know the Real Him.”
Terence on July 7th, 2009 9:00 am

BC,

you raised an interesting point about plastic surgery serving the “redemptive” purpose of God.

I will agree with you that some kinds of plastic surgery could qualify, for example the rectification of certain minor birth defects.

However, how do you quality other forms of cosmetic surgery as serving that purpose? For example, alteration of the nose? I don’t think that in anyway serves any redemptive purpose at all. Similarly for double eyelids and breast implants.

I feel that such surgeries are done so as to fit social norms of beauty and not some Godly redemptive purpose.
Gracious on July 7th, 2009 1:28 pm

Dear Dr. Kong:

Thank you for your thoughts on this.

I think what you have given is a balanced perspective, that’s based on what the Bible says or does not specifically say. This definitely falls under the category of an “amoral” issue. And i don’t suppose there is a need for much debate on this.

I would think this is more of a “preference”? Someone who wants to feel better, look more presentable, may put on make up to achieve that “more presentable” image. Likewise, those who can afford (and of course, have counted the cost and weighed the risks involved), may decide on cosmetic surgery for personal reasons, and out of personal preference. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. I don’t think God has a problem with that? :)

For me, i wouldn’t do it. But that’s just my preference. :)

So, thanks for your thoughts, once again.
ihopeiamwrong on July 7th, 2009 3:50 pm

Israel conquered the lands God promised her in the Torah, swift destruction was warned to Israel from the Lord if she learns the culture of the former inhabitants. I might be wrong but I think CHC can learn from the Israelites’ conquest, there seem to be parallels in both cases. Like the Israelites were a rebellious and stiff necked people, the church in general is the same. In truth preaching does little to change people except the obedient ones. Most will still fall into sin like the population of Israel. I am not sure why you think its ‘profitable’ to teach CHC what you are doing on your Blog. But I think its going to be shipwrecking when they adopt the culture of the world, the Lord will then act accordingly. Like America, even the church adopted the culture of the world in her midst and swift judgments had come and more will soon come upon them. In fact many cities are now desolate. The Lord is a jealous God.
ihopeiamwrong on July 7th, 2009 3:56 pm

In case you think i am a tad too negative, i hope to show you something realistic about our faith. http://www.prophecies.org is a website of God’s judgments on America, soon she will be ravished and war will destroy her. The church was disobedient, now the Day of the Lord comes soon.
Wong May Shin on July 7th, 2009 4:03 pm

Interesting topic but we have not discussed whether botox is acceptable in today’s society?

I feel that plastic/ cosmetic procedures are acceptable if it is to correct a medical or physical condition that brings discomfort or inconvenience to the person, e.g. in the case of facial grafts for burnt victims or correction of cleft lips in children, and the end result brings about a better quality of life and a more meaningful life for the person.

I guess that as mankind are created aesthetic creatures by God, and we naturally appreciate and long to have beautiful things.

I understand how many women would feel pressured to have botox injections to maintain their ever-youthful beauty especially if botox becomes more widespread and prevalent.

I sometimes wonder idyllically if God gave us beauty in the initial stages, he also allowed our beauty to fade with the passage of time, our bodies to break down and old age to come.

There must be wisdom in God’s doings, even if I cannot see what it is.

Beauty used to be extremely important to me when I was young. I could not imagine myself without beauty and charm. But when I lost it due to childbirth and gain my beautiful daughter in return, my beauty seems to be reflected in my daughter and I wished her to be more beautiful than I was. Formerly I thought I could not live with the loss of beauty but when it happened I realize that I seldom notice or bemoan the loss of beauty.

Without as much beauty as before I could still continue to be productive, excellent and outstanding. I still see myself as beautiful; perhaps I have become more accepting of myself, and I am working hard to lose the weight that I put on due to childbirth, to let my daughter feel proud of me.

I look forward to the day when I will be in heaven with God, and He will restore to me the most physically beautiful stage of my life and better.
TKH on July 7th, 2009 5:31 pm

Dear ihopeiamwrong,

I think you are too narrow to say that God will bring swift destruction when Israel learned the “culture of the land”. If you read:

Lev 20:23 “And you shall not walk in the ways of the nation which I cast out before you. For they committed all these things, and therefore I loathed them.”

The context of the “ways of the nations” refers to the evil things that the Gentiles are commiting, such as idolatry, sacrificing their childrens to idols, sexual immorality … etc. It does not specifically refer to the amoral culture of the Gentiles.

The fact is we know that some of David’s psalms were composed with the instrument of Gath, which is the tribe where Goliath came from. In order words, David used “worldly instrument” which are amoral in nature and used it for the glory of God. To call everything in the world as bad or evil is too presumptuous. We must not forget that man was created in the image and likeness of God, i.e. some of “man’s creation” could derive its source from the original creator – God.

We must also not forget that the Tabernacle of Moses was built using the materials that have gotten out of Egypt. Therefore, as a Christian, we must learn to see the “good” in something amoral and used it for the blessing of others and the glory of God.

I think you are really too negative. The website you have given is based purely on someone’s personal opinion and not correctly exergesis from the Scriptures. To say that God will destruct America for their evil work will also mean God will destroy every nations, as there are nations, including Singapore that are guilty of the “worldly ways.”

I think you erred greatly in understanding the nature of God. One should remember the highest nature of God is not “judgment”, but “mercy”. Judgement is what God has to do because He is God, mercy is what God loves to do, because it is Him.

Take sometime to appreciate the mercy of God, and you will realise He is more merciful than you can imagine. Then you will know that you are on the right path.

God bless!

TKH
TKH on July 7th, 2009 5:53 pm

Dear Terence,

I think you probably misunderstood what BC meant by redemptive purpose.

Of course, there are some who do comestic surgery out of vanity, and this is a fact that cannot be denied. However, that does not mean that everyone who does alteration of the nose, or double-eyelid or even breast-implant is vain.

I’m not too sure did you watch this show “Extreme Make-Over” in US. Honestly when I first heard about the show, I concluded like many Christians that is just another variety show. However, after watching a few episodes, my perspective changes. I saw how cosmetic surgery can be put to good use to help someone who is struggle with low self-esteem to gain confidence in their work, as well as enhances their marriage life. I have seen how the children responded positively with better communication when they saw their mom or dad “changed” physically.

Of course I must qualify by saying I do not know the end conclusion of all these people lives, but what I am saying is that I see the “good” that can be done through cosmetic surgery.

Therefore, we cannot simply conclude that all cosmetic surgery is vanity. Rather I felt that we should use whatever tools we have in our hands to be a blessing to others around us.

Again I must qualify by saying I am not not advocating all to do cosmetic surgery, but I am saying that as Christians, we should be more open-minded to see the possibility the good that could be done.

Just my 2 cents worth of opinion.

PS: I personally don’t think I go for any of those as I like the guy I see in the mirror everyday! Not perfect, but wonderfully made!

God bless!
ihopeiamwrong on July 7th, 2009 6:24 pm

Dear TKH,

Why does it seem ‘unusual’ to you that God will judge the nations? Why? Have you only known ‘sweet & sugary’ messages like i used to?

Know that there is judgment from God and if you can hear, know this generation will soon be thrust headlong into the Great Tribulation. In fact Barack Obama is the anti-Christ. Many churches do not preach messages that address sin, in this way the church rarely knows God as Righteous judge. Does my words seem strange to you? What do you think? Is the church made up of good Christians, don’t be alarmed that the Lord will need a ‘Great Tribulation’ to get many of us into the kingdom. Sadly, few will be ‘raptured’ soon. Even so, many will be lose eternally because they still choose the easy way out in sin. The Lord is merciful but no one knows the full extent His mercy will run its course in the Great Tribulation, but He won’t be able to save all of us. He is merciful, and He will be a shelter to all who turn back to Him. Let’s not presume God is too merciful. The Day of the Lord soon approaches.

How could you possibly judge http://www.prophecies.org when you have only replied to my posting within 10 minutes? Please don’t over-generalize the works of God and also please take time to hear rather than to give a rash reply.

Lastly, I feel that you should not have an agenda to ‘protect’ Pastor kong, not that I am against him. But it is only Christian of us to be unbiased, you should be able to judge soundly. My sincere apologies if I have mistaken you in this.
ihopeiamwrong on July 7th, 2009 6:55 pm

In fact, your previous argument about my posting is totally out of point, I was writing more about the spiritual strongholds behind our deeds rather than who doesn’t know we have adopted “amoral culture” of the world? Do you think God is so stupid, He can’t have a people who have the ways of the world? By my post, the ways of the world are not about the ways of the world but about sin and the spiritual forces behind them. I believe you knew this, yet you wrote otherwise. I am not obessed with arguments; no use arguing your way out when God knows you.
Gureisu on July 7th, 2009 11:32 pm

All these topics covers a lot on those ” Grey” Areas that people tend to avoid mentioning or not sure if it is correct or wrong.. and is very good.
May i ask if Christians can watch R21 movies which have Violence or Sexual content in it?
TKH on July 8th, 2009 2:28 am

Dear ihopeiamwrong,

I think you didn’t really get what I meant. I know that God is a God of judgment, and that is why there is a Judgment Day. However, before that day comes, He is “longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Pet 3:9)

Judgment on the nations is not something unusual to me. In fact, in my carnal flesh and desire, I certainly wish that some judgment would come faster and speedily on the wicked. However, it is the Scripture that calls judgment the “strange” work of God.

Isa 28:21
For the Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perazim; He shall be angry as in the valley of Gibeon, so that He may do His work, His strange work; and bring to pass His act, His strange act.
Ex 34:6
The original Hebrew for the word “strange” implies that it is not something in God’s nature. It is something “foreign” to Him. So yes, God will judge, but He does not delight in judgment. His delight is in showing mercy.

Ex 34:6
“And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth.”

Matt. 9:13
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Matt. 12:7
“But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’”

I definitely do not consider myself as from the “cheap grace” camp, but one thing I am sure, that is “Mercy will triumph over judgment.” (Jas 2:13)

Moreover, I was amazed that you called Obama the antichrist. (I’m sorry, but I burst out into laughter.) Thank God that Obama is in the U.S., else he might sue you for defamation. In fact, I would like to caution you to be very careful in labeling anyone with such a term; else you might get into the same trouble as the Pharisees, calling the Son of God as Beelzebub. I am not saying that Obama is the Christ (haha), but what I am saying that it is ridiculous to call someone the antichrist without any proven findings. (Unless you can prove otherwise)

Also I reckon that you are not very strong in your Mathematics. You claimed that I only took 10 minutes to view the website that you have given. Well, if you notice the time of your posting and my posting, there is a solid time gap of 1.5 hours.

• ihopeiamwrong on July 7th, 2009 3:56 pm
• TKH on July 7th, 2009 5:31 pm

The author of the website that you have given is this lady called LINDA NEWKIRK. I would suggest that you do a search on the internet and see how other Christians considered her “end-time prophecies”. I have serious reservation in calling her a “prophetess” of God. In fact, I would like to encourage you to be very careful in taking heed to such end-time prophecies. The Book of Revelations warned us:

Rev 22:18-19
For I testify together to everyone who hears the Words of the prophecy of this Book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add on him the plagues that have been written in this Book.
And if anyone takes away from the Words of the Book of this prophecy, God will take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which have been written in this Book.

Therefore, we must exercise discernment and wisdom when such prophecies are given. Paul encouraged us not to despise prophecies, but we must test all things. (1 Thes 5:19-21)

Lastly, let me say that I do love Pastor Kong, but I am here to defend a greater cause, that is the truth of God’s word. I do not think that I know everything, but I am willing to learn and to be corrected if I am wrong.

Therefore, I would appreciate if you would to reply me, please give me some scripture references as it would help me in my own Bible research.

Thank you once again for your kind attention.

God bless! : )

TKH
Stanley Tan on July 8th, 2009 6:20 am

Hi ihopeiamwrong,

I had done research on LINDA NEWKIRK’s claims or prophecies. Lord Jesus speak to us in many different ways, even through non-believers. You are strongly encouraged to read comments by other people concerning Linda. Some of her claims are ridiculous. There are mention of her cursing some individual to death. Lord Jesus don’t condone this action. We, being child of God, only bless people. Lord Jesus rebuke the Pharisees many times. Perhaps you can see the only the passage where Lord Jesus put curse is on the Fig Tree that don’t bear fruits.
“M’t:21:19: And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.”
The symbolic meaning of fig tree that bear no fruits is “Christian who are barren.” Be aware of your status in the Kingdom of Heaven. If you have been a Christian for more than 3 years and don’t sense nor see yourself growing spiritually, something is very wrong, isn’t if? Many are like “Ornaments in Church” hanging there being the same for the past many years or so, some even have cob webs attached to them already. Day in, day out for many years doing the same things. This topics is about Plastic Surgery, right? To be like Lord Jesus, you must be born of the spirit and your life be operated by THE WORDS of God. But, what we have is many people had done “Plastic Surgery” to look like one Christian, “the modern day Pharisee”, “Whitewashed Wall Christian” or “Academic Christian” as I called them.
1 Cort 2:12,13 “Now we have recieved, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. These things we also speak,not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”
Read and understand “Matt 22:12: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.”

Lastly, after my comments in second topic “Can Christian drink?’ I somehow caught a Prophency message that the ANTICHRIST WILL RAISE IN ASIA.
Extract from Esharingportal.com :-
“……And Prophets who had came to preached, had already prophesied that Singapore will be the focal point for great revival and signs and wonders had already show up. The worst tragedy is that non-believers can see the invisible hands of God moving in Singapore and yet many believers are not seeing it, where the Second coming of Christ will be, the antichrist will be also….”

You can read this whole article by clicking the link below.
http://www.esharingportal.com/viewstory.php?sid=98&chapter=1
Stanley Tan on July 8th, 2009 7:29 am

To addon what I said earlier.

Concerning LINDA NEWKIRK; ihopeiamwrong; you may want to read this:-
http://www.almightywind.com/wolves/newkirk.htm

And for the 911, the TWIN TOWERS collapsed. Linda Newkirk claimed that she is the one who caused it to happened. We all knew, as Dr A.R. Bernard had said “God makes things happened sequentially. As long as benefits outweights consequences, God will let it happen (make it happened).”
So the TWIN TOWER collapsed had been the works of Satan, killing thousands of innocent lives. (God allowed it to happen for a purpose, which I knew what is it. I can’t tell in detail. Wealth transfer). So Linda Newkirk said that she was the one who caused it to happened, admitting that she did the work of Satan?
Dr A.R. Bernard is preaching in CHC thisweekend at Expo Hall 8, ALL ARE WELCOME. I usually attend the Sunday 10am service. :)

I am not biased nor pro whatever, whosoever or anti whatever, whosoever. As I mentioned earlier, God, our Lord Jesus will speak to us in many ways, even through non-believers. We really need the power, strength of our Holy Spirit to help us discern and interprete with HIS Wisdom of things that is of God’s.

God Loves you, TKH, ihopeiamwrong and Jesus Loves you.
Terence on July 8th, 2009 10:06 am

Hi TKH,

I think you have misunderstood me. I did not say that all cosmetic surgery is bad.

As I said in an earlier comment: “I think it boils down to personal choice. If your lifestyle is one of generousity, then perhaps it doesn’t hurt to spend a bit on cosmetic surgery. But if your life is about simply spending your hard-earned cash in pursuit of illusory perfection, then perhaps you might want to do a double-take.”
TKH on July 8th, 2009 10:40 am

Hi Terence,

Appreciate the clarification.

I probably conclude that we are on the same page in this matter.

God bless!

TKH
Victor Lim on July 8th, 2009 4:08 pm

Hi Tom,

I am sorry if my earlier reply was rather curt.

I do not work for the church and hence it is not my “job to corretc everybody with a different opinion than Kong”.

I am strongly supportive of the belief that people are entitled to have differing views, whether differing from the Government, Church and any other establishments, as long as they are responsible views

What I wanted to address in my earlier post in this thread was the false dilemma arising from a logical fallacy, which, I sincerely felt, was erroneous.

It is not directed against any individual, but was my contribution to the ongoing discussion.

My position is simply that those who can afford to have cosmetic surgery can still be actively and generously helping the poor at the same time as well they are not mutually exclusive

Regards
Victor
Victor Lim on July 8th, 2009 4:23 pm

Dear Terence,

I cannot agree more with you that “it is important to maintain a lifestyle of giving with a lifestyle of preening” and that “an obsession with plastic surgery… is symtomic of a lifestyle of indulgence”; for that matter, any obsession, as the word implies, is unhealthy.

You are also right in saying that “it boils down to personal choice” and that it is highly unwise to spend hard-earned cash in “pursuit of illusory perfection”.

Nonetheless, the pursuit of beauty and perfection seems to be innate in all humans since time in memorial. Perhaps, this may explain why the fashion and cosmetic industries are multi-billion dollars.

The central question, as you acutely pointed out, is “where do we draw the line?”

I feel that in matters like this, it is my view that consonant with the concept of free will of an individual, it is up to each individual to decide. Ultimately we are accountable for and bear the consequences of our deeds.

=)
Victor
J on July 8th, 2009 9:52 pm

Hey , Pst 1 word to say Amen , go ahead speak it to those who need it let them go for it but to those who don’t have to think twice do you need it ? we are God’s creation , beautifully made .
Patrick on July 10th, 2009 6:22 pm

Hi Pastor,

Once again, fantastic article. Thank you very much. I am a cleft lip person myself and I have gone for 6 plastic surgery and I am still considering one more.

I dun think God is going to send someone to hell just because they went for plastic surgery. It is just a procedure and if you can afford it, then go for it. If this is wrong, then there will be alot of things that are going to be wrong and if i start on them, its not going to stop.

Thanks Pastor once again and May God continue to rock through. You are an awesome guy and i thank God for making you my spiritual father. Love ya Pastor and God bless
Stanley Tan on July 11th, 2009 9:31 am

A WOMAN WHO ENJOYED VANITY IS IN HELL
I was doing research on internet for some information about wild horses for an ariticle that I am writing for http://www.eharingportal.com, “Horsed with No Name.” Somehow, amazingly, the web page on Revelations by 7 Columbian Youths came up. As I read their testimonies, in Hell there is one woman who is suffering in Hell because of lust for “VANITY” John Lennon was there also because he mocked Lord Jesus in one of his Song. Since this web site, Revelations is being shown to me, I strongly sensed that our H.S. want me to post here for all to know.

HELL is Real, don’t book a ticket to this place!

Repent, receive Salvation and enjoy the right to be a resident in Kingdom of Heaven.

Click and read the testimoies :-
http://www.spiritlessons.com/Documents/7_Jovenes/English_7_Jovenes_Heaven.htm

Please note that, my stand is that I have nothing against plastic surgery, it is good to keep the Church of God look good. But if one becomes obsessed and plastic surgery had became their routine such that they do it to look like someone, indirectly or directly “Idolising someone famous” thus ing after fame, money and power instead of making our Lord Jesus their first love, they are these people who selfishly willing spent their last cents for their own good instead of giving money to help the poor.

NOTE: I HAD READ MARY K.BAXTOR AND CHOO THOMAS TESTIMONY ABOUT HELL, THEY ARE DESCRIBED THE SAME SCENE. VERY CONSISTANT!
In Fact, can you all see and feel the love of Lord Jesus? In fact, Marry and Choo Thomas, do not want to visit Hell but Lord Jesus said that it is necessariy because many still don’t believe there is HELL. Couple of months back, we received preaching by someone who based on his logical thinking and Bible said that there is no HELL but only Hades and Heaven, The HELL is only at the End time, LAKE OF FIRE. After the preaching. Our Holy Spirit spoke to me “Many writers and Author will be discredited.” Everytime I received message from our Holy Spirit, I MUST OBEY. I quickly write something and mass email to as many people as possible to rectify the situation. Lord Jesus is sitting on the right hand side of throne, why should he take the trouble to show people HELL? Many times as he went down, his heart is fill with sorrow, he pains for people down there. Choo Thomas, Mary and many others who had went there with HIM see him with tears many time as these “Residents of Hell” pleaded for Jesus to give them second chance. But too late.
My Friends while you’re still alive on the earth. Don’t let your time run out on you. Receive Salvation today!
Baby on July 12th, 2009 3:27 pm

Hi everyone!

This is my first time posting… ^_^”

I believed as Pst Kong mentioned, it is an issue of personal preference. Just like the many other controversial topics mentioned in this blog, certain things have neither its right or wrong.

So i would say everyone’s opinions here are very crucial. Indeed, Pst have opened our mind and shared that Plastic Surgery, in his point of view and personal conviction, should not be something Christians despise as lowly or an act of faithlessness, people like Terence also reminded us that there are people in this world that couldn’t afford such luxuries in life. It is all about balance, you cant sacrifice a chance of rebuilding your self-worth and self-confidence by giving that money you so hardly earned and saved up for that nose job away for charity (well you can lah), but you also cant just spend all your fortune and time just by being concern about your own vanity.

So everyone is right in their own way. Everybody should have their own sense of conviction and not be judged for sharing their mind. To me, as long as it makes you happy and no one is going to be hurt, why not? =)

Personally, I have no proplem with the issue of plastic surgery. If you have done it and like it, good for you! But having said that, I don’t see myself going for it. Yes i would say that I’m happy with who and what I have now, but i also admit that i am jealous of those have perfect figure and gorgeous cleavages. But I still won’t do it (I tried bust creams though, didn’t really work, haha).

Another silly example. I don’t like vegetables and don’t eat them. Even if Pst is going to blog about the miracle goodness of vegetables, I still won’t eat them. It doesn’t mean I’m not a good disciple, or a bad Christian, it is just my choice.

Hope you guys enjoy my virgin post. Have a great life! Bye bye~!

Love,
Baby
xyz on July 13th, 2009 2:52 am

ihatechurch
i just think that your arguement is just plain childish and that website is rubbish. period
xyz on July 13th, 2009 2:57 am

i meant to address ihopeiamwrong.. not ihatechurch
guitarwu on July 13th, 2009 11:43 pm

Dear ihopeiamwrong,

When we hear of a prophecy, we cannot treat it as a word of God. All that we can do is just to place the prophecies on the shelf and see if it is gonna happen. If it happened, all glory to God!

Personally, I believed that certain topics need to be addressed. Just nice, Pst shared a few taboo topics. But for now, Plastic Surgery.

I believe that Plastic Surgery has no right or wrong. It builds one’s self-esteem and helps one to look good! I don’t think it is a sin to have plastic surgery.

But of course, if you ask me to have plastic surgery, i wouldn’t want it. Cause I like who I am. Hehe. =)

But I am glad that you made an effort to express yourself over here. It shows that you are open to hear different understandings from different people.

It’s good to be balanced in our understandings of our beliefs.

Take care! =D
Twitted by yuzhuang on July 14th, 2009 12:32 am

[...] This post was Twitted by yuzhuang [...]
Stanley Tan on July 14th, 2009 6:25 pm

Hi , ■guitarwu
Yes and No.
But of course, be careful about Linda’s prophecies, as I already mentioned, many are ridiculous, only one concerning THE BRIDE OF JESUS IS accurate.
All Prophecies will be tested. But if any prophecies is given to me, especially, if it concerns me, I won’t want to risk loosing it. Who knows, it maybe about some danger that I might be exposed to soon. Should I doubt God by doubting this little one who told me about it? Test the Prophecy? How? Wait till things happened? Ha ha ha, maybe I am lying on the Hospital bed and say “Yah, this prophecy is true, silly of me to test to see if it is true. I am lucky to be alive.” Very funny, right. I had already talk about it many times that we already have the gift of Prophecy, my 1st and 2nd Audio speech too. And praise the Lord, Rev Dr A.R. Bernard confirmed it on Sunday Service. If you want to be like Lord Jesus. You must grow through 3 stages of spiritual growth.
1. Childhood (Baptised by Holy Spirit, evident by speak in tongue and Prophet of GOD, messenger of GOD)
2. Servanthood. (Priestly role, serving, counciling)
3. Sonship or Friend of God (Role of a KING like Jesus, fearless conqueror in Spiritual warfare with many spiritual ability, Battle plan given anytime beforehand being Son/Friend of God.)

Dr Rev A.R. Bernard’s inspiring message.”FAITH is believing God while Doubts is the opposite of it, that is doubting God all the times.” Bible mentioned old man shall dream dreams,young man shall see visions. So many times these dreams and vision are prophetic (not necessary all the time). So, when the Holy Spirit birth these prophetic dreams and visions to Christian. What do they do with that? Doubts? Amazed, do nothing? Would God gives Visions to Christian who have no faith, always doubting? No wonder, we witnessed many Christian been in Church for as long as more 10 years, they are crystalised, in fact I wrote in FB, like “Hanging Ornaments” some even have cob web attached to them. Never change, still the same year in year out.

As a matter of fact, receiving Spiritual Gifts requires great Spiritual Responsibilities. Such is the characteristic of a matured Christian that they will response to Lord Jesus’s call immediately, they will not hesistate to drop their fishing net and leave their home to be on mission. They are quick to gives thanks to heavenly father for the revelational message that are given to them and act on it without doubts.

Back to prophecy, we are all not Lord Jesus, imperfect in many ways. Only with our Holy Spirit Gift of Discernment, Wisdom and Knowledge then, we can identify whether prophecy is from God or not. Doubts will only bring immediate separation from God. When that happpened, You need to be interceded by someone because God could not speak to you anymore, there is thick thick wall of isolation and barrier that makes one can’t hear the soft soft voice of Holy Spirit speaking. As Rev Dr Kim Sunghae preached “Interceding for someone is doing the Will of God.” So, we had Benny Hinn gave us prophecy a event that would happen before April ‘09 but it didn’t happened? So how? Can someone say that “Oh bad prophecy, didn’t happened. All false , all fake?” I begged everyone to be in Spirit with understanding, God being meciful sometimes change plan.
So I had already declared that Benny Spoke the same message as writtened in Esharingportal.com

Matt 10:34- “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. ‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!’* “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

Not just Benny, the Holy Spirit is speaking to us Church, Dr Peter Wagner, Rev Dr Robb Thompson, Rev Casey Treat, Rev. Ed Silvoso, Rev. Dr. John Avanzini, Dr. Stephan K. Munsey. All but only one Guest speak differently. (name not in here, I don’t sense our H.S. moved with the message with him, sort of makeup to sound pleasing.)

Lastly, should we discredit a Prophet of God, just because their prophecy did not come true? God being merciful, at times change plan. Abraham, supposedly offered his son but didn’t ? Becaused God test his faith. Jonah, knows God’s mind, run away from God because he don’t want to “Lost face” But ended in a Whale stomach and repented. He told God that he want to die because he already knew that God his merciful and his prophetic speech of God’s wrath on people of Nineveh will not happened. There are many example of Prophecy being declared but did not happened.

DET 18:21-22 “But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the Lord?’ If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.

Matthew 10:41 “If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs.”

Strange but it is true, God likes to speak through little one (that’s why Lord Jesus said, the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to children) and even sometimes through non-believers as a test of your faith. All true Child of God is able to discern, detect and understand the message from God. As Matt10:41 said “If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet.” How was Joseph being rewarded? and all the prophets in the past?

Revelation 1:3
God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.

I take time to pen this lengthy post, even though not related to this topics here. I sincerely prayed that everyone will have deep rooting in the realm of our Holy Spirit, so that all will survive even in the toughest desert. Just like Joshua tree with its root gone deeply drawing living water that is like hidden mana from Heaven. PTL.
Stanley Tan on July 14th, 2009 6:28 pm

Hi , ■guitarwu
Yes and No.
But of course, be careful about Linda’s prophecies, as I already mentioned, many are ridiculous, only one concerning THE BRIDE OF JESUS IS accurate.
All Prophecies will be tested. But if any prophecies is given to me, especially, if it concerns me, I won’t want to risk loosing it. Who knows, it maybe about some danger that I might be exposed to soon. Should I doubt God by doubting this little one who told me about it? Test the Prophecy? How? Wait till things happened? Ha ha ha, maybe I am lying on the Hospital bed and say “Yah, this prophecy is true, silly of me to test to see if it is true. I am lucky to be alive.” Very funny, right. I had already talk about it many times that we already have the gift of Prophecy, my 1st and 2nd Audio speech too. And praise the Lord, Rev Dr A.R. Bernard confirmed it on Sunday Service. If you want to be like Lord Jesus. You must grow through 3 stages of spiritual growth.
1. Childhood (Baptised by Holy Spirit, evident by speak in tongue and Prophet of GOD, messenger of GOD)
2. Servanthood. (Priestly role, serving, counciling)
3. Sonship or Friend of God (Role of a KING like Jesus, fearless conqueror in Spiritual warfare with many spiritual ability, Battle plan given anytime beforehand being Son/Friend of God.)

Dr Rev A.R. Bernard’s inspiring message.”FAITH is believing God while Doubts is the opposite of it, that is doubting God all the times.” Bible mentioned old man shall dream dreams,young man shall see visions. So many times these dreams and vision are prophetic (not necessary all the time). So, when the Holy Spirit birth these prophetic dreams and visions to Christian. What do they do with that? Doubts? Amazed, do nothing? Would God gives Visions to Christian who have no faith, always doubting? No wonder, we witnessed many Christian been in Church for as long as more 10 years, they are crystalised, in fact I wrote in FB, like “Hanging Ornaments” some even have cob web attached to them. Never change, still the same year in year out.

As a matter of fact, receiving Spiritual Gifts requires great Spiritual Responsibilities. Such is the characteristic of a matured Christian that they will response to Lord Jesus’s call immediately, they will not hesistate to drop their fishing net and leave their home to be on mission. They are quick to gives thanks to heavenly father for the revelational message that are given to them and act on it without doubts.

Back to prophecy, we are all not Lord Jesus, imperfect in many ways. Only with our Holy Spirit Gift of Discernment, Wisdom and Knowledge then, we can identify whether prophecy is from God or not. Doubts will only bring immediate separation from God. When that happpened, You need to be interceded by someone because God could not speak to you anymore, there is thick thick wall of isolation and barrier that makes one can’t hear the soft soft voice of Holy Spirit speaking. As Rev Dr Kim Sunghae preached “Interceding for someone is doing the Will of God.” So, we had Benny Hinn gave us prophecy a event that would happen before April ‘09 but it didn’t happened? So how? Can someone say that “Oh bad prophecy, didn’t happened. All false , all fake?” I begged everyone to be in Spirit with understanding, God being meciful sometimes change plan.
So I had already declared that Benny Spoke the same message as writtened in Esharingportal.com

Matt 10:34- “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. ‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!’* “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

Not just Benny, the Holy Spirit is speaking to us Church, Dr Peter Wagner, Rev Dr Robb Thompson, Rev Casey Treat, Rev. Ed Silvoso, Rev. Dr. John Avanzini, Dr. Stephan K. Munsey. All but only one Guest speak differently. (name not in here, I don’t sense our H.S. moved with the message with him, sort of makeup to sound pleasing.)

Lastly, should we discredit a Prophet of God, just because their prophecy did not come true? God being merciful, at times change plan. Abraham, supposedly offered his son but didn’t ? Becaused God test his faith. Jonah, knows God’s mind, run away from God because he don’t want to “Lost face” But ended in a Whale stomach and repented. He told God that he want to die because he already knew that God his merciful and his prophetic speech of God’s wrath on people of Nineveh will not happened. There are many example of Prophecy being declared but did not happened.

DET 18:21-22 “But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the Lord?’ If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.

Matthew 10:41 “If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs.”

Strange but it is true, God likes to speak through little one (that’s why Lord Jesus said, the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to children) and even sometimes through non-believers as a test of your faith. All true Child of God is able to discern, detect and understand the message from God. As Matt10:41 said “If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet.” How was Joseph being rewarded? and all the prophets in the past?

Revelation 1:3
God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.

I take time to pen this lengthy post, even though not related to this topics here. I sincerely prayed everyone will have deep rooting in the realm of our Holy Spirit. So that all will survive even in the toughest desert. Just like Joshua tree with its root gone deeply rooted, sturdily drawing stream of living water that is like hidden mana from Heaven. PTL.
Theresa Tan on July 14th, 2009 10:42 pm

Superbly entertaining stream of arguments – obviously a very intelligent and informed lot of people who read Kong Hee’s blog, which is nice to know.

Personally I do not subscribe to plastic surgery purely because for me, I am happy with the way I look – I might, when I can bear the thought of ulcers – give in to wearing braces. Sure I can afford to lose 10-15 lbs, who can’t? But I just feel to go under the knife when my body functions fine, is unnecessary. As it is I’ve had 3 C-Sections and three children and that’s about as much surgery as I can voluntarily take for now.

But I fully embrace someone’s decision to have plastic surgery. The human mind is a funny thing – a very beautiful girl (to others) may feel she has a lack in a certain area (nose too flat, no double eyelids, need a tummy tuck) and if surgery removes that sense of lack, and she can afford it, why not?

I’ve seen plastic surgery change the lives of children born with cleft lips, women born with sloping chins, women who have flat chests – as a magazine editor for quite a large portion of my life, I’ve seen a lot of women making a choice for cosmetic surgery.

I’ve seen them, one, two, five years later, happy with their new look, confident and feeling good about themselves. So, yes, plastic surgery – why not?

Much ado has been said about Botox. Botox helped my Parkinsons’ ridden father sleep peacefully without pain – albeit for three short weeks at a time. But the price of that sleep? There was no price tag large enough for me to watch him close his eyes and not wince with pain.

The beauty of being a human being is the freedom of choice God gave us all. How are we to use our choice – well there is a handy guide book called the Bible, and there is a helpful driver called the Holy Ghost. Why should we listen to humans bickering when we can talk to Father God about a choice we’re going to make, and reason together with Him whether to take that choice or not?

I think Kong Hee’s post says exactly that – though I notice his posts tend to be read only partially… up to the controversial bits, usually. Ultimately only you can make that decision for yourself — follow God’s guidance not man’s advice, and you’ll never go wrong.
ihopeiamwrong on July 16th, 2009 11:25 am

I took time to read the responses on the blog this morning. I am really pleased with the replies on this blog, its really nice to hear them, even though we have contradicting views, at least i know that there are some in CHC with exposure to some to the ‘deeper things’ of God. I too have read the works of the names of the prominent figures in the prophetic ministry mentioned on this blog. I believe what a man of God says, we need the prophets to give us understanding of the revelation of the scriptures. Often times, i would read the bible but i don’t understand it fully, until a prophet comes along and share the heart of the Lord. Up to this this day, I have carefully followed the works of the prophets mentioned, and have gained a considerable understanding of the bible. Some false ones were exposed over time, but there true prophets around too. I too have studied the scriptures and was benefitted with the works of the teachers and pastors. In fact, i find Pastor Kong’s daily devotional edifying. However what displeases me is how the church becomes carnal by segregating itself. There will always be such people. I am grieve that the Lord cannot bless them beyond their ‘feeding pen’. However miracles do happen, God is still able to keep them standing. About Linda Newkirk, many are not ready for the meat of the word in her writings, its like telling rural people about space technology. Linda did have a scriptural foundation, except it will be too lengthy an article to study it. To those who can accept Linda Newkirk, i am glad for you. There is a price to pay for the deeper waters of the word. Don’t settle to drink of the shallow waters. The Lord shepherds His flock, He wills and we are where we are. To those of you who can receive Linda Newkirk, really blessed are these few ones, great truths will be unveiled to you, and great are your understanding of this world. Be blessed all of you.
Melvin on July 16th, 2009 11:43 am

Hi ihopeiamwrong,

I think it is not polite and inappropriate to hijack another person’s blog, website or even any forum anywhere, and use it to promote your own agenda, another website, etc.

Of course there’s no moderation here, but I think everyone will agree, it is only polite, gentlemanly and right that you refrain from advertising Ms. Linda’s website here.

Right or wrong, we’re not interested, nobody is. So, why don’t you just spare us.
Melvin on July 16th, 2009 11:45 am

And…please don’t attempt to sound like you’re so ultra-spiritual and space-age futuristically prophetic spiritual, like trying to tell people that if they don’t believe in this Linda, they’re not “ready”, etc.

Please stop trying to hijack this place to advertise her…
Aaron Kee on July 17th, 2009 11:26 am

Thanks Pastor, really blessed by this entry!
Offenses will come, but I’m certainly supporting you and your ministry all the way!
Stanley Tan on July 17th, 2009 10:20 pm

==> ihopeiamwrong,

A blind man is still a blind untill he is healed.
I had already explained indepth and expose the false prophet yet the words written seems to command people to accept her. Only one part is of Truth concerning the spotless Bride. Scroll up and see my post.
M’t:7:15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Now, this man is ever more confused, “receive Linda Newkirk, really blessed are these few ones, great truths will be unveiled to you, and great are your understanding of this world.”

No No, you are lost my friend. Lord Jesus is the only way and the truth. Not anyone else.
Everybody is tested by their spiritual fruits. If one who is condemming and cursing people to death, can this person have the fruits of Love from our Holy Spirit? Linda don’t die on the cross to give Salvation? We all know that the 911 incident, it is the work of Satan and Linda claimed that she was the one causing it, admiting that she did the work of the Satan. You need to be healed my friend.
A blind man is still a blind untill he is healed. Neither can he hear the living voice of our Holy Spirit unless his ears are healed too.
Gee on July 18th, 2009 11:22 pm

The bottom line is whether there is vanity. One doesn’t have to have plastic surgery to be vain. The examples quoted above were all mostly essential operations needed to correct some faults or malfunctions. They are perfectly acceptable but should not be to justify vain cosmetic surgery.

I used to hate my own look before I became a Christian, even to the point of depression and suicidal because of it. But now I still don’t like my look but I accept it and would not go for plastic surgery . I couldn’t care less if others think I’m ugly or not because I know I am accepted in Christ.

“In such cases where there is no clear restriction, they are not issues of right or wrong, sin or righteousness; they are simply matters of personal preferences.”

This argument doesn’t hold water. There are lots of things that the Bible is silent about. The Bible is silent about masturbation, smoking, drug addiction, even pornography does it mean they are a matter of personal personal preference?

In fact one can justify smoking and drug abuse by quoting scripture. Didn’t Jesus say: “It’s not what goes into the mouth that defies a man but what comes out of it.”?

By the way, vanity is a sin here.
Gee on July 18th, 2009 11:48 pm

Eating food = Perfectly 100% legitimate, God given.
Overeating = Gluttony = Sin

Plastic Surgery in itself is not wrong per se. In some cases, mentioned above, are necessary and good.
Cosmetic Surgery to look beautiful to have confidence = Vanity = Sin

If you need cosmetic surgery to have confidence in life you have a big problem and need help. Just like many say they feel confident when they put on expensive designer clothes. What happen if some day you can’t afford designer clothes? Or when you are in situation not wearing them? No more confidence?
ihopeiamwrong on July 20th, 2009 9:21 am

I felt that plastic surgery is not the root of the problem. Pastor Kong wrote about the benefits, and also about the ugly facts of it. It can be taken to an extreme, society is overly image conscious. But ignorance is still bliss. It really depends on the individual and his spiritual foundation. But of course, i personally think that trusting the Lord is still better. About Linda Newkirk, check out her lengthy defense for all the people who need to know this on her message dated 17th July 2009.
Frank Lee on July 23rd, 2009 11:13 pm

Waa… Gee… your logic of plastic surgery = vanity & vanity = sin thus =very bad, is very cute leh.

I dun know so I ask wiki lor.

Got an interesting article from Wiki
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_vanity_a_sin_according_to_the_Holy_Bible

Is vanity a sin according to the Holy Bible?
In: The Bible, Bible Statistics and History [Edit categories]
[Edit]

In the King James version…..

The word “vanity’ occurs 86 times.

The characters “sin” occur only twice in the same verse as the word “vanity”.

* Ecc 2:26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

* Isa 5:18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:

In all cases, the word ‘vanity’ is always used disparagingly, but it is never actually referred to as a sin.

So, I think bible never say leh….=(

but i should believe in what u say better is it?
ihopeiamwrong on July 24th, 2009 7:23 am

Dear Frank Lee,

Maybe you would like to consider Isaiah 3:16-26, i believe that its not possible to take fire and not be burnt, if we style ourselves, inevitably we will also use seduction to a certain degree. Unless we are a rare bird, this usually doesn’t happen with humans in my opinion.

16 Moreover the LORD says:

“ Because the daughters of Zion are haughty,
And walk with outstretched necks
And wanton eyes,
Walking and mincing as they go,
Making a jingling with their feet,
17 Therefore the Lord will strike with a scab
The crown of the head of the daughters of Zion,
And the LORD will uncover their secret parts.”
18 In that day the Lord will take away the finery:
The jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents;
19 The pendants, the bracelets, and the veils;
20 The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands;
The perfume boxes, the charms,
21 and the rings;
The nose jewels,
22 the festal apparel, and the mantles;
The outer garments, the purses,
23 and the mirrors;
The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes.

24 And so it shall be:

Instead of a sweet smell there will be a stench;
Instead of a sash, a rope;
Instead of well-set hair, baldness;
Instead of a rich robe, a girding of sackcloth;
And branding instead of beauty.
25 Your men shall fall by the sword,
And your mighty in the war.
26 Her gates shall lament and mourn,
And she being desolate shall sit on the ground.
Isaiah 3:16-26

I believe that it is our conduct that disqualifies others from salvation, we need to be careful with our behaviour especially with those outside the church.

Sometimes grooming ourselves may not lead others to salvation if we lose the factor of being ‘real’. Just be real. People are drawn to God when they see the life of God in us.

Blessings.
Frank Lee on July 24th, 2009 2:23 pm

Waa abit cheem. Verse… But abit the hard to link to vanity leh. But try hard hard can la. :)

If I style myself is like I take fire in my bosom ah.

Very Scary man.

Better be unkempt hor.

But like that is ‘real’ me meh?

‘real’ me is when I style myself leh..

So I am happy being real & style myself & also draw people to God too.

ihopeiamokay :)
ihopeiamwrong on July 24th, 2009 4:24 pm

Frank Lee, gradually you will know what a clown REALLY is and even whose clown at it, and who is laughing, that is if we still have time or a church left. Remember childhood and youth are vainity, vainity of vainties, all is vainity. I am on HIS side.
Twitted by alexslim on July 24th, 2009 8:59 pm

[...] This post was Twitted by alexslim [...]
Frank Lee on July 28th, 2009 7:11 pm

Waa… such mean words…

Sure. you are on His side.

& IhopeyouareNOTwrong on this. =)

Let the Joy of the Lord shall be your strength!

cheers,
Frank Lee

’nuff said!
BC on July 30th, 2009 9:08 am

Hi Gee…

I read your post on July 18th, 2009 11:22 pm. You mentioned that you disagree with the argument that: “In such cases where there is no clear restriction, they are not issues of right or wrong, sin or righteousness; they are simply matters of personal preferences.”

My question to you would be: In those cases where the Bible has no clear restriction (i.e. neither moral nor immoral), how do you judge? By what code or standard would you base your judgment on?

I stand by the moral values of the Bible. But when it comes to issues with no clear restriction, I stand by “they are simply matters of personal preferences.”
Gee on August 2nd, 2009 12:17 pm

Hi BC,

Actually I only agree to a certain extent but not all the time. In cases where the Bible offer no restriction I look at the motive behind the issues.

Say for example, the Bible doesn’t say lottery, 4D is wrong at all. Does it mean it’s a matter of preference? So by looking at the motives behind we all know it’s covetousness.

Same thing with cosmetic surgery, if normal looking people, some even very beautiful, do it then it’s got to be vanity. Some very beautiful women do plastic surgery because they think the nose is too round and not sharp enough.

Another area is fashion, is fashion amoral and a matter of personal preference? Now I’m not against fashion but I’m not crazy about it either. But when do people do shopping every week and spend half their salary on expensive clothings just to look good, always conscious of their look spend all the time talking about it, there has got to be vanity somewhere.

Isn’t fashion amoral, no right and wrong? Why then did Paul wrote the below?

9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, NOT with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing

Maybe it’s outdated for this modern time I guess.
Basic Factors Of Hair Loss In Children - The Blog Planet on August 4th, 2009 2:21 am

[...] Is Plastic Surgery a Matter of Vanity? : Kong Hee [...]
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Ariel T on August 21st, 2009 10:55 pm

Kong Hee,

Hair transplantation and Lasik may be signs of vanity, but there are many forms of vanity besides plastic surgery. I find it highly ironical that you should talk about vanity when your wife, Ho Yeow Sun, occurs to be one of the vainest persons I ever know. Isn’t dyeing your hair from black to blond, and showing off your cleavage signs of vanity? You don’t have to quote from the bible to show me what is vanity and what is not. I have been your church member for 3 years to show that Ho Yeow Sun is one of the vainest persons I’ve ever come across. While delivering church sermons, she talked repeatedly about her having more than 20 boyfriends, and referred to herself as a “school flower”. That, to me, is vanity. I repeat, one doesn’t have to go for plastic surgery or wear contact lenses to be classified as vain. In church, you once criticized a church member for going for “Star Search” when your wife eventually becomes a pop star herself. Oh please…practice what you preach. Don’t criticize others when you yourself might do the same thing in future. ‘Cos you can never be sure that you or your wife Yeow Sun won’t go for botox when you’re old (probably in just a few years’ time.)
Philosopher on August 22nd, 2009 3:36 pm

Dear Ariel T,

Please substantiate your criticisms of Sun and of your accusation of Pastor Kong.

Just making attacks like that, though easy, is not very respectable, particularly when your insinuations are neither kind nor gracious.

Just saying that you have been in church for 3 years holds no water.

I have been in the church for more than a decade and I have never heard of anything you mischievously suggested.

If you do have issues, please contact the church pastoral workers, and I am sure that they will be happy to help you.

And if you do read the post carefully, Pastor Kong is far from advocating criticism towards people who undergo plastic surgery.

Hence, the assumption behind your comment is flawed, fundamentally and fatally.
Ariel T on August 25th, 2009 11:04 am

Hi Philosopher,

I believe that’s a name you gave yourself, but you are far from being a philosopher. My previous post does not contain accusations or assumptions. These are my comments and my personal inputs from my own experience at City Harvest, Just because you were there 10 years do not mean you have a better judgment than me. Just because you call yourself a philosopher does not mean that you know better than me. Even as you are so affected by my judgment of Kong Hee and Sun Ho, in no way does that give you the right to judge me.
#If you do have issues, please contact the church pastoral workers, and I am sure that they will be happy to help you#
I do not have issues, nor do I need any help from City Harvester workers. Please don’t act like you know everything. If you are not a coward, please use your real name next time, and stop using “philosopher” to hide your identity.

Ariel T
Philosopher on August 26th, 2009 10:12 am

Dear Ariel T,

Is this your real name? =) I assume you are “not a coward”, so what is your full name?

I am happy to hear that you do not have issues or need any help.

The “personal input” you made in your previous post is best kept personal. Once aired on a public platform, such as on Pastor Kong’s homepage, it becomes a public accusation, deserving to be substantiated or debunked.

For example, it is my personal input, based on my experience of your earlier post, to think that you are not very gracious nor kind.

But if I make it public on this public forum, I can no longer excuse my words by saying that it is just my “personal input from my own experience”. I hope you understand.

Regarding the statement I made about being in church for a decade, I am happy to hear that we are in agreement that the time spent in church is no support for the (un)kind judgments made on the Pastor Kong & Sun.

“I have been your church member for 3 years to SHOW …” Ariel
(caps mine)

I made that statement to expose the logical flaw of your above argument. I hope you understand.

Nonetheless, I am happy we both agree that using time spent in church as support for such arguments is weak and meaningless.

Finally, with regards to my moniker. By no means, would I suggest that I “have better judgment” or “know better” than you.

But, come, let us reason together.

For your interest,

Philo in Greek stands for Love.

Sophie in Greek stands for Knowledge.

Philosophers, are so called, because they are lovers of knowledge; lovers of truth.

And by opposition, they dislike falsehoods, deceits and lies.

And hence my response to you, Ariel T.
Sharon on September 24th, 2009 9:16 am

Dear Pastor,

Thank you for the enlightening blog.

I would like to testify and thank God for providing us with plastic surgery.

My second daughter, Ariel is born with a cleft palate. I was terribly upset but thank God for plastic surgery. No longer milk flow out of her nose and Praise God, she is taking solids well now! I can imagine the life she would have if she does not have her cleft palate repair!

I believe God has given us many options in life to enjoy. However, whatever we do, the bottom line is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and at peace.

Shalom! =)
Sharon