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What Sort of Church Should We Be?

There are all sorts of opinions about what should characterise a church. Many ideas are being offered to church leaders by the so-called church growth experts and business strategists who claim to have developed powerful ideas, having studied many opinion surveys of the people. Their ideas and activities are enthusiastically considered as vital to becoming an effective church.

It appears that churches which implemented the opinions of the ‘experts’ have grown in huge numbers. They recommend more entertainment in the church services – entertaining music, dance and light-hearted preaching, etc.

We should not be consulting the modern church growth experts for any counsel with regard to what sort of church we should be. Scripture provides us with very clear advice about the kind of church we ought to be. In 1 Timothy 3:15, it is said of the church that it is “the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” Here we are given some very essential truths about what a proper church ought to be.

We must always be the house of God

Just as it is said in 1 Timothy 3:15, seven more times it is mentioned in the New Testament that the church is “the church of God”. The emphasis in this description of the church is that God is its originator and owner. The church is God’s design, and it is meant always to remain as God’s belonging.

And in contrast to the temples of dead pagan idols, Paul says that the church is of the living God (1 Timothy 3:15). Our God is actively moulding and guiding the church to be what He wants it to be. His church is being built by Him. Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18).

Every biblical church must therefore be Godcentred rather than people-centred. A total dedication to God's glory must be seen in all its ministries. Every church “ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1; cf. Galatians 1:10). Unfortunately, many churches today have a “consumer-focused” attitude in their ministries, thus working to please men rather than God.

A biblical church’s great concern is not to please the crowd but God. The main focus of its worship and ministry must be for the glory of God rather than making people feel good. In other words, a biblical church will not be preoccupied with people's preferences but God's will. When a church is manoriented rather than God-oriented, it ceases to function as a biblical church.

Psalm 2:11 says, “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” In other words, when we worship and serve the Lord, we must come with joy and thanksgiving that is tempered with a respectful fear of God. A solemn recognition of God's greatness and holiness must prevail in the worship of God. So the apostle Peter wrote: “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). We can come to God without terror, but that does not mean we can conduct ourselves without fear of His holiness and judgment. Concerning the early Jerusalem church, it is written: “And fear came upon every soul” (Acts 2:43a).

A good church, therefore, will be conscious that its pre-eminent duty is not entertaining man but glorifying God. Certainly, a church should serve its people but only when that service brings glory to the Lord.

We must be loyal to God's Word

The second characteristic of the early church was an unswerving commitment of its leaders and members to God's Word. The church being “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), we must have high regard for the perfection and authority of God’s Word.

While the apostles preached and defended the truth of God's Word, the members learned and obeyed the truth. Allegiance to God's Word is a foundational trait of every good church. Acts 2:42 testifies to the continual devotion of the early church to the apostles' teaching – “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine...” This tells us that the early believers were earnestly and perpetually dedicated to the apostles' teaching; it also speaks of enthusiasm and excitement towards it. The Greek word translated “teaching” (didache) encompasses both the content and the manner of the apostles' teaching. Understanding both of these fully will help us to biblically evaluate any church today.

Concerning the content of the apostles' teaching, we have the testimony of Paul in Acts 20:20-21 – “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Later, he wrote: “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).

The manner of the apostle's teaching was effective and pleasing to God. The following are some vital observations concerning the manner in which the preaching of God's Word was done in the early church:

  • They preached God's Word authoritatively and without apology. Paul wrote to Titus, a young pastor, saying, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (Titus 2:15).
  • They preached God's Word in a relevant manner. In their sermons, they answered people's questions and doubts; they rebuked sins and erroneous teachings; they ministered peace and joy through the exposition of God's promises; and gave guidance to those who were confused and unsure of important choices in life. Their sermons were like divine counsels for people's needs and problems (Titus 2:1-6).
  • Their messages were both evangelistic and instructional (2 Timothy 4:1-5).
  • They lived a life that was consistent with their preaching. Their lives were living sermons (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9; 1 Timothy 4:11-12).

It is most appropriate at this time to consider Calvin's words concerning the kind of church that we should choose. While commenting on Acts 2:42, he said, “Do we seek the true Church of Christ? The picture of it is here painted to the life. He begins with doctrine, which is the soul of the Church. He does not name doctrine of any kind but that of the apostles which the Son of God had delivered by their hands. Therefore, wherever the pure voice of the Gospel sounds forth, where men continue in the profession thereof, where they apply themselves to the regular hearing of it that they may profit thereby, there beyond all doubt is the Church.”

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Personal Devotion

Personal worship or devotion is a time when each individual devotes himself to meditation of God’s Word and prayer, as a special means of communion with God. During this special time of individual worship, singing of psalms and hymns can enhance one’s adoration and worship of God. Such a special time with God can be observed early in the morning or in the evening. Some devout Christians, like Daniel of old, would even have their personal time of worship with God three times a day (Daniel 6:10, 13; Psalm 55:17)!

Private worship is most necessary to one’s faithful, triumphant and fruitful Christian life. It is also the root of family and public worship. A man who neglects personal worship would fail to render genuine and fervent family and public worship. Just as he who labours must have his three meals, a fervent Christian must also have his spiritual feeding and communion with God daily.

Some have argued that there is no express command in the Bible to instruct people to observe daily personal worship or devotion. On the contrary, the Bible records very many injunctions to continual meditation of God’s Word and prayer, as well as examples of personal worship by godly men (such as Daniel), for us to follow.

Consider the following biblical commands that call us to daily and frequent devotion of His Word:

  • Deuteronomy 11:18 – “Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul…”
  • Deuteronomy 17:19 – “And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life...”
  • Deuteronomy 30:14 – “But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.
  • Joshua 1:8 – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
  • Isaiah 59:21 – “As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.
  • Psalm 1:2-3 – “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
  • Proverbs 2:1-5 – “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.”
  • John 5:39 – “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
  • Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...
  • 1 Timothy 4:15-16 – “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

Now, consider the biblical exhortations to pray often, and to make prayer a continual habit:

  • Matthew 6:6, 11 highlight Jesus teaching us to pray alone in a “secret” place, and also to pray “daily”.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.
  • Ephesians 6:18 – “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…”
  • Romans 15:30 – “…ye strive together with me in your prayers to God...”

Daily feeding upon God’s Word, and communing with God in prayer and worship songs, are essential to our souls’ spiritual nurture and strength. How can we, who claim to love God, be satisfied without having communion and worship of Him?

Brethren, begin and end your day with the Lord. Let your souls be daily renewed and enriched in His presence through His Word and prayer. We should not view prayer as a mere religious performance; nor should our prayers be vain repetitions of asking for some material benefits that we need from God. Rather, it should be the joyful claiming of God’s promises that we read in His Word. As one puritan, William Gurnall, said, “Prayer is nothing but the promise reversed.” He also said, “The mightier any is in the Word, the more mighty he will be in prayer.” If you are regular in your personal devotion, you will certainly be mighty in the Lord.

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Praying With One Accord
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication…” (Acts 1:14).

This a report on the patient and prayerful waiting of 120 followers of Christ, including the apostles (except Judas Iscariot), after His ascension. They were facing a hostile and uncertain future after the Lord has been captured and killed by the dwellers of Jerusalem. Yet they had a mandate from their Master to fulfil in that city, even to preach Christ to those who crucified Him, before they move on to other parts of Judea and then to the ends of the earth. Their situation was indeed very dire. What would they do? Call for a planning meeting? Or hire famous consultants? Or quit being followers of Christ and go back to their old professions like fishing and tax collection?

They resorted to an upper room in Jerusalem so that they might pray together. There, with one accord, they besought the LORD for guidance and help. It was the only solution that the infant church had in their dreadful circumstance, but the best. Soon they received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit – whom Jesus has promised them – and they were empowered to be bold and effective witnesses of Christ! Though the adverse circumstance only got worse, they did triumph over all the intimidations, needs and obstacles and the church grew in number and in spiritual strength. The church continued in prayer, and their prayer meetings grew in frequency and in size.

Beloved Gethsemaneans, in the New Year, many challenges, burdens and difficulties lay before us in the service of our Lord. Besides all the regular ministries and their burdens, we are much pressed in our hearts and minds because of the urgent need for premises to accommodate our growing ministries, resources, staff, etc. Though we desired to accomplish it by the end of 2016, our best efforts have fallen far too short of fulfilling it – whether it be funds or registration of CLG. We cannot be disheartened nor become lethargic. Though we have not yet achieved what we have desired in the Lord to do, we must continue to strive joyfully, especially to pray, which is most necessary. With one heart, we must come together to seek the Lord in prayer.

Another important project that we have in 2017 is the Missionary Conference (June 5th-9th). We have planned to bring our missionaries and pastors in fellowship with us together for the conference that will be held in Kuching, Sarawak. It is an important work to strengthen our world-wide Gospel endeavours. We need to have a fund of $50,000, which is yet to be accomplished.

It is high time for us to come together with one accord to pray, even with fasting. So I call you, together with the elders, preachers and deacons, to begin this New Year with a month of fasting and prayer on Tuesday nights. Throughout the month of January, we shall seek the Lord with fasting (except those who are unable to fast for medical reasons) during the Tuesday night prayer meetings.

We thank God that about 120 Gethsemaneans, young and old, regularly get together on Tuesday evenings to pray. Our prayer meetings have been the “granary” of divine provisions. We love our prayer meetings because of the divine presence and blessings that we experience.

I urge all the members and regular worshippers to make every effort to come for the prayer meetings. Let us come together with joy and earnestness. Surely, we will find all the wonderful divine provisions of wisdom, strength, faith and boldness to meet our many tasks, needs and problems.

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When Christ’s Birth was First Promised

Genesis 3:15

When God first revealed to our first parents His plan to send Christ into this world, it was a most momentous time. When the first Gospel announcement was made, our first parents had been found guilty of rebellion and were responsible for the fall of God’s creation, particularly Adam. By eating the forbidden fruit, they had forged an unholy alliance with Satan and transgressed God’s commandment in Genesis 2:16-17 – “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

Imagine the commotion, fear and guilt troubling their hearts and minds as they found themselves dead in trespasses and sins. They were still alive, yet spiritually dead, being alienated from God. This consequence, God had emphatically warned Adam earlier. Everything changed in a twinkling of an eye as their spiritual death cut them off from God’s presence. Their hearts were corrupted and their souls perverted. For the first time, they experienced falling into the abyss of sin and being locked up in spiritual darkness. Having no power to reverse God’s judgment, they also realised that the world around them had been corrupted and become a hostile environment. In sorrow and fear, they realised firsthand the sad reality of sinning against God; but it was too late, and there was nothing that they could do!

{Dear friends, as matter of application of the above historical truth in our life, may it remind you that disobedience to God would end up in tragedy and misery. If we do not learn our lessons early in life, we are going to waste many of our opportunities in the Lord and reap His displeasure. The only way to live a blessed life is to follow the principle which King David adopted in his life: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). By avoiding sin, we receive His blessings. “The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage” (Psalm 16:5-6).}

Oh, how relieved our first parents must have been when they first heard directly from God His plan to redeem them from their sins. They must have been overwhelmed to hear what God said in Genesis 3:15 – “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” What a wonderful blessing to hear God’s commitment to save them. After they had rebelled against God, He visited them not just to pronounce them guilty, but also (above all) to proclaim that God will give His Son Jesus Christ to be their Saviour! In that first proclamation of the Gospel, God did not reveal a lot of details about Christ being born as man’s Saviour. Nonetheless, Christ, the Son of God, was introduced as “her seed”. (Surely, the Holy Spirit would have given our first parents the understanding of the Gospel, as it was announced to them). As such, we have every reason to believe that they were saved that day as they looked to Christ as their Saviour and Lord by faith!

Since we are privileged today to have the whole counsel of God in our hands, let us consider why God introduced Christ as “her seed”.

Firstly, it was to impart the knowledge that the Messiah would come as one of us. This understanding is certainly supported by the later revelations in the Scriptures. The apostle John says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Hebrews 2:14-18 also declares the same truth: “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.”

Secondly, it was to impart the idea that Christ’s coming would be by means of a virgin conception and birth. We know this from the angel’s word to Joseph in Matthew 1:20-21 – “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Thus, He will be born as an unblemished, perfect God-Man to offer a perfect sacrifice for our redemption.

What a grand plan which God’s wisdom has devised to work out our salvation. Christ came as “her seed” to present Himself as our representative, undefiled by Adam’s sin. Since Christ was perfectly holy, He was able to offer Himself as the Lamb of God, the perfect sacrifice to appease God’s wrath. On the cross, the old serpent’s seed (the ungodly children of Satan) may have bruised His heel (wounded and killed Christ). Nonetheless, what appeared to be His defeat actually turned out to be a fatal blow on Satan’s head when Jesus resurrected, destroying the power of sin, death and Satan over us. Just as God has proclaimed in Genesis 3:15, Christ’s coming accomplished the defeat of Satan and our salvation. Now that we are no more dead in trespasses and sins, and thus no more locked up in spiritual darkness and sins, let us “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

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Daily Vacation Bible School 2016

Gethsemane Children’s Ministry (GCM) praise the Lord for seeing us through this year’s Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS). This year’s theme – “Shine for Jesus” – was conceived from a phrase in Philippians 2:15, “among whom ye shine as lights in the world”.

The participants were taught four lessons: “Jesus is the Light of the World”; “In Jesus, We Become Light”; “Walk in Jesus’ Light”; and “Shine for Jesus”. The objectives of the lessons were twofold. Firstly, to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the non-believing children. Secondly, to exhort children who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour to bear witness for Him, by living a holy life according to the Bible and to separate themselves from the darkness (i.e. sins) of the world.

The Lord has been good to GCM. Over the two day event, He brought a total of 54 and 59 children respectively (excluding toddlers), not forgetting the many youths and adults who helped out. Though most of our activities were conducted indoors, we did go to the grass patch outside for some outdoor activities. God gave us good weather on both days. The clouds shielded us from the sun’s rays when we were outside, and it only drizzled briefly towards the end of our programme. Thus, we were not only able to enjoy the organised games, but also board the buses safely at departure. Everyone reached home safely, by the mercies of God.

As such, we are very thankful to the Lord for blessing us with another year of DVBS! As we press on to serve the Lord among the children, may He be pleased to add more souls to His kingdom – even to raise a thousand souls to sing His praises!

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped in one way or another, whether it be in the designing of the registration form, the booking of the venue, the planning of various activities, the execution of them all, etc. Last but not least, we thank God for the teachers who have laboured to communicate God’s truths unto the children. May the Lord’s name be praised! Hallelujah!

DVBS Testimonies 2016

Lim Xin Hui (P5)

When I was 6 years old, I started attending the Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS) organised by Gethsemane B-P Church. It was introduced to me by my sister’s tuition teacher, Auntie Annie. Before I attended DVBS, I did not know much about Christ and was not a believer. However, I now believe in Jesus Christ and have faith in Him. I thank God for helping me believe in Christ through the teachers in DVBS and through Auntie Annie. Till now, I have attended DVBS for 6 years and have made good friends. I like attending the DVBS because my questions about the Bible can be answered there and I can learn more about God with my other Christian friends. My favourite part of the programme are always the Bible lessons as they help me reflect on my wrongdoings, learn the truths in the Holy Bible, and understand it better. I have learnt from this year’s DVBS that Jesus is the Light and we can walk in light when we believe in Jesus. As children of God, we can shine for Jesus by spreading God’s Word and praising God.

Lim Ee-Ruey (P2)

The quiz that Aunty Annie led was very interesting. It was not a straightforward answering of questions. Instead, children had to perform a few tasks as well in order to score points for their team. That was fun! I also enjoyed the craft work.

Evi Horia Surjawinata
[mother of Ariel (P5), Noelle (P2), and Scarlette (K2)

I received an invitation for my daughters to attend DVBS by dear Sis Annie. (Annie is our good friend from the homeschooling community.) We were thrilled to attend the DVBS organised by Gethsemane B-P Church. My three girls, Ariel, Noelle and Scarlett, were greatly blessed by the ministry and for that I am very thankful. They enjoyed the Bible lessons, craft sessions and game times. When asked what they learned from DVBS, some of their responses were very insightful: “Now I understand why Jesus said He is the Light – it is because He gives us life,” said one. “We have to walk as children of light, doing good instead of walking in the dark and sin,” stated another. Yet another realised that “Understanding the Bible partially is not enough because it can still mislead us from the truth”. Thank you, Gethsemane Children’s Ministry, for planting God’s truth in my children’s hearts.

Aaron Nathaniel Lau (P3)

really like the art and craft activity, especially the “lighthouse” activity. It was very fun to do and it explains what a lighthouse is – used for guiding ships away from dangers hidden in the dark. So, we also learn to stay away from people who are trying to take advantage of us and influence us to do bad things.

Samuel Christanday (P3)

From the DVBS, I learned that we need to be as light in this world. And we can do that by learning from Jesus, who is the source of light. We can shine for Jesus by showing kindness.

Stevan Christanday (P1)

DVBS was fun and I especially enjoyed the art and craft, and games sessions.

Grace Ho (P5)

I am very thankful to the LORD for giving me good health to attend this year’s DVBS. Truly, it has been a great blessing to be able to attend 8 years of DVBS since the age of 4. Thank God for the opportunity to be able to reach out to my nonbelieving friends through this channel. I learnt that as children of light, we should not give in to temptations, but instead follow God’s Word and walk circumspectly as children of light. I would also like to thank God for the GCM committee who helped to plan all the activities, as well as for the teachers and the rest who helped out in the lessons, games, singspiration, and many more. May God bless their efforts. All glory be unto God for His grace!

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Fallacies Parents Must Avoid – Part II

In the last article that I wrote, I have mentioned that there are wrong ideas being promoted as infallible guides for successful parenting. I would like to mention briefly one or two more of them in today’s article.

We think we know what is best for our children

There are parents who think that their desires and ambitions for their children are truly what God wants for their children. Could such a notion be true? Did not the Bible record clear evidence of determination made by parents which led their children to the best of situations in their adult life? Scriptural examples pertaining to such include Hannah’s desire for Samuel that he would serve the Lord, and David’s plan for Solomon to be the next king.

The above two biblical instances definitely show that Samuel’s mother Hannah and Solomon’s father David knew what God would want their children to be. I believe that even today, the Lord may providentially guide some parents to dedicate their children to become missionaries or pastors in their adult life. However, for God’s people in post-biblical times, this would not be the norm in guiding our children into God’s plan in their lives.

We must not insist that whatever we think is good for our children, they should follow. We should pray that God by His gracious providence would help them to recognise what He wants them to do. Children may change their minds about some things that they earlier said they would pursue. They may even fail in their attempts. We should not then become upset and put all the blame on them. No matter how disconcerting such occasions may be, we must encourage ourselves and our children to humble ourselves to seek the LORD. Advise them to pray like the psalmist – “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day” (Psalm 25:4-5).

Not all children have the same abilities, skill and habits. However, all must be trained in their hearts on how to be instruments of God’s will. Children must be continually advised and exhorted to, of their own accord, yield themselves to do God’s will and purposes. For the LORD reminds us in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Let us teach our children to trust the Lord for their future, no matter how they fare in their studies or skills. Point them to Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Also, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust” (Psalm 103:13-14).

Even if your child is unable to do much for himself because of his lack of abilities or other weaknesses, you can trust the LORD to be his help and strength in his need. Listen to what the LORD saith: “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not” (Isaiah 35:3-4a). The apostle Paul also reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:27b, “God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” Our God is a great God! No one is too weak or small that He cannot use for His glory. Hence, He tells the weak to be strong as they put their trust in Him.

Parents, our greatest comfort and hope for our children is in our God, who is merciful and yet strong! He does not want us to be sad or sore afraid because our children do not seem to have what it takes, in our thinking, to be what is best for them. He wants us to be strong in the Lord. God, who is the Maker of our children (whether they are strong or weak), will see to their goings and guide their paths. Let us just teach our children to trust and obey Him always.

Like the apostle Paul, we (parents and children alike) too should employ our faith to look for His utmost in our life – “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

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Fallacies Parents Must Avoid – Part I

I]n my 23 years of parenting, very often I have to pray earnestly for God’s help to evaluate my own thoughts about parenting to see whether I am getting it right. Though we have an infallible guide, the Scriptures, many a time we do wrongly apply the Scriptural guidelines. Christian parents must examine themselves to see whether they have been tempted to adhere to ideas or methods which are not necessarily biblical.

No Guaranteed Method

Today, I would like to address one of the dangerous concepts that some parents have adopted. Parents, who impose on their children a certain idea or conduct or method or path (not stipulated in the Scriptures) as though it is the only way for them to go forward, are prone to make serious mistakes. There is no singular method or path that guarantees your children’s salvation or good behaviour or success in life.

While we instruct and guide our children with biblical wisdom, we must not think that there is a single supermethod which the Bible teaches us to implement. The Bible does not promote or promise a perfect methodology or a sin-free environment that will guarantee success to our children.

While the Bible teaches us that we must daily and diligently instruct our children according to its truths, it does not advocate that we follow a certain recipe for success. The Bible nowhere provides certain ingredients which, if implemented in a specific environment, would produce perfect kids. Disciplining and guiding our children is not like baking a cake according to a given recipe.

Children are individual beings who will have to exercise their personal choices as they grow up. It is not made known to parents what the specific path forward for their children is. While parents teach, correct and insist on the Scriptural truths, they must not hinder the children from exercising their individual choices and abilities in following the Lord. By God’s gracious guidance, children can have a closer and much fruitful walk with the Lord than the parents themselves. So, parents’ duty is not to limit the children with some method or in a particular environment, but to instruct and let the children make godly decisions in whatever realms of life that God’s providence would lead them.

Please be forewarned that there is no fixed methodology for ensuring our children’s salvation or success of our parenting. Let all Christian parents be prayerful, that the Lord will make known to each child His salvation and His will concerning him/her. Let us seek to be faithful parents, rather than method-oriented parents.


A Brief Report on Mission Trip to Kuching

(A detailed report to follow in next week’s bulletin)
Prabhudas Koshy

The mission trip to Kuching (Sarawak, Malaysia) was a very needed and important mission activity that we have undertaken this year. We have been co-labouring with Calvary Jaya BPC, KL to send preachers to Kuching since 2014. This year, the Lord has placed within us a burden to conduct a mission trip, and hence 27 brethren, led by Eld Mah Chin Kwang, had visited Calvary Kuching B-P Church.

Our misson trip’s chief purpose was to strengthen the brethren in Calvary Kuching to serve the Lord fervently and faithfully. The brethren in Kuching welcomed us with much graciousness and warm hospitality. Presently, Calvary Kuching is a Chinese congregation of about 10 people. Bro Jeremy Teo’s family (and occasionally with a few others) meet for an English service by making use of either Gethsemane’s live webcast or recorded video-messages. We are praying and hoping that Pr Samson Hutagulang can visit them on a regular basis to minister to them.

The mission team was also given an opportunity to minister the Gospel in a village, Kampong Taee, which is about one hour’s drive from Kuching. The very large premises here are under the ministry of the Anglican church. However, it is obvious that the people lack knowledge of the Scriptures.

The greatest need of the hour in all mission works around the world is God’s provision of faithful and fervent preachers of the Word with a God-given burden for souls. As Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38). We need to earnestly pray that God would send more men for the work of soul harvest.

Baptism on the Hospital Bed

Last Wednesday (30th November), I was informed by Ricky and Stella Tan (regular worshippers in Gethsemane) about Harry Chew Hai Huat (a cousin of Stella), who has received Christ while his health condition has been severely deteriorating over the past few months. Having believed on Christ, Harry (70 years of age) also indicated that he was ready to be baptised. On Thursday at 5 pm, Pastor and Elder Mah visited him at Changi General Hospital together with Ricky and Stella. After checking with Harry about his faith and readiness to be baptised, he was baptised. Harry’s daughter, Jacinda, his three sisters and a niece were also present at his bedside during the baptism.

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Seek the LORD

Many things distract Christians from being wholly focused in their spiritual pursuit. They tend to count it a small matter that they have lost their commitment to the Lord. However, the prophet Amos repeatedly reminds us of the importance of seeking the Lord continually and diligently. Let us learn from the prophet the meaning and significance of seeking the LORD.

“Seek the LORD, and ye shall live”(Amos 5:6a).

The prophet Amos had just ended a lamentation over the impending death of the people of the “house of Israel” (5:1-5). A “lament” is a poem of grief sung at a funeral. Prophets used this poetic form to mourn the death of a city, people or nation (cf. Jeremiah 9:10-11, 17-22; Lamentations 1-5; Ezekiel 19; 26:17-18). Though Israel had been enjoying material prosperity under Jeroboam II, her judgment was so certain that Amos lamented her fall as though it had already happened. To his listeners, his lament would have been like listening to their own obituary being read out to them.

Despite the certainty of national judgment, individuals were encouraged to seek the LORD and live. Unless they would repent of their idolatry and wickedness, God Himself would see to their destruction. The admonition of the prophet is: “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel” (v. 6). Though Bethel (which means “house of God”) was a place of worship and blessing, they had desecrated it with their idols. All their activities of worship were an abomination to God. What matters was not the location, but their heart’s devotion to God. So, if they would continue to stay in Bethel but would not turn to God, they would inevitably experience what He has revealed Himself to be in Deuteronomy 4:24 – “the LORD thy God is a consuming fire”!

The command to seek the LORD has been repeated four times in this chapter (vv. 4, 6, 8, 14). It means that they must turn to Him at once. They should not hesitate nor procrastinate in returning to the LORD. Neither should they approach Him in ritualistic, disingenuous worship. Their hearts must seek Him with sincere love and fervent devotion.

The LORD promised that they shall live if they seek Him. The LORD promised to rescue them from the threat of impending calamities which were looming over the nation. But there was something more than their preservation from the impending peril. Turning to the LORD would also guarantee their souls’ eternal life. The LORD is merciful and calls sinners to turn to Him to enjoy the blessings of His good pleasure. “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11).

The prophet Amos further exhorted and explained why God’s people must earnestly seek Him – “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken” (Amos 5:14).

Earlier in this chapter, the prophet had repeatedly exhorted the Israelites to seek the LORD (vv. 4, 6, 8). This verse further explains the implications of the exhortation to seek the LORD. Those who seek the LORD will also seek to do His good will.

The “good” that God’s people ought to seek is not what they think is good, but what the LORD has revealed as good. All that His Word requires of us is good, which we must seek diligently to perform. The LORD said through Moses in Deuteronomy 12:28, “Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.” The prophet Micah was also tasked by the LORD to instruct His people: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8).

Yet the people were not only doing evil, but also seeking it diligently. They rejoiced in all that which God detested. They sought out evil and the occasions for it. As long as they sought evil, they would not seek good. So they must first put away evil. As Isaiah has written, “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:16-17).

God’s people must be singular in their pursuit of good. They must seek good with total commitment. Unmitigated adherence to good and complete severance from evil is what God commands. In Romans 12:9, the apostle Paul instructs, “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” The LORD requires that His people seek good wholly, not only occasionally. “Ye that love the LORD, hate evil” (Psalm 97:10a). “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).

Pursuing the LORD and His good will have the guarantee of the highest blessings in the lives of God’s people. It has the promise of everlasting life and divine friendship. The “God of hosts” will be with them to guide, guard and garnish their lives with His blessings. He who follows the good ways of the LORD, has the LORD for himself.

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Declare War Against Lust of the Flesh!

War is being waged against our souls! Young and old alike in the church are embattled. The enemy is the ever-present “lust of the flesh”! The onslaught of lust is on the rise! Pornography, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, etc. are affecting more and more Christians, both young and old. It leaves men and women writhing in shame and sorrow. It is very destructive – individual and family lives are torn asunder. The church is also losing its moral edge. When men are caught in these sins, how can they rise to leadership of the church? The church suffers much weakness because of the moral impurity of her members and leaders.

Beloved, you must declare war against your lust. The threat of lust is very grave. We can neither ignore nor enter into a truce with this enemy of our soul. Please carefully and prayerfully read and appropriate the following biblical admonitions:

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

With sincere affection and compassion for his readers, who were in the midst of persecution and fiery trials (1 Peter 1:6-7; 4:12), the apostle Peter addressed them as “Dearly beloved”. Such an expression of sincere and hearty affection would have comforted and cheered their distressed souls. It also portrayed the apostle’s exhortation as a loving entreaty meant for their souls’ good and prosperity.

The believers were, first of all, reminded that they were temporary residents on this earth. In fact, some of his readers had been displaced from their homeland because of persecution. The apostle referred to them as “strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1:1). Their experience of being treated as “strangers” gives evidence to the spiritual reality that they were not of this world.

Peter had already alerted the believers that they were “strangers” and “sojourners” (1:1, 17). This is the third time in this epistle he was reminding the believers that they were not a people of this world. Christians should never expect total acceptance by the world. Neither should they desire to live like the people of this world. Jesus described the believers as “not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:16). He also told His disciples that “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19).

When He saved us, He was calling us out of all forms of worldliness. Our ambitions, aspirations and principles are no more of this world. Now we are a heaven-bound people. So as Peter mentioned here, we are “pilgrims”. The apostle Paul corroborated this truth when he wrote that “our conversation (i.e. citizenship) is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).

On this earth, Christians are constantly under attack. They are often “ambushed” by the world! Peter further pointed out here that they also have an enemy within them by warning them to “abstain from fleshly lusts”. Lusts of the flesh are lurking about for opportunities to destroy us. If we give them a chance, they will conquer us. Christians must therefore be vigilant against their own carnal propensities. Christians ought to be self-conquerors. Let us be vigilant against the onslaught of fleshly lusts.

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14).

Paul commands Christians to “put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ”. But can we put on a person, like we put on clothing or armour? Notwithstanding, it is rather a common metaphorical phrase in the Greek language which indicates that we should put on the character of the Lord Jesus Christ. “It is a common phrase that a person has put him on, whom he imitates,” so said the early church father Chrysostom. In other words, it is a command to Christians to imitate Christ’s example and to become like Him.

The Galatian Christians were reminded by Paul: “For as many of you as have been baptised into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). The Ephesian believers were told: “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).

Developing a Christ-like character is every Christian’s highest duty. Being united to Christ, we must conform to His character. We must have a sincere desire to be like Him and give ourselves to constant prayer for the Holy Spirit’s aid to live like the Lord Jesus. We must also devoutly study the Person and character of Christ in order to understand the manner and purpose of His life. There must also be a commitment to study all that Christ has taught so that we may know His will and do it. Without deliberate and habitual efforts to learn of Christ, we cannot imitate Him.

Those who put on Christ are also commanded to “make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” One of the greatest hindrances to Christlikeness is the lust of the flesh. We are thus warned not to provide any opportunity for the gratification of our flesh’s sinful desires. How serious are you in this regard? Do you avoid circumstances that might tempt the flesh? Do you abstain from activities that arouse fleshly lusts?

We must not entertain the corrupt propensities of our bodies. Rather, we must yield to the Spirit of God, who warns us against the lust of the flesh and prompts us to walk according to the will of God. In Romans 8:12-13, Paul exhorts, “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Likewise, Paul said in Galatians 5:16, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

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Biblical End-Time Prophecy about Jerusalem & the US President-Elect Donald Trump

The result of the recent US presidential election has left millions of people in the US and around the world rather disappointed and upset. Singapore, too, has a large number of people who felt very disappointed that the Democratic candidate did not win the election.

Without going into the nature, conduct, policies, etc. of the candidates, I would like to point all my brethren in Gethsemane to the biblical truth that all governments are so ordained by the Lord (whether we like / agree with them or not). Daniel 2:21 says, “And he (God) changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings …” We are also commanded to show due respect to their office and authority by being respectful, submissive, and godly (Romans 13:1-7). Now we should pray that the leadership of the US government will do that which benefit the people of the US and the world, and which will help to prevent immorality and injustice around the world.

It is also equally important to know that whoever would rule the nations of the world, would ultimately have attitudes and policies that will bring about God’s prophetic plan, which the Bible declares. Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”

When I read news reports about Donald Trump, the newly elected US president, I saw that there is a clear evidence that we are getting closer to the Lord’s return. Let me tell you why.

Biblical End-Time Prophecy and Jerusalem

It has to do with the biblical prophecy about the Jews and their beloved city, Jerusalem. The Scriptures foretold that the Jewish temple and city would be destroyed and that the Jews would be dispersed and persecuted for a long time because of their rejection of God’s Word and the Messiah. Our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, predicted the complete destruction of the Jerusalem temple that existed in His time (Matthew 24:1-2). That prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70, when the Roman general Titus destroyed and burned it. Since AD 70, Jerusalem remained in the control of many other people until 1948. During that long intervening period, the Jews were dispersed all over the world, just as the Scriptures had foretold.

Their reinstated nationhood finally materialised, in fulfilment of many biblical prophecies. The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel was proclaimed on 14 May 1948. However, till today, the Jews could not take full control of Jerusalem and build their temple. So today, there is no temple in Jerusalem!

However, the Bible clearly indicates that there will be a Jewish temple and its control will fall into the hands of Antichrist (a world-ruler) during the 7-year Great Tribulation of the Jews (cf. 2 Thessolonians 2:3-4; Daniel 9:26-27; Matthew 24:15). Let us take note that in order for a temple to be built in Jerusalem, the Jews must have full control over Jerusalem. It must become their centre of power. Since 1948, the Jews’ attempts to make Jerusalem their capital city has not been accomplished. Their present capital city is Tel-Aviv.

Donald Trump to Support Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital!

Now, this is where Donald Trump comes into the picture. Trump has openly declared, on several occasions, that one of the chief goals of his presidency is that Jerusalem will be the capital city of Israel.

Singapore’s Channel News Asia reported on 26 September 2016, “Trump says he’ll recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s ‘undivided’ capital”. In that news report, it was mentioned that:

“Trump acknowledged that Jerusalem has been the eternal capital of the Jewish people for over 3000 years, and that the United States, under a Trump administration, will finally accept the long-standing congressional mandate to recognise Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the state of Israel,” his campaign said in a statement.”

Jerusalem Post reported that:

“Donald Trump said he would move the US Embassy to Jerusalem…. Congress (US) passed a law in 1995 mandating the move of the embassy to Jerusalem, but allowed the president a waiver. Each president since then has routinely exercised the waiver, citing the national security interests of the United States…. Calling US President Barack Obama “the worst thing that has ever happened to Israel” for negotiating the recent Iran nuclear deal, Trump pledged loyalty to Israel. “I will be very good to Israel,” he said. “People know that. I have so many friends from Israel. I have won so many awards from Israel. I was even the grand marshal for the Israeli Day Parade a few years ago. So I will back Israel.” (http://www.jpost.com/US-Elections/Trump-pledges-to-move-USembassy-from-Tel-Aviv-to-Jerusalem-44209).

Well, much of what Trump has said is yet to be done! Whether he will succeed in helping Israel to make Jerusalem their capital city or not, the Bible’s prediction of Jerusalem and a temple will be accomplished in God’s timing, sooner or later. Meanwhile, we serve our soon coming King with all diligence, purity and faithfulness.

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