In Gethsemane, much attention has been given in providing sound Gospel-oriented spiritual activities for children and youths since the early years of the church ministry. We continue to pay a lot of attention to providing biblical nurture to all of them. Under the Gethsemane Children’s Ministry, we regularly hold Junior Worship, Catechism Classes, Children’s Choir on Sundays, and have recently resumed our children’s programme on Saturdays (2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks). On the top of all these activities, the GCM committee also holds seminars for parents and teachers. Besides, we publish articles in the church weekly, Bible Witness for children, and air special programmes on Bible Witness Web Radio. As for teens and youths, many programmes are also being organized on a regular basis by Gethsemane Youth Fellowship. Continue to pray regularly for the effectiveness of all these programmes in guiding our children and youths. Pray for those who minister to them as well. I would also like to exhort the parents to encourage your children to participate in all these ministries without fail. If necessary, come with them and also offer your help.

Daily Vacation Bible School (9-12 Dec

Praise the Lord for the Daily Vacation Bible School (9-12 Dec) organized by the Gethsemane Children’s Ministry. This fourday event was attended by 65 children. About 25 of them were relatives and friends of our church brethren. Pr Kelvin Lim and the GCM committee members (Bro Kenneth Wong, Bro Neo Kian Seng, Sis Choy Luan Kheng, Sis Winnie Yap, Sis Kamalamangai and Sis Melissa Mah) have laboured much in the Lord in the planning, organizing and overseeing of this annual Gospel outreach to the children.

We also thank the Lord for those who laboured to teach the Word of God – Pr Jeremiah Sim, Pr Samson Hutagalung and Sis Carolyn Koshy. It was truly joyous to see several fathers and mothers, ladies and youths of our church helping with fetching children, singing sessions, art and craft, games, logistics, refreshments, etc. We are grateful for The Gethsemane Care Ministry brethren who have made their premises available and ready for the DVBS.

The Gospel work among children should never be neglected. Our church must continue to give all diligence to strengthen efforts to guide our children in the ways of the Lord. Parents must enthusiastically support every effort of the church to educate the children in spiritual matters by bringing children to such programmes. Nothing should be given greater priority in our children’s life than their spiritual nurture. The Lord has commanded, “And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters...” (Deuteronomy 12:12).

Youth Camp (Cebu, 21-25 Dec)

Next week, a combined youth camp comprising our GYF and the youths from our mission churches in the Philippines will be held in Elsalvador Beach Resort, Cebu. A total of 103 people (youths, committee members and preachers) have registered to attend this camp. All our preachers from the Philippines (Rev Reggor, Eld Richard Tiu, Eld Eliezer Ortega, Pr Edsel Locot and Pr Donald dela Cruz) will attend the camp throughout and minister to the youths. Bro Andrew Koh, Pr Dennis Kabingue and I will also be ministering God’s Word. Eld Alan Choy, Diana Chan (GYF Committee members), Carolyn Koshy, Choy Luan Kheng and Lynn Koh will also be in the camp to guide the youths. We are glad that some adult members of our church (Sarah Yong, Sharon dela Cruz, Nancy Lau, Cecile Batrina, Katherine Wu, Daryl Kabingue, Jessica Lim and Kenneth Wong) will also be joining the camp.

The camp theme is “Overcoming Worldliness”. There will be 10 messages on the following topics: (i) Worldliness and Its Dangers, (ii) Counsels against Worldliness, (iii) Overcoming Ungodly Friendships, (iv) Overcoming Pride, (v) Overcoming Sexual Sins, (vi) Overcoming the Love of Money, (vii) Overcoming Homosexuality, (viii) Overcoming Social Media Addiction, (ix) Overcoming Substance Addiction, (x) Rewards of Godliness. Apart from those messages, there will also be a workshop and 2 “Question & Answer” sessions.

I praise God for all who have laboured (and continue to labour) to make this event an enjoyable and edifying experience for our youths. And also, I praise God for those who have prayed and supported financially so that all the youths can rejoice as they gather in the presence of the Lord.

If parents or any church member need to contact us or the youths in emergency situation, please call Rev Reggor Galarpe. If no emergency, please do not call him, as he will be busy with many aspects of the camp, including preaching.

By the rich mercies of God, both Carolyn and I finished our 10-day visit to our church’s Ethiopian mission stations. We spent most of our time in Alem Gena, where we have built a churchcum- GBI complex to advance the preaching of the Gospel in Ethiopia and the neighbouring countries. The work of the Lord here has been increasing, but certainly not without struggles within and without. We are very thankful to witness that the Lord has mercifully preserved and blessed the work.

I have taught ‘Christology’ in GBI for 7 days, about 5 hours daily. GBI has presently 15 fulltime students (Mon-Fri) and about the same number of parttime students (certain weekday night classes and on Saturday). Rev Ephrem and his family live on campus, and bear much of the administrative and teaching responsibilities. Pr Engida, who is stationed in Addis Ababa, comes to Alem Gena once a week and teaches in GBI. Pr Imane, who also lives on campus with his family, is juggling his studies (Masters in Theology) at Ethiopia Graduate School of Theology and his teaching responsibilities in GBI.

Two of the students, Bayera Nurgi Tura and Dejene Daka Dantero, have completed their 3 years of theological studies and ministry training. Last Sunday, in conjunction with the combined worship services of our two congregations, their graduation service was held. More than 160 worshippers gathered together for this blessed occasion. Incidentally, Bayera has been reaching out to a farming community in the middle of a very large farming area in Sebeta region, which is about 40 minutes’ drive from our church in Alem Gena. Our Ethiopian brethren have decided to buy a piece of land (of about 2,000 square metres) with the money left from the Building Fund. This is to build a temporary structure for a worship gathering area, and a small mud-house for Pr Bayera to stay while he reaches out to the community there. I have gone with Rev Ephrem and Pr Bayera to view the place, which is a very remote area with no public transportation. People need to walk a very long distance (along a new road that is being constructed) or ride on horse-carts to get to that village. We travelled to the place via the church van – it was a very rough and bumpy ride. People in this place generally worship household idols and are superstitious. Let us pray that the preaching of the Gospel would turn many to the living God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, in order that they may be saved.

We left Ethiopia on Wednesday (2nd Dec) morning (7.30am) and only arrived in Bomet at 8.30pm. We were received at the Nairobi (Kenya) airport by Rev Eben Yoon (Bible College of East Africa, Nairobi) and another Korean young man who is studying at BCEA. Together with them was Pr Charles Sang, an FEBC graduate who now reaches out to a community in the outskirts of Nairobi as a preacher of African Gospel Unity Church (AGUC). He came with two young boys from Bomet in a minivan to fetch us. After a short fellowship with Rev Eben Yoon, we left the airport for Bomet. It was a long journey of about 6 hours. Though we were expecting to reach Bomet by 7.30pm, the van’s tyre burst just about 15km before Bomet. It was pitch-dark everywhere, without lights along the road. The driver tried to change the tyres with help of the light from our mobile phones, but the tools in the van malfunctioned. As we prayed in our hearts, God sent a man, who was walking along a side road, to help us. He kindly called his friend on his mobile phone to bring some help. Thank God, after waiting for almost 40 minutes, help arrived. God has been merciful and we safely arrived in Bomet. We were heartily received by Rev Michael Koech (Principal of Bomet Bible Institute) and Rev Jonathan Langat (Pastor of AGUC, Bomet). Sis Carol Lee (Truth BPC, Singapore) was also there. (She has been coming to Bomet for the past 11 years – during the Nov-Dec period – to train youths and also to help in the Bible College.)

I preached in the Missions Conference of AGUC on Thursday (3rd Dec) and the Graduation Service of Bomet Bible Institute on Saturday (5th Dec). We travelled back to Nairobi on Saturday afternoon and are staying in BCEA, Nairobi. We have been looking forward to having fellowship with Rev & Mrs Mark Kim, who lead the work in BCEA. I am also invited to preach God’s Word in BCEA’s Campus Church during Sunday Worship Service. Soon after the worship, we will head to the airport for the return flight to Singapore via Dubai. Please continue to pray for us and hope to see you all on Tuesday night, at our Bible Study and church prayer meeting.

I am thankful to the Lord for your ardent prayers and generous gifts for the Building Project. Please make it a point to come for the next “fasting and prayer” gathering of our church on Tuesday (15 Dec). Let us seek the Lord’s help to obtain a place that is 4 to 5 times bigger than our present CRC, in order to meet our urgent need for sufficient space for office and fellowship meetings. He who has been our “very present help” will come to our aid, if we sincerely and earnestly seek Him. Come and pray and be a channel of His blessing in the work of the Lord in Gethsemane. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God” (Psalm 146:5).

Iwas born with profound deafness, but God is good to me and provided a way for me to have my hearing. I was almost 6 months old when my parents discovered that I was deaf. At that time, hearing examinations for newborn babies were not so advanced. This was the reason why my deafness was not detected. For 6 months, they thought I was a “good” baby who did not cry.

One day, my father tried to get my attention with a wind-up music toy behind me. When I did not respond, he became suspicious that I was deaf. Upon confirmation of my deafness by an audiologist, an era of “uncertainty” began in my parents’ life. Relatives were informed, my parents’ church leaders were asked to pray, and a second opinion was sought from another ear doctor. Thank God for all the people whom He sent to advise my parents and the wisdom He gave the doctor who diagnosed me with profound hearing loss. As Singapore hospitals in those days were lagging in hearing implant technology, a Singaporean audiologist advised that I go to Sydney, Australia, for a hearing implant at The Shepherd Centre.

Thank God for His grace and provision (through my parents) for all my operation-related expenses, which amounted to no small sum. I was operated on 1 September 2001, which lasted a few hours. My head was “all bandaged” (that scene was captured in old photographs taken by my father). On 17 September, Dr Gibson (doctor in charge of my implant) switched the implant on. According to my parents, they called my name, and I responded by turning my head. They were thankful and rejoicing that I could hear them calling my name. Thank God for a successful operation!

But that was not the end of our troubles. I still had to go through many rounds of speech therapy both in Australia and Singapore, until I spoke my first words in April 2003. I truly thank God for my parents’ patience and dedication during this period of time. Hearing was not the only problem I had to deal with. I was delayed in speech and walking as I had bad motor skills and my parents sent me for various therapies in Singapore. It cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars.

That was not all. From infancy, my mother noticed I was unusually quiet and did not interact with other children. She closely observed me and the warning signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) were confirmed by our own research. I was sent for a formal diagnosis at KK Hospital, where the specialists confirmed that I had Asperger’s syndrome, a type of ASD. That was 2005. Unsure of how to handle my hyperactive behaviour, my parents sent me for occupational, behavioural, social skills and even hyperbaric oxygen therapies to mitigate my condition. All these therapies helped me but I know that it is God who has given me the grace to improve. Praise be unto Him!

Looking back, I thank God for blessing my life in tremendous ways. Since I started schooling in 2007, the LORD has led me step by step and helped me in many ways. I enjoyed school though it initially was difficult as people around me did not understand me nor my condition. Some teachers even disliked me as I liked to ask a lot of questions and walked about when the lesson became boring! Yet God has always helped me to do well in my studies, even till today. Thank God my parents did not ignore my early signs of autism but had sought early intervention; as such, that I could attend mainstream schools. I now sit through lessons without walking about. Though I still ask a lot of questions, I learn to wait and be patient until question time. I can talk to schoolmates and engage in class discussions, sharing opinions and ideas. I did many presentations in front of my whole school and even joined an overseas exchange programme.

By God’s grace, my problems with hearing and autism did not hinder me from doing what normal people do. With the cochlear implant, I could hear mostly normally. I could play the piano, participate in physical education-related activities in school, cycle, hold conversations with elderly friends in the park, and sit for my Listening Comprehension examinations under normal conditions. I wholeheartedly thank God that my autism-related problems did not impede me from all of these. Indeed, “autism is not a disability; it’s a different ability.” Praise be to God!

I thank God for sending Aunt Cecille to look after me; she had a great impact in my life. Thank God for her patience and dedication even though I can be naughty at times! It was in January 2015 that I was introduced by Aunt Cecille to tune in to “live” Sunday sermon broadcasts through the Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church website.

Thank God for Pastor Koshy and his preaching of God’s Word and sound Biblical doctrines. God used Pastor Koshy’s preaching to speak to me and convict me of my sins. During that time, I was not active in my church due to lack of support and limited spiritual preaching. I fervently pleaded with my mother to allow me to attend Aunt Cecille’s church, on condition that I finish all my homework and study well. With my mother’s agreement to my proposal, my first attendance at Gethsemane B-P Church was at the “Scripture in Song” event towards the end of December 2014. And I have not looked back since – my parents now allow me to permanently attend Gethsemane. I thank God that I can attend Youth Fellowship meetings, and even Tuesday night prayer meetings. It is my humble prayer that the LORD will sustain me in the faith and use me for His glory.

As I look back, I thank the LORD for His faithfulness in my life, His mercies and compassions towards me, which “are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). I pray that I will always call upon the LORD and depend on Him for leading in my life. As my “life verse” reads, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” (Jeremiah 33:3).

To God be all the glory! Amen.

Joel Tan

I always had the desire to serve God. But at the same time, I was hesitant to serve God full-time as I was not sure of my calling. After my Pre-university studies, I thought about enrolling in a seminary in India, but ended up studying computer engineering in university. While studying there, I backslided. But God’s grace brought me back and I began to study the Bible seriously, trying hard to practise whatever it says to the letter. Moreover, I regularly listened to the preaching of various pastors through the internet. I also began to read books and articles relating to the Christian ministry. In the process, I became very legalistic and soon took pride in my socalled spiritual growth.

While I was in my third year, I was made aware (through the preaching on the internet) of the reformed Calvinistic doctrines of the Bible, to which I fully agree as they are completely scriptural. Though my church does not hold to these doctrines, I continued to worship there as there is sadly no reformed church at all in my own state (Kerala). But deep in my heart, I was very convicted of the doctrines in the “Westminster Confession of Faith”. My prayer was that a church holding to the reformed confession of faith could be started in Kerala. The doctrines I learned from God’s Word through these reformed preachers made me understand that I cannot do anything to please God. It is only the sovereign grace of God which has elected me to taste the goodness of salvation.

Meanwhile, thoughts about serving God again came to my mind. But I was in a confused state as I had plans for higher studies and ambitions for a good career. I shared my concerns with one of my close Christian friends in the campus, and began to pray about it. I had been reading through the Bible and was reading Acts during that time. Verse 8 of Acts chapter 1 kept resonating in my mind: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” As I meditated on this verse, I became convicted that I should serve God to spread the Gospel.

After graduating from the college, I began to look out for a suitable Bible college where I could begin my theological studies. Though there are many seminaries in India, very few teach reformed theology. As I knew Rev Koshy, I expressed to him my desire to study theology and enquired about Bible colleges in Singapore, and in particular, about FEBC. He encouraged me to apply to FEBC. After giving much thought and prayer, I applied to the college and God opened the way for me to come and study in FEBC.

Even after coming to FEBC, I still doubted my calling, and frankly had several times thought about quitting my theological studies. At the start of 2015, I had to go back to India but did not come back to continue my studies. During that time, God, through many providential circumstances and through His Word, again convicted me of my calling. Luke 9:62 says, “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” I became very sure that I have no option to look back. I must finish what I had started with the Lord’s prompting. Thus I came back and resumed my studies in July 2015. May the Lord grant me the grace to complete the training to be equipped to serve the Almighty God.

Pastor’s Library

Another Reason for A Larger Church Resource Centre John Peh

For the last 10 years, Pastor’s library has been made available for the reading pleasure and edification of God’s people through the Bible Witness Bookroom at Hong Lim Complex. When it was open to all, about 1,800 books were on display from Pastor’s own private collection. It has grown now to about 2,800 books, some of which have been donated by some like-minded brethren while others are from Pastor’s own acquisition. This library is a treasure house of knowledge in matters related to the truths of God’s Word. Pastor’s prayer and hope is that all the books in this library would be accessible to our church members and preachers.

There are still hundreds of books at CRC in Pastor’s office that are yet to be added to the library. Whenever I meet Pastor in CRC to discuss matters of the ministry, I have noticed that the book cabinets are filled to the brim with books, besides a lot more books being kept on chairs, small tables and the floor of his office. There is no more space for bookshelves in the bookroom or in CRC.

Presently, because the church office and library are in 2 different locations, the books are not easily accessible to Pastor and our preachers. A number of times, in the midst of their study, they have to come down to the bookroom to get the books they need. At times, to make it more convenient for them, I would bring the books down to the church office. When books are at different locations, it is also not possible to catalogue and keep track of them.

We also need space to archive, copy and distribute (in digital format) Pastor’s sermons and teachings, which have been recorded from past worship services, seminars, retreats, camps, etc. Through Bible Witness Media Ministry’s various initiatives, we hope the truths of God’s Word that we receive from Gethsemane B-P Church can be brought to His people in other places for their spiritual nourishment.

As the Lord has given me the opportunity to be more involved with BWMM’s efforts to make all these resources available to believers in our church, country and overseas, I am profoundly persuaded of the acute need for a larger Church Resource Centre. I feel moved in my heart to encourage all of you, my fellow Gethsemaneans, to earnestly pray and support our Church Session’s decision to raise 5 million dollars for procuring a bigger place for the Church Resource Centre. We are still short of 3 million dollars; hence, let us give generously to the church building fund and also pray fervently for the successful completion of this project soon.

May the Lord hear our prayers and speedily answer our request for a bigger place for CRC!

In recent days, from time to time, I have found my heart being very anxious about our church’s building fund. Our desire and prayers have been that God will provide 5 million dollars, the fund needed to purchase a suitable venue for our church’s activities. The need for such a place is very dire, knowing that such a place is urgently needed for next year’s activities. However, we have only been able to collect about $1.4 million to date. With just about 45 days left, anxiety does assail my heart!

But praise be unto God, He has not left me without His gracious peace. His Spirit reminds me of His promises, His past works, His faithfulness, etc., which give me peace and assurance that He will see that all needs shall be supplied.

The exhortation in Philippians 4:6 is of particular help to all His children who encounter anxious moments. If we follow the divine counsel in this passage, we will all be able to withstand the attack of anxiety and overcome it. Please consider the exhortation based on Philippians 4:6 – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

“Be careful for nothing”

Well, that is an old way of saying “be not anxious about anything”. The Greek word (merimnáō) translated “careful” does not indicate that we should not exercise care in carrying out our responsibilities. The same word is used to teach us to care for one another (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:25). We are also taught in the Scriptures to provide for our families (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8). The advice here is that we should free our minds from anxiety and worry.

An incessant concern for our temporal affairs is an evil that we should avoid. Firstly, it expresses lack of faith in God’s goodness and mercy. Anxiety proceeds from a heart that refuses to accept God’s good providence. Our Lord Jesus has assured us, saying, “your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Matthew 6:32). Jesus also warned that to worry about daily necessities of life is to be like the Gentiles who know not the goodness of our God (cf. Matthew 6:32a). Let us not dishonour our God by worrying about our needs, our responsibilities, our troubles, etc. Anxiety equals distrust of God’s care for His own people. Anxiety is a sin, for it refuses to trust God’s gracious and good providence.

Secondly, the evil of anxiety is also seen in its effects on oneself. Anxiety will lead to self-destructive conduct and attitudes. Anxiety weakens a person physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. An anxious mind produces nothing good, only added trouble. Anxiety causes a person to be unhappy, moody, grumpy, illtempered and depressed. It has even turned some into maniacs! Anxiety is also known to cause severe physical trauma, resulting in migraine, body aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, high blood pressure, etc. Worse still, many have abandoned Christ because of their anxiety for material gain. Jesus said in Mark 4:19, “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Anxiety will cause a person to be self-focused and worldly-minded.

One’s anxiety can also affect those who are around him. Obsessive mannerism caused by anxiety had wrecked many relationships and filled homes with unhappiness and quarrels. So let us cast off anxiety from our hearts. Whenever it assaults us, let us go to the LORD in prayer, and take hold of all His promises. Get rid of anxiety, and be more cheerful and productive by the grace and knowledge of the LORD.

Be prayerful

“But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Herein we have the remedy to the terrible malady of anxiety. Prayer helps us to battle anxiety and get rid of it from our hearts. By praying to God, we can repress anxiety. Prayer frees us from anxiety.

Prayer is the expression of our faith in the Lord. We tell the Lord all our needs and troubles in prayer because we trust in His help, which He has promised. When we pray, we affirm that God cares for us, and that His care for us is the best. Every praying man declares that no one ever cares for him like his God. When the heart is taught to believe in the good providence of God and encouraged to express that faith by communing with God in prayer, anxiety will naturally be resisted and driven out.

We are instructed that “in every thing” we must pray. “Don’t be anxious about anything, but pray about everything!” is the divine counsel. There are some who pray only when great needs or troubles come upon them. If we do not pray in everything, even what appears to be a “small matter” can fill our heart with anxiety and wreck our peace. Nothing is too small to destabilise our life; hence, nothing is too small to bring to God. If we are ready to believe that nothing is too great for God to care for, then let us also believe that nothing is too small for us to confide in Him. God, who made this gigantic universe, also cares for the tiny sparrows.

Prayer is the soul’s believing and reverential approach unto God. It consists of supplication, thanksgiving, etc. The word “prayer” denotes general prayer, which is a humble and reverential approach to God for help. The word “supplication” denotes a plea for a specific matter, thus expressing one’s craving for divine supply in his life. The word “thanksgiving” denotes grateful expressions of joy and confidence in God which honours and pleases God.

It is with thanksgiving that we ought to make our requests known to God. A prayer without thanksgiving is a selfish prayer. Can it be right to pray for benefits and never honour our Benefactor? Thanksgiving will prevent us from being preoccupied with our wants, and it will fill our minds with the praise of our benevolent God. Do not offer a formal prayer to submit a wish list. Let your prayers be “perfumed” with praise. In our sufferings, let us sing His praise and pray. Take the hymn book and sing as you pray.

To all who pray with thanksgiving, God assures: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Though unfathomable to men, the praying Christian shall experience the powerful work of God’s peace. His peace shall protect us from being wrecked by anxiety and its foolish ways.

Dear Christian, are you always looking unto Jesus? Living a life of sincere faith means that your eyes are constantly fixed on Christ. Looking to the Lord is an absolute necessity for a Christian to live triumphantly for the Lord’s glory. Let us consider two specific biblical exhortations to all Christians concerning keeping our eyes on Christ.

Run Your Race with Christ in View

The Christian life is a race in which God’s child is focused on Christ from the beginning to the end. Christians are exhorted to “run with patience the race that is set before us” by “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

The Greek word for “looking” (aphoráō) literally means looking away from one thing to some other thing in a steadfast or intent manner. It has been used to denote the fixing of the mind upon something. It expresses the mental posture that all Christians should maintain in relation to Jesus, as they run their Christian race. It should be a holy habit of our souls to keep the Lord Jesus in our view.

Looking at Jesus at the beginning of the race and then totally keeping Him out of view, is not the right kind of faith that Scripture teaches us. We should never lose focus of Christ in our Christian race. The reality is, some of the people who started the race with us may drop out of the race altogether while some others may be distracted and refuse to keep up, thus leaving us disappointed and troubled. But we must not let our minds be affected by their quitting. We must look away and fix our thoughts upon Christ. Even if all around us are a constant encouragement to us in our Christian race, it could well be our own lethargy and lust that hinder our race. Only when our minds are steadfastly fixed on Christ can we then overcome all distractions and obstacles, and complete our Christian race.

We look away from all else to Jesus only, for He is “the author and finisher of our faith”. The Greek word for “author” was translated earlier as “captain” in chapter 2, verse 10. There it was said of Christ, “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Christ has set the path and He calls us to follow Him. It is Him, not the crowd, that we follow. The course of our race is shown by Him. He leads and we follow. His is our Guide, Strength and Motivation in our Christian race.

Jesus, the author of our faith, has entered the heavenly sanctuary as our forerunner (6:19–20) and has opened “a new and living way” for us that leads to this sanctuary (10:20). He is the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega (Rev. 1:17; 21:6; 22:13). He is our perfect Saviour and Captain who is able to perfect all who have placed their trust in Him.

Ready Yourself in View of Christ’s Return

Titus 2:13 depicts Christians as, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” As we live on earth in this present age, we anticipate our “blessed hope”, which is “the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ”.

The Christian’s hope of Christ’s return is called “blessed”. The word “blessed” denotes all the blessings of His divine presence (cf. 1 Tim. 1:11; 6:15). What a blessing it is to have such a hope! Eternal blessings await Christians at His coming. When He comes, we shall be eternally delivered from all the temptations and trials of this world, and shall enter into eternal sinless perfection, joy, bliss, rewards and glory. We live every day with that sure hope. So we long for His return. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:8, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

There has been some debate as to whether “that blessed hope” and “the glorious appearing” of Christ are two different events, namely Rapture (cf. 1 Thess. 4:6-17) and His return to this earth at the end of the seven-year Tribulation (cf. Rev. 19:11- 21). But there is little in this verse’s context to suggest that Paul was distinguishing those future events in connection with Christ’s return. Paul was simply saying that we are looking for the blessed hope, which is the appearing of the Lord. Although we understand those events of Rapture and His subsequent glorious return to rule the world for a thousand years (cf. Rev. 20:1-10; Isa. 2:1-4, 11; Ezek. 37; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13- 14; Zech. 14) as distinct, Paul is here referring to the return of Christ as a whole, and not its various stages. The blessed hope is a fixed historical reality which we long for.

Why Believers Should Not Date Unbelievers

Two weeks ago, I have written to warn all Christian youths about the dangers of the dating practices that are prevalent in our society. It is generally a relationship whereby two unmarried individuals pursue a relationship purely based on their carnal senses. The outcome is flirting and fornication; and most of such relationships do not culminate in marriage either. Christians should not follow this worldly and sensual kind of dating that is so widely accepted as the norm in our society.

Such dating habits in schools and colleges lure many Christian youths into intimate relationships with unbelievers. This is creating a serious spiritual situation in Christian homes and churches. Increasingly, Christian youths become “trapped” in the sticky web of carnal relationships, eventually betraying spiritual truths, holiness and even the Lord Jesus Christ Himself whom they once professed. Tragedy, O utter tragedy! Souls “drugged” and dragged into the darkness of wild, sinful passions!

Dear youths, if I would not tell you about the evil of this unguarded pursuit of the world’s dirty game called “dating”, I am guilty of not doing anything to warn you of its dangers. I, for one, certainly do not want to bear the awful guilt of not telling you of the divine warning against building intimacy with the unbelievers. After reading what I have written to you, if you would still flirt with the worldly ones, then I cannot be held responsible for your choice of the worst for yourself. Please read carefully and take heed to what God’s Word teaches you.

1. Christians are commanded not to be in any kind of close relationship with unbelievers:This prohibition is most succinctly expressed in 2 Corinthians 6:14 - “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers”. The imagery used here is of two incompatible animals being put together under the same yoke. They would be such a mismatch; and working together for long is just not possible, as they are of different nature and temperament. It is both unwise conduct and a sin to choose an unbeliever to be a life-partner.

   The apostle Paul further exposes the foolishness of such an ‘unequal yoke’ through a series of rhetorical questions: “for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).

   There can be no spiritual wholesomeness in a marriage between a Christian and a non-Christian. No harmony whatsoever, but the worst conflicts of eternal proportions! The disparity and conflict between a Christian and a non-Christian will be just as between light and darkness, between Christ and false gods like Belial. Certainly there will be no blessing of the Lord upon such an unbiblical union.

2. Christians will be tarnished and corrupted by such relationships:In 1 Corinthians 15:33, believers are warned, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” The term “evil communications” means the associating with evil or ungodly individuals. You deceive yourself when you choose to cultivate a close relationship with an unbeliever. Self-deception is the worst kind of deception, because you eventually betray yourself.

   When you choose an unbeliever, you have deceived yourself to accept the worst choice you could have made. An unbiblical alliance is an unholy alliance. It will prompt you to ungodly conduct. Corruption is a gradual change. Silently but surely, evil communications corrupt good manners. All the good manners that you have learned as a Christian child will eventually be lost.

   There is no safety in the company of those who have no fear of God. They have no spiritual and moral principles to abide by. They are openly immoral or unprincipled. Such association is dangerous to a true Christian. To have one who is destitute of faith and holiness to be your trusted friend is to endanger yourself with all sorts of ungodly evils.

3. Christians will not have the power and blessings of Christian faith and virtues:A couple’s faith and commitment to Jesus Christ is vital to overcoming challenges and hindrances to a blessed marriage life. Christian husbands are commanded to love their wives like Christ – “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). A man, who has not known the love of Christ, certainly will not know how to love sacrificially, genuinely and purifyingly as Christ loves. A woman, who has not known how to be submissive to Christ, will not know the joy and blessings of submissive conduct.

   Mutual prayers and biblical exhortations will not grace their family life. Worshipping and praying together as a family will also not be possible. Christ will not be the head of their home! Without spiritual unity with Christ, there can be no ultimate marital unity, marked by Christlike love, submission and unity. Marital life is not just a sexual union. A proper relationship with God is indescribably more important than sexual intimacy. Though there is physical pleasure and satisfaction in family life, it will not at all be joyful and successful without dependence on and obedience to God. “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1). Consider the remarkable description of a godly home in Psalm 128:1-3 – “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.” Just imagine what you would be really missing, when you choose an ungodly relationship.

4. Christians will be without spiritual aid and examples for the nurture of their children:Trying to bring up children in a disobedient relationship, where one of the parents is a non-Christian, is like swimming against a strong current. Without leadership or support of the other parent, it will be very difficult (to say the least) to nurture a child in godly ways. In fact, in such a family environment, there will be constant opposition to wholehearted commitment to the biblical upbringing of the children most of the time. The conflict of faith among the parents will not only be confusing, but also disheartening, to the children.

Conclusion:

If you are single, the most obvious thing to do, in the light of the above biblical counsels, is to avoid any intimate companionship with an unbeliever. Do not begin an ungodly relationship with an unbeliever.

If you are dating a non-Christian, you should leave that relationship at once, for the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you”.

Every year, we set apart the last Sunday of October as “Reformation Sunday.” We take time to remember the persons and events that were part of the 16th Century Reformation. Why do we commemorate something that happened almost 500 years ago?

Today, we remember the Reformation for the following reasons:

1. To acknowledge and to give thanks to God for the mighty work of His Spirit that brought about the Reformation.
2. To recognise and to give thanks to God for Martin Luther, whose nailing of his ninety-five theses against the errors of Roman Catholic teachings and practices to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517 set ablaze the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century.
3. To recognise and to give thanks to God for Martin Luther, whose nailing of his ninety-five theses against the errors of Roman Catholic teachings and practices to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517 set ablaze the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century.
   • Some of the forerunners of the Reformation were John Wycliffe (1320-1384), John Huss (1369-1414), Jerome Savonarola (1452-1498).
   • Some of the Reformers were Martin Luther (1483–1546), Ulrich Zwingli (1484–1528), Thomas Cranmer (1489–1556), William Tyndale (1494–1536), Patrick Hamilton (died 1528), John Calvin (1509–1564), John Knox (1513– 1572), John Foxe (1516–1587).
   • Many who stood for Christ and His Word against the Roman Catholic errors were martyred. In England, among those burned at the stake were William Tyndale, Thomas Cranmer, John Rogers (1505–1555), Nicholas Ridley (1500–1555), Hugh Latimer (1487 –1555), John Hooper (1495–1555), Thomas Bilney (1495–1531), John Bradford (1510–1555), John Philpot (1516–1555), Rowland Taylor (1510 –1555).
   • Many more suffered martyrdom in other parts of Europe as well for being part of the Reformation movement. Because of their unflinching stand for the Word of God, we today have the light of the Gospel in our hearts and minds. Let us be thankful to God for raising and empowering such men of faith, knowledge and courage, such as the Reformers.
   • Many more suffered martyrdom in other parts of Europe as well for being part of the Reformation movement. Because of their unflinching stand for the Word of God, we today have the light of the Gospel in our hearts and minds. Let us be thankful to God for raising and empowering such men of faith, knowledge and courage, such as the Reformers.
4. To gratefully affirm the monumental significance and necessity of the truths of the Scriptures, even the reformed doctrines, which have been expounded and propagated around the world for the salvation of sinners and the edification of the church.
   • Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone): The Bible alone is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice
   • Sola Gratia (Grace alone): Salvation is by the grace of God alone
   • Sola Fide (Faith alone): Salvation is through faith alone in Jesus Christ
   • Solus Christus (Christ alone): Jesus Christ alone is the Saviour, Mediator and Head of the church
   • Soli Deo Gloria (To the glory of God alone): Our faith and life are for the glory of God alone
   • Justification by Faith
   • Priesthood of Believers (not just the priests of the Catholic church)
   • The Sacraments – Baptism and Holy Communion – as Means of Grace
   • Five Points of Calvinism: (i) Total Depravity, (ii) Unconditional Election, (iii) Limited Atonement, (iv) Irresistible Grace, and (v) Perseverance of Saints
   • To have a better insight of the wonderful truths of the Scriptures that emerged out of the Reformation, one should refer to the Westminster Confession of Faith (our church’s doctrines are in accordance with this Confession of Faith). In 33 chapters, WCF expounds the great doctrines such as the Holy Scripture, God, and Holy Trinity, God’s Eternal Decree, Creation, Providence, Fall of Man, Sin, and Punishment, God’s Covenant with Man; Christ the Mediator; Free Will; Effectual Calling, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Saving Faith, Repentance unto Life; Good Works, Perseverance Of the Saints, Assurance Of Grace and Salvation, Law Of God, Christian Liberty, and Liberty Of Conscience, Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day, Lawful Oaths and Vows, the Civil Magistrate, Marriage and Divorce, Church, Communion Of Saints, Sacraments, Baptism, Lord’s Supper, Church Censures, Synods and Councils, State Of Men after Death, and Resurrection Of the Dead, and Last Judgment.
5. To gratefully avow ourselves to safeguard and propagate the truth of salvation and all of God’s good will and purposes revealed in the Bible:
   • The modern protestant Christians hardly know or appreciate the battle fought and won by the Reformers. In fact, many churches are in danger of forgetting the truths for which the Reformers gave their lives. We must avoid that danger. We must continually tell the story of the Reformation and declare the truths that were discovered, lest our generation and the next might once again lose them.
6. To rouse the present church to be vigilant and also to be ever battle-ready against all forms of attack launched against the church by Satan and his cronies:
   • Just as the church of yesteryear fought her battles, the church of our time must also valiantly and steadfastly fight her battles against all unbiblical teachings and ungodly practices that creep into the church.
   • The Reformation has been a battle for the Gospel and the Bible. For many years since the Reformation, the protestant churches everywhere had a steadfast faith and commitment to the truth of Scripture. But in recent times, the church is again called to join the fray to defend the Bible as God’s perfect Word for ever.
   • By the end of the 17th Century, the attacks against the Bible began with what is then known as Higher Criticism. Scholars in institutions of higher learning and seminaries started to question the truthfulness and authority of Scripture. This continues to plague many institutions of higher learning and has crept into some protestant denominations and taken deep roots.
   • There is also a more treacherous situation in the modern protestant churches. Among those who say the Bible is the Word of God, there is a growing trend to refer to the Bible as God’s Word only in a superficial manner, and deny its present perfection, absolute trustworthiness and indisputable authority over our faith and practice. Such an attitude toward God’s Word is very sinister and insidious. Such low and mean view of the Bible gives rise to false doctrines, materialism, fornication, homosexuality and all other ungodly behaviour. It must not be tolerated among us. We must always have high reverence and utter submission to God’s eternal Word.
7. “For the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9)!

Christian youths – even teens – have been following the worldly practice of dating, which is thoroughly unbiblical. Many seem to be totally unaware of the dangers of “dating”. What is biblically wrong about modern “dating”?

What is called “dating” today generally refers to maintaining a romantic relationship with someone of the opposite sex. To an increasing number of youngsters in our society, dating is simply “having fun” with someone of the opposite sex with no strings attached. In Singapore, dating is becoming common among even young teens of secondary schools. The dating of youths from tertiary educational institutions frequently involves booze, drugs, holidays together, sexual intercourse, etc.

Dating is largely patterned after what is portrayed by the entertainment world in movies and suchlike – a relationship based on sensual feelings and fantasies. In dating, friendships are forged through fleshly attractions, such as good looks, cute smile, sensual appearance, amorous voice, flirtatious speech and behaviour, fashionable and trendy attire, a groovy car, etc.

Even Christian youths begin dating on the basis of such sensual appeal. Christian couples, who date much like the world, fall into many spiritual, moral, emotional and social problems. Dating opens the youths to temptations of sin. Improper sexual conduct, sin and damaged testimony often plague such youths. More troubles and evils ensue - disappointment, depression, guilt, shame, quarrels, resentment, vengeful spirit, etc. The relationships with parents and friends also become tumultuous.

When a dating couple agrees not to date others and stay together for an extended period of time, they are considered “going steady”. They become attached romantically, emotionally, and often sexually. They often behave like a married couple. However, it does not have the commitment of a faithful marriage relationship. Their relationship is generally unstable and unpredictable. It is a phoney, sensual liaison, a counterfeit marriage relationship. Then, when the boy or girl gets bored with the relationship, or suspicious of the other, or get caught cheating, or simply decide that someone else is more desirable, the relationship is ended.

So often, dating is a temporary flirting, rather than a permanent, godly relationship. Many of them do not end up in marriage. Breaking up often involves heartache, anger and many negative emotional consequences.

Some “succeed” only after going through several dating experiences. People who enter marriage after a string of failed dating relationships often manifest the distasteful experiences of distrust, suspicion, anxiety, etc. It is not uncommon that such marriages end up on the rocks.

Dating, which is founded on worldly principles, promotes fornication and destructive behaviour among young people. Hedonistic attitudes maintained in such relationships engender disrespect, ill-treatment, and desensitizes moral discernment. The resultant marriages are like the houses built upon sand, ready to collapse.

In the Corinthian church, some have been living sensually. The apostle Paul was very disapproving of those who conducted themselves in an impure and sensual manner. He warned, “And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed” (2 Corinthians 12:21). Paul’s point was that members of the church who conduct themselves in sensual and worldly manner bring shame to the Lord and His church. It is utterly humiliating to a godly congregation that some members live worldly and in fornication. Earlier he had warned, “Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand” (1 Corinthians 10:8); as well as, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18). A life of fornication not only destroys relationships, but also one’s emotional, mental and physical health.

Dear youths, do not engage in the worldly kind of dating. Let every young Christian know that “this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). God’s Word admonishes us in Colossians 3:5-6 that we should “mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” Again, we are told, “fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints” (Ephesians 5:3).

Mission Update from Pr Donald

Dear Pastor,

We thank God for last Lord’s Day worship, which was attended by 24 adults and youths, plus 8 children. Praise the Lord also for enabling us to hold our first post-service fellowship group meeting last Sunday, beginning with the Men’s Fellowship. 4 of us gathered together to encourage ourselves to fulfil our Godgiven duties both in our family and in the church.

We also thank God for the safe arrival of our visitors. My mum and cousin arrived last Saturday night, followed by Sister Joy-joy on Sunday morning (5 am), which enabled her to also attend our worship service.

Thank God for helping the livelihood of our brethren. The rice harvest is now ongoing and the Lord has given those who are farmers in our midst good produce. Some other brethren, whose livelihood is fishing, also had their harvest this week. Thank God for His bountiful blessings from both land and sea. My constant prayer is that their trust in their great Provider will grow stronger.

By the way, this week, we are planning to resume our Bible Study / Home Visitation at the Pogaro area, to be scheduled every Thursday. After praying earnestly, the Lord moved my heart to conduct a weekly Bible study to strengthen the faith of the brethren and also to encourage more people to seek the Lord. The place is more than an hour’s drive from our Pangasinan mission station. May the Lord grant us a great harvest of souls.

I would like to exhort all of you to be full of faith in God’s goodness and faithfulness, as we find ourselves currently in need of a huge sum of money (more than S$3.5 million) to complete the Church Building Project. Furthermore, the need to attain this sum in less than three month’s time is making many of us very anxious, causing us to think how we can raise such a huge sum. Brethren, I am assured that this is His appointed time for us to believe and see His power to help us. If we remain full of believing prayer, He will work for us. Let those who are directed by the Lord give as He has enabled them. Let all who are burdened for this work pray earnestly.

Unwavering faith in God’s faithfulness is a prerequisite to success in the work of the Lord. If we doubt His fidelity, we would become weary and fearful, paralysing us from doing His work confidently. We should never suspect His power to help us to accomplish that which He has called us to do.

To encourage everyone, I publish the following article (with minor editing) that I wrote almost twelve years ago when we were pressing forward to buy the first Church Resource Centre.

“The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build” (Nehemiah 2:20). That was Nehemiah’s reply to Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem who laughed and scorned at the plan of God’s people to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. When the enemies despised them, Nehemiah and his co-labourers trusted in their God for help.

God’s people are never left to be alone in their labour for Him. The apostle Paul said to the Corinthian believers, “We are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). What a comforting and reassuring thought! Praise the Lord!

In the work of the Lord, we cannot do anything without Him. Jesus said, “Without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). But once our hearts are led by His counsels and established in His promises, nothing can stop us from labouring and building for Him.

He will prosper us!

Nehemiah declared before his enemies, “The God of heaven, he will prosper us”. What a bold affirmation. Can we be this sure of God’s help? Most certainly!

As far as Nehemiah was concerned, it was not a presumptuous claim. He was not making a hasty, incautious, selfconceited, over-confident assertion in order to derail his enemies’ plans.

His confidence in the Lord’s blessings was the result of his prayerful determining of God’s will concerning the rebuilding of Jerusalem and His temple. After carefully assessing the needs of the rebuilding of the city of His people, Nehemiah took time to pray. He prayed, “O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy...” (Nehemiah 1:11). He personally sought the Lord concerning the work. As he sought Him in prayer, he was assured of God’s sure blessings.

Everyone who seeks God’s will in prayer and then stretches forth his hand to fulfil that which God has led him to do, can be assured of His good blessings. God will not forsake those who labour to do His will. He will most certainly prosper them.

So if you make sure that your desires are His desires, and your plans are His plans, you will have all of His guidance and blessings in the future, so much so that you can say, “The God of heaven, he will prosper us”.

This was the case in Gethsemane B-P Church. We saw the need of a building for a church resource centre. We sought the Lord in prayer and were ready to fulfil whatever He would lead us to do. We carefully examined our needs and understood what we needed. We then sought to obey the Word in meeting the need of the church. When the Spirit of God began to lead us by His truth and providence, we too affirmed in our midst the words of Nehemiah: “The God of heaven, he will prosper us”.

These magnificent words of faith and confidence have serious implications in our midst. It means that we would not seek any man’s help in a way that would contradict God’s Word. By His grace, we boldly decided not to approach banks for loans, or people for interest-free loans! We believed that if we would go forward by the way of the Lord, He would prosper us. He did just that! Praise the Lord!

Hitherto, we have experienced the same kind of provision from God in publishing the Bible Witness magazine. We thank the Lord for seeing us through fourteen years of publishing. Men may despise, but God will help. Men may reject and oppose, but God will bless and prosper! We can trust God to keep His promises.

We will arise and build!

Nehemiah 2:20 not only talks about divine leading and help, but also the responsibility of His servants. It calls us to duty – “Let us arise and build.”

God’s promises do not make His servants sluggish or lethargic. On the contrary, recognising God’s good Hand in a project grants great motivation to press on even in the midst of opposition. It gives His servants willingness and readiness to sacrifice, and also to set themselves apart to accomplish the work that He has called them to do.

The only proper response to the Lord’s goodness and promises is to “arise and build”. People’s resolve to do His work is a token of their conviction of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.

We have found this truth being illustrated powerfully among the brethren in Gethsemane B-P Church. Having been convicted of God’s leading and goodness, they gave themselves wholeheartedly to acquire the building. They sweat and shed tears. When disappointment and anxiety arose, they went to the Lord with renewed trust. The Lord was always there to strengthen hearts and hands to work even harder. Many prayed earnestly. Many gave generously. While some searched for an appropriate place, others gave plenty of thoughts to prepare and furnish the new place.

The rest is history – God did prosper His people! They arose and laboured! God’s work was done!