As Singapore celebrates its 51st National Day, it is good that we, Christian citizens and residents of Singapore, know our godly duties in this nation and rededicate ourselves to them.

• We must give glory to God as the One who reigneth supreme over our nation. As Psalm 67:4 declares, “O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.” In the midst of our joy and celebrations, we must not forget that “the LORD is high above all nations” (Psalm 113:4a). So, all that we do during this happy occasion must be done for His glory and in the fear of Him who reigns above us. We should not be found in any event or activity that defies His holiness and great sovereignty.
• We must not be prideful in our prosperity and achievements. It is very easy for our hearts to become boastful, and glory in ourselves and our accomplishments. Humility can quickly vanish from our hearts, and our minds become swelled up with undue pride and misguided self-righteousness. Let us remember that His Word cautions us that “Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. … All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity. … That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity” (Isaiah 40:15, 17, 23). The words of the great king Nebuchadnezzar, who was severely dealt with by God for his pride, remind us: “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” (Daniel 4:35).
• We must praise God who has mercifully nourished, protected and blessed our nation. All good blessings we enjoy in this country are of the LORD. Let us gratefully worship the LORD. Scripture commands, “O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 117:1-2).
• We must thank God for the freedom to worship Christ our Saviour and Lord, and to serve Him in a Biblical manner. Let us remember Christians in other nations, where they face severe restrictions, hostility, physical persecution and even death. Many of them are fleeing their own countries to live as Christians. Oh, what a blessing it is that in Singapore, we can enjoy religious freedom!
• We must thank God and pray for the government of Singapore to continue to rule this nation with equity and justice. The apostle Paul instructs us: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
• We must show respect to the higher authorities and pay our dues to the government. Consider the solemn exhortation of Romans 13:1- 7, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
• As citizens of our country, we must “lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:2b). In our communities, we are to be courteous, friendly and kind-hearted people. We must not be troublemakers, but rather “Follow peace with all men, and holiness …” (Hebrews 12:14a).
• As Christians, we must witness Christ to the unsaved around us so that more from Singapore may escape their sins and judgment through faith in Christ. We must go beyond our nation, even to the ends of the earth, for “… ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8b).

A Testimony

Dear Pr Jeremiah Sim (preacher-in-charge of the Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry),

In the blessed Name of Jesus, warm greetings to you and your wife. I also greet all the members of the Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry group. I hope and pray that this letter may find you all in the best of health.

I cherished those days when I was with you because it was during those times that I realised how good and great our God is. I am greatly thankful to God that He has since extended my life, not to suffer but to enjoy.

I am very grateful to our loving and merciful God for blessing me with loving and caring children, who are serving in God’s ministry. They are my only treasure here on earth. I do not have glittering gold or abundance of money but I have Jesus. And in Jesus, I have what the world cannot give and this is the eternal life that all His children will enjoy after this life. Jesus has said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions … And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3). That is His promise, and I trust Him.

Truly, as the hymn goes, “’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, and to take Him at His Word”. I thank God for His words in the Bible. Verses like Psalm 37:4; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 46:4 and Philippians 4:6 have helped me overcome my peculiar problems and made my trust and faith in God stronger, especially now that I am old.

I encourage those who are in your old age like me to learn more Bible verses and apply to your daily life – you’ll be spiritually stronger and more refreshed physically. When the spirit is strong, so is your body.

Thank you also for the gift of a computer. God really has His amazing ways in answering prayer (Psalm 37:4), very often through the giving from good friends. Undoubtedly, God is really faithful to His Word.

I am hoping and praying that I can come back and be with you again, God willing. Again, thank you very much. Praise be to our God, hallelujah! To God be the glory.

In Jesus’ Name,
Rebecca Delina, the Philippines
(She is the mother of Eric Delina)

These days, confronting falsehood and sin head-on is no more regarded as a necessity or as helpful. Instead, confronting error and ungodliness is frowned upon and condemned as hurtful behaviour. The tragic result: in Christian families and churches, a culture of resigned acceptance of worldliness has since taken root!

The attitudes of relativism and political correctness have become so common among Christians that many of God’s children are left without reproofs of life and proper warnings, leaving them to be ruined by their errors and sins. The crowd-pleasing mindset of Christian parents and church leadership alike has left both their children and flocks vulnerable to the most vicious perils of unchecked worldliness. The moral and spiritual integrity that is required of Christians and churches are hard to find in these days.

The hesitation of preachers and parents to confront the sins of their congregations and children are like that of the days of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel: “His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter” (Isaiah 56:10-11).

“For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 6:13-15).

“But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand” (Ezekiel 33:6).

By their silence, leaders and parents have consented to the incursion of worldliness. Their lack of determination to confront and fight against sin at all costs has made them thorough compromisers. They have permitted immodesty, fornication and materialism in their homes and worship places without firmly and decisively acting against them biblically. Even in so-called fundamental, conservative churches and their homes, there are so much goings-on that would surely be condemned by the Lord.

Brethren, remember the biblical admonition: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11). Not to reprove works of darkness is to be in fellowship with them. It is either confront or conform!

A deep, death-like spiritual slumber has befallen the church and Christian homes. Without a doubt, the moral and spiritual situation surrounding us is dreadful and calamitous. It is the Laodicean spirit, which was rebuked by our Lord Jesus Christ – “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. ...thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:15-17).

A spiritual awakening is desperately needed among Christians to know and appropriately deal with their death-like spiritual slumber. We must regain our fervour for truth and holiness. We must boldly and decisively deal with sin and error in our homes and church. Take heed to Paul’s admonition: “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:11–14).

Are there some among you, who are members of Gethsemane, living in worldliness and sin? Are there some parents in our midst who have lost all your moral compass and courage to confront the worldliness and materialism in your family? If you fail to confront, the only outcome is that you and your home will serve the world more than Christ.

Are you a person who is irked by the preaching of the Word against sins that are rampant in our midst? Do you then advocate that the preacher should not rebuke sins of the people, because that is very disconcerting to people? If you are such a person, you need to know that your attitude is totally unbiblical – for the Bible specifically commands the preacher thus: “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (Titus 2:15); “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2).

If we fail to confront sin and falsehood, we will soon conform to them!

In our world that teaches its youths to pursue self-honour, giving honour to whom it is due is not at all seen as an important virtue. A great many people do not even bother to think about the need to show respect and honour. Nothing is as dishonourable as one’s neglect of giving honour to those whom the Bible says it is due.

The Word of God teaches us in Romans 13:7 that we are to “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” Giving honour to those whom it is due is an obvious duty of Christians. The freedom that Jesus gives to us does not cut us loose from our obligation to show respect and love to those in places of respect. Rude and disrespectful attitudes, words and actions from Christians are unworthy of Christ.

Esteeming others is our duty, whether it be in family, church or society. “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king” (1 Peter 2:17). Paul exhorted the Roman Christians: “in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:10). The Bible repeatedly teaches us to have that beautiful attitude, which is a promoter of Christian fellowship and also a preventer of bitterness, jealousy and quarrels among the brethren.

Hesitation to show respect is not fitting to the spirit of genuine Christianity. So I would like to urge all Gethsemaneans to cultivate a respectful spirit. We must not be passive in giving honour to others. We must be joyful and quick to show our respect for others. Be enthusiastic in greeting others, for we are told, “greet ye one another” (1 Corinthians 16:20; 1 Peter 5:14).

The church is particularly commanded: “Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints” (Hebrews 13:24). It is the duty of every church member to be diligent to show his appreciation for the spiritual leadership given to them with respectful greetings extended to pastors, elders and preachers. This instruction is emphatically taught in Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Those who show respect to God’s servants, as Scripture exhorts, are assured of special blessings that would profit them.

Cultivate Good Speech

“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Proverbs 15:23).

This saying is set in the context of having wise counsellors. There is great profitability in listening to men who can provide wise advice about matters of life, including both spiritual and mundane matters.

It is unquestionably God’s will concerning us that we be wise in speech to exhort and edify one another. God wants His people to cultivate wise speech. God’s Word sounds out His great expectation concerning their communication with one another. “The lips of the righteous feed many” (Proverbs 10:21). Also, “the tongue of the wise is health” (Proverbs 12:18), i.e. wherever wise speech is maintained, the affairs of life will be healthy. Moreover, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4); thus when the tongue is guided by the Spirit of God and by the words of Holy Scripture, it will elicit wise thoughts in the hearers.

In every Christian home, godly conversation must always be maintained. Parents are expected to be wise teachers of their children at home. They must teach their children God’s truth (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 11:19). Furthermore, children are warned against swearing against the parents. “Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness” (Proverbs 20:20).

The Christian’s duty to exhibit gracious, wholesome speech is repeatedly exhorted in the epistles of Paul. In Ephesians 4:29, he admonished, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” By the same token, he said in Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” The provider of an apt answer will indeed have great joy. His own conscience will rejoice that his words have been helpful; on top of that, the gratefulness of the hearer will also be a reason for his joy.

We should be careful not only about the content and manner of our speech, but also about the timeliness of our speech. “A word … in due season, how good is it!” Our words should befit the situation. A piece of advice, given at the right moment and in the most suitable manner, will be very profitable to the hearers. So before we speak, let us examine whether our words are truthful, edifying, gracious and appropriate.

It is our honourable duty to recall all good things that the LORD has done amongst us and give praise to Him duly. Scripture frequently exhorts us, as His people, to give thanks to the LORD. One of many such exhortations is 1 Chronicles 16:8- 10: “Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.”

Over the past 13 years, the Lord has nurtured in our midst an effective Gospel ministry to the Chinese-speaking relatives of our members and friends. It has pleased the Lord to use it to bring several of our dear ones to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, and also to nurture those who have believed in Christ through the Word and fellowship. Therefore, in gratefulness to God, we will worship Him in a combined worship service of the English and Chinese congregations.

Preacher Daniel Lim, who ministers God’s Word amongst our Chinese-speaking brethren, has been faithfully and zealously serving the Lord for about 11 years. He not only regularly preaches God’s Word during worship services on the Lord’s Day, but also holds Bible studies after worship service, and whenever brethren need them. He also regularly visits the sick and those who are in need of encouragement. On Tuesday nights, he leads brethren from the Chinese Ministry in Bible Study-cum-Prayer Meeting. His ministry is also extended to Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry, The Gethsemane Care Ministry and Gethsemane Prison Ministry. The Lord also strengthened him to regularly travel to Malaysia and preach in the Chinese ministries of Kemaman Life B-P Church, Terengganu, and Calvary Jaya B-P Church, KL. Let us pray regularly for Pr Daniel Lim, that He may serve victoriously for the Lord.

We are also grateful for the brethren who co-labour with Pr Daniel Lim in Chinese Worship Service on every Lord’s Day, and also on other occasions. We gratefully remember and praise the Lord for all those who serve as worship chairmen, pianists, ushers, helpers, etc. May God be your special joy and strength in your wholehearted service.

Let us serve Him as we are exhorted to do in His Word. Please consecrate to serve Him according to the following Scriptural exhortations.

Serve Him whole heartedly

• Deuteronomy 11:13 – “… serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (cf. Joshua 22:5).
• 1 Samuel 12:24 - “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart.”
• Luke 16:13 – “…Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (cf. Matthew 6:24).

Serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind

• 1 Chronicles 28:9 – “serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind”
• 1 Samuel 7:3 – “prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve Him only.”

Serve Him with sincerity and in truth

• Joshua 24:14 – “… serve him in sincerity and in truth….”

Serve with gladness

• Psalm 2:11 – “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.”
• Psalm 100:2 – “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”

Serve Him with humility

• Acts 20:19 – “Serving the Lord with all humility of mind…”.

Serve Him with fervent spirit

• Romans 12:11 – “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord”.

客西玛尼笃信圣经长老会 华文部 十三周年感谢神恩惠

亲爱的主内弟兄姐妹，

感谢我们在天上的天父对我们 客西玛尼笃信圣经长老会华文崇拜 在过去十三年的恩待，供应与赐福。 十三年的光阴有如早上的露水，太 阳一升起就消散无影无踪。然而在 这岁月不留人的日子里，神大能的圣 手不停地保护着我们，神的信实，慈 爱更没有停止，离开，每天都是何等 的丰富。在这一年里蒙神在他的管 教里，让我们对神建造我们生命，经 历，跟神话语的认识可说是何等宝 贵生命的领悟，而且对神要我们在主 里所当活的生命与行的事借着圣经向我们启明白好让我们行天家道路有目标，尊神的旨意行。 天父是配得一切的感恩与荣耀，我们在这欢庆的十三年周年一起来崇拜感恩，愿父神加多您 的恩惠在我们每个儿女身上，让我们多一些的依靠，爱主，行在神喜悦的道路里，更体贴父神 的心意将您爱世人，为世人成就了救赎恩典，借着主耶稣基督十字架的舍命第三天复活，让世 人认识您唯一真神，凡信靠您的必不灭亡反得永生。愿主在我们这些软弱的器皿来盛满您的恩 赐，智慧，生命，让我们在新的一年里都协力跟随，侍奉主，愿主圣名常得赞美与荣耀。

主内
林和昌传道

Greetings from Perth, where I have been ministering God’s Word, together with my wife Carolyn, to the brethren of Bible-Presbyterian Church of Western Australia. The church camp ended on Thursday afternoon. The study of the Word was based on the theme, “Sanctified and Meet for the Master’s Use”, taken from 2 Timothy 2:21. The Lord has helped me to preach altogether 9 sermons on the theme in the camp, including the sermon during the last Lord’s Day service. I am personally blessed to have an opportunity to study, understand, and preach on that particular theme – firstly for my own sanctification and profitable use in the Lord’s Hand, and secondly for all the people of God gathered in the BPCWA Church Camp. Carolyn, who taught the children during the camp on the same theme, also rejoices in His enabling grace that strengthened her to serve Him.

Here in the camp, we also had the company of the Cho family (Wai Mun, Jolyne and Benjamin), and Sis Elizabeth Poon from our church, and a couple of families from Truth B-P Church, Singapore. Bro Benjamin Cho will be enrolling in a university here to pursue his studies; so we thank God that he can find pastoral care and church fellowship in BPCWA.

I write this letter on Friday morning from the church’s guest house (named Jeremiah House), where we will be staying till we return to Singapore on Tuesday (12th July). I have several more scheduled programmes of teaching God’s Word to fulfil before I return - a family seminar (with three sessions over two days), a combined fellowship gathering, and a Church Session retreat. I am grateful to know that you have been praying for our ministries here earnestly. We too pray daily for all the ministries of our church and all of you.

I take this time to convey the greetings of Rev & Mrs Joseph Poon, together with the brethren of BPCWA, to all of you. God willing, I will be with you during this Tuesday Night Prayer Meeting.

Meanwhile, may the following exhortations strengthen you in your pursuit of God. I am sharing them that you may be further encouraged to seek a closer walk with the Lord.

Yearn for God

Cultivate a deep desire for God like the psalmist who said, “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee” (Psalm 73:25). The psalmist, by using a very persuasive Hebrew device of a question and an assertion, here expresses his deep and firm love for God. He is supremely satisfied in God. He desires no one more than the LORD whom he has been trusting. Such should be the sentiment of every child of God towards God.

By asking “Whom have I in heaven but thee?”, the psalmist exalts God above all the angels and the souls of the departed who are in God’s presence. None of the angels – not even the archangel – is worthy of such complete trust and adoration which the psalmist has for God.

Similar sentiments of affection and adulation towards the matchless greatness and glory of the exalted God of heaven have been confessed by many of His servants. Moses said, “O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might” (Deuteronomy 3:24)? King Solomon testified, “LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart” (1 Kings 8:23). Similarly, Job affirmed in the face of mistrust and false accusations, “Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high” (Job 16:19). The psalmist also openly sang, “For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD” (Psalm 89:6)?

Truly, “great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods” (1 Chronicles 16:25). May we, too, “praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven” (Psalm 148:13).

The unparalleled greatness and goodness of our God also cause the psalmist to unequivocally declare, “there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” He would go to no one but his God for the help he needs. He is assured that the God of heaven is very gracious and will condescend to aid him in all his difficulties and struggles. The matchless greatness and goodness of God make His child crave for His presence and support. May we truly say, “The Lord is with me; I am satisfied in Him.

Others may depart, but you must draw unto the Lord

The apostle Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68b). These were the words of Peter to the Lord Jesus Christ at a time when “many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him” (John 6:66). The Lord Jesus then confronted the twelve: “Will ye also go away” (John 6:67)? It is in answer to this query that Peter, with his characteristic fervour and promptness, declared: “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”

Many followers of Christ had been offended at His doctrine. They used their own feeble sense, without the aid of the Holy Spirit, to judge His wondrous words of life. So they ended up saying, “This is a hard saying; who can hear it?” (John 6:60). They were not saying that His saying was hard to understand, but that it was hard for them to agree with or accept. His words were displeasing to their unbelieving hearts. They took offence at His statement: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life, in you” (John 6:53). They misrepresented His doctrine by critically looking at the “letter” of His profound saying, without perceiving the “spirit” of His words. How rash and foolish of them to choose to leave Him immediately! If only they had a little more patience to tarry with Christ!

Upon their departure, Jesus turned His attention to the twelve. The sudden departure of the multitude must have troubled the disciples. However, Jesus asked the bewildered disciples a probing question: “Will ye also go away?” He tested the genuineness of their decision to stay with Him. He wanted them to affirm their faith in Him and renew their allegiance to Him. The Lord compelled none to remain with Him against their will. He wanted each of them to make his choice whether to follow Him or not. Yet even among the twelve, there was one who would leave the Lord in order to betray Him (cf. John 6:70, 71).

When faced with the departures and betrayals of nominal Christians, we should not be unduly alarmed. Like Peter, we should seize the opportunity to reaffirm our faith and commitment to Christ. We too must boldly make our confession: “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” Let us also have a firm resolution to adhere to Christ, our only Saviour and Lord. We ought to follow our Lord even when others leave Him. We seek no other companion more than our Saviour and Lord.

It has been 17 days since my family has been away from Gethsemane and Singapore. My wife Carolyn and I had just returned from India (Friday, 1st July at 10.30am) after spending that many days with my ageing parents. (My children are still with their grandparents, and will return only on 13th July). We also had a wonderful opportunity to get together with the families of my two siblings for the first time. Since I started serving in Gethsemane in 1991, I did not have an opportunity like this to be with my parents, siblings and their families together. So it was indeed an edifying and joyful family get-together.

During the last two Lord’s days, I also preached at the church that I grew up in. This also gave me an opportunity, after almost 30 years, to meet with some childhood friends and relatives with whom I grew up.

Right now, we are getting ready for another 12 days of ministry in Perth. Please pray for us, as we minister in Bible-Presbyterian Church of Western Australia. By the way, Pr & Mrs Andrew Koh are away in Melbourne to minister to the youths in Bethel BPC; so please uphold them in your prayers.

Please consider prayerfully for your spiritual strengthening the following two devotions that I would like to share with you. Till we meet again, the Lord be with you and bless you.

“Unfaltering Faith in God amidst Troubles”

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

The psalmist here instructs God’s people concerning how they ought to possess indefatigable faith in God, even when they are encircled by terrors and troubles. The psalmist is not only an example of unfaltering faith, but also an encourager who exhorts fellow believers to put their confidence in God. The psalmist’s confession of God’s goodness towards His people is remarkably invigorating.

Here the psalmist makes three assertions about God which believers should affirm wholeheartedly in their times of troubles. The first truth that we should affirm in the midst of our troubles is that “God is our refuge”. Some have built for themselves what appear to be well-fortified castles with tall, strong walls and thick iron gates, guarded by hosts of strong men with powerful weapons. Yet time and time again, such man-made refuge have been breached by enemies and all kinds of perils. A far superior refuge is the LORD God for all who trust in Him. He is their impregnable refuge. Taking shelter in God is far better than running into manmade shelters. God is our safe shelter!

The second truth that God’s people must affirm always is that God is their “strength”. When they feel weak and defenceless, God is the source of their strength. They can come to Him, and renew their strength. God’s omnipotence provides His people with assurance and motivation to endure their troubles and accomplish all that God has called them to do. Let His people believe that God’s strength is their strength. Let them arise in confidence to fulfil all His good purposes, even when troubles assail them. God is our unfailing strength!

The third solemn truth that God’s people must affirm constantly is that God is “a very present help in trouble”. When trouble is near His people, God is nearer to them than the trouble. He never withdraws Himself from His troubled people. He draws near to His children in their trouble. God is closer to His people than their nearest and dearest family member or friend. He will be with them as their Help. His presence will be nearer than the trouble. He will never be absent from His people. Troubles confronting God’s people are not a sign of God’s abandonment of His people. Rather, they are an opportunity bestowed by God for them to experience the grandeur of His presence. Come, let us sing the forty-sixth Psalm.

“Keep Thy Heart with All Diligence”

“Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah”(Psalm 4:4).

Man’s experience on earth is such that committing sin is more common than refraining from it. At every provocation or temptation, man finds himself easily in the sway of sin, unless he guards himself with God’s help. In fact, even without any external provocation or temptation, man is found gravitating towards sin. So the counsel given by David is a crucial one to us all. David’s admonition to everyone is: “Stand in awe, and sin not”.

The Hebrew word translated as “stand in awe” carries the idea of trembling within. Some have translated it as “be angry”, suggesting that the apostle Paul had taken his admonition – “Be ye angry, and sin not” (Ephesians 4:26) – from these words of David. There may be some truth in that. David was here addressing men who were trying to discredit him with their vain words and lies (cf. v. 2). His counsel to those restless men was how to abstain from sinning. The best remedy against sin is to “stand in awe”. They ought to tremble with godly fear regarding their sinful conduct and its consequences. Their hearts must be stirred against their sins.

We must take heed of David’s counsel in order to prevent ourselves from sinning foolishly. Let there be always a fear and dread upon our minds, which arise from a sense of divine holiness and justice against sin. There is no greater prevention against sin than a due sense of the presence of the Almighty God who “is angry with the wicked every day” (Psalm 7:11). If we nurture and maintain a holy reverence for our sovereign God’s glory, and a holy dread of His wrath and curse, we will not dare to provoke Him with our sinful conduct. Let us be “tremblers” rather than “triflers” before God.

David’s next advice against sin is to “commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still”. The proper attitude of awe ought to be nurtured by communing with our own hearts. Teaching ourselves how to think and act in a way that would rid our lives of all sinful conduct is a solemn duty we should not neglect. We must take time to look into our hearts to watch out for any seed of sin germinating within us. We must search our hearts to uncover and remove the roots of our misdeeds, as well as teach our hearts the godly ways in which we ought to walk. To truly nurture our hearts, we must find a place and a time of quietness; hence the need to retire into our chamber (“bed”) and examine our hearts before the LORD.

“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms” (James 5:13).

In a local congregation of believers, a variety of experiences may be found at a given time. While some people experience severe afflictions, others are presented with reasons for jubilation. It is also true that all alike are subject to afflictions and happiness. Both those types of experiences can be in different persons or in the same persons at the same time. And sometimes, change from one extreme to the other can happen suddenly.

Extreme circumstances, if they occur to people whom we love earnestly, can affect our thinking. With varying events, our emotions will also rise and fall accordingly. Such divergent experiences in our congregations would make us wonder who we should attend to and how we should respond to those situations. As a matter of fact, such extreme situations can happen simultaneously or successively in our church or personal lives.

Christians are urged to carry out their corresponding duties in those varying circumstances. Appropriate spiritual responsibilities, which are mentioned in our text, have to be discharged readily. If we readily carry out our biblical duties, we can minister to people in varying circumstances in the most befitting manner.

What should we do when we find others or ourselves in trying circumstances? The apostle James advises us to pray. “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.” We should pray, asking God for the wisdom we need to understand the situation and manage it to bring glory to His Name (cf. James 1:5). We can pray for His grace to endure troubles (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). We can also pray, if it is His will, that He will remove the troubles. Through prayer we not only communicate to God our needs, but also commune with Him. One of the major divine purposes of our afflictions is that we may draw closer to Him in prayer.

What should we do when we find others or ourselves in a situation of joy and gladness? James says, “Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” Psalms are thanksgiving, worshipful songs to the Lord. Singing psalms to the Lord is the most preferred way of praising and worshipping God for all His benefits in our lives. Joyful experiences are given to us so that a worshipful spirit may be built up within us. While afflictions are sent to teach us to pray, happiness is bestowed that we may learn to praise Him.

A Close Shave with Blindness

Jenn Lee

I was just lamenting last week about how fragile life is. An ex-colleague of mine (who was the same age as me) collapsed suddenly in her house and died of the condition known as “brain aneurysm”. A day later, my cousin (who was 10 years my senior and without prior medical history) died suddenly from heart attack. I asked myself: if the same thing were to happen to me or my loved ones, am I ready to meet the Lord or to part with my loved ones?

Incidentally, I woke up last Sunday (19th June) with a blurred vision in my right eye. It was like a foggy piece of shield covering my eye. I waited to observe to see if it would get better, worse or be status quo. I went to church as usual, but it didn’t get better. By evening, the tension in my right eye started to build up. I felt mild pain from the right side of my head, down to my cheek and upper jaw. Common sense told me something wasn’t right. My heart was palpitating fast. I couldn’t sit, stand, or even breathe well. I was not sure if I would be able to visit any specialist, it being a Sunday. I decided to call Bro Han Meng (who is a doctor in our church) and told him all my symptoms. He advised me to see a doctor immediately because it got to do with my vision, and he reassured me that there would be a specialist on standby. With that assurance, I walked to the nearest hospital alone, which was about 10 minutes’ walk from my house. It was nearing my boy’s bedtime, so I didn’t want the whole family to come along. Throughout the episode, I was all alone, but my Lord was with me, “for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5b).

When the “on-call” eyespecialist saw me, he diagnosed it as “acute angle eye closure glaucoma”. He said that I must be admitted immediately because it was an emergency case. Eye-drops had to be administered hourly to bring down the high pressure on my right eye. Throughout the night, the nurse-on-duty came in hourly to apply eye-drop on me. I vomited 4-5 times throughout the night as I was feeling nauseating, even though I didn’t have my dinner earlier. Every time the eye-drop was applied on me, I experienced total blackout in my right eye, which scared me quite a bit. The blurry vision only slowly resumed after about 10 minutes. The nurse told me that was the effect of the medicine. At dawn, my eye pressure dropped significantly, and I could see much better, though vision was still blurred. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

The eye specialist told me that I was his youngest patient in his 25 years of medical practice (the previous youngest one was 44). Obviously, this isn’t a record I am glad to have anyway. For those who do not know what is “closedangle eye closure glaucoma”, according to Wikipedia:

Closed-angle glaucoma can present gradually or suddenly. The sudden presentation may involve severe eye pain, blurred vision, mid-dilated pupil, redness of the eye, and nausea. Vision loss from glaucoma, once it has occurred, is permanent. But, if it is treated early, it is possible to slow or stop the progression of disease with medication, laser treatment, or surgery. Treatment of closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency. It occurs more commonly among older people and more commonly in women. Worldwide, glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness after cataracts.

On Monday morning, I had safety keyhole laser treatment on both eyes (the other eye was done as a preventive measure). The doctor said I should be thankful that I saw him the night before because if it was treated late, vision could be lost. How could I not be thankful to the Lord’s perfect timing? “The mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting” (Psalm 103:17a).

I was discharged on Monday, but I would have to go back to the outpatient clinic for a periodical check. If there is no improvement, the doctor may have to perform cataract surgery to remove my lens and replace with artificial lens. But I will cling onto the promises of my God. He knows what is best for me.

Last but not least, I would like to thank Pastor and Sis Carolyn for their prayers for me though they were in India then. Also, my appreciation to Eld Mah, Sis Melissa and Sis Kim Lei for their words of comfort. Special mention must be made of Sis Gina, who availed herself to help us at home; not forgetting Bro Han Meng for his prompt medical advice and prayer, as well as other friends from Gethsemane who had prayed for me. Truly, my heart is overwhelmed with God’s love shown through the brethren from Gethsemane.

Nicole Esther Lee

I would like to thank God for bringing all of us safely back home after this year’s church camp. This year’s camp theme, ‘Joy is My Inheritance’, was very meaningful to me, because in school people would think and say bad things disrespectfully about Christians. I had doubts and fears, but my sister and brother would often sing, ‘O rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake…’ This is truly a wonderful phrase that I would remind myself when someone tries to attack the Name of God.

has a plan for me. My responsibility now is to study hard to praise God’s Name and defend the Word of God. I would also like to thank the Lord for delivering the messages through Pastor Koshy and our preachers, so that I could know the true meaning of joy, which is my inheritance.

On the way back to Singapore, I chanced upon many impoverishedlooking families along the route. It made me wonder if they have enough to feed themselves and meet their daily needs. I pray that one day these people would come to know and find joy in the Lord. Surely, we must always be grateful to God for what we already have, whenever we want to ask for something from Him.

May the Lord bless and keep us all till He takes us back with Him to our eternal home.

Miriam Wong (d/o Mr & Mrs Wong Ah Yee)

As we had signed up rather late for the church camp (due to my parents’ hesitancy in making their decision), we could not get a place in the coaches hired by the church. So I decided to drive up to the camp. I dreaded driving such a long distance of about 370km along Malaysian highways. I prayed earnestly for God’s help and protection, and a lot of preparations were also made. God provided Sis Kim Lei, who helped me with GPS, and also arranged for me to drive with a convoy of cars driven by Elder Choy and Pr Daniel Lim. Thank God that we arrived in good time to attend the meetings.

We had a wonderful time of fellowship, and great “feasting” of God’s Word and good food. I benefited greatly from the preaching of God’s Word, especially from the theme messages on ‘Joy is My Inheritance’. For quite a while, I had been weighed down by many things in life. So the messages on joy were most appropriate for me, and they helped to lift my spirit up before the Lord.

Surely the Lord has supplied all our needs in His time. My mother and I were unwell for a short time, but the Lord restored us quickly. Oh, how we must praise the Lord for His goodness towards us! Also, I would like to thank each and every one who have helped us and prayed for us. “But let those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee” (Psalm 5:11). Truly, as Nehemiah 8:10 declares, “the joy of the LORD is (our) strength.”

Valerie Leow

Thank God for the good gift He has bestowed upon His people in the recent church camp, wherein we were able to set aside time to learn of the inheritance of joy He has given us, even joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8). Thank God for the preaching of His Word through the theme sermons, which opened our eyes to behold wondrous things out of His law (Psalm 119:18), thereby causing us to rejoice greatly “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart” (Psalm 119:111).

Thank God for the timely warning against taking pleasure in and pursuing after delusive counterfeit joys, particularly shallow and superficial spiritual joys, which cannot abide in time of trial. We must beware of the short-lived joy of one who receives the seed of the Gospel and the Word of God in “stony places”, as highlighted in the parable of the sower. This served as a timely reminder to examine ourselves, as to whether we be in the faith (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:5) and whether our joy in the Lord be genuine.

Thank God for the assurance that true and divine joy – being God’s gift through Christ, sustained and maintained by the Holy Spirit – surpasses understanding and circumstances, even in the face of sorrow or fear (cf. John 16:33; Proverbs 14:10). Hence, those who refuse to be comforted (Psalm 77:2) have failed to look to the Lord (the Source of our joy) and failed to realise that this joy is plugged into the inexhaustible and perfect goodness and glory of God. The true sentiment of a pious soul is joy in the Lord, dwelling in the presence of God and experiencing the outpouring of His joy full and complete (cf. Psalm 16:11b; John 15:11; 16:24; 17:13).

Thank God for the exhortation on overcoming hindrances to joy through repentance from sins, the remembrance of the Lord’s goodness and mercy (Psalm 77:10; 31:7; Deuteronomy 26:11a), and communion with Him (Luke 10:21). Also, it is good to be reminded that the joy of the Lord (which triumphs over dejection) is the strength of His people (Psalm 21:1); being the common inheritance of the saints, it ought to be infectious (Deuteronomy 26:11b; 27:7; 32:43).

Thank God as well for the various morning and evening devotions faithfully delivered unto us, which put us in right perspective of our lives in Christ, revealing to us the many causes for joy in the Lord, exhorting us to give thanks to the Lord, to trust in His faithfulness in times of trials, and to submit fully to His will (Psalm 40:8).

Finally, I thank God for His hand of mercy and preservation throughout the camp, and for His unfailing provisions for our physical needs even as we rejoiced in His spiritual blessings through His Word and communion with the saints. May the Lord sanctify us to receive His Word with humble hearts, and grant us sincerity of faith, that in His presence we may find the fullness of joy unspeakable.

Dorothy Ng

Ithank the good LORD for making this camp trip possible even though I dislike travelling over a long distance. When we arrived at the first rest-stop in Malaysia, my left knee was so painful that it left me limping for 2 days, up to Wednesday. In spite of this pain, God’s love, joy and peace stayed in my heart.

I thank God for kind souls who offered their help, like Pr Dennis (who got herbal roots for me through Rev Lee Kim Shong), Sis Annie (who offered me her cream) and Sis Jessie (who gave me her plaster and knee guard). Pastor even asked whether I needed a wheelchair. I wish to thank all the brethren who had prayed for my healing.

This camp also stirred me to constantly examine myself, whether I am doing “right in the eyes of the LORD” or “evil in the sight of the LORD” (which basically spells the difference between the good and bad kings of Israel and Judah in the Old Testament). For me, to have the joy of the Lord in my heart is to do right, especially in the house where my family members (particularly my impressionable grandson) are ever listening and watching.

I often remind my girls that together with serving, they must have daily communion with the Lord. Our strength and joy come from our Lord God Almighty, “for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Amen.

We live in a world that is full of unbiblical philosophies and practices, which have pervaded and deeply influenced societal thinking and attitudes. Our firm convictions and commitment to holiness are often viewed with contempt, scorn and even hatred! Jesus, being aware of the hostility that we will face in the world, has prayed for us: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14-16).

Our faith in the truth of God’s Word will not only be tested and challenged, but will also be hated as well. Faithful Christians, be they adults, youths or children, all are facing many difficulties in society, schools and workplaces, simply because of their adherence to the doctrine of creation. The evolutionists would like to depict us as anti-scientific and irrational people. The tension that Biblebelieving Christians feel today is multi-faceted and very severe. The idea of atheistic evolution has crept into almost every academic discipline of our time and even our workplaces. Let us therefore be prepared to bear a bold and yet holy witness for the Lord. As Jesus has forewarned, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

If you are taught evolution, it is not necessary that you walk out of the class immediately. You can listen attentively to what is being said, but with biblical discernment (cf. 1 John 4:1). If the lecturers are against Scripture, you must not subscribe to what is being taught, but reject it. Study the issue further in the light of Scripture through research and interacting with knowledgeable Christians. Of course, the matter of exams is, admittedly, a sensitive issue. Though exam is not about whether you believe what has been taught but rather about how well you recall the content taught, to reproduce what is being taught which is against your biblical convictions can be rather troubling to one’s conscience. It is like being pressured to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image to escape the fiery furnace (cf. Daniel 3:14-15). This undue desire to be acceptable to the scholarly (but godless) world runs counter to the biblical injunction to “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). We strongly advise that if your conscience is stifled or severely affected in taking such courses, then prayerfully consider pursuing another course of study. This is surely one application of biblical separation.

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Christians should exercise godly wisdom at all times to discern and to keep away from projects and works that compel you to compromise your faith. Be it research or project work, one needs to ensure that one keeps away from promoting unbiblical theories and philosophies. Do not be partakers of unbiblical endeavours! It is very evident that many unregenerate teachers in schools, colleges and universities attempt to brainwash Christians with their pseudoscientific arguments to deny the truths of Scripture. Please know that this is one of the devil’s subtle weapons against Christian youths. When such an effort is made against our biblical convictions, be “wise as serpents” and turn it into a witnessing event to explain to them and other Christian friends why the Bible is the truth and that they are in error. Never compromise your faith in the Biblical truths! Though the nonbeliever may not be concerned with the accuracy of the Biblical truths, whenever the opportunity presents itself, explain to him why his theory is scientifically flawed and that the evidence supports the Biblical facts.

As Christians, we must conduct ourselves in an honourable manner at all times. We should be “harmless as doves” and not foolishly disrupt the class to protest the teaching of the lie. We must act wisely in a cordial and peaceful manner as much as possible (cf. Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:18), showing submission to authority (cf. Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:17). If we have to be involved in discussions or debates, we must present our points logically and clearly. With the wisdom that God will give us (cf. Psalm 119:98-99), we are to refute the fallacies of the atheistic evolution worldview by presenting scientific evidence correctly in support of Biblical facts. But at all times, we must pray that we will be able to speak in meekness (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). Remember, arguments with non-believers who are set in their hearts against the Scriptures, will achieve very little.

On the other hand, if a Christian educator needs to mention evolution as a part of the curriculum, he must not hesitate to point out the fallacies of that theory. Thus, he must not miss that excellent opportunity to be “salt” and “light” (Matthew 5:13- 16) of the world, by pointing out the problems of lies attached to that theory. We must not miss such an opportunity to refute atheistic education. Show to your students why evolutionistic claims are not facts but myths, and thus are downright lies to discredit the Biblical account of Creation. The Christian educator, while explaining the evolutionary theories, must not be afraid to point out their fallacies. In academia, it is acceptable (and, in fact, expected) practice to challenge theories with substantiated arguments.

However, if in the event that we are forbidden to disprove widelyaccepted though unsubstantiated theories (in which case, the regulatory board is no longer regarded as upholding academic honesty), there is a clear bias in that educational institution. We then have to make a stand for God’s truth! Jesus said, “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). God will make another way for us, and He promises to take care of us (cf. Proverbs 3:5-6). May we be strengthened by the sterling words of testimony uttered by the ancient saint, Joseph – “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:20).

Dear Christians, we need to rise and shine for the Lord in this dark world of unbelief and ungodliness. Ephesians 5:11 reminds us to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” We are further exhorted: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).

Bible-believing Christians face a lot of struggles in and challenges to their faith, with the biblical moral standard under relentless attack from the world today! The Bible teaches that things will not get better as regards to the spiritual and moral landscape of the world. Pay attention to the following biblical predictions by the Lord Jesus and the apostle Paul concerning the last days’ spiritual and moral decadence, and heed their warning to the church to carefully avoid it:

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matthew 24:12).

“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37-39).

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Sadly, such corruption of human society would not even be shocking to many of those who call themselves Christians. This is because the church itself will deteriorate, embracing false doctrines and immoral lifestyles, as forewarned by the Scriptures:

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:4-5).

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24).

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3). [This is a prediction of great apostasy within the church before the appearance of the Antichrist during the 7-year tribulation (cf. Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15).]

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

In the church and in the world, anti-God beliefs are already gathering strength. Unless our congregation is vigilant against this evil trend, we will be no safer within the church than in the world!

Scripture expects us to be good soldiers of the His truth in these last days, and “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). Also, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). We can certainly count on His unfailing promises that He will be with us to help us to bear witness to His glorious truths (cf. Matthew 28:18-20).

For this reason, Gethsemane Defenders’ Ministry (GDM) was formed. Our aim is to equip believers to be valiant, bold, ready soldiers of Christ, having put on the whole armour of God and being strengthened with His truth and Spirit (Ephesians 6:13-17). We pray and hope that all Gethsemaneans will be strong and well-armed with the truth of God’s Word to answer everyone who ask them about the reason of their faith and hope (cf. 1 Peter 3:15).

GDM’s Inaugural Seminar

In the inaugural seminar, “The Bible Above All Sciences”, the topic of evolution was specifically dealt with. We firmly reject evolution, for it has no place in the Bible. The origin of the world did not occur through an evolutionary process of millions of years, but is the result of a six-day work of creation by God (cf. Genesis 1 & 2). [Please read also the articles written by Pr Ho Kee How in Bible Witness Volume 15, Issue 4.]

Consider the following Bible verses that unequivocally declare that God created all things, and that He did it in 6 literal days of creation:

“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3).

“… the world was made by him” (John 1:10).

“For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day” (Exodus 20:11).

“… for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed” (Exodus 31:17).

“By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth” (Psalm 33:6).

“Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands” (Psalm 102:25).

“I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded” (Isaiah 45:12).

“For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:18).

“God, who created all things by Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 3:9).

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him” (Colossians 1:16).

“… by whom (the Son, Jesus Christ) also he (God the Father) made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:2).

“And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands” (Hebrews 1:10).

“… he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4).

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11)

Let us be fervent in exalting our God as the Creator. We must glorify God by declaring that which He has repeatedly said about the origin of all things. Subscribing to the theory of evolution is impossible without contradicting what He has said in His Word about the origin of all things. So, we affirm that God created all things in six literal, 24-hour days about 6,000 years ago, as reiterated in Genesis 1 & 2, as well as other portions of the infallible Scriptures. We ought to be unashamed in believing, defending and declaring a relatively recent six-day creation doctrine against the advocates of millions of years of evolution. There is no biblical or scientific reason to be ashamed of believing in what God has spoken clearly and emphatically.