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30 years of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church’s existence provide many things for any sharp-eyed person to evaluate and comment. We are grateful for both cheering and corrective comments from God-fearing and faithful Christians. Many believers whom the Lord added to the church in the course of the last 30 years also brought much joy and assurance concerning the church’s testimony.

You might be wondering what critical concerns about our church could there be? Are we not sound in our doctrines? Are we not making every effort to preach the Gospel to the unsaved, and also to edify the believers? Do we not have a biblical form of worship? Still, can there be some aspects of our activities and ministries that the Lord is very displeased with?

The leaders and members of the church should not become complacent to the extent of not checking our individual lives and our service to see whether we please Him always. Our private affairs of life, our attitudes, our relationships, our activities, our dependence on God, our obedience to God, and all else must be evaluated before Him. “No stone should be left unturned” in checking whether we are pleasing the Lord.

Having studied the first three chapters of the book of Revelation in our recent Sunday afternoon GBI classes, a deep concern fills my heart about what the Lord would say concerning the spiritual state of our church. Out of the seven churches, five of them were sharply rebuked by the Lord. Two of them (Sardis and Laodicea) were in grave spiritual danger of being wholly discarded by the Lord because of their sins. Only the churches in Smyrna and Philadelphia were not chided.

Consider the following words of the Lord’s rebuke to five of the churches in Revelation, chapters 2 and 3.

It is instructive to note that churches like Ephesus, Pergamos and Thyatira also received commendation from the Lord for various things they did rightly in His sight. Ephesus was a church that was applauded for labouring earnestly and patiently, and for its uncompromising stand on doctrines. The church in Pergamos was praised by the Lord for enduring persecution and poverty in the service of the Lord with an uncompromising stand against false teachers. Likewise, the church in Thyatira was commended by the Lord for its works, charity, service, faith and patience. Yet each of them had specific rebuke from the Lord for failing in specific areas (which are mentioned in the chart above).

Thus, it is crucial that we do not ‘rest on our laurels’, if there is any at all. Our chief concern ought to be whether we please the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the church, in all aspects of our faith, doctrine, life and ministry. People may be very pleased with our church, but is the Lord pleased with us? Nothing should be of more significant concern to the church than what the Lord has to say about us.

But, how can we know whether the Lord has a word of rebuke against us? The Lord has given very clear counsel (at the end of every one of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3) as to how all the churches should take heed to what the Lord has to tell them. He said, “He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). Christ’s messages in those letters are for all the churches in all places and in all ages, and the Spirit of God will let the churches know of the Lord’s counsel specifically for them. The Holy Spirit is sent to us, that we may be instructed of the Lord’s will (John 14:17; 16:13; 1 John 2:27). Let us yield to the Spirit who would teach us through His Word. Let us also pray for the preachers and teachers of God’s Word that they will be enabled by the Spirit to admonish us faithfully according to God’s will. Like the apostle Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 2:13, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual”, may our teachers also be enabled by the Holy Spirit to teach us His will concerning us. Let us all, as a church of Jesus Christ, conduct ourselves at all times to please and honour our Lord, in all matters of life and ministry.

Let us remember, brethren, our church may be seen as having an excellent place of worship, running many well-organised programmes and even being economically sound. Yet, the Lord who searches our thoughts and motives may be very displeased. So, all leaders and members of the church must sincerely and earnestly seek to know the Lord’s estimation about us, that they may repent and renew themselves according to His admonition.

Mission Bohol 2018, a short 4-day trip (5-8 April 2018), was yet another occasion where the mission team experienced God’s goodness as we ministered to unsaved souls and encouraged brethren in Tagbilaran City and Anda. We praise God for His grace and help in strengthening the 10-member team, together with Pr Edsel and the Bohol brethren, for all that was done for the Lord.

It was a long journey from Singapore to Bohol. The team decided to fly from Singapore, transiting for 6 hours in Manila and landing directly at Tagbilaran City Airport, Bohol. By the Lord’s grace, the team did not feel overly tired. After a quick dash to the nearby supermarket to stock up ingredients needed for the preparation of all participants’ lunch for the following day’s DVBS, the team left to visit Bro Buchio and his family. What a blessed time it was to renew our friendship with him once again after so many years since our last visit (that is, for some in the team).

Friday, 6 April 2018 was a blessed and memorable day for all of us, both the mission team and Pr Edsel and a few of his brethren. We not only had the joy of ministering to the children at Baclayon where none in the community comes to the mission church, but the brothers also had the opportunity to reach out to a large crowd of inmates at the local jail. The day ended with yet another blessed time of fellowship at the home of Bro Nestor, a long-time member of the mission church.

By the Lord’s providence, the aunt of Pr Edsel who is the chief in the village of San Roque allowed us to hold the DVBS at the San Roque Barangay Hall. We had anticipated only 30 children would come, but the Lord brought 42 children instead. It was a joy that with Pr Edsel’s quick rush to stock up some materials, coupled with the judicious redistribution of the art and craft materials, as well as the small gifts that we had brought, none of them were left out.

The 5 sisters in the mission team, together with Sis Thelma who interpreted from English to Cebuano, reached out to the children joyfully in various areas. They led in singing, played the guitars, taught Bible lessons and memory verses and worked with the children in the art and craft session, while Sis Elizabeth also taught a practical lesson on oral hygiene. 20 of the children indicated their desire to accept the Lord and follow Him. May the Lord be pleased to truly save some young souls and preserve them for His glory.

During the morning session, Pr Dennis preached the Gospel in Cebuano to 12 parents who had brought the young children. In the afternoon, the brothers made their way to the local jail to visit Bro Levi, one of the members of the mission church, who is an inmate there. We praise the Lord for the joy of encouraging Bro Levi and also to spread the Gospel of Jesus to scores of inmates and some of their visitors. Bro David Ng shared his testimony of his past and of how the Lord Jesus had changed him. His moving testimony fell upon attentive ears of many inmates who could relate to his past experience. By the Lord’s grace, I shared from the text Isaiah 30:18 – “And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.” Let us pray that some of these inmates will turn to the Lord as their Redeemer.

We ended the long day with yet another visit to the home of Bro Nestor, one of the long-standing members of the mission church. It was truly a memorable and blessed day. May the Lord be pleased to grant bountiful fruits from all these outreach efforts in due time, for His glory.

Early the next morning (on Saturday, 7 April), the team set off for Anda, an estimated 3-hour journey to the south-eastern shore of Bohol to have the regular Bible study at the home of Sis Roscelle’s grandmother and her family. The family made beautiful name tags for each of the 15 members of the family and each of the visitors. It was good to accompany Pr Edsel’s in his weekly travel to Anda for the Bible study among a group of brethren hungering for God’s Word. He usually makes his way at 5 am and travels by the regular bus, only to arrive home at 4 pm. Let us pray that the Lord will send a faithful and well-trained servant to serve permanently in Anda, in His time.

Mission Bohol 2018 climaxed its work with the team participating in the Lord’s day worship service, together with the 14 local brethren, 5 children and several other visitors, including Sis Vicky, an active past member of our Filipino Service here in Singapore. Pr Dennis preached from the Mission theme verse, Hebrews 12:2, while Sis Kim Lei taught the children in a separate class. The lunch that followed gave us further opportunity to fellowship, after which we had to rush off to the hotel to check out and then made our way to the airport for the flight departing at 2.55 pm. After another transit of 6 hours at Manila Airport, our flight landed at Changi at 1.45 am on Monday, 9 April.

May the Lord be highly exalted in all that was done for Him, and may He be pleased to prosper the work in Bohol.

The Bible grants full assurance of salvation to all those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 15:11; 16:31; John 1:12; 3:15-16, 36; Ephesians 2:8-10). Forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7) and the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:7) certainly belong to all those who have trusted Jesus wholeheartedly.

But along with the assurance, the Bible also relates a matter of critical concern to everyone who professed faith in Christ. It calls every professing believer to examine himself to make certain that his faith is genuine, lest he may be deceived about the genuineness of his salvation.

Both the Old and New Testament Scriptures call us to examine our spiritual status:

• “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD” (Lamentations 3:40).
• “Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5; cf. v.7).
• “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
• “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another” (Galatians 6:4).
• For those who are in the church, every occasion of communion at the Lord’s table is to be a time of self-examination – “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28).

The Bible does not permit anyone to take the matter of salvation light-heartedly. In fact, it warns us that many have been falsely assured of their salvation.

• Jesus warned those who come confessing Him in worship, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21–23).
• Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord declared His displeasure with the worship offered by men of duplicity, “…when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear…” (Isaiah 1:10, 15).
• Proverbs 28:9 forewarns, “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”
• Paul spoke of some who “profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16).
• The writer of Hebrews had a dire warning to the churchgoers who persistently engage in sin without repentance: “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame” (Hebrews 6:4-6).

So, it remains a sombre reality that not all who respond to the Gospel are genuine believers. A mere knowledge about the facts of the Gospel does not guarantee salvation. Worryingly, many in the church may well be told by the Lord that “thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead” (Revelation 3:1)!

Concern for the genuineness of salvation must be addressed by everyone in the church. Let everyone remind himself that there is nothing in himself to be very sure of his salvation. A distrust of oneself is not a bad thing, especially when it comes to one’s salvation. Proverbs 28:14 observes, “Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.” Matthew Henry commented:

“Most people think that those are happy who never fear; but there is a fear which is so far from having torment in it that it has in it the greatest satisfaction. Happy is the man who always keeps up in his mind a holy awe and reverence of God, his glory, goodness, and government, who is always afraid of offending God and incurring his displeasure, who keeps conscience tender and has a dread of the appearance of evil, who is always jealous of himself, distrustful of his own sufficiency, and lives in expectation of troubles and changes, so that, whenever they come, they are no surprise to him. He who keeps up such a fear as this will live a life of faith and watchfulness, and therefore happy is he, blessed and holy. The danger of a sinful presumption: he that hardens his heart, that mocks at fear, and sets God and his judgments at defiance, and receives not the impressions of his word or rod, shall fall into mischief; his presumption will be his ruin, and whatever sin (which is the greatest mischief) he falls into it is owing to the hardness of his heart.”

Similarly, the apostle Paul admonished, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). A holy caution, a critical concern about our spiritual wellbeing should always be maintained in ourselves. We must also guard against any kind of confidence that tolerates and entertains unholy living, dullness in learning God’s Word, and increasing materialism and worldliness.

May our hearts tremble at His Word, and be filled with contrition. “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear” (1 Peter 1:17). The “fear” that is mentioned by Peter, stands opposed to careless confidence or false sense of security, which can so easily creep into our hearts. Since there is a real possibility of sins permeating a Christian’s heart, his course of conduct must not be presumptuous or frivolous, but be one of solemn self-searching and humble trust and obedience. A Christian’s pilgrim sojourning is characterised not by self-confidence, but an abiding fear that drives him to humble dependence on the Lord for holy and victorious living.

Disharmony and disunity have existed in the church since New Testament times. The church in Corinth, for one, was most disreputable for its quarrels. Even in modern times, we have known of churches that have gone through schisms or that have even split.

Why People Quarrel?

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1). Quarrels have been part of human society. Children throw tantrums and fight over toys, husbands and wives clash, business partners fell apart, politicians have rows, racial conflicts occur and nations go to war. The source of all fighting is man’s sinful heart. Man’s depraved, egoistic nature is the root of all discord and dispute. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19).

By nature, man is self-willed and contentious. From cradle to grave, man is predisposed to his personal desires and whims. Unless believers “put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication” (Colossians 3:8), they would also be tempted to live for self-interest and self-glory, resulting in bitterness and acrimonious conduct. When two or more people are determined to pursue their own personal agendas, they will soon begin to fight.

Church and Quarrels

Sadly, uncharitable contentions do occur in the church. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church: “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it” (1 Corinthians 11:18; cf. 1:11), the reason being that “ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). Here, Paul is not saying that believers were in a totally carnal state, but that the Corinthians had been behaving in a carnal or fleshly manner. Paul had already taught that true believers are not carnally-minded as natural men are, but spiritually-minded (Romans 8:1-16). However, when believers do not walk in the Spirit, they succumb to the impulses of the flesh. This is why believers are reminded: “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:16-17).

It is essential to understand that believers are not in an absolute carnal state; he has become a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17) in Christ. The old, carnal man is crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20). They have been changed, being regenerated and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24). Believers are no more in their spiritually dead and absolute carnal state. The unregenerate, natural men are in a totally carnal state. But a believer is now quickened as a spiritual man to live after the Holy Spirit. That is not to say that Christians cannot or will not sin. They are capable of sinning, so they must be vigilant to avoid temptations of the flesh and live in obedience to the Spirit. The Corinthian Christians, instead of choosing to live spiritually, behaved in a carnal manner. Though they were spiritual men, they on occasion exhibited carnal behaviour, which was inconsistent with their actual spiritual state. Hence Paul told them, “ye are yet carnal”. Oh, how tragic it is that Christians act carnally!

It is totally out of character for Christians to engage in quarrels and divisions within the church. It undermines the church’s testimony and effectiveness in the world. It gives an occasion for the devil and the world to scorn at the church. It grieves the Lord, and discourages and demoralises His people. In Galatians 5:15, Christians are admonished: “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Quarrels fracture fellowship, rob Christians of their joy, weaken their effectiveness and dishonour the Lord. What a high price to pay for an ego trip!

Church and Unity

God has clearly forbidden quarrels in the church. He encourages unity within the church. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul admonished the feuding Corinthians: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

The first need of the Corinthian church was harmony among its people. It is also the need of many churches today. Take note that this unity comes with proper judgement, being of “the same mind and … the same judgment”. Anything less is not true spiritual unity. Hypocritical unity that tolerates doctrinal errors and unholy living is not what is taught here. We are not simply to be in unity indiscriminately and avoid all conflicts though people pursue ungodly doctrines and unscriptural living.

When congregants differ in doctrine, or strongly disagree with the church leadership and policies, they cannot contribute to the spiritual unity in the church nor serve effectively. Of course, believers are not “carbon copies” of each other. They are different from one another in disposition, temperament, skill and gift, but they ought to be of the same mind in Christian doctrine and living.

If any kind of difference or dispute occurs, it must be resolved according to the Scriptures. Church leaders, who are men of knowledge and spiritual maturity, must make it a point to prayerfully attend to those issues, and advise the church what “seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to (them)” (Acts 15:28). No arbitrary ruling should be made, but the board of elders must make their decision unanimously, and in accordance with God’s Word under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Their godly counsel must then be humbly sought and obeyed, for Scripture commands believers to “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” (Hebrews 13:17). Faithful believers then must be in complete harmony with their leaders to obey God’s will. When elders are one in the Spirit, the congregation should submit to the directions given to them by the elders.

Such unity would require much effort and prayer. But it is God’s way for His church to enjoy the sweet blessings of unity, as Paul said to the Philippians, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). Let us remember the psalmist’s praise of brotherly unity - “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).

Dear Gethsemaneans, let us always endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-6), and make Paul’s prayer for the Roman church ours: “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” (Romans 15:5-7).

Before His death, our Lord had on several occasions prophesied of His resurrection (cf. Matthew 16:21; 17:22–23; 20:19; Mark 9:9; 14:28; Luke 18:33; John 2:19–22). He specifically foretold that He would rise from the grave on “the third day”. He assured His hearers that His death would be speedily followed by His return to life from the grave.

Even though Jesus had plainly spoken about His resurrection, it was not fully understood by His disciples. Such a prediction of one’s own resurrection was so unprecedented and unheardof that His disciples could not comprehend it. However, His enemies did take note of His prediction. Though they did not believe Him, they nonetheless had thought to themselves concerning the possibility of His disciples stealing His body after His death, so as to make it look like He was resurrected! So, they went so far as to have His grave watched by Roman soldiers.

After all the repeated emphases by Christ on His resurrection, when it finally happened, His disciples could not believe it without tangible proof. We read that the resurrected Christ rebuked their dullness and unbelief – “Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen” (Mark 16:14). The gospelwriter Luke says, “And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken” (Luke 18:34). Are you like the disciples, who listened to all that Christ had said about His death and resurrection, and yet remained dazed and confused? Why was it that they could not take in Jesus’ predictions about His death and resurrection? Though the truths of His death and resurrection were plainly revealed, so deep-seated were their prejudices and their unwillingness to believe them that they did not understand them. We must learn to place our confidence in Christ’s words before we can understand them. We should learn to trust in His Word, and believe everything He has spoken. Jesus’ gentle rebuke to Thomas, who resisted the truth of His resurrection by asking for tangible proof of His appearance, is instructive: “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Only those who believe in Christ’s resurrection shall partake in the blessedness of the power and glory of His resurrection. If there remains any doubt within you, then humbly plead, “Lord, … help thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9:24b).

Jesus repeatedly insisted during His public ministry that He must suffer and die. He pre-announced His death as “a must”. Jesus never spoke of His sufferings and impending death in a doubtful or reluctant manner, but in the most express and clear terms. Consider the following portions of the Scriptures that record His statements about His death:

• Matthew 16:21 – “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.”
• Mark 8:31 – “And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”
• Luke 9:22 – “Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.”
• Luke 17:25 – “But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.”
• Luke 24:7 – “Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”
• Luke 24:26 – “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?”
• John 3:14 – “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.”

Christ’s intimation of His sufferings and death was not a subject that even His disciples could fathom. They were very uneasy and discomfited when He started to give prominence to the topic of His sufferings and death. They would rather hear from Him about the majesty of His deity than the ignominy of His sufferings and death. So, when Jesus “began … to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day” (Matthew 16:21), “Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee” (Matthew 16:22). Peter’s failure to accept Christ’s insistence on the inevitability and exigency of His sufferings and death drew for himself a sharp condemnation from the Lord.

The term “must” in the above statements of Christ emphasises His death as a necessary part of God’s plan of salvation. First of all, it denotes that Christ’s death was the predetermined counsel of God. His sufferings, death and resurrection must all come to pass because of the immutable decree of God, and in line with the covenant of grace. It is the “must” of God’s master plan for our redemption. In addition, it also denotes the certainty of the prediction that Jesus made about His death. His death was not only predicted by Himself, but also by the ancient prophets of Israel. It is thus, secondly, the “must” of prediction. Moreover, it denotes the appropriateness and suitability of Christ’s death for our salvation. If His death was not offered for the forgiveness of our sins, there will never be any other suited means to provide for our forgiveness. Hence it is, thirdly, the “must” of moral suitableness of His suffering and death for our atonement.

Let us worship and sing unto Christ our Saviour, who came and lived on earth willingly and readily to secure our redemption by His sufferings, death and resurrection.

The church is also called unto His fellowship

As much as the church of God is called to be saints, it is also “called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). Likewise, the apostle John wrote: “truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). Our fellowship (or partnership) with Christ, the Son of God, must determine every fellowship we have with people or organisations.

Our fellowship within the church must also be based upon Christ. In other words, we should not enter into a relationship or fellowship that would dishonour or hinder our fellowship with the Son of God. John warned us, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1 John 1:6). Paul also reminded us in Ephesians 5:10-11, “Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

Every church member ought to examine himself to see whether his fellowship with Christ is growing more affectionate and profound, or whether it is hindered by sins and worldly friendships and activities. The effectiveness of a church is very much dependent on the strength of its members’ fellowship with Christ. If church members abide in Christ, the church will be a fruitful one. The stronger its relationship with Christ, the greater is the impact of the church as a witness to the world!

The church is called to be one united people

In 1 Corinthians 1:24, we read: “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” God has called both Jews and Greeks alike, that they may have Christ as their power and wisdom. In the church, everyone, regardless of ethnic or national diversity, has the same spiritual inheritance. In Christ, every man, whether Jew or Greek, is called to partake of the divine provision of power and wisdom.

All believers share in the same spiritual inheritance. Therefore, there is no reason why any true believer should feel that he is less privileged or more privileged than others. We are all joint-heirs with Christ. In Romans 8:17, Paul wrote: “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ”.

Let us, therefore, regard one another in the church with mutual respect and love. Let us not despise but esteem one another, and thus keep our unity in Christ for God’s glory. Paul dealt with members of the church who were from different classes of society, and taught them how they should live as Christians though God’s providential appointments for them in society vary. He wrote: “But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God” (1 Corinthians 7:17-24).

Even though Christians are all one in Christ, each believer should remain in the same calling which the Lord has providentially allotted to him. Jewish believers should not try to become Gentiles, and Gentile believers should not try to become Jews. A Christian’s racial or social background and his present vocation are of little consequence in his spiritual relationship with Christ. If the vocational status of a Christian can improve, well and good; if it does not, it is not a matter of concern. What matters is that every Christian should realise that he is Christ’s slave and needs to render obedience to Him. Every vocation then becomes Christian service performed for the Master (Ephesians 6:5-8).

A Christian then can live in peace (1 Corinthians 7:15b) in his calling to whatever earthly vocation, and carry it out as one being responsible to God. In the church, members must hold one another in high esteem (Philippians 2:3; cf. Romans 12:10). No church can prosper if it is not united by mutual love and respect. Selfishness and pride will ruin the church, but humility and a sacrificial spirit will promote its unity and strength. So, may all church members take heed of Paul’s advice in Ephesians 4:3, 4 – “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling”. This advice is further emphasised by Paul in Colossians 3:15, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

Heartfelt greetings to the Pastor, the Session, and the members of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church, Singapore! We praise the covenant-keeping God of Israel for His faithfulness in nurturing, equipping, multiplying, empowering and blessing Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church for the past thirty years. The LORD has indeed preserved Gethsemane in His truth and has made her thrive in His work all these years.

As we look back, we can see the providing and guiding hands of the Almighty God upon Gethsemane both in her home and foreign missions. The Lord has fought her battles and strengthened her hands to accomplish His purpose, in season and out of season. Therefore, may we all rejoice in His goodness and give hearty praise to the living and true God

In these perilous days of apostasy and compromise, it is our prayer that the leaders and members of Gethsemane will remain united as they “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). And as we look forward to another year of service, let us “Expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God.” And may each passing moment of the future years be dedicated to the fulfilling of your higher calling in Christ Jesus (cf. 1 Peter 2:9; Matthew 28:18-20)!

All the brethren in Ethiopia wish you all a joyful and fruitful 30th anniversary commemoration.

Yours in Christ’s service,
Rev Ephrem Chiracho
[on behalf of Gethsemane BPC Ethiopia and Gethsemane Bible Institute (Ethiopia)]

Dear Pastor, the Church Session and our beloved brethren at Gethsemane B-P Church (Singapore), On behalf of the brethren here in Gethsemane BPC-Cebu, please receive our warm greetings on the occasion of your 30th Anniversary!Three decades of service in the Gospel ministry is a milestone. It is one special occasion that we all can rejoice for all that the Lord has done in and through the church. At a time when people are into celebrating “month-saries” or “week-saries” (giving the impression of passing and fleeting endeavours/undertakings), we rejoice indeed in the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness in keeping you through these past 30 years.By the grace of God, I have been with the church since the year 2000 and have seen how the Lord prospered the work in various aspects of the ministry. In addition to the regular ministries of the church, we praise the Lord for the Bible Witness magazine and the Web Radio, The Gethsemane Care Ministry, Gethsemane Bible Institute, as well as your active missions involvement through the setting up and support of mission churches in different parts of the world. As one of your mission churches, we have been greatly blessed by your zeal, enthusiasm and support for the Lord’s work.One thing that I must mention here is the church’s sound and solid Biblical teaching and preaching, which the Lord has been pleased to use to “add to the church such as should be saved” all these years. I would take this opportunity to appreciate Pastor Koshy for all his labours and love for the Lord’s work and the Lord’s people. Pastor, thank you so much for “your work and labour of love, which (you) have shewed toward his name…” (Heb. 6:10). Praise God also for the Church Session for their commitment to serve the Lord with gladness and in much humility. Lastly, to my fellow Gethsemaneans: “be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

May the Lord richly bless you, and continue to prosper your labours, and enable you to do even greater things for His glory.

Yours in Christ,
Reggor B. Galarpe
Gethsemane B-P Church, Cebu City, Philippines

In commemoration of Gethsemane B-P Church’s 30th Anniversary

Dear Gethsemaneans,

Thirty years have passed since our church was established. Only a handful in our present congregation were there when it was started. Most of us were added to the church along the way. Now, it is an appropriate time for every member to ponder over some pertinent questions, like: Why am I part of this church? Do I regard the church as God’s Word teaches us about it? Have I been conducting myself as a genuine member of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ?

We must reckon our church just as our Great Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, instructs us in His Word. If we neglect His counsels concerning the church, we will certainly incur His wrath. His warnings and condemnation against every form of foolish, irreverential misconduct within the church are fiercely vivid and ominous. For His avowed exhortation has constantly been: “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth” (Revelation 2:16; see also 2:5; 3:3). Christ also declared rewards and honour to those who persevere joyfully to do His will in the church. His promise to His faithful people in the church is: “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10b; see also 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21).

As we prepare for the 30th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service (on the Lord’s Day, 25th March 2018), I am moved in my spirit to contemplate and write on the biblical doctrine of the church.

What is the “Church”?
The biblical definition of “church” is that it is a group of people whom God has called and assembled as His people through Jesus Christ. Hence, the church consists of the people whom God saves through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and who have been incorporated into His body through baptism with the Holy Spirit.

The church is a “called out” people of God.
The New Testament Greek word for church (ekklesia) means the “called-out ones”. It refers specifically to the assembly of a people whom God has called out of sin, falsehood and the world for Himself. This truth is best expressed by the apostle Paul when he wrote to the church in Corinth – “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Corinthians 1:2; cf. Romans 1:6-7).

As a church, we are a separated entity of God’s people for God’s own purpose and glory. Only when all of us in the church joyfully and passionately respond to the call of God can our church be truly a faithful and fruitful church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The church is called to belong to God.
The frequently used New Testament description, “church of God” (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 10:32; 11:22; 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13; 1 Timothy 3:5), indicates that the local churches like those in Corinth belong to God. God owns the church, having purchased it for Himself with the blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 20:28).

Because the church belongs to the Lord God, it is also depicted as “the house of God” in 1 Timothy 3:15. The church is God’s household. It is not an institution or organisation that should be controlled and directed by human ideologies and fancies which are contrary to God’s revealed purposes in His Word. No man should assume absolute authority over the church. God has made His Son, Jesus Christ, the Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15; 5:23; Colossians 1:18). So, no one should ever lord over the church.

The church is called to be an assembly of saints.
The church is made up of those whom God has called out of the darkness of sin and the world to be an assembly of holy people. Hence, Paul explicitly speaks about the members of the church as those who “are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints” (1 Corinthians 1:2b; cf. Roman 1:7). The word “sanctified” (hagiazo) means “to be separated from profane things and be dedicated to God for His use”.

It is through Christ that God sanctifies us from our sins for His holy purposes. Christ cleanses our sins by His blood and imputes His righteousness to us, that we may be separated from sin unto God for His service. Scripture says, “we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). In Ephesians 5:25-26, Paul said, “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word”.

Note also what Paul mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:2 concerning the church: the members of the church were “called to be saints”. The calling of the church is to function as a congregation of saints. All members of the church are summoned by God to live a life of holiness in this wicked world. Every member of the church who lives in worldliness and sin without genuine repentance defies God’s call and corrupts His purpose for His church. So, let us cease from every sin and live a holy life that pleases our blessed Master, who loved us and gave His life for our sanctification. Nothing weakens the church as much as the sins of its people! Thus, we must separate ourselves from sin and falsehood.

Scripture reminds us again in 1 Thessalonians 4:7 – “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” Indeed, the Lord has “saved us, and called us with an holy calling” (2 Timothy 1:9a). So dear church, let us walk in holiness, in obedience to the calling we have received from the Lord.

In a world of terrible moral corruption and religious deterioration, having daily family worship is the best protection against the sins that are rampant in our society. It is also the best aid in nurturing the fear of God in our children’s hearts. May our families seek the Lord that we may escape the corruption and tragedies that are predicted concerning those who do not seek the Lord – “Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name” (Jeremiah 10:25). Oh, may we not be weary of calling upon the Lord!

Preparation for Family Worship

Family worship requires some planning and preparation.

• Decide on the best time that your family can come together to worship the Lord. It will require some effort and even sacrifice during certain periods. (Plan to meet at least once a day. Certainly, it is most desirable to have it in the morning and in the evening. It can be just before your breakfast or evening meal – whatever time that is most appropriate for your family.)
• Be prepared to spend about 20 minutes for family worship.
• Have your hymnals or songbooks ready. (It is good to have a copy for everyone.)
• Have your Bibles ready, and if necessary, a devotional book too. (Devotions can be found at www. gethsemanebpc.com/resources/daily-devotion)
• Wake up early and refresh yourselves so that you can call everyone to gather for worship. If you are unwell and therefore unable to lead in the family worship, assign your wife or one of your older children to take the lead
• If an unpleasant situation has occurred or if you have lost your temper before your family worship time, make every effort to quickly resolve the matter in your own heart. Pray in your heart for peace, gentleness and the right spirit to sit with all in the family and worship the Lord. In such circumstances, if you acknowledge your sins and seek peace, family worship will become a very meaningful spiritual exercise.

Programme for Family Worship

Determine what you should do when your family meets for worship. Once decided, as much as possible, keep to your plan. In this way, you can avoid disorderliness and wasting of time.

I would suggest “an order of family worship” below, but you may have a different order that suits your situation.

Be alert and watchful so that whatever you plan to do, it would be God-honouring and biblical.

• Sing a psalm or hymn. Choose one that all can sing together. If you have young children, you may choose children’s songs or short choruses or Scripture in song. If time permits, you can even teach a new hymn or song. (Allocate about 3-5 minutes.)
• Read a portion of the Scriptures, give a brief exposition and then apply it for the benefit of your family. You may choose to read through the entire Bible or certain books of the Bible by apportioning a section of few verses each day. Or you may choose to follow the portion of the Scriptures suggested in a devotional resource that you are using. (Allocate about 10-15 minutes.) When you have more time during weekends or holidays, you can even have a serious Bible Study on a topic or a portion of the Scriptures.
• Offer prayer to praise God for His salvation and goodness, and to pray for His forgiveness, sanctification, guidance, provision and protection. Apart from praying on behalf of the family, prayers must also be offered for your church, missionaries and others whom you know. The head of the family may ask other members of the family to pray on certain occasions. (Allocate 5-10 minutes.)

Protect Family Worship

There are many hindrances that are perilous to family worship. We must always be alert to avoid them. It is impossible to discuss all possible problems and obstacles in this article. I would just discuss a few of these possible hindrances here. Let us be watchful so that we will not succumb to these perils. Take whatever precautions needed to prevent the failure of family worship in your homes.

• Don’t make excuses to avoid family worship. We must fight off tiredness and sleepiness. Lethargy and indifference are common enemies of family worship.
• Lead with a firm, fatherly hand and yet be gracious and tender-hearted. Require everyone to pay attention. As loving as you are, never give allowance for bad attitude and misbehaviour.
• Don’t allow interruptions. TV shows, phone calls and all such distractions must be avoided. The worship of God requires wholeheartedness and solemnity.
• Be careful to teach the Word accurately, aptly and affectionately. Don’t be vague when you explain the Word. It is very important that your instruction is doctrinally pure and relevant in application. Explain how a text has affected you, or your family life, or church, or other great men of God in history. This would help the family members to see the relevance of the Bible. Prepare early to teach. If you are incapable of expounding, obtain a good devotional guide with the help of your church leaders.
• When the children are young, let your teaching be within their grasp. Your prayers must be simple without being shallow. Keep the length of your teaching and prayer according to the abilities of your children.
• Inconsiderate leading of family worship can be detrimental to family worship. Don’t let family worship drag on. Be mindful of the capabilities of your young children.
• Be mindful during worship that your attitude and words will not frustrate and provoke other family members. Even though we must rebuke and correct while applying the Word of God, we must take heed not to turn the times of worship into occasions to lash out at others and to nag at them for their mistakes. I have heard of family worship turning into a time of arguments and quarrels so much so that family members refuse to gather together.
• From time to time, remind the family members of the significance of good attitude in family worship. Tell them that all must participate reverentially and joyfully. Remind them that your family owes God gratitude and allegiance for His mercies and faithfulness.
• If you have lost your temper, and find yourself having no mood to participate, do not abandon worship altogether. If you have made a mistake, apologise and move on in worship. If others have made a mistake, correct them with love, and quickly move on in worship
• If you ever become weary of leading the family worship, encourage yourselves by recollecting the blessings of family worship. Caution yourselves against the spiritual maladies that can trouble your family if you fail in providing spiritual leadership to the family.
• Remember to pray on your own for the protection and blessing of your family worship.

Report from Rev Reggor Galarpe

Bro Edsel and I have returned safely from our short visit to Gethsemane (Pangasinan), bringing with us much blessings for a fruitful time spent with Pr Donald and family and our brethren there.

We had a well-attended worship service last Lord’s Day as most of the members, worshippers and contacts came, including Bro Ariel’s (also Sis Ara’s) family who drove for two-and-a-half hours from their hometown in La Union. The Gospel meeting we had in their house last Thursday was also well attended. Praise God!

I am sharing with you some photos taken during our visit. I’m sure our Pr Donald will write a detailed report and share more photos with you.

“Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2).

Respectfully,
Reggor

Report from Pr Donald dela Cruz

Ipraise the Lord for the blessed and fruitful visit of Pastor Reggor and Preacher Edsel in our mission station (21-26 February). Thank God for their joint ministry with me in preaching the Word in our 4 gospel outreaches in Binloc, Binday, Tebag and San Fernando. Praise God for bringing people to hear and learn from the Bible. Pastor Reggor, Pr Edsel and I took turns to preach.

Praise God for the safety and strength throughout that week. We were travelling every day, leaving immediately after breakfast and returning only in the night. Thank God for giving us strength. On the Lord’s Day, our brethren from San Fernando also came to worship with us, where Pastor Reggor also administered the Holy Communion. Thank God for a well-attended worship service of 51 adults / youths and 18 children. Incidentally, Bro Ariel (from San Fernando) stayed on for the night in the mission station to have fellowship with us.

I thank the Lord for giving me wisdom on how to lead the brethren in many practical aspects of their growing relationship with Christ, especially in the area of prayer. I am very happy that I can see improvement in the response of the brethren towards praying after a few weeks. In fact, last Lord’s Day, we started the worship service by dividing into groups and praying for one another.

Se Jin and Jesher will be away in Korea until 5 April. Please pray that the Lord will grant them safety and enable them to be a good testimony for Christ.

In Christ,
Donald