The Topic of Study for 26th BW Retreat
“Heaven” is the topic for the forthcoming 26th Bible Witness Retreat (19-21 March 2025). It is a subject of great importance to all genuine Christians, as it is the eternal home of all who trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Our earthly life will not last long; the end is very near for some of us. This brief earthly life is a time of preparation for the glorious heavenly home that Jesus is preparing for us. Jesus promised, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).
Saints, like the apostle Paul, should be ever ready to depart from this life for the heavenly home. Paul said, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand” (2 Timothy 4:6). How about you? Are you ready to leave this world for the heavenly home?
When planning a journey, we often attempt to learn as much as we can about our destination from reliable sources. Similarly, regarding heaven—our ultimate destination—God has graciously revealed vital truths in His Word which we are called to explore and cherish, in preparation for the time of our departure from this life for the heavenly home.
Join us for the upcoming Bible Witness Retreat, where we will delve into the Scriptures to discover what God has revealed about heaven. Together, we’ll deepen our understanding of our eternal home, and prepare our hearts for what lies ahead. Don’t miss this enriching study on heaven! Sign up at once. Come and be blessed as we study God’s Word together.
Saluting Our Young Men in Service to the Nation (II)
“Choosing the Right Company”
By Jordy Kay
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2).
Who should my friends be? National Service was a time when this question kept coming up. There were times when I was surrounded by many people, yet I felt that I was alone. Alone by choice because I could not join in with others as they were not doing what was pleasing in the sight of God; and sometimes alone because I was excluded by others as I did not fit into their thinking and mindset. As time passed by, I realised that being alone was not as bad as it sounds; in fact, often I felt that it was rather enjoyable. It was enjoyable because it gave me a quiet time to think and ponder about spiritual things, and even read Christian books. This “alone-ness” (which is not quite the same as loneliness) was actually a result of a deliberate decision to be separate from the worldly company that I was in the midst of.
Psalm 1 was a psalm that I held close to my heart during the 2 years I was in NS. In each stage of my NS journey – from basic military training (BMT) to cadet school, and to being in an operational unit – I had to evaluate again and again who I should be close to. There were people who were constantly using foul language and abusing the name of God, there were also people constantly cracking unwholesome jokes, as well as people always looking out for the latest and most exciting places to indulge in sensual pleasures over the weekends. So how was I to decide who to be close with? Psalm 1 instructs that we should separate ourselves from the ungodly, the sinners, and the scornful. It may seem unpopular to reject invitations to parties at nightclubs, or even refuse to engage in certain less than honest practices, but that is the way of the Christian. I also learnt along the way that the earlier you start making deliberate decisions to practise biblical separation, the more God will give you the holy confidence and conviction to continue to do it.
Soon, the alone-ness became not so strange. And I also soon realised that God is gracious, and would place certain like-minded brethren in your life to encourage you in this “fight of faith”. Like the saying goes, “Birds of the same feather flock together.” That’s also perhaps why the ungodly in the world tend to be in large groups. But fear not - God knows when and how to send encouragement to you. In each stage of my NS journey when I was a young Christian, God sent different groups of Christian brothers to encourage me. In the first 3 months of BMT, there was a school friend who started to collect mobile phone numbers from Christians and sent out weekly text messages to encourage us through the BMT journey. Back in the day when we were only allowed “brick-phones” (mobile phones with no cameras, which also happened to be older with less functionality), such text messages were like an oasis in a desert!
During cadet school and after being sent to an operational unit, I found a group of Christian brothers who banded together to stand in solidarity not to partake in ungodly practices in the unit. I share the following as a wonderful testimony: It was common in the army to have initiation ceremonies, where one was required to drink alcohol to prove their mettle to be part of a certain group - in this case, it was to join the “mess” which is a place that you can relax after hours, and have some snacks and drinks. In my unit, we had to drink 3 cans of beer as a show of our alleged toughness. If you did not drink alcohol, the ‘exchange rate’ was 9 cans of coke. There were 5 or 6 of us who were resolute not to drink alcohol, and instead opted to drink the 9 cans of coke at a go. Needless to say, we all puked up the coke as it was just too gassy. But the unease of foaming from our noses and mouths did not deter us from our commitment not to drink alcohol.
I can only thank God for such company given to me. While I was prepared to endure the test myself, God had graciously sent other Christian brethren to go through this ordeal together - drawing strength from one another, and silently cheering each other on as we witness each other suffer the price for not yielding to the ungodly tradition of alcoholism. As I end my testimony, I would urge all to beware of bad company and to purpose in your hearts to practise biblical separation right from the start. I conclude with this verse from 1 Sam 2:30, where God says “… for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”
“Managing Expectations”
By Titus Ho
Managing Expectations for Pre-Enlistment
Prior to my enlistment into the SAF, I heard many terrifying stories from friends and seniors concerning the unit I was being posted to. I was privileged to have strong spiritual support from both my parents and church, which strengthened my desire to stay close to the Lord. I remember thinking that even if those stories of injuries and physical suffering were to happen to me, I believed everything would unfold according to His sovereign will.
Thank God for Pastor’s constant reminders of Biblical values and principles to uphold as a Christian, which were relevant against the unavoidable bad company and worldly influences. Additionally, some older youths had advised me on setting the right expectations as a Christian soldier, and encouraged me to use my remaining free pre-NS days to spend more time with the Lord.
Managing Expectations During Enlistment
During the BMT phase, the experience was bearable if one was attentive and obedient to instructions. However, the stress intensified when I was selected for a pre-command course lasting 65 days. Each day was a test of my physical stamina and mental endurance during the instructors’ gruelling sessions, which inevitably caused a feeling of uncertainty to loom over me. This phase was filled with jungle missions, sleep deprivation, and constant exposure to vulgarities from trainers and course mates.
During that trying period, Psalm 23 encouraged me to stay strong as a Christian, knowing the Lord is near. While bouts of anger and frustration clouded my course mates, I frequently recalled the comforting ‘Scripture-in-Song’s sung during my youth in church. These equipped me to set clear expectations amidst such tumultuous period.
By God’s grace, I subsequently entered command school, which brought a new challenge: resisting social influences. Coming from an elite vocation, both instructors and buddies showed greater respect towards me though I was still a cadet, but they often invited me to drinking parties or weekend gatherings. Knowing that such activities would tarnish my Christian testimony and service in the church, I decisively declined. When questioned, I explained that I had to go to church, which elicited some light-hearted teasing but nothing seriously disrespectful. This eventually turned into an opportunity to share the Gospel with them and even invite them to church meetings. Indeed, Romans 8:28 resonated with my trusting in the LORD, for He makes all things work together for good!
Upon completing command school, I was assigned a special role in my operational unit, giving me the freedom to make critical decisions alongside regulars. Everything seemed smooth until my commanding officer (CO) requested a decision that indirectly involved “cheating the system”. This shocked and discouraged me, as I had looked up to him as a role model. During this conflicted period of choosing between obeying my superiors or upholding my Christian values, the Lord reminded me of His sovereignty through Deuteronomy 31:6. In the end, the Lord granted me wisdom to suggest an alternative. Apart from a mild scolding for not following instructions, my CO eventually adopted the suggested alternative, leading to another successful mission.
Managing Expectations in Service to the Lord
By God’s grace, whenever I had the opportunity to book out for the weekend, I made it a point to attend GYF meetings and Sunday services. It was exhausting, but these moments in church reassured me through the hearing of God’s Word. The Christian fellowship among youths and adults strengthened me to persevere.
During this period, my parents frequently reminded me of brethren praying for me. I am deeply thankful for their thoughtfulness and love. The Lord also allowed me to serve in church, such as taking up the pianist role in church and serving in the GYC. Though juggling limited book-out time and added responsibilities was challenging, I thank God for the strength He bestowed upon me. This was an important learning opportunity which showed that service to the Lord is never easy, but it is a test of faith to remain consistent in Him. Truly, as 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “…My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Conclusion
Preparing for enlistment into the army is a multifaceted process that requires not just physical and mental preparation, but most importantly, spiritual preparation. Unfortunately, this was often neglected by many of my Christian army friends, and I have seen this take a toll on them during times of distress. It is most important to have your trust built in the Lord, and to maintain spiritual discipline rooted in Biblical teachings learned over the years.
“Managing Money and Time”
By Cornelius Koshy
My National Service was spent in the Singapore Police Force (SPF). I never thought I would serve my NS in the SPF. In fact, when I opened my enlistment letter, and saw that I was enlisted into the SPF, I teared up because I felt I was unworthy of the SAF, and was ‘relegated’ to the SPF. My mind was conditioned, by stories of others, to think that NS = SAF. I always thought I would end up in Pulau Tekong for BMT. I never thought I would end up in Home Team Academy in Choa Chu Kang for Basic Police Training. Later, I realised it was my non-local heritage which did not grant me the “security clearance” needed to serve in the SAF.
Despite the initial resentment and uncertainty, I thank God for helping me to face the unknown with much courage and trust in God. My immediate squad of police trainees was a mix of very educated boys, as well as some from gangs, who were hardcore clubbers and smokers. In such an environment, there were many instances where I had to be honest, against the cover-ups and hidden things which my squad mates did. I had to walk away from filthy conversations, and take a stand for the God of the Bible in the midst of a predominantly Muslim cohort. God prospered my training, and I was promoted quickly and granted many privileges. The privileges came with increased pay, and the power to manage my own time and other officers under me. Soon, I found myself in a position of some authority, together with Commanding Officers of the Bedok Police Division – the division of the SPF which oversees crime in eastern Singapore.
Managing Money
For the first time, I had quite a lot of money in my bank account. Furthermore, this was my own money. It was not allowance from my parents. For the first time, it felt like I could buy whatever I wanted and eat wherever I wanted. This was a spiritual test which I was not prepared for. I bought things out of greed, to satisfy the lust of my eyes and flesh. While I saved most of it, looking back, I wish I was more prudent. Paul warns, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim 6:9-10).
I think this is why many youths fall into temptations and traps (which Scripture calls “a snare”), and find themselves guilty of foolish and hurtful lusts. Many NS men have “drowned” in their sea of wealth, which led to their own destruction and perdition. While NS men are not as rich as millionaires, one can certainly save a lot of money during the two years. It is a huge temptation to engage in things without accountability. You can travel from location to location quickly, instead of waiting for the bus or your parents to fetch you. You can go to places without others knowing and in quick time. You can take part in activities which cost a lot, go overseas without “burning a hole” in your bank account, but these are all temptations to lust and sin.
With the monthly stipend received, I learnt to give tithes and offerings. I learnt to give cheerfully to funds and those in need. I learnt to save and not to splurge. I hear from youths today that many learn to invest while in NS, but their motivation for investing is the love for more and more money! Christian youths must be more willing to give than to invest. It was in NS that I learnt to be content with what I have, and that just because I have the ability to spend, it does not mean that I should spend.
Managing Time
There will be lots of spare time, especially at night, when obligations and duties are completed. Most will indulge in Netflix (again, a luxury which comes with the newly found ability to pay for monthly subscriptions) and fill their minds with very worldly, ungodly movies. Few will spend time wisely. As a Christian youth, I would advise that you spend your nights in camp to do your devotion (if you could not do it in the morning) and listen to online classes, whether of GBI or FEBC. During my NS stint, I served a mix of shift work (similar to Bro. Benjamin Cho), and office-hour vocations. I thank God for working in my heart to spend my time during free nights to take FEBC classes for credit, and to read good Christian literature. We must redeem the time, for the days are evil (Eph 5:16)! Many say that they need to rest in the weekend, having just booked out of camp. But the best place to rest is in God’s house with God’s people. After all, what will you be doing as “rest” at home? You cannot be sleeping the whole time! In church, you are resting (and seated!) in God’s presence and nourished with God’s Word!
In conclusion, I urge all youths enlisting and in NS, to be exemplary and biblical in your spending of time and money. The world says, “time is money, and money is time.” God says, “Your money and time are mine.” God owns them all, and we must be good stewards of the money and time which God gives us. All things are of God, so let us show our gratitude to God by using all that God has given us wisely.
