Without fail, we desire and pray for God's provision for our daily needs. We pray for jobs that we may earn a living. When our business struggle or fail, we pray for His help to meet our financial needs. When we face emergencies, we cry out for God's quick provisions. We do these because God's Word teaches us that "this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us" (1 John 5:14). But our desires and prayers are not always in line with God’s will and His ways. There is nothing wrong with asking for God’s direction, but it is wrong to go our own way without waiting for God’s answer. So, when we turn our finances over to God, we must also be willing to accept His direction. Too often, we impatiently seek our own way without any clear direction from Him, sometimes even borrowing money to do His work. Christians have forgotten that God says He will not allow His work to be frustrated for the lack of money. A discourse between our Lord and His disciples confirm this truth – "When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing" (Luke 22:35). "God's work done in God's way shall lack no supply."

If we understand God’s view on money and how He uses the need for money and its provision to enhance our relationship with Him, we will be able to recognise God’s directives better.

Purposes for which God uses our need for money and its provision
It is our right and wrong response to money that causes the problems. To manifest the right response in times of need or provision of finance, we must know what are God's plan for allowing such situations. Because God is in control of all things, we believe that He uses such situations for our benefit in several different ways (Romans 8:28).

God uses the need for money to strengthen our trust in Him. Jesus said, "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:31-33). God permits needs in our lives to test and to renew our trust and commitment to Him. "O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing" (Psalm 34:9-10).

God uses the lack of money to chastise us for not honouring Him or for not giving unto His work. "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me" (Malachi 3:8-9; see also Haggai 1:2-12).

God uses the provision of money to prove His tender mercies, goodness, and faithfulness. The Scripture tells us that it is the goodness and mercies of the Lord that bless us with all good things. "Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 136:25). "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Moses reminded Israel that it was God who would give them the power to acquire wealth – "But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day" (Deuteronomy 8:18). Our security is in God, not our bank accounts. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). Discovering the Lord’s faithfulness as He provides in our financial need is a wonderful faith building experience (see Nehemiah 9:15; Psalm 112:5-9; Malachi 3:10).

God uses the provision of money to build brotherhood and unity among Christians. "But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality" (2 Corinthians 8:14). God will use the abundance of one Christian to supply the needs of another (see Acts 11:28-30; Romans 15:26; Acts 4:34). Surplus money in our lives has been given by God for the purpose of helping those who are in need (Philippians 4:14-18; Galatians 6:10).

God uses both the need and provision of money to provide direction. There is probably no way God can direct our lives more meticulously than through the abundance or lack of money. Too often we believe God directs our lives through the abundance of money, but He also leads us down His directed path by withholding money. This truth can be found in the Lord's parable of the "Prodigal Son," whose poverty providentially worked against his backsliding to bring him back to his home.

God uses money to clarify spiritual maturity. Many temptations clamour for the Christian’s attention. A great deal can be learned about our personal character and spiritual maturity by noticing how we handle money and determine financial priorities. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).

God uses the provision of money to develop our trustworthiness. This principle is important because our lives generally revolve around making, spending, saving, and using money. If He can trust us with money, then He can trust us with greater responsibilities and His true riches. This is what Christ has taught when He said, "If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon (riches), who will commit to your trust the true riches?" (Luke 16:11).

After becoming a Christian in my late teens at a crucial crossroad of my life, it soon dawned upon me that God has a plan for my life. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10). This is not “fate” as some superstitious Chinese like to resign themselves to, but rather what the Bible calls “predestination”. I certainly didn’t want to be left to the dictates of my own will or depraved mental specifications (so warped by the world and media). Wanting God’s Good Plan for my life, there were 3 heartfelt prayers which I constantly made of the Lord. And looking back, I felt that all but one of them have been answered.

The first was: “Lord, lead me to the life-partner of Your choice.” For those who knew me in my younger days, that was quite an impossible request. I was such a shy boy; I would feel my face burning whenever I talked to a girl. How was I to befriend a member of the fairer gender, let alone choose  a wife? To cut the story short, God has marvellously worked for me even in this tender matter. He has given me a prudent wife (Prov 19:14) who loves God’s work and God’s people. Of course, she has her rough edges (so have I!) and we have our differences. Knowing that wedlock is not all smoothness and roses, we entered marriage with a tinge of romance but a large dose of realism and forbearance. Truly, there were times when we got frustrated with things, circumstances and yes, with each other! How can we harmonise and complement each other, as we must? I can think of no better “marriage formula” than Ps 127:1-“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” Thank God we have Christ as our common and crucial “denominator”.

The second, closely related to the first, was: “Lord, grant me the privilege  of bringing up godly children ‘in the nurture and admonition of the Lord’ (Eph 6:4).” After getting married in Nov 1995, my wife and I were eagerly awaiting our first “arrow in the quiver”, to use a biblical analogy. As the months turned into years, however, our excitement turned into anxiety, and anxiety gave way to disappointment when “the gift from heaven” seemed a little long overdue. Over time, we consulted 2 gynaecologists, but both respectively recommended IVF, stating categorically that time was not on our side and that we should not wait any longer. But IVF is a revulsion to us, as we have strong biblical convictions against it! To us, the conception of a child is a wonderful mystery and is one of those secret things which belong exclusively to God (Deut 29:29). It is God who opens and closes up the womb. What do godly couples do when they go barren for a long period? They prayed! Gen 25:21 tells us that “Isaac intreated the Lord…and Rebekah his wife conceived”. So that was what we did; and we asked trusted people to pray for us as well. Some time in mid-2001, when we visited a doctor, I was speechless to discover that my wife was then two months with child! We were thrilled at this totally unexpected gift and realised that God has vindicated our faith. God has given me 2 wonderful children (though they can be very trying at times!) But through it all, I realise that parenthood is a special God-given privilege and responsibility; it is a high calling that requires lots of love and stamina. My prayer is that God will grant me grace to nurture them and I shall “have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4).

And my third heartfelt prayer, which I felt would give a complete “recipe” for a blessed Christian life, was: “Lord, lead me to my life’s work.” I could still remember as a young Christian, one of the favourite events that I looked forward to were missions rallies and conferences organised by the OMF (Overseas Missionary Fellowship) and some missions-minded churches. My heart was stirred whenever I heard reports of the Gospel work in the mission fields, and the lack of labourers in God’s harvest worldwide. Usually an altar call for full-time service would be given at the end of each conference. I did not respond as I did not feel the call then. However, when a missionary on one occasion prayed if anyone would give his life to serve God full-time in the future when God calls, I promptly put up my hand. I kept that to myself and did not share it with any of my church friends, though the all-seeing God must have taken notice of that little gesture.

In the meantime, I became preoccupied with pursuing a university degree and undergoing teacher training with the intention of qualifying as a schoolteacher, which I thought would offer great scope for influencing young lives. The prospect of guiding the young and teaching them life’s values in the light of increasingly undesirable values being promoted by the ubiquitous influence of mass media, appealed to me. I immersed myself in the teaching profession and soon all but conveniently forgot about my “little secret vow”. It was during this period of time that I experienced stagnant spiritual growth. My faith was all but faltering. I found myself rather demoralised and uninspired by the teaching from the pulpit in my previous Baptist church. There was a general lukewarmness about the Word of God. No clear doctrinal stand was taken against the inroads made by the Charismatic Movement and liberal theology. In short, the church had “shunned to declare…all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), to borrow Paul’s words in a negative sense. I felt spiritually stunted until by God’s Providence, I came over to Life BPC (under Rev Tow) in 1990, and later to Gethsemane BPC (under Rev Koshy) through transfer of membership in 1999. Thanks to the faithful preaching of God’s Word (Phil 2:16; Titus1:9), my parched soul was nourished and my faith fortified. Incidentally, it was here at these 2 churches that God respectively gave me 2 of my heart’s greatest desires. He provided a helpmeet for me in His time, and granted our desire to have children. The answer to my third heartfelt request seemed elusive, however.

Over the years, there has been a growing sense of emptiness as I did not find much fulfilment in my teaching profession. I felt as if I was, to use Pastor Koshy’s words, “engrossed in things that do not matter to God’s kingdom”. I had won no soul for Christ. Nor was I sure of laying up treasures and eternal rewards in heaven. Oh, the prospect of meeting God empty-handed did fill me with dread! Meanwhile, it all came to a head when I see pupils not turning better, but actually becoming more ill-mannered, sensual and ungodly – in short, all the sinful traits which are hallmarks of the perilous times mentioned in 2 Tim 3:2-4. This trend is not helped at all by schools becoming more worldly these days. I shared Rev Tow’s pained observation of the modern generation: “Oh, the sadness of seeing the flower of our own youth being drawn away by the world.” For they are without “hope and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12). I saw very clearly that no amount of child psychology or humanistic teachings of self-realisation / actualization as advocated by the socalled experts can stem this moral deterioration. Deep in my heart, I’m convinced that nothing except God’s Word can change a person’s depraved heart. This heaviness and unease with regard to my life’s calling was made more acute recently, especially towards the end of 2009, through my personal Bible-reading, pastor’s messages at Tues-night prayer meetings and some of his pastoral exhortations. Isa 55:2 sums it up succinctly: “Wherefore do ye spend…your labour for that which satisfieth not?” I felt a strong urge to walk away from it all and serve God full-time. In what capacity, I do not know. But “I had rather to be a doorkeeper in the house of God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Ps 84:10), or to dwell in the financial security of my secular career. There came a point when I told my wife that I find no more joy in preparing classroom lessons week in, week out; I’d rather prepare Bible lessons for children. My conscience was further pricked by the great debt of love I owe the Lord. He has blessed me with much – salvation, a prudent wife, 2 Godhonouring children, a sound Bible-believing church with a faithful pastor – blessings money cannot buy. To continue doing my own thing without due consideration for God’s kingdom is downright ingratitude!

“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High” (Ps 50:14). Could it be that God is requiring of me to pay my “little secret vow”? While I don’t see myself cut out to be a preacher as I am rather “slow of speech, and of a slow tongue” (Ex 4:10), I did purpose in my heart to live the rest of my days on earth for the Gospel’s sake – if the Lord will use me – as my “thanksgiving” to the Lord for blessing me so abundantly. In any case, I have no more desire for any secular ambitions. Knowing that this gospel of the kingdom must needs be preached, proclaimed and published before the end comes (Matt 24:14), “I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight; things that are higher, things that are nobler – these have allured my sight” [Hymns of Praise, No. 405].

As I put my hand to the plough, I am not unmindful of my own inborn corruptions which are enough by themselves to work my ruin. Do you know what my greatest fear is? It is “lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (or disqualified)” (1 Cor 9:27). Knowing my ever lurking tendency to fall back and slide into my old ways, I realise I cannot do without the prayers, encouragement and even admonition of God’s people. May the Lord help me to walk worthy of Him.

The Apostle Peter in his first epistle exhorts all Christians, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:15). Christians are urged to render their full devotion to the Lord. The word “sanctify” (in Greek, hagiazo) depicts the act of separating from all profane things and dedicating solely to God. Not to wholly dedicate to the Lord can mean desecrating the holiness of the Lord who indwells His children.

Only a whole-hearted dedication befits the Lord. A half-hearted devotion would mean one is trying to have two masters, the Lord and the Devil, or the Lord and the world. Jesus already declared that it shall never be possible to serve two masters. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

It is absolutely incongruous that one should receive the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart and then continually yield to sin and falsehood. It is never possible to hallow the name of the Lord in a heart that lie desecrated with sin. The Lord will not claim ownership of a heart that has no desire to keep it sanctified for Him. A habitually sinning heart is not ruled by the Lord. The Apostle John does not mince his words in warning those who continue in their sin. He wrote, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother” (1 John 3:4-10).

The following two pieces of advice derived from Peter’s exhortation should not be neglected so that we may sanctify our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in our hearts.

Avoid alliance with the ungodly or their falsehood
The immediate context of Peter’s command to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts”, i.e. the last part of verse 14 and first part of verse 15, has allusions to Isaiah 8:12-13. Peter wrote: “. . . and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:14c-15a). In Isaiah 8:12-13, we read, “Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” The setting of Isaiah 8 is significant to the understanding of the implications of Peter’s allusion. Ahaz, king of Judah, faced a crisis in the impending invasion by the Assyrian army. The kings of Israel and Syria wanted Ahaz to join their alliance to fight against the Assyrians, but Ahaz refused. Behind the scene, Ahaz made a treaty with Assyria. But Isaiah the prophet warned Ahaz against his ungodly alliance. He told Ahaz neither to fear the ungodly alliance of Israel and Syria nor the invading Assyrian army, and also not to form a confederation with any of them. Instead, Ahaz would have to fear the Lord and stay by Him for help and protection.

Fight off fear that assails your heart
A Christian should not be given into fear of the world’s hostility. In times of opposition, he must fear God rather than those who oppose him. Fearing the Lord more than anything else will help a believer tremendously to face opposition with courage.

That is why Peter said in the beginning of verse 15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.” This is similar to Isaiah’s words, “Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself.” This is a call to magnify or exalt God over all other things. The believer who sanctifies the Lord in his heart exalts Him as the object of his fear, love and service. Such a believer will be able to submit himself gladly to the Lord’s will. Submission to God’s glory and will channels courage and boldness into the heart of a believer who is faced with hostility.

Peter himself, being terrorized by fear, had once denied the Lord. Soon after denying the Lord, his heart was filled with sorrow and deep contrition at his failure but he eventually repented. So now he says, “If ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled” (1 Peter 3:14).

On that never-to-be-forgotten occasion, Peter had been afraid of the “terror” of the wicked. In Pilate’s palace, the fear of man brought him a snare. But in our text, he announces the divine remedy for deliverance from the fear of man that defiles our hearts.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.” In the light of its setting, this means, first of all, to let the awe of the lordship of Christ possess your hearts. Dwell constantly on the fact that Christ is Lord. Because He is Lord, all power in heaven and earth is His; therefore He is the Master of every situation, sufficient for every emergency, able to supply every need. When a Christian trembles in the presence of his enemies, it is because he doubts or has lost sight of the faithfulness and power of Christ.

You may be intimidated by the scorn and distancing of your worldly friends. You may be threatened with ostracism by unbelieving family members, friends, employers or those in authority. The thought of losing their help may leave you with a sense of fear about the future. So Peter exhorts us, “If ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled” (1 Peter 3:14). Peter also says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.” The motive for obeying this precept should not be our own peace and comfort, but His honour and glory. To guard against the threats of man, the saint is to cultivate the fear of the Lord, that Christ may be magnified. The Lord Jesus is glorified when His persecuted people preserve a calm demeanour and an immovable fortitude in the face of all
opposition. But this is possible only when our hearts are occupied with Him, and particularly with His lordship.

Beloved flock of God,
Thanksgiving Anniversaries

The month of July has seen anniversaries of several of our missions, both local and foreign. Today, we praise God for the 7th anniversary of our Chinese worship service. On the next two Lord’s days, four of our mission churches in the Philippines (Cebu, Bohol, Bogo and San Antonio) will commemorate their anniversaries. A team of brethren will be joining me in visiting these mission churches to rejoice with them during their anniversaries. They are Kenneth Wong and his family, John and Katherine Peh, Francis and Stephanie Lee, Dorothy Ng, Sarah Yong and Ruth Low. A series of Bible expositions on the Epistle of Jude, based on the theme “Earnestly Contend for the faith”, will be held over 5 days in Cebu. Today, we are happy to have a combined service with our Chinese congregation to praise the Lord for 7 years of God’s blessings upon this ministry. We salute all our brethren in the Chinese worship service and congratulate all of you on this happy occasion of your 7th anniversary. May your labour abound for the glory of Christ and for the salvation and edification of souls.

We must thank God for the preacher of the Chinese congregation, Dn Daniel Lim, who has wholeheartedly and faithfully laboured for the past five years to minister to the congregation. Though he began his ministry with much reservation because of his inexperience in ministering in Chinese, he has laboured and progressed in this ministry. We also need to continually pray for him and encourage him to press on in the work of the Lord.

With thanksgiving to the Lord, we also remember all the brethren from our English congregation, who have rendered their help in the Chinese service - Elder Choy, Dn Kelvin Lim, Bro Stephen Yap, Bro Chan Tuck Whye, Bro John Peh and several of our youths who have helped to play the piano for the worship service. We also praise God for preachers from sister churches who came to preach the Word.

Once again, I would like to urge all Gethsemaneans to strive to bring our friends and relatives who are Chinese-speaking to the Chinese worship service. Let us remember the words of our Lord, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37). Having the truth of salvation in our hearts, will we hide it from others? Will we become ungrateful Christians? Let us prayerfully and patiently persevere in the work of soul-harvest.

Pray for FEBC
Many of you have read in the local newspapers that the judge has passed a verdict against the present board of directors of FEBC. This would mean many troubles for FEBC. Your prayers for godly wisdom in the ensuing matters are much needed and therefore earnestly coveted.

Our church has a close fellowship with FEBC; and all of our preachers and missionaries are graduates of FEBC. In the matters of doctrine, particularly the doctrine of the Bible, we stand with FEBC. Our faith and adherence to the doctrine of inspiration and preservation of the Scripture is founded on Christ and what He has taught.

VPI & VPP
It has been propagated that VPP (verbal, plenary preservation of the Scriptures) is a new doctrine and it is against VPI (verbal, plenary inspiration of the Scriptures). Is that true? That is absolutely false.

VPP is not a new doctrine, but as old as the Bible: God has revealed in His Word that He will preserve all of His inspired words. Both in the Old and New Testaments, God’s assurances concerning the verbal, plenary preservation of His Word are found. Here are just a few of those promises concerning the preservation of His Word:

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8).

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:10).

“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever” (Psalm 12:6-7).

“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18).

“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth” (Psalm 119:89-90).

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33). Take note that the Scriptures record these words of assurance given by Jesus three times.

“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:24-25).

VPP does not contradict, but confirms and assures VPI: Does the doctrine of VPP denies or contradict VPI? Certainly not. On the contrary, VPP affirms VPI.

VPP declares that all of God’s inspired words (VPI) exist today because God has perfectly preserved them for us, just as He promised in His Word. In fact, everyone who believes that God has perfectly preserved His Word is assured that not one of God’s inspired words is lost.

VPP does not contradict any of the historical tenets of Christianity: Some falsely charge us that VPP contradicts the historical doctrines concerning the Scriptures. This is far from the truth. In fact, the doctrine of VPP is found in historical declaration of the Christian faith such as Westminster Confession of Faith. Consider the following:

WCF states in chapter 1, para 1 “. . . Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal Himself, and to declare that His will unto His Church; and afterwards for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which makes the Holy Scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of God's revealing His will unto His people being now ceased.”

In Chapter I, para VIII, WCF states, “The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which, at the time of the writing of it, was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and, by His singular care and providence, kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; so as, in all controversies of religion, the Church is finally to appeal unto them. But, because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them, therefore they are to be translated in to the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, that, the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship Him in an acceptable manner; and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope.”

Dear brethren, though VPI and VPP are newly coined terms or abbreviations, the doctrines they represent are not new, but historical truths. Our stand for VPI and VPP does not make us devisers of new doctrines.

Then why is there a dispute over these doctrines? Because, as almost all of the modern English versions show, there is a wide acceptance of a critical attitude towards the traditionally accepted Hebrew and Greek Scriptures, which are known as Masoretic text (Hebrew) and Received Text (Greek) underlying the King James Bible. We cannot agree with such a frivolous mentality towards the Holy Scriptures. Those English translations also reflect a very casual and, some of them, even a blatantly disrespectful attitude towards the inspired words of the original Scriptures. Those who would like to accept a critical mentality towards the traditionally accepted Hebrew and Greek Scriptures find our unwavering loyalty detestable. Our stand for the perfectly preserved Word of God is a hindrance to their critical attitude to the original words of the Scriptures underlying the KJV. Hence, the dispute.

For the cause of God’s truth, it is important that we do not become weary. No sacrifice is too big in the battle for the truth! We must be ready, as the Apostle Paul said, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:5-8).

For His glory,
Your pastor.

Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b).

You are not promised the admiration of the unbelieving world. In fact, you should not expect or accept much favour from the world. Worldly people will not gather around us to admire our piety or to appreciate our devotion to the Lord. The people of the world may like a Christian for some favours they can get out of him; but as a Christian they cannot love him. If the world does gather around a Christian in real admiration and support, it is because either the Christian has compromised or it has made a mistake about him!

Beware of the kiss of Judas with which Christ was betrayed and with which you will be betrayed unless you are well on your guard. In the world and from the world, ye shall have tribulation. When the world pretends to love, understand that it now hates you more cordially than ever, and is carefully baiting its trap to catch you and ruin you. The Apostle John cautioned us, “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you” (1 John 3:13). It is no surprise that the world hates Christians because it hates their Master. Jesus said, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). He also said, “The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil” (John 7:7).

The world’s hatred and opposition to Christians are a reflection of its prince’s hatred for Christ and His beloved ones. The enmity between the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman still continues. It is better that you understand that the serpent has not changed his nature. He is a vile deceiver and destroyer still. As soon as he sees  in you a devotion to Christ and His truth, he hates you with passion.

We are all born into a measure of troubles. Now our Lord tells us that we, who are born again, are introduced to a second set of tribulations. =I think almost all Christians would say that this prophecy of our Lord had been abundantly verified in their lives. If anybody shall have tribulation, it is the Christian. From the kingdom of this world whereof Satan is lord, we must expect fierce opposition; and we must contend against it even unto victory if we are to enter into everlasting rest.

Some Christians might have been enjoying a life of comfort and prosperity. Like Job, they might also have been increasing in riches and dwelling at ease with a hedge about them. They might be thinking, perhaps, they have no tribulation to bear. But may such Christians be forewarned that when the devil turns against them, great may be their trials.

Though there is tribulation in the world, many a Christian have grown very fond of the world. If we have no troubles in this world, we would become too comfortable with this world of sin. So through trials, the Lord stirs up our worldly tabernacle, that we may remember this world is not our eternal home. He allows trials to come our way that we may know we are not of this world, and that we are pilgrims here on earth. We are not to live here, but must soon be up and away to the glorious land. When tribulations in this world arrive, let our thoughts and desires be turned toward
the heavenly city of our God. Thanks be to God for the tribulation which shakes our thoughts out of the things of the earth and directs them toward heaven.

“But be of good cheer”
To comfort all His beloved ones who are troubled in this world, the great Conqueror of the world says, “But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Remembering Jesus as the overcomer of the world, will help us to be cheerful even in afflictions.

Our Lord was an overcomer both in life and death. No adversity was strong enough to distract our Lord from accomplishing all that His Father had appointed Him to do. Nothing could overcome Him, but He overcame them all.

If you take time to study the life that our Lord had lived while He was on this earth, you will see that He was a victor in all the circumstances of His life. A deep calm always pervaded His spirit whether it was the approbation or censure that He received from men around Him. He never lost His self-control. Nothing could frustrate Him that He might fail to perform His assignments perfectly to the pleasure of His Father. He conquered all circumstances and did everything
perfectly. To hold Him in our view through our life’s journey, is indeed a wonderful experience.

Our Lord also overcame the world by His fearlessness of the world’s elite men. When the Pharisees, who had no regard for Him, and with sneer and disgust, confronted Him, He declared God’s truth, rebuking and disproving them. Like a true Master, He outwitted them with His wise answers and actions. Their opposition could only prove that He is all-powerful and all-wise. Even the threats of Pilate, the governor, could not intimidate Him. He remained calm and undisturbed within when He was tried by Pilate. Even in death, He was a victor, for He ministered divine comfort and hope to the repenting criminal who was crucified beside Him. Finally, He overcame death and grave in His resurrection. Thus, He has defeated our last enemy, even death!

Since the Lord Jesus has tasted the severity of earthly tribulations and also the exultation of victory, we can trust Him to give us cheer in this hostile world. He understands the agony of our sufferings. He knows what it means to be rejected by people. He empathises with all our problems, because He experienced them. Now as an overcomer of every tribulation that He had faced, He assures us that if we follow His Word, we can "be of good cheer."

Jesus wants us not to give up our resolve to live for God’s glory. Even as He had not neglected the work that His Father had given Him to do while He was on earth, despite being rejected and afflicted, we should also press forward. He wants us to set our eyes upon Him and follow His example.

We must look to Him not only as an example in overcoming our trials, but also as our strength and help to overcome our afflictions. He is able to see us through, for He is our victorious Captain. So, by trusting in Him, let's persevere; and He will see us through.

If we lose sight of our victorious Lord in our tribulations, we will lose heart. We need to remember that it is His desire that we will have joy even in our tribulations. He is neither ignorant nor inactive in our problems. He is with us, and He is actively at work through our afflictions and problems in making us better and happier Christians.

So let's persevere, and don't let our hearts be invaded by sorrows and fears. The problems are there in order to test our mettle and spirit in following Jesus. Fear not the troubles, for our Lord has walked that way ahead of us. Keep your steps behind Him, trusting and obeying Jesus through your troubles. Remember that as you endure, you are following the One who has overcome the tribulation of this world. If you keep your trust in Him, you can be of good cheer, because victory through Christ is in sight.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Hebrews 12:2-3).

My family and I count it a privilege to be part of the Gethsemane BP Church’s DVBS team to Kemaman, led by Pr Daniel Lim. Others in the team include Bro Stephen, Sis Kim Lei and her 2 sons (Jie Wi & Jia Wi), as well as Bro Simon and Bro Ee Kuan (2 Care Ministry brothers who were of immense help to us). Thank God for enabling us to travel to Kemaman to serve, by His grace, in the children’s DVBS. This was held over 2 days: at Dr Wee’s large and spacious house on the first day (Wednesday, 9th Jun), and at the beach on the second (Thursday, 10th Jun), Friday being the Worship Service day.

Slightly over 40 children came, and they were organized into four groups – 3 Chinese-speaking and 1 Englishspeaking. Thank God for enabling Pr Daniel, Bro Stephen and Sis Kim Lei to teach in the respective Chinese-speaking children’s groups, while I helped out with the English-speaking group, not forgetting the animated efforts of my wife Annie in leading the children’s singspiration (with Sis Kim Lei co-leading as well). On the first DVBS day, the children were taught Bible lessons based on the twin-themes of “Obedience” and “Responsibility”. These were followed by a concluding Bible lesson with a Gospel theme, incorporated as part of the beach-outing programme on the second day.

Yes, there were much preparations and efforts to be made; but after going there, I realized that all these efforts were but just a small proportion of all the groundwork which Dr Wee and his family (together with a few helpers) have done, in terms of logistical support, daily provisions, all the administrative matters, transport, etc. – in short, all that is normally shouldered by a committee. Those who have been involved in organizing children’s DVBS would know the sheer magnitude of all the work behind it, which can be overwhelming indeed!

In fact, I can’t help but observe that what Dr Wee and his dear wife have been doing week in, week out is nothing short of the massive work that is being done by our children’s ministry committee. We, in Gethsemane, are blessed to have a GCM committee, led (moreover) by a full-time pastoral assistant. But I wonder how many of ourchildren appreciate all these planning and coordinating efforts. Or may I ask a deeper question – how many of our parents appreciate it, so much so that they are “anxious” to send their children to come for church activities, be it DVBS or GCM? Honestly, my wife and I were struck (and moved) by the Wee family’s tireless efforts and indefatigable spirit. Only God knows exactly how much work and resources they have put in. To do all these not just once or twice, but on a weekly basis, takes great zeal, faithfulness and undeniably, grace from above. May God’s blessings and grace be upon Dr Wee and his family, and all those involved in the ministry in Kemaman.

Incidentally, this was the second time Annie and I have visited Kemaman. The first was in Dec 1996, shortly after our 1st wedding anniversary – almost 14 years ago. How time flies! When we first went, my family consisted of just the two of us (we were without children then). We were married in Nov 1995. You could say we were eagerly awaiting our first “arrow in the quiver”, to use a biblical analogy. But as the months turned into years, our excitement turned into anxiety, and anxiety gave way to disappointment when “the gift from heaven” seemed a little long overdue. But thank
God, through godly counsel from the Bible and from our pastor, we prayed and waited upon the Lord. It was some 6 years before the Lord gave us our first child. But it was worth the wait. To cut the story short, when we visited Kemaman the second time round, it is good to note that the Lord has doubled my family size – for He has given us 2 children.

And by way of thanksgiving, my family felt moved to render a song presentation at the Church’s worship service, and I gave a short testimony as well. Truly, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth [God]” (Psalm 50:23). May the Lord’s Name be praised!

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Praise God for the opportunity to visit Ethiopia and the Gospel work started by Rev Ephrem Chiracho Ouchula and to have a good time of fellowship with the brethren there.

Before 11am on 22nd May 2010, the plane touched down at Addis Ababa airport. What a warm welcome from familiar faces! – Rev Ephrem, Bro Engida and Sis Ejigayehu. Pastor had arrived a few hours earlier from Nairobi, Kenya. We boarded a taxi to the Emmad Guest House which is less than 10 minutes away. It is a furnished apartment which was to be our abode and base for the next 10 days. An hour later, Rev Ephrem was back at the Guest House to fetch us to the church/parsonage for lunch. The staple food is injera, a traditional Ethiopian sponge-like flat bread which is served rolled-up. Dinner was also at the parsonage. Truly, thank God for the hospitality of Rev Ephrem and family throughout our stay.

Come Sunday, 23rd May, Pastor Koshy was the Lord’s messenger at the Gethsemane Bible- Presbyterian Church of Ethiopia. The next day in the morning, Pastor Koshy, Rev Ephrem, Bro Engida and I visited Alem Gena. It was our first trip during the 10-day stay in Ethiopia. Two brothers are presently staying there to take care of the land. We noted that there are many small houses built very near to the property. Though their close proximity to the property requires us to build concrete walls to fortify the place, it also presents a great opportunity for future outreach and ministry.

Thank God that on 25th May, Tuesday, Pastor Koshy and Rev Ephrem were able to meet up with the contractor to discuss the plan for the building of the church and Bible college. In the night, Pastor Koshy conducted a training session for church leaders. A second training session was held the following day for the committee members of the various ministries of the church. On the same day, Bro Engida brought me to visit the National Museum of Ethiopia where I was given a glimpse of the history of Ethiopia. We also visited the Lion Zoo and some areas of the city. Ethiopia is generally safe and peaceful and her people are friendly.

On 28th May, we had a good Bible Conference which comprised 2 sessions. The morning session (10am-1:00pm) was a Gospel meeting during which a lady was gloriously saved. Praise God! The afternoon session which started at 3pm was for Christians. Pastor preached at both meetings. On the same evening, Bro Engida brought Pastor and me to Bole Road where we had our dinner.

A second trip to Alem Gena was made the following day. This time, the contractor came along with Pastor Koshy, Rev Ephrem, Bro Engida and I. Measurements of the land were taken so that we can have a rough idea of the location of each building. After that, we had a good time of fellowship with Dn Tefera and Sis Eji over lunch at their home. This was in fact our second visit to their home. Thank God for their hospitality. That night, the owner of the Guest House organised a dinner for all the guests.

On Sunday, 30th May, the Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church of Ethiopia celebrated her 4th anniversary thanksgiving. It was indeed a joyous occasion to remember and praise God for His bountiful blessings upon the church. Pastor Koshy preached from Jude 3 and Matthew 24 on the theme of earnestly contending for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Praise God for enabling me to share on the main mission of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church, Singapore, and also on the two great commandments given by our Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 12:30-31). In the evening, we invited all fulltime staff and their families to a Chinese dinner at Da Tang Restaurant.

The next day at about 7:30 pm, we boarded the plane bound for Dubai with a connecting flight back to Singapore.

“The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38). May the Lord continue to move the hearts of more young men and women in Ethiopia to serve in His vineyard. Let us also pray for our brethren in Ethiopia that they will always look to the Lord and trust in Him at all times. “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

Dear Pastor and Session of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church,

Greetings in the blessed name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

“Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem” (Nehemiah 2:20).

Gethsemane B-P Church of Ethiopia held her 4th anniversary and the outreach ministry at Alem Gena its 1st anniversary. When we look back on the work of the LORD for these years, we see His unfailing love and faithfulness. God has preserved, prospered and strengthened the Church by His mighty providence. In His infinite wisdom, God has chosen to work through weak and undeserving vessels. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21). At this juncture, we would like to praise God for your steadfast and sacrificial support of God’s work in Ethiopia. It is our prayer that all that you have done will bear much fruit for the glory of the living and true God, for the edification of His people, and for the salvation of sinners.

Gethsemane’s 4th anniversary thanksgiving service was held on 30th May 2010. This occasion is set apart especially to give thanks to the LORD for His infinite mercy upon the Church in providing fund for building a Church and a Bible College in Alem Gena through your sacrificial giving as well as the support of like-minded brethren in sister B-P churches. When God’s people arise to do His work being united in one spirit, the God of heaven is faithful to prosper them. This is what we have witnessed in our labours together with you. Now, the plan for the Church and Bible College is ready for submission to the authorities to get the building permit.

During this anniversary thanksgiving service, by God’s grace, we had two adult baptisms, three infant baptisms and two transfer of membership. Our pastor, the Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy, preached God’s message with great zeal and enthusiasm to the people gathered for this occasion. The theme of the message was “Defending the Faith” taken from Jude and Matthew 24. Actually, Rev Koshy began to expound on the book of Jude last Lord’s Day (23rd May 2010). Moreover, Dn Lok Kwok Wah briefed the congregation on the various ministries of Gethsemane B-P Church at home and in mission fields and exhorted the people to love the Lord wholeheartedly and to be committed to live a life of obedience.

The Bible conference on Friday was well attended and Pastor Koshy preached an evangelistic message in the first session and exhortation in the second session. After the service, a young lady confessed her faith in Christ. Praise God for the blessing in the sowing of the seed of the Word to produce fruit unto eternal life. Pray that this lady, Meron by name, may grow in the Lord.

On Tuesday evening, Pastor Koshy gave training to the full-time staff and brethren who hold leadership
positions in the various ministries of the Church. Likewise, on Wednesday evening, he taught all the brethren who are serving the Lord in the Church here in Addis Ababa and the outreach at Alem Gena. Based on 1 Peter 4:10-11, Pastor exhorted the brethren to use their various gifts to serve others and build up one another in Christ focusing on the glory of God.

We also enjoyed blessed time of fellowship with Rev Koshy and Dn Kwok Wah who used every opportunity to encourage the brethren to remain steadfast in the Lord and faithfully labour in God’s vineyard. Their visit was attended with much spiritual blessings for the whole Church.

During this trip, Rev Koshy and Dn Lok visited the property in Alem Gena twice. On the second visit, we took the contractor along to discuss how the proposed plan fits into the actual area of the plot, on how to do the fencing, and other related matters. It was a blessed time altogether.

God bless you all and convey our heartiest greetings to the whole church.

Yours in Christ,

Rev Ephrem Chiracho, on behalf of Gethsemane B-P
Church of Ethiopia

“Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them” (Ezekiel 8:17-18).

Do you also minimise the sinfulness of your sins, just as the house of Judah did?

We are living in a very spiritually disastrous time because our society minimises the sinfulness of sin. Woe unto our human tendency to make light of sin than what it really is! Christians too have adopted such a tendency.

Many a Christian passionately pursue unwholesome music and filthy songs of worldly men, without feeling any shame at all. In fact, they arrogantly and unabashedly defend their pursuit by declaring that there is nothing wrong with such music. Many watch carnal and sensual shows on TV and other such media, and do not feel at all that they are allowing sinful thoughts and vain imaginations to enter their minds. Many young Christians follow the worldly way of life – engaging in pornography, fornication (premarital sex), adulterous relationships, covetousness, etc. They casually engage in them without thinking about the evil of those pleasures.

Are you, my reader, also viewing temptations and sin with reduced or minimised gravity? If you are engaging in filthy conversations or activities without any restraint; if you are a keen adherent of contemporary trends, fashions and such, then you are certainly lying to yourself when you say within you while engaging in them that all will be all right. You might feel that you should passionately follow after those unrestrained fleshly desires to stay relevant and ‘in-touch’ with the modern world. But, the reality of the matter is that sin is perilous. We need to see sin for what it really is. Consider in your heart what sin is truly all about. Then consider whether it is worth pursuing.

Firstly, sin is contrary to all that God is. God is holy; there is no sin in Him. Let us remember that sin is contrary to the nature of God, the name of God, the will of God, the purposes of God, the Word of God, the works of God and the glory of God. God hates sin. Will you, then, love that which God hates? To consider sin lightly is to defy the holy God. Romans 8:7 says that “the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be”.

It must be remembered that the most outrageous thing about sin is that it blasphemes God. Sin does not honour God’s glory. It does not show reverence for the holiness of God. It does not regard the omnipresence of God. It violates the love of God. It does not acknowledge the greatness of God. It takes God’s grace for granted. It does not regard the truth of God. It despises the wisdom of God. It doubts the faithfulness of God. It defies the law of God. It provokes the justice of God. It does not fear the wrath of God. It despises the goodness of God. Therefore, let us remember, minimising the seriousness of sin is the ultimate outrage against God.

So let us also take note that our sin will provoke God to wrath. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18). Again, we are warned: “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his deeds” (Romans 2:5-6).

Secondly, let us remember that if we allow sin to slowly take root in us, it will soon become a terrible enslavement or addiction in our life. Sin is not freedom, as many think. Instead, it can become a sort of hardening of the heart, or a deadening of the soul from living a righteous life. Jesus said: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34). So let us take heed to Paul’s advice: “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness” (Romans 6:19).

Thirdly, take note that sin will make you a distressed, troubled soul. Those who engage in sin without restraint will soon experience guilt, a loss of meaning, and all the resultant emotional, psychological, spiritual, physical and mental chaos. He will be filled with shame and sorrow. In Psalm 32:3-4, David spoke of his terrible experiences resulting from secretly engaging in sin – “When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy (God’s) hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer.”

Fourthly, our sins will hurt others too. The uncontrolled pursuit of lust, covetousness, selfglory, etc. can hurt many others. Many of the hurts inflicted on others can never be fully repaired. Sin is violent and cruel. Its pleasures are for a moment, but its consequences over time will be damaging and tormenting even unto others around us.

Though not planned for this year, God’s providential intervention has brought me to Kenya to teach God’s
Word in the Bible College of East Africa. I am very thankful for the eleven days of His goodness. Below I recount just a few of His goodness I received in this trip to Kenya

• God’s strengthening grace that was upon me in abundance, as I toiled to finish the lectures on Zechariah and 1 Peter.

• Blessed time of fellowship with the Principal, Rev Dr Mark Kim and his dear wife, Hannah. We have been friends since 1987. He is indeed a missionary with biblical “purpose, principles, passion and practice”. His twenty years of labour in the Bible College of East Africa has seen hundreds of men and women being trained in the Word to be pastors, preachers and teachers in several East African countries. He is also deeply involved in establishing a new Bible College in Arusha, Tanzania, a tremendous achievement for the Gospel work in that country.

• I also rejoiced to have the opportunity to fellowship with several of my former students from FEBC, who serve here as lecturers.

• The ministry of teaching to 29 students was a very fulfilling experience. I pray that they would remain faithful and fervent in the preaching of the Word in Kenya and neighbouring countries.

Early Saturday morning (4am, 22 May), I will leave Kenya for Ethiopia to join the brethren in Gethsemane B-P Church of Ethiopia during their 4th anniversary. I am trusting in His great mercy and power to minister His Word for the equipping of saints in Ethiopia. I will also be discussing the plan for the building of the Bible College and the church with the leaders of the church. I am very excited to be in Ethiopia once again.

I would also like to express a word of thanks to all who are praying for my mission journey to East Africa.

Photos from BCEA

Good friendship is very vital in life. The Scripture sanctions and encourages good friendships. The book of Proverbs, in particular, provides some valuable advice on friendship. Godly friendship can be an inspiration in life. It can cheer us to great and wonderful experiences and achievements.

But cultivating and maintaining a good friendship is not easy. It can be easily destroyed if you take it lightly. Godly vigilance and efforts are required. I would like to share with you some biblical advice from Proverbs to help you cultivate and strengthen good friendships.

Be pure in heart
According to Proverbs 22:11, purity of heart is crucial in cultivating friendships. “He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” The Hebrew word for “pure” (tahor) is used in the Old Testament almost exclusively for sacrificial and moral purity. This word occurs many times in Exodus and Leviticus with reference to the tabernacle and sacrifices. In all those rituals, the purity which was required by God was not just external appearance but the inward attitude. This is exactly what we see in this verse too – “pureness of heart”. Our inner motives in all our dealings with people must be pure, and if it is so, God will bless us with honourable friendships.

While we interact with our friends we must not allow our hearts to cherish any deceitful, angry, violent, unforgiving, greedy, jealous, selfish or lustful thoughts towards them. These thoughts would not only result in quarrels and destruction of friendships; impure thoughts and actions will soon make us appear like those who are unworthy of others' honour, respect and support.

Be gracious in your speech
This is yet another important counsel that Proverbs gives us to help us to strengthen our bonds with our friends. This is found in the second part of Proverbs 22:11. It says, “for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.”

The kind of graciousness (hen) in this verse is the kindness of a superior shown toward his inferior, who has no real claim for gracious treatment. In other words, even when we are right and the other is wrong we must be gracious enough in our words to win the person and to prove to him that you are a friend who wishes the best for him.

In every human relationship, there will be offences and hurts. Unless we are ready to forgive one another, we can never grow stronger in any friendly relationship. We must deal graciously with those who wronged us, and with meekness.

Galatians 6:1, speaks about our attitude toward those who have fallen into sin or offences - “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

But this can’t be achieved without pureness of heart or graciousness of speech. Remember the order of the counsels in Proverbs 22:1. First, pureness of heart, and then graciousness of speech. This truth is repeated in Proverbs 15:26 – “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.” Once your motives are pure and your words express graciousness, even the king will desire to be your friend. So watch how you speak with friends. Most people are careless about their conversation with close friends. This can lead to rude and hurting words. Remember that impure thoughts of lust, anger, etc. can also lead to unpleasant conversation, which destroy many years of friendship. It is important therefore to examine your heart before you speak your mind. If there is any ungodly attitude, you better overcome those thoughts, and pray for grace to speak graciously.

Be wise to accept criticism
Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Here, a friend is placed against an enemy; wound against kiss, faithful ones against deceptive ones. We must not think ‘kisses’ or pleasant tokens of love are the only experiences that can come from a loving friend. In fact, a kiss or expression of love can also come from an enemy, and wounds from a friend. Most of us would easily accept the kisses and reject the wounds without considering the actual nature of the source.

Proverbs repeatedly says that a wise man would accept criticism, correction and instruction (cf. Proverbs 8:33; 9:8b-9; 12:15; 19:20). It is very foolish to reject a friend who corrects us.

Be a wise counsellor
Proverbs 27:9 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” A good friend will give apt counsels to the other, which will ultimately bring joy like perfume and incense which bring joy to the heart (c.f. I Sam 23:16).

In fact, Proverbs 27:17 suggests that friends engage in mutual criticism. The image in this verse is striking; as knives are sharpened by other tools of steel, so friends can sharpen one another by the exchange of ideas, and constructive criticism.

There are friends who praise us all the time, and pay no attention to correct us when we are wrong. Such flattering is not beneficial to us, in fact it would lead us to great dangers. A warning against flattery is found in Proverbs 29:5 – “A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.” (c.f. 27:14). A true friend must be willing to rebuke when it is necessary.

Conclusion
There is no fast and easy way to good friendship. As Christians, we must desire to have friends who would help us in our walk with God. Likewise, we ourselves must be an encouragement and help to their pursuit of godliness. Let us never be a distraction or hindrance to our friends’ spiritual progress. So pray for one another.

Eunice! That was the name of Timothy’s mother. She is one of the celebrated mothers found in the Holy Scriptures.

Her motherhood is worthy of every Christian mother’s contemplation and emulation.

My wish for every mother in our midst on this mother’s day is that each of them will be empowered to be a mother to her children like Eunice was to Timothy.

First of all, I would like to thank God for His mercy and love towards me. It was in January 1999 in Ethiopia that I first received the call to serve the Lord full-time. After two years, by God’s grace, I had an opportunity to join a local church to serve Him. Through this ministry I had the privilege of serving in that local church for 5 years. At the same time, I began looking around for a Bible college, praying that God would open a door for me, according to His will.

All the instructions, promises and patterns that I find in the Bible teach me to answer this question with an emphatic “No”. All my ministerial experience also says the same.

I find it extremely imprudent to borrow money to do God’s work.

“Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered” (Psalm 40:5).

Beyond our thoughts and imaginations, God has blessed us in the 2010 Ethiopian Project. Almost 7 months ahead of schedule, God has helped us to reach the targeted sum of S$500,000/- for the building project. This sum is made up of (i) S$207,000/- we have already collected (as published in today’s weekly), and (ii) S$296,000/- promised by friends and members of the church.

I would like to add a few more words of advice to the parents concerning the supervision of children in the main worship service. I would like to once again affirm that at Gethsemane B-P Church, we are eager to have our young children to join the worship service together with all the rest. We are happy to see our children’s participation in the worship from an early age.

Men who became pastors for a career, or men who turned their pastoral office into a lucrative business enterprise for self-gain are not God-appointed pastors. They are the minions of the devil.

Preachers who preach for money are exploiters, extortionists and racketeers! The Apostle Peter depicted them as those who “… through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” (2 Peter 2:3). In the words of the Apostle Paul, they are “… men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness” (1 Timothy 6:5).

Worship is not just for adults but also for children (cf. Deuteronomy 31:11-13; Joshua 8:35; 2 Chronicles 20:13; Nehemiah 8:2-3; 12:43; Matthew 14:21; 15:38; Mark 10:13-14). For this reason, we bring our children to church. Gethsemane B-P Church welcomes children to join the adults in the worship of God. Children are part of our church family, and their spiritual nurture is a great concern to our church. So we welcome them to our church’s most sacred activity, even the worship of God.

Having all the children in the worship is a wonderful experience to both the children and the whole church. Their coming to worship is vital to the church’s future. We pray that through their participation in worship, they would learn to worship God in a biblical and solemn manner. We also need to instruct and guide them to have the right mindset and mannerism when they come before the Lord in worship.

One of the ways to prepare children for a proper worship of God is by conducting family worship daily. This can be just a 15-minute spiritual discipline for the family, where everyone sits together to sing a song, read the Scripture and pray. This spiritual exercise is a good avenue to teach your children the behaviour expected of them during the Sunday Worship.

The children should sit quietly and attentively, endeavouring – to the best of their ability – to participate reverently and intelligently in the worship. To attain such a goal requires that parents be diligent and thorough in preparing their children for attendance at and participation in the public meetings. In order to help parents, and the church, accomplish their Biblical responsibility, please consider the following guidelines, which I hope will act as an aid to such preparation. (The ideas reflected in the following sections are not entirely mine. I have adapted some from various books and articles with changes to suit our congregation.)

PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS

• Seek to order things in your home so that children have adequate rest on Saturday night. Also, leave the house early on Sunday morning to prepare to arrive in good time (perhaps 10-15 minutes before the service begins).

• Remind your children in advance the behaviour that is expected of them in Sunday school, the worship service and/or the prayer meeting.

• Accomplish necessary tasks (such as getting a beverage, or using the toilet) before the start of the service. Advise your child not to run in and out of the worship hall, because leaving the worship (even for legitimate reasons) is a distraction, at least to those nearby. Such a departure
  will also disrupt your child’s and your worship of God. It will impair your ability to follow, understand, and therefore benefit from the preaching of God's Word. The logic and continuity of Biblical preaching is lost when there are interruptions in the hearing of it. Seriously consider the possibility of refusing your child's desire to leave the meeting place.

• Train your children to be good listeners. Instruct them to sit with good posture and focus their eyes on the one leading the service or preaching. When the Scriptures are read, have them turn to the text and follow in their own or your Bible. Likewise, help them turn to each hymn and follow from the hymnbook, helping them as required. With older children, consider means of helping them to concentrate such as taking notes.

• Encourage children to continue behaving well (e.g. not making excessive noise and shouting), even immediately after a public meeting. Help children to behave politely to one another, and to adults (holding open doors, helping with tasks, etc.) and to behave in a friendly fashion to visitors, particularly children who are visiting.

• As much as possible, follow up on the preaching and teaching with your children (during the drive home, lunchtime, or family worship), by asking them appropriate questions.

• Remember also the power of our parental example (good or bad) in preparing for and participating in the public meetings of the church.

Nursery to Primary 3

• In this category, most of the older ones (Primary 1-3), if properly guided, will be able to sit through the worship without causing disruptions. Right now, we have a special Junior Worship lesson conducted for this group during the time of sermon, that they may be taught the Word in a way they can comprehend.

• While they are in the first part of the worship service, they must be instructed to have proper attitude and behaviour. If the parents are unable to attend to them, let the Junior Worship teacher or another adult sit with the children to guide them.

• It is important that we insist on good attitude during worship. If your child becomes restless or behaves inappropriately, remember to deal with him in a way that will not disrupt the focus of the other worshippers. There is no need to leave the worship at the first sign of disturbance from your child: congregation should appreciate that a very young child does not always behave perfectly. If there is no alternative, take your child out of the service. Ensure that this is not seen as a 'reward' for disobedience, and, if possible, deal with the particular issue appropriately and immediately, and then return to the meeting room to continue participating in the public worship of God.

If it is predictable that you will need to take your child out of a service to train or discipline him or her, aim to take seats near the doors of the meeting room, where you can get in and out with least distraction to others. When leaving or entering, try to do so with a minimum of fuss and noise. Other members of the church – ushers, for example – might be able to render a helping hand to you. Return to your seats as soon as possible with minimal distraction.

Remember that the children are to participate intelligently in worship. Diversionary activities (drawing, writing, reading other children’s books, playing, etc.) are not part of the worship of God. Neither are eating and drinking (except for the Lord's Supper), which can be distracting for the child, yourself and others. These things will undermine a child's active and intelligent involvement in the worship of God.

Infants and toddlers

Toddlers are often restless and fidgety. They are also prone to cry aloud. Parents of infants and toddlers are invited to use “the cry room” section. If you are in the main worship hall, please be seated near the door, so you can easily exit the worship hall to attend to your child who is crying. If your child is getting unusually restless, please consider using “the cry room”. Or you may take your child out of the worship hall with as little disturbance as possible. Please seek help from the ushers, if you need assistance. Quietly return to your seat as soon as possible after attending to the child.

Parents who are in “the cry room”, remember not to engage in conversation or activities that will distract others from concentrating on the worship. Let us endeavour to keep the solemnity of worship at all times. As much as possible, make sure that your movements and activities are least disturbing to others around you. Let all parents be mutually helpful and forbearing.

The Lord calls out to all our children, saying, “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD” (Psalm 34:11). “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts” (Isaiah 28:9). Parents, come with your children to worship the Lord!

"Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel." - 2 Timothy 2:8.

As Paul had suggested in the above verse, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is an essential element of the Gospel that we believe and preach. Let us meditate on how the resurrection of Christ make the Gospel a glorious truth in the hearts of everyone who believes it.

The resurrection of Christ, being an essential element of the Gospel, tells us that the Gospel is the Gospel of a living Saviour. We do not bid a sinner to the crucifix, the dead image of a dead man. Neither do we send penitent men to a little baby Christ nursed by a woman. Nothing of that sort. Behold, the Lord that liveth who was dead and is alive for evermore. We bid you this morning to the resurrected Lord who hath the keys of hell and of death! Behold, "He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). I say we have a living Saviour, and is not this a glorious feature of the Gospel?

Our Saviour Jesus Christ “hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10). Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ, the Son of God who became a man, died on the cross. He died to remove the curses of sin, even death. How has He done this?