Examples and Consequences of Unpreparedness

If one has a petition to make before a king, one will be mindful to prepare oneself before an audience with the king. One would think through very carefully what to say, what clothes to adorn for the occasion, and the proper conduct to behave before royalties. It would be audacious to rush into the king’s palace without proper preparation. Similarly, it is inappropriate for Christians to demand God’s attention without proper preparation.

The Most High God has graciously provided ways to interact with Him. He has not saved us to leave us alone, but wants us to involve Him in all aspects of our life. We can sing praises to Him in hymns, psalms and spiritual songs, pray to Him and intercede on others’ behalf, and go before Him in worship and devotion. Preparing to seek God prepares us for the intimate interaction between God and us. Scripture is full of instances of godly saints who sought God not at the spur of the moment, but by making due preparations.

be almost impossible to prepare due to our critical, urgent circumstances. When Peter was drowning in the boisterous sea, he was utterly helpless and could only cry out, “Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30). If we are suddenly caught in a similar manner, the Lord will be very gracious to receive us just as how Jesus reached out to Peter as He “stretched forth his hand, and caught him” (v. 31) out of the boisterous sea. Nonetheless, under normal circumstances, the failure to prepare oneself to seek God will lead to dire consequences and may lead one to do evil.

For instance, it was recorded that King Rehoboam of the Old Testament did evil because he did not prepare himself to seek God. “And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord” (2 Chronicles 12:14). God attributes Rehoboam’s evil doing to his lack of preparation to seek Him. Rather than being drawn to God, a Christian who is not prepared to be drawn close to God will be drawn to evil. The inclination to do evil starts with an ill-prepared heart to seek God. Also, during King Jehoshaphat’s reign, the people of Judah were unrepentant of their sins and remained in their evil ways because they had not prepared their hearts unto God. Regardless of King Jehoshaphat being a godly king (2 Chronicles 20:32), the heart condition of the people was not set aright. “Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers” (2 Chronicles 20:33). The Israelites did not remove the idolatrous places of worship because they did not prepare their hearts unto God, showing an unrepentant heart that is not willing to let go of harboured sins. In God’s sight, Christians who do not prepare and set the hearts aright are deemed as being “stubborn and rebellious” (Psalm 78:8). Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to make preparation to seek God. How can we do that?

Meaning of the Word “Prepare

How to prepare one’s heart can be gleaned from the meaning of the Hebrew word often translated as “prepare”. It gives the idea of setting up something so as to make it firm and established. It means to make something unmoveable like the foundation of a house. It speaks of a resolve and determination to do something. Seeking God begins with an unmoveable and undeterred resolve to go before Him. No circumstances and feelings will stop a Christian who is resolved to seek God. The affairs of life must not be excuses for one not to go before God. Psalm 57:7 reflects David’s determination to seek God. The verse says, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” David did not let any difficult circumstances stop him from singing unto and praising God. Even when David’s enemies “have prepared a net” for his steps and “have digged a pit before” him (Psalm 57:6), David was resolved even in life-threatening situations to give glory unto God by singing and praising Him. In all circumstances, we must be determined to praise God rather than let situations dictate how we act.

To further reinforce the idea of preparedness, we shall look at the various examples in the Bible of people who prepared before they sought God.

Biblical Examples of Preparation

Priests washed their hands and feet in the laver of brass
The priests of the Old Testament were commanded by God to wash their hands and feet in a laver of brass filled with water before they went into the Tabernacle of the congregation or before they approached the altar of sacrifice (Exodus 30:17-21). It was mandatory for priests to have their hands and feet washed before they went into the Tabernacle, which symbolised the very presence of God. They must also wash their hands and feet before they offered animal sacrifices on the altar.

Therefore, Christians must be prepared to be cleansed of their sins when they approach God in prayer or do any of God’s work. No one should come before God or be engaged in any service unto God with any idea of keeping some secret sins. God will only accept one who has “clean hands, and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:4) to “ascend into the hill of the Lord” (Psalm 24:3).

God has an extremely high view of the manner His people approach Him or do His work. Any priest during Moses’ days who failed to wash his hands or feet before they went into the Tabernacle or burnt offerings would die (Exodus 30:20). It is thus of utmost importance that Christians come before God in full consecration unto holiness.

Sacrifice of Isaac
God commanded the patriarch Abraham to offer Isaac, his son, as a sacrifice to Him on Mount Moriah. It was a test designed by God for Abraham to see if he would obey God or not. It was the way that God dictated Abraham to approach Him. Despite the extreme difficulty in performing this sacrifice, Abraham made ample preparation to the best of his ability to fulfil what God required. “And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him (Genesis 22:3).” Abraham woke up early to make the three-day journey from Beersheba to Mount Moriah. Abraham was undeterred from making the long journey to where God wanted him to perform the sacrifice. He also prepared two young men to carry the wood for the sacrifice. Abraham wanted to make sure that the sacrifice would be carried out without any hindrances.

It is quite unlikely that any of us is required by God to go through the exact same test that Abraham went through. But we can learn from the way in which he overcame all obstacles in order to approach God. Similarly, Christians are to expect obstacles when we seek God. In spite of hindrances, let us all duly overcome them so that we may approach God.

Jesus rose up early in the morning
Himself to pray. He woke up very early in the morning and retreated to places where He could pray. Luke 1:35 says, “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Waking up early and withdrawing ourselves are ways in which we can prepare ourselves to seek God. In a typical day, a person will be busy and occupied with his daily tasks. He has to handle many different issues that come his way. Rising up early sets a time apart that will free up a person to seek God. Likewise, Job had this godly resolve to rise up early and offer burnt offerings for his children (Job 1:5). Rising up early and setting oneself apart is a godly habit to adopt.

Conclusion

In the issues of life, we would often make preparations for what is to come. We will plan meticulously and prepare in anticipation of the future. We try to be as diligent as we can to prepare ourselves for what might come our way. All the more in your spiritual life, will you ready yourself to seek God?

"Ye cannot serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:19) – that was exactly what Joshua asserted to the Israelites who had said, “therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God” (v. 18). It must have been a crushing statement to a people who expressed their zeal to serve the LORD. But why such a staggering admonition? Why would Joshua tell them that they cannot serve the LORD?

John Calvin commented that such a harsh mode of rebuke was necessary “in order to rouse a sluggish people, rendered more lethargic by security… Joshua does not deter them from serving God, but only explains how refractory and disobedient they are, in order that they may learn to change their temper.”

Serving God is not what we do when and however we like. It demands absolute surrender to God’s will. At His bidding, we must set out to do all that He says with faithfulness and zeal. We cannot decide when and how we would serve Him, for it is God’s sole prerogative as the Sovereign One.

Serving God begins with an acknowledgment that we are incapable of serving Him on our own. It is what the theologians have called the doctrine of “moral inability”. Our impure hearts and unclean hands are an abomination to the most Holy God. This is what Joshua meant when he said to the people, “Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins” (v. 19). Offering something to God or doing something in the LORD’s name would not be regarded as a service, if those who render them do not repent and put away their sins.

So Joshua warned them earlier, “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD” (Joshua 24:14). Service demands absolute consecration to God.

If God be served at all, He must be served alone. Nothing and no one should be allowed to take first place in our hearts, except the LORD. No other claimant can be our God. This was also Jesus’ admonition when He said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

Today, in the church, many come to serve God, but their hearts hanker after the gods of our time – wealth, luxury, carnal pleasure, headknowledge, fame, etc. How can God ever be pleased with their service? Jesus warned, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8-9).

If God be served at all, He must be served in sincerity and truth. God will search through and through every form of service offered to Him, and hence it must be sincere and “clean every whit”, or it will not be acceptable to Him. Every service rendered to God must be born out of obedience to His Word. The service to our holy God must be rendered with humility and resolve of heart (cf. Acts 20:19), with faith and prayer (Hebrews 11:6), with all our strength and might (Ecclesiastes 9:10; Romans 12:11), and with gladness and thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2; 100:2; Colossians 3:23).

Testimony of God’s Mercies

Dear Pastor,

I am writing a personal testimony about how God has been gracious and merciful towards me over the past 9 years ever since I was diagnosed with psoriasis. In a nutshell, psoriasis is an auto-immune skin condition whereby the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation on the skin and potentially on the joints as well. On the inflamed parts of the skin, the skin cells are on an overdrive, reproducing at a much faster rate than normal. Because of this rapid build-up of skin, the top layer of the skin will turn flaky and fall off. Currently, nobody knows the exact cause or has found a definite cure for this skin problem.

Living with psoriasis can be a little inconvenient. Sometimes, the affected area on the skin can get itchy and will bleed easily when scratched. I will sometimes wake up the next morning to find small bloodstains on the bed sheet. If I do not clean the room regularly, the floor will be littered with flaky skin.

I want to praise God for His hand of grace towards me, for helping me to accept my skin condition as it is and to learn how to live with it. At times, I would feel depressed thinking about my skin condition and become more self-conscious about my own appearance. However, the Lord quickly reminds me of His words to the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Secondly, I also want to thank God that my skin condition serves as a reminder of the ugliness of sin and the need to always lead a life that is holy in God’s sight. Thirdly, I want to thank God for the brethren in the church who are concerned about me and have offered me advice and supplements to help me improve my skin condition.

Should it be the Lord’s will that I should live with this condition for the rest of my life, I pray for the Lord’s grace to continue to strengthen my faith. I pray also that I will think less about my earthly body which is prone to infirmities and corruption, and look forward to the glory and joy of Christ’s presence in heaven (1 Corinthians 15:52-54).

All glory be to God!

Best regards,
Ernest Lim

God willing, the 5th Missionary Conference of Gethsemane B-P Church will be held in Kuching (Sarawak, East Malaysia) from 5th to 9th of June this year. We thank God that about 170 people have already registered to attend this conference. (If you have not yet registered for the conference, I would encourage you to immediately register and book your flights to avoid disappointment of missing this blessed occasion that the Lord has helped us to organise).

The Purpose

Missionary conferences are held for a twofold purpose. Firstly, that Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore, as a whole may renew itself concerning her God-given vision of global Gospel advancement – “… ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Secondly, that the church may bring together her missionaries, mission-partners and preachers, as well as like-minded preachers of other churches, in order to encourage and strengthen them through the Word, prayer and fellowship. It is a special blessing to have various servants of God to come together, that we may have an opportunity to cheer their hearts in the Lord and also to learn together from His Word. This conference has hitherto afforded us a God-given opportunity, wherein our care for His servants and worldwide preaching of the truth may flourish again (cf. Philippians 4:10).

The History

• 1st Missionary Conference (2005, Nov 28-Dec 02) – The Saujana, Subang, KL, Malaysia
• 2nd Missionary Conference (2007, Nov 27-Dec 01) – Cebu City, The Philippines
• 3rd Missionary Conference (2011, Dec 05-11) – Gethsemane BPC, Alem Gena, Ethiopia
• 4th Missionary Conference (2014, May 23-27) – The Chevrons, Singapore

The Theme

The theme of the upcoming Missionary Conference will be: “That the Truth of the Gospel Might Continue with Us” (cf. Galatians 2:5). This theme is utterly important for us, as we see in these days an increasing trend of perversion of the Gospel in churches.

The churches of our time have been careless about Gospel preaching. Many churches propagate a distorted, diluted Gospel, as they are concerned about preaching messages that please people, rather than honour Christ and His redemptive work. Churches have also lost their zeal in declaring the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many are more focused on charitable activities, the promotion of the “health-wealth” gospel, and have neglected declaring the unadulterated Gospel.

We should neither forget nor neglect the primacy of the Gospel in the ministries of our church. God intends for the church to always declare and defend the truth of the Gospel. So in all our mission churches and evangelistic outreaches, the truth of the Gospel must be unashamedly declared.

The Organising Team

A team of brethren have been appointed to help run the 5th Missionary Conference. The team leader (who is the Camp Master) is Dn Low Boon Siang, and he has gathered a team to co-labour with him. Let us pray that the Lord will bless their labours in organising the camp. The team consists of Dn Kelvin Lim, Pr Jeremiah Sim, Pr Ho Kee How, Pr Andrew Koh, Dn Lok Kwok Wah, Kenneth Wong, Cayson Chok, Gerry Lee, Matthew Mah, Benny Skariah, Matthew Peh, Ernest Lim, David Tan, Ng Kwan Teng, Arnold Diaz, Cornelius Koshy and Andronicus Koshy.

The Need

The estimated fund for the expenses of the Missionary Conference is close to S$50,000. This amount is needed for the plane tickets, accommodation, meals, etc. for our missionaries and needy brethren. Incidentally, in 2005 (i.e. 12 years ago), we raised about S$30,000 for the first missionary conference. After 12 years, it is certain that our expenses will increase. Let us pray and support financially by giving to the Missionary Conference Fund.

The fund must be met quickly, as we need to book the plane tickets for all the missionaries to come from the countries where they serve. Please give cheerfully and speedily. May God bless our efforts to strengthen our missionaries and their Gospel work.

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.”

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.

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.

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).

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!

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).