A dozen preachers of God’s Word, who are linked to our church, will be here in Singapore to participate in our 4th Missionary Conference. It will be an excellent opportunity for all of us to show the love that we have for the servants of God. May we take this opportunity to encourage and edify them in love.

Whenever the Apostle Paul sent a servant of God to the early churches, he would tell the saints to take good care of those co-labourers of God’s kingdom. For instance, he exhorted the Philippian church concerning Epaphroditus, whom he had sent unto them, saying “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation” (Philippians 2:29).

Paul wanted the Philippians to receive Epaphroditus joyfully and with proper honour. He told them, “Receive him therefore in the Lord.” In other words, Paul’s advice to the Philippians was that they must receive Epaphroditus as the servant of the Lord. Paul also commanded the Philippian church to “hold such in reputation”. This was an exhortation regarding the proper treatment of those who laboured for the Lord in His field.

It is our Christian duty to honour those who ought to be honoured, to respect the virtuous and the pious, and especially to honour those who evince fidelity in the work of the Lord.

The following are some suggestions as to how to show respect and love for God’s servants who will be with us:

• Greet them and introduce yourself to them.
• Make them feel welcome in our midst.
• Ask them about their families and the work they do.
• Offer your help, if they need help.
• Attend to their needs while they are with us.
• Assure them of your prayers.
• Let them know if you have been blessed by their testimonies or reports or sermons.
• Join the special gatherings that are arranged to honour them.
• If the Lord enables you to give them love-gifts in monitory terms, please do so. (Please avoid giving them a lot of stuff to take back, as they all have limited luggage space.)

May the Lord use all of us to refresh His servants who will soon be with us. Let us pray earnestly that the Lord will prepare us to be a blessing to all who come from far to be with us in the 4th Missionary Conference. In love, let us serve the servants of the Lord that they may return to their churches with renewed hearts to serve Him. True Christian hospitality seeks not self-praise or self-promotion, but the praise of our Father in heaven and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ who bless us with His Spirit and all good things to minister to others.

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A Testimony Given at the Youth Gospel Rally 2014

Greetings to you all in the name of the Lord Jesus. My name is Jia Wi. I have been a Christian for 10 years. I was only five years old when I put my trust in Jesus. I was baptized on Easter day, 2005, and have been in Gethsemane Bible Presbyterian Church for nine years. Today, I stand here by God’s grace to share with you all my testimony of how the Lord has drawn me to Him, guided me and taken care of me.

When my father, who suffered from leukaemia, passed away on November the 12th, 2004, he left behind my mother, two older brothers and myself. At that age, all I could understand was that my father will never be back home to play with me. And that’s all I could understand about his death.

Later that year, my mother brought my two brothers and me to Gethsemane B-P Church. With my mother’s help and guidance, I learned more and more about Jesus Christ and His wisdom from the Bible. At first, I was very bitter about the loss of my father. I realized that many things are different after his passing away. I was angry that God took my father away. I was angry that my dad left my family alone. I started to be angry with everything. But my mum prayed and taught me from the Bible. I understood that God has a plan, and we need to submit to it. Through my dad’s sickness, we started to seek God. My father trusted in the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and died as a Christian. So I cannot grumble. Now I am very grateful the Lord has taken my father to be with Him in heaven, and no more in this world of sin and misery.

I thank the Lord for leading me to this church and for people who care, love and pray for me. I enjoy the Christian fellowship in the church. It is because of the Lord’s goodness that I am standing here to testify to you of my faith in Him. Though I had a lot of struggles in my studies, somehow, by God’s grace alone, I managed to pass my exams each year and be promoted to the next class. I am greatly thankful for that.

2010 is the year in which I received much blessings from the Lord. The Lord made me realise that I cannot do anything without Him. When I become downhearted, He encouraged me through His Word and hymns. One wonderful song was “The Steps of a Good Man”, which spurred me on to trust in God and stand up again. There is a line that says, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down. For the Lord upholdeth him with His hands.”

Also in that year, the Lord helped me to improve in my music skills. Although I was already learning piano and was in my primary school’s brass band, I have always been average in my musical pursuits. However, in 2010 the Lord granted me a greater interest to learn music. God also strengthened me with His promises of help in the Bible. God willing, I hope that I can pursue a path in music that can bring praise to God.

In the year 2012, I attended the basic Bible knowledge class in our church, known as catechism class, and affirmed my faith on Christmas Day that year. It was a joyous occasion for me that I could publicly confess Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord. Today, I am happy to have yet another opportunity to testify of God’s grace to all of you. I thank God for His Word, the Bible, which has often corrected me and guided me in the way I should walk.

Recently, when I invited a friend to church, he asked, “Aren’t you afraid that your God is fake?” My answer is “No!” I have seen God’s goodness working in my life. He has forgiven my sins and given me peace. He gives me wisdom and understanding through the learning of the Bible. As one of our hymns says, “How can I fear, Jesus is near? He ever watches over me. Worries all cease, He gives me peace, how can I fear, with Jesus?”

So I would like to thank the Lord for keeping me in His peace and helping me every day in my life. Without the Lord Jesus in my life, I am sure I would have gone the wrong way. Indeed, He is the Father of the fatherless. He is the Prince of Peace. He loved me and gave His life to save me from my sins. So I love Him; and now I thank Him again for allowing me to stand here and praise His name. All glory be to God!

"Sovereign” is not a word that resonates well with modern people, especially in democratically governed nations. Its meaning, “a supreme ruler”, “a monarch” or “a person ruling over the world as the pre-eminent one or as the one with supreme and independent power”, is an intolerable idea to most people of our time. In fact, there is a strong aversion towards the idea of sovereignty in the minds of people. The modern philosophy is that there are no absolutes, even in the spiritual and moral realms; and because of this, monotheistic thinking is highly unpopular everywhere. Nonetheless, we are taught in the Bible that God is sovereign.

In fact, none else is sovereign, in its absolute sense, but God. In the words of Charles Hodge, “Sovereignty is not a property of the divine nature, but a prerogative arising out of the perfections of the Supreme Being.” According to Arthur W. Pink, God’s sovereignty is “the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the godhood of God. To say that God is sovereign is to declare that God is God.” To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the “only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15).

He reigns supreme, not only in heaven, but also on earth. “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine” (1 Chronicles 29:11a). He is also sovereign above all His creatures. Not even a tiny atom is allowed to spin out of His design and control. “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). These portions of Scripture and many more show us that the sovereignty of God is universal. It extends over all His creatures from the highest to the lowest.

His sovereignty is also absolute. None can limit His authority. “Thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all” (1 Chronicles 29:11b). He doeth His pleasure in the armies of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. He “worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11). If God is not sovereign over all things, He is not God at all.

Another important aspect of God’s sovereignty is that it is unchangeable or immutable. None can challenge His sovereignty and forfeit it. It is truly unassailable and unstoppable. “Our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased” (Psalm 115:3). The sovereignty of God is limited by nothing outside God. “All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” (Daniel 4:35).

Sovereignty characterizes the whole being of God. The concept of sovereignty encompasses the entire plan of God in all of its intricate details of design and outworking. Although He often allows things to take their natural course according to laws which He designed, it is the sovereign God who is working all things according to His wise plan. His sovereignty also encompasses all His attributes. In other words, He is sovereign in all His attributes. He is sovereign in the exercise of His power, His mercy, His love, His justice, etc.

The doctrine of God’s sovereignty is not a mere abstract, theoretical dogma which is devoid of practical value. It produces a powerful effect upon the Christian’s character and actions.

This absolute, perfect sovereignty of God instils within us an awe-inspiring reverence for Him. It teaches us to fear God. It deepens our veneration of God. It calls us to worship Him in the beauty of holiness and with full preoccupation of His glory. Thus it also prevents our worship of Him from degenerating into a man-pleasing endeavour. Every service we engage in is but a “dead work” unless it be done for the glory of God.

It moulds the affections of the heart and gives a right direction to conduct. It teaches us to adore Him as our Lord at all times, and keep the world and the devil away from our lives. Because we think of Him as our sovereign God, we pray earnestly, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13).

It lays the foundation for His people’s peace and confidence. They are assured that the Lord God omnipotent reigns supreme; and that neither necessity, nor chance, nor the folly of man, nor the malice of Satan can thwart God’s good pleasure concerning them. It also helps them to have stability in thought and behaviour as they face times of troubles. While it produces gratitude in prosperity and patience in adversity, it affords comfort for the present and a sense of security concerning the unknown future (cf. Psalm 91).

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Thanksgiving Note

 

Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus

Greetings to you all in the blessed name of our Lord!

“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints” (Colossians 1:3-4).

This prayer of Paul to the believers in the Church of Colossae is so meaningful to us when we think of Gethsemane B-P Church. We thank God for a most blessed month whereby I, together with my wife Molly and our two grandchildren, Aquilas and Andrew, could spend in Singapore. We praise God for the opportunity to see and experience your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and your love for the saints. We lack words to express our heartfelt thanks to you all for the love you have shown towards us through words and deeds. You have showered us with your deeds of love by treating us to delicious meals, and giving us many love gifts. Truly, you have been very kind and exemplary. Above all, we were greatly heartened by the thriving of various ministries of Gethsemane B-P Church, and we praise God at every remembrance of you. May the name of our God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be exalted.

Having known you more closely, we can now pray for you more effectually and with better understanding. We will continue to remember you and will regularly pray for the growth of GBPC and all its ministries.

We request your prayers for us to ever remain true to the LORD and to His Holy Word.

With lots of love and prayers,
Yours in the bond of Christ’s love,
Bishop Dr M. K. Koshy

We should be ever ready to tell others of the goodness of our LORD. It will not only glorify the LORD, but also help those who are fumbling about in life, not knowing what to do. Our testimonies can spur another to seek the LORD and be saved. The recounting of the LORD’s mercies, truth, righteousness and power before others is a wonderful way of encouraging people to return to Him and trust Him for His care. The LORD had done great things for us; and let us not hesitate to declare what He has done for us.

I want to share with you David’s testimony which has given thousands of thousands of people a glimmer of hope in the midst of their horrible troubles. “I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings” (Psalm 40:1-2).

I waited for Him; so should you!

He was in a very distressing situation. He described his situation in verse 2 as “an horrible pit of miry clay”. It was a picture of helplessness and despondence that David painted with those words. He was sunk in deep and dark depression. No one, certainly not himself, could deliver him.

But he knew that there is help with the LORD. So he cast himself and his situation completely upon the Lord as the only possible way out. He cried out to Him in prayer. It is all that he could do, and he did it with utmost earnestness and eagerness.

When David “waited patiently for the LORD”, he was not passively sitting down and muttering fatalistically, ”O, the LORD has deserted me. There is no one to deliver me.” Instead, he waited patiently for the LORD. His waiting consisted of crying to the LORD. Prayer is the channel that God has ordained for His afflicted people to receive His deliverance and help in times of most distressing situations.

David had always been a man of action, especially in the midst of adversities. He was not one who feared adversity. In his youthful days, he bravely acted to deliver the lambs from the mouth of a lion and a bear (1 Samuel 17:34-36). Who does not know of David’s exploits such as his victory over Goliath who had struck paralysing fear on the army of Israel? (1 Samuel 17:39-51). However, in this particular situation, he, who had overcome many an adversity, found himself inextricably weighed down by seemingly insurmountable problems.

Still, David believed that the LORD would deliver Him. So he prayed unto the LORD, as he waited patiently for His deliverance. He waited on the LORD patiently, because He had confidence in the LORD. Great heroes of faith are men who wait amidst their troubles with unwavering faith and hope in the LORD. They wait on the LORD, even when there is no man to help. They never quit their faith nor duty in trouble, but remain steadfast in faith.

He brought me up; so trust Him!

The first part of Psalm 40, where the verse for today’s meditation is found, is about giving thanks to God for the deliverance and stability which the Lord has graciously provided for His servant. Gratefully, the psalmist says, “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” Are you mindful to remember and praise God for the deliverance He has given to you in your life? What has the LORD done for you? Recount some recent deliverances that God has granted you in answer to your prayers. Mention them before the Lord and praise Him for those answered prayers.

When one makes it a habit to recollect the goodness of the LORD that he has received, his deep affection for the LORD will also grow. On the contrary, when the LORD’s goodness is disregarded, his devotion and spiritual enthusiasm will also be adversely affected. This is especially so when one is going through sore distress.

In our text, God’s delivering grace is gratefully reminisced in the most apt and beautiful symbolic language. The psalmist says that the Lord has lifted him up out of a horrible pit into which he has fallen, and set him upon a rock! What a vivid and moving depiction of God’s deliverance! How would you describe God’s deliverance in your life?

The psalmist’s description here sets forth the phenomenal change that the Lord has granted him in response to his penitent prayers. He had been weighed down by his sins and their consequences. This, he explained later in verse 12, “For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.” So he cried to God, saying, “Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me” (v. 13). Also, in the midst of this psalm, with eyes of faith, he spoke prophetically concerning Christ as the Saviour (vv. 7-10). The New Testament cited these words as a predictive reference to Christ’s obedience to the Father in becoming a sacrifice for our sin (cf. Hebrews 10:5- 10). The repentant sinner is thus made to stand firmly on the Rock of Ages, even our Lord Jesus! If you are sinking in your sin, cry out to Christ at once with absolute faith; He will surely deliver and sanctify you by His blood which He has once for all shed at the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

“¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. ¹⁵And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. ¹⁶Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:13–17)

Christians need to arm themselves with “the whole armour of God” for their “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Our enemies are more than flesh and blood. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The devil has set against Christians a great many demonic forces, worldly and fleshly lusts, unbelieving people, etc. All these are constantly trying to bring down Christians through Satanic devices.

This being a spiritual warfare, “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.” (2 Cor. 10:4a). Christians are provided with the “armour of God”, which is “mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2 Cor. 10:4b). The Christian soldier’s armour is wholly spiritual. The spiritual armaments provided by God are best suited for defeating the device of Satan. No better armoury can a man find for spiritual victory than that which God has provided for him.

Christians must always be ready with the whole armour of God (Eph. 6:14–17) – that is an absolute necessity to fight the good fight. It is very foolish for a soldier to enter the battlefield without his armour, yet many Christians do this every day; being utterly defenceless, they become easy prey. We are recommended to put on the divine armour.

Christians are also called to stand firm in the evil day - when is “the evil day”? Though every day can be said to be an “evil day”, it is a reference to a day when the relentless forces of the devil pounce on a believer. It is the day of test! It can be today or tomorrow. Hence, having done all things in preparation for the battle, we must stand our ground. Christians must not become indolent or lazy. Neither should they become fearful. Even when they have gained victory over a certain satanic assault, they must brace themselves for the next battle. Fight for Christ to the end of your life!

The first piece of the armour of God that a Christian is presented with, is the belt of truth. Our chief adversary, the devil, is a liar and master deceiver (cf. Jn. 8:44b; Acts 13:10; 2 Cor. 11:3, 13–15; 2 Thess. 2:9–10; Rev. 20:2–3). He uses his lies as a lethal weapon against God’s people, and because of this, the Apostle Paul expressed his concern to the Corinthians about the real danger of their being beguiled by Satan (cf. 2 Cor. 11:3).

What does Paul mean by “having your loins girt about”? In the apostolic period, the Roman soldiers wore loose robes. These soldiers would not go into a battle with their tunics impeding their movements. It was dangerous to be entangled in their own robes while the enemy closed in on them for the kill. So what they did was to gather up their clothing and tuck it under their belt, as they prepared to fight the battle. This is what Paul referred to as “having your loins girt about”. This act of girding up the loins was a picture of preparedness or readiness. Thus, having one’s “loins girt about with truth” implies wearing the truth as a tight lash to gird up one’s thoughts, desires and actions. Just as a Roman soldier girds his loins to prevent his tunic from obstructing his movements, the Christian must also tuck his life under the belt of God’s truth, even His Word. “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Tim. 2:4).

God has given to Christians for their spiritual battle is “the breastplate of righteousness”. The breastplate protects the soldier’s vital organs like the heart, liver, lungs and kidneys from being pierced by the enemies’ weaponry. For the Christian soldier, the breastplate of righteousness is the vital protection against the deadly pierce of sin. A believer who lives unrepentantly in his sins will become the target of Satan’s attack. He will try to discourage and even prevent such a one from making spiritual advancements. The only defence against the devil’s deadly blow precipitated by our sinfulness, is the imputed righteousness of Christ upon the believer. When we trust Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, God justifies and sanctifies us as He imputes His righteousness upon us. Being clothed with the righteousness of Christ, believers ought to live in His righteous ways to leave no room at all for harassment from Satan.

The third piece of armour that God has given to Christians for their spiritual battle is very crucial: the shoes of the Gospel of peace.

A Roman soldier would not go to battle wearing ordinary shoes with slick or worn-out soles. If he did, he would not get a firm foothold while marching through various kinds of ground. Roman soldiers were equipped with shoes that would last for long journeys, for they would often march over vast expanses of rugged terrain. Many battles had been lost just because soldiers were not fitted with shoes that were thick and durable enough. A firm footing was necessary for the soldier to charge forward in the battle. It would help him to hold his ground and make quick moves without slipping, sliding or falling.

Herein Paul employs an unusual expression that speaks of having our feet fitted with the “preparation of the gospel of peace”. The word “preparation” signifies “a prepared base” or “a foundation”, which has already been laid. In other words, the firm foundation of the Gospel of peace enables the Christian soldier to stand firm, and not slip and fall.

“The Gospel of peace” is the Gospel of Christ that brings peace to us. The Gospel of Christ reconciles us to God and thus helps us to be at peace with God. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). What great steadfastness of soul characterises one who can say, “Christ is mine! The enmity is gone! I am forgiven.” A Christian needs to have a strong assurance, so that he will not fear though Satan may be hard on his heels in hot pursuit. He who is shod with the Gospel of peace will be able to tread firmly on his feet.

The Christian with feet well shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace will not only be able to stand his ground in the day of evil, he can even go forth to battle under Christ’s banner with a readiness to publish the Gospel of good tidings (cf. Isa. 52:7, Rom. 10:15).

The fourth piece of armour that God has given to Christians for their spiritual battle is “the shield of faith”. The type of shield mentioned here is thureon in Greek. This shield, measuring 4½ feet by 2½ feet, was made of a thick and hard wooden plank, covered with either metal or leather. The metal would deflect the enemies’ arrows, while the leather was treated with some oil to extinguish the fiery pitch on the arrows. This shield was designed for maximum protection and deployed for a specific strategy in a major battle.

Verse 16 opens with the two words, “Above all”, to convey to the readers that over and above the already mentioned armour components in the preceding verses, here is another vital piece that the Christian soldier should also bring with him to battle. It simply means that in addition to the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness and the gospel shoes, the believer must take up the shield of faith.

Every soldier who has already taken up these pieces of armour, as mentioned in verses 14 and 15, will have the shield of faith as an added protection. “Faith” mentioned here is the faith that we place in Christ as we come to Him, knowing that He will give us full salvation. It expresses a strong confidence in the Saviour and His promises to forgive, save and secure forever. Such faith will persevere amidst sufferings, we having been persuaded that our Lord is faithful to keep all His promises (2 Tim. 1:12).

The very same shield of faith protects us from Satan’s fiery darts. The “fiery darts of the wicked” refer to the devil’s fearsome attacks on the believer to destroy his faith. These fiery darts hurled at the believer may vary in frequency and intensity. He often sends fiery trials (1 Pet. 4:12) and fiery temptations of lust (1 Cor. 7:9). But if we stand with the shield of faith, we can overcome the enemy and emerge victorious.

The fifth piece of armour that God has given to Christians for their spiritual battle is “the helmet of salvation”. The helmet protected the head, the most vital and most often targeted part of the soldier’s body. Scarcely would a warrior rush off to battle without taking his helmet with him. Even modern troops today always have their helmets on when they report for duty, which is all the more needful when in the thick of battle.

But what is the helmet of salvation? It means being assured of one’s salvation. In order to grasp the significance of “the helmet of salvation”, one must understand the three aspects of salvation as found in the Scriptures; i.e. those who are justified will be sanctified and ultimately, glorified. When Satan harasses and confronts us with much trials, let us look forward to the day when we shall be with our Lord Jesus forever. The day is coming for believers when sin and Satan can no longer molest us. So let us never quit, no matter how malicious the devil’s threat is. We must fight on as we continue to don this helmet of salvation until the day of glorification.

The sixth piece of armour that God has given to Christians for their spiritual battle is “the sword of the Spirit”. The first five components of God’s armour that Paul has enumerated thus far have been primarily for defensive purposes. This one last piece, however, gives both defensive and offensive might to those who carry it to battle. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit because it is the Holy Spirit who handed this sword over to God’s people for their use. Because the Word of God wields the omnipotent power of the Spirit, it helps us to put our enemy, the devil, to flight. That was what happened to Satan who came to tempt the Lord Jesus in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1–11). Jesus merely brandished the Spirit’s sword by saying, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matt. 4:10). Then the devil fled and the battle ended, just like that.

Christians are to be a passionate people. Their passions in life have to be different from those which they cherished prior to their conversion. They have a new passion, which Paul described in Colossians 3:2, when he urged the Christians to “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth”.

The Greek verb phroneo, translated as “set your affection”, means “direct your mind to something”. Christians’ thoughts should be directed to Christ and the heavenly domain where He now dwells. That is our ultimate destination; and hence it must be our preoccupation while we live on this earth. We are to be heavenly-minded (“on things above”), because as Paul says in Philippians 3:20, “For our conversation (or citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

What are your ardent interests? The great object of our contemplation should be the celestial city that Jesus prepares for us. Readiness for that final home must be our greatest passion on earth.

While we are exhorted to be heavenly-minded, we are also cautioned not to be earthly-minded – “not on things on the earth”. Our affections should not be placed on wealth and health, houses and lands, honour and pleasure, etc. Neither should our passions be worldly fashion and corrupting entertainments of this world. Worldly lusts must be denied. The deeds of the flesh, which are sinful, must be mortified. No provision should be made for the encroachment of worldly allurements.

While Christ and heaven draw us upwards, the earth and its charms draw us downwards. Let us not yield to the pull of earthly things, but earnestly pursue heavenly things. Let us not love things that are earthly and perishing, but heavenly and everlasting. Apostle John admonishes us in 1 John 2:15-16, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

Christians must always be conscious and deliberate to prefer and pursue heavenly and eternal matters above earthly and carnal matters. Unless our affections are set on the heavenly matters, we will never seek after them in a proper manner. Let Christ and heavenly things be our greatest concern, passion and pursuit. Let us be desirous of everything that fixes us to heaven and its eternal glory

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Youth Retreat – Testimonies

Thank God for the committee for planning and facilitating this camp, even in the midst of their busy schedule. Thank God also for the provision of a place, so that many others could join us in the retreat. I am especially blessed by the messages that clearly spoke against spiritual hypocrisy. It helps me to understand that the root of spiritual hypocrisy is the low view of God. The consequence of one’s spiritual hypocrisy is not only upon the individual but also others. In order to have a close relationship with God, it is important not to be prideful and find excuses for our sins, but rather to regularly take time to go before God, ask Him to search our hearts and be ever ready to repent.

Lim Hua See

Dear worshippers,

It is with great excitement that the Session and I have been preparing for this upcoming event in our church. Under Elder Mah Chin Kwang’s leadership, a team of our Session members and fellow brethren have been hard at work in putting in place all things necessary for the conference. We thank God for their zeal in organising this conference.

However, it is of utmost importance that everyone in our church now quickly acts to do his part. Only about a month remains for us to firm up our bookings with the conference centre and restaurant. We need all of you to quickly sign up to confirm your attendance. Do not hesitate to join this conference, which will provide you with an “array” of pastors who will come well prepared to preach the Word of God to you. You will also have abundance of opportunities to fellowship with the participating pastors, missionaries and like-minded brethren.

I call on all the prayer groups in Gethsemane to make the matters of this conference one of your major items of prayer until the conference is over. Please pray for the blessings of the Conference in your family and individual prayer time. Pray for the organising committee, for those who lead the various sessions in the conference, for preachers, for musicians, for audio-video personnel, for the participants coming from foreign countries, etc. Pray also that God will stir the hearts of young men and women to give their lives to serve Him in the Gospel vineyard.

Please continue to give to the Missionary Conference Fund. We thank God that the fund is almost reaching the S$30,000 mark. We are now praying that the Lord would provide us with S$40,000 as expenses are expected to rise. Please earnestly pray and generously give that we may meet all the needs of this conference.

Please encourage one another to participate in the conference. Feel free to also welcome your Christian friends to come and attend the conference. I would also like to urge you to show Christian hospitality to our guests from foreign countries. Please think ahead about what you would like to do to encourage our missionaries and brethren who come from foreign lands. May the Lord help us to serve Him in this conference with joy and zeal.

Youth Retreat – Testimonies

Thank God for the wonderful opportunity to join yet another youth retreat. Thank God for the committee for taking the time to plan this retreat, that the youths may set aside time from their many preoccupations to draw closer to God.

I thank God for Pastor Koshy’s preaching on the topic of ‘Spiritual Hypocrisy’. We were clearly warned of how dangerous hypocrisy could be in our spiritual lives. It destroys our relationship with those around us, and most crucially, our relationship with God. Hypocrisy makes us “defend” ourselves at the expense of others. There is only one remedy for hypocrisy, that is, to confess our sins and draw closer to Him.

Praise God also for the retreat’s lovely location surrounded by beautiful nature, such as flowers, birds, butterflies..., the wonderful creation God made for man. I had a peaceful experience, especially in the cool of the night, when we had our prayer meeting held outside before we retired to sleep.

May Psalm 51:10 be my constant prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” All praise and glory be to God!!

Duaine Kabingue

I would like to praise God for a blessed youth retreat. Thank God for Pastor’s messages on the theme of Spiritual Hypocrisy, and for the sobering lessons He has taught us through His Word.

Spiritual hypocrisy exists when one appears to be religious, but has no genuine godliness of heart. Though the sin of spiritual hypocrisy is hidden from other men, God sees it. Nothing is hidden from His view. Therefore, we must constantly strive to have a clean conscience and fight against every false way within us. My heartfelt prayer is that I will not just outwardly appear righteous, but be true and unfeigned in my every conduct, action, thought and motive.

This sin of hypocrisy also comes with many consequences. For example, we will have no peace of heart, and our prayers will not be answered. Furthermore, we may lead other Christians astray. May we always pray for God to purify our hearts and follow God with a good conscience, a conscience holding onto faith in Him.

Eunice Choy

All praise and glory to God for a blessed time at the youth retreat! Truly, this retreat has been a timely reminder for me to guard against spiritual hypocrisy in my walk with God. Thank God for the preaching of God’s Word on the need for a pure conscience – not only before men, but more so before our all-knowing God, who “searcheth our hearts and knoweth our thoughts”. Do not cease to pray for us youths, that we will flee all “youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace” (2 Timothy 2:22). Thank the Lord for the fellowship with like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ too. I certainly look forward to more such retreats to come!

Jenice Choy

The recent youth retreat, with the theme “Spiritual Hypocrisy”, has benefited me in my spiritual growth, just as the previous retreats had. Truly, I thank God for giving my siblings and I this opportunity to attend this retreat that has been carefully planned out by the YF committee, and to listen to the messages preached by Pastor. I have learnt precious lessons which I will keep close to my heart.

Before the retreat, I was unaware of how dangerous spiritual hypocrisy was, and how easily it could appear in our daily lives. Whenever I saw my friends who were modern Christians doing ungodly deeds, I had always silently judged them in my mind for being hypocrites, yet I didn’t know that I myself have allowed hypocrisy to exist in my life. The retreat has also reminded me that all things ought to be done for the glory of God, and not merely for the sake of one’s pleasure and benefit. It is frightening to realise how often we are blind to our own pride, and forget God, even when we engage in spiritual things like singing hymns, giving to the church, or praying! I need to be mindful of my thoughts and actions which may unwittingly lead others and myself to hypocrisy. May the Lord help me to guard against spiritual hypocrisy in my heart, and may He also help me to live a life with a clean conscience before Him.

Lastly, thank God also for the fellowship, games, good food, and safety of us all during this retreat.

Amanda Tan

Praise the Lord for the short but sweet youth retreat. It was not only a timely opportunity to get to know several newer youths in our midst, but more importantly, to be found in the presence of God and to increase in the knowledge of His Word. Praise God for endowing Pastor with strength and ability to prepare the retreat sermons among his other demanding engagements, and for unflinching boldness to deliver God’s rebuke firmly to us.

I was reminded that spiritual pretension manifests itself in many ways, and God sees all of them. All the more I have to be careful to ensure that my conscience is always clear before God, lest I lessen the severity of seemingly “smaller” sins and let them multiply. Some time ago, I was branded as too legalistic in the way I have been applying certain commandments in my life, but thank God for vindicating me through this retreat that strict obedience to His Word is what God expects of us. There is simply no room for duplicity under His watchful eye, and we cannot in any way distort God’s view of sin, certainly not by our foolish justifications. May the Lord empower us to admit our sins readily and abide by His standards.

Dorcas Koshy

1. His Resurrection was foretold by the prophets
   • Psalm 16:10 “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
   • Acts 13:34-35 “And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
2. His Resurrection was foretold by Himself
   • Matthew 20:19 “And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.”
   • Mark 9:9 “And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.”
   • Mark 14:28 “But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.”
   • John 2:19-22 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.”
3. His Resurrection was on the first day of the week
   • Mark 16:9 “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.”
4. His Resurrection was on the third day after His death
   • Luke 24:46 “And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.”
   • Acts 10:40 “Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly.”
   • 1 Corinthians 15:4 “And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
5. His Resurrection was effected by:
   • The power of God
     • Acts 2:24 “Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
     • Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
     • Ephesians 1:20 “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.”
     • Colossians 2:12 “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”
   • His own power
     • John 2:19 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
     • John 10:18 “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.”
   • The power of the Holy Spirit
     • 1 Peter 3:18 “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”
6. His Resurrection was witnessed by:
   • Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9; John 20:18).
   • The other women (Matthew 28:1-9).
   • Simon Peter (Luke 24:34).
   • Two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-31).
   • Ten Apostles, except Thomas (John 20:19, 24).
   • Eleven Apostles, Thomas being present (John 20:26).
   • Seven Apostles by the sea of Tiberias (John 21:1).
   • Apostles in Galilee (Matthew 28:16, 17).
   • Above five hundred brethren (1 Corinthians 15:6).
   • James (1 Corinthians 15:7).
   • All the Apostles (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9; 1 Corinthians 15:7).
   • Stephen (Acts 7:56).
   • Paul (1 Corinthians 15:8).
   • John (Revelation 1:12-18).

   This was verified by Luke who wrote, “He shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days” (Acts 1:3).

7. His Resurrection was declared by:
   • Angels (Matthew 28:5-7; Luke 24:4-7, 23).
   • Apostles (Acts 1:22; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 25:19; 26:23).
   • Roman soldiers (Matthew 28:11-15).
8. His Resurrection was necessary for:
   • The fulfilment of Scripture – Luke 24:45-46 “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.”
   • Forgiveness of sins – 1 Corinthians 15:17 “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”
   • Justification – Romans 4:25 “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” Romans 8:34 “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
   • Hope – 1 Corinthians 15:19 “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”
   • The efficacy of preaching – 1 Corinthians 15:14 “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”
   • The efficacy of faith – 1 Corinthians 15:14 “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:17 “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”
9. His Resurrection proves that He is the Son of God
   • Psalm 2:7 “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.”
   • Acts 13:33 “God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.”
   • Romans 1:4 “And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”

“And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha.”

—John 19:17

He was “delivered… to be crucified” (John 19:16). They placed on His shoulder the cross upon which He would be crucified. Bearing His cross, He went with His cruel and violent adversaries. He, who was to be crucified, first bore the cross for Himself. (Later, they compelled Simon the Cyrenian to bear His cross.)

His bearing of the cross, first of all, manifests the severity of man’s sin. Christ had already been cruelly violated by sinful men. Consider Matthew’s record of what they did to Him before making Him bear the cross: “And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him” (Matthew 27:28-31). The violence of sinful men against the blameless Son of God was dreadful. Both the Jews and the Gentile soldiers were involved in shaming and inflicting pain on Christ. The atrocity of man’s sin could not be any worse than its appalling expression on that day of Christ’s crucifixion. Making a cross and forcing the sinless Christ to bear it so that He might be later crucified on it were the most heinous acts that ever occurred on the face of the earth. Oh, the vileness of our sinfulness!

His bearing of the cross, secondly, manifests the serenity of Christ’s love. Though sinful men were unjustly and cruelly torturing Him, it was with great calmness and meekness that the Lord met their cruelty. Apostle Peter, who had watched the forbearance of the suffering Lord, later wrote, “when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). Oh, the longsuffering of our Lord towards wicked men such as we are! He meekly accepted all the cruelties of sinful mankind. He did not allow Himself to be provoked by their actions, for He was committed to suffer by their hands that He might give His life for the redemption of sinners. As the Scriptures predicted in Isaiah 53:5, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” He suffered quietly that our sins and condemnation may be removed, so that we may thus be reconciled to God. Love was never so greatly and perfectly manifested on earth as when Christ bore the cross and later died on it for our redemption. As the apostle John wrote, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16). His cross is an emblem of His perfect, redeeming love.

By the cross of Christ, we know the gravity of our sin and the greatness of His love towards us. Our sinful hands gave Christ the cross on which He would be crucified; on the other hand, Christ, after His loving hands had first borne it, allowed His hands to be nailed to it as He hung from it, that by His death we might be delivered.

His cross is the reason for our worship today. Without the cross of Christ, we would not have the hope, let alone the privilege, of acceptable worship. If you have come, but without believing Christ as your Saviour and Lord, we plead that you look, by faith, to the cross where Christ died to save sinners who come to Him. His cross saves! We preach to you Christ the crucified, for He alone is our Saviour from sin and condemnation, that we may have eternal life. The preaching of the cross is the centre of our faith and practice. We declare the truth of the cross of Christ that you may be saved.

In the epistle to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul expressed the deep feelings that he had for Christ. His love for Christ was unbridled. He confessed, “For to me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21). Life itself was dedicated to Christ. He desired nothing that is incongruent with Christ’s purposes and glory. He would not pursue anything else other than that which pleases the Lord. His life was wholly committed to Christ. He was single-minded about the purpose and goal of his life; and it was to glorify Christ. What a rebuke it is to Christians who are lost in their pursuits of worldly pleasure, gain and fame!

Below, I would like to share with you two of Paul’s confessions that bear further witness to his undivided, steadfast commitment to Christ. May Paul’s testimony stir your heart to live your life for Christ with enthusiasm and zeal.

NOTHING MATTERS BUT CHRIST

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”
– Philippians 3:7

Once Christ becomes the most cherished desire of a soul, everything that was dear and profitable till then would quickly fade in its appeal and significance to his thoughts. The Apostle Paul was such a person. Since his soul has embraced Christ as his Saviour and Lord, he has been totally captivated by the glory of Christ. Nothing has ever fascinated his soul as much as Christ’s love, grace, truth, glory and His person. Everything he once considered “gain” became worthless and unappealing. And all that impeded his single-minded devotion to Christ were utterly repulsive and rejected right away as “loss”. The word “loss” (zēmía) was used in Acts 27:21 with reference to the valuable goods which the mariners threw out into the sea, for the sake of people on board the ship who were imperilled by a great storm. Like those mariners, for the sake of his life with Christ, Paul cast off everything that was once utterly important to him.

In the previous verses, Paul listed the things which were once of great importance to him. He placed all his confidence in them in the past. “Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (vv. 5, 6). Seven advantages were listed. The first four in the list constitute his prestigious heritage which the apostle inherited by birth – circumcision he received as the sign of the covenant, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a Hebrew son of Hebrew parents. Those things were very important to him, for they gave him great confidence about his rights, position and prominence.

But he tells us in our text that he has renounced all those fleshly confidence in order to gain Christ. Once he thought of them to be of gain, for they brought glory to him personally. However, they were of no profit in the spiritual realm; they did not bring glory to God who sent His son to be the Saviour of His people. Hence he counted the past gains as loss so as to gain Christ, who alone could grant him the righteousness of God. Nothing else really mattered to him any more. Having Christ as his Saviour and Lord far surpassed the reputation and everything else he derived in Judaism.

Jim Elliot, a great missionary, once said: “He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

NOTHING LESS THAN THE UTMOST FOR CHRIST

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 3:14

Paul’s Christian life was characterized by an unstoppable zeal for Christ. He did not want to be weighed down by his past experiences or distracted by the present issues. This he testified in the preceding verse, “but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (v.13).

Paul was determined to pursue with earnestness and diligence “the mark” he aimed at. He would not yield to any dissuasion or opposition that would come before him. His mind was genuinely and firmly set on the goal. Why was Paul so resolute in his Christian life? Because he was captivated by “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. His foremost desire was “the prize” or the reward which God had called him to attain. He regarded it as “the high calling of God”, far superior and nobler than any earthly goal. It was above all other human agendas and persuasions, for it was God’s appointment for him. As a Christian, it was his highest, greatest, grandest and utmost passion.

The certainty of the mark of the high calling that God has given him is grounded “in Christ Jesus”. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God in him (Christ) are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” The prize that God gives in Christ Jesus to His people is imperishable. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:25, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” So, all his life as a Christian, his heart was fixed on that celestial, eternal prize; he never let anything distract him from it. When he approached the end of his earthly life, he exclaimed with great expectancy, “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” (2 Timothy 4:8).

Our eternal inheritance in Christ demands our maximum exertion all through our life for His glory. As Hebrews 12:28 exhorts us, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”

“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms” – James 5:13

In a local congregation of believers, a variety of experiences may be found at a given time. While some people experience severe afflictions, others are presented with reasons for jubilation. It is also true that all alike are subject to afflictions and happiness. Both those types of experiences can be in different persons or in the same persons at the same time. And sometimes, change from one extreme to the other can happen suddenly.

Extreme circumstances, occurring among people whom we love earnestly, can affect our thinking. With varying events, our emotions will also rise and fall accordingly. Such divergent experiences in our congregations would make us wonder who we should attend to and how we should respond to those situations. As a matter of fact, such extreme situations can happen simultaneously or successively in our church or personal lives.

Christians are urged to carry out their corresponding duties in those varying circumstances. Appropriate spiritual responsibilities, which are mentioned in our text, have to be discharged readily. If we readily carry out our biblical duties, we can minister to people in varying circumstances in the most befitting manner.

Afflicted? Then Pray!

What should we do when we find others or ourselves in trying circumstances? The apostle James advises us to pray. “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.” We should pray, asking God for the wisdom we need to understand the situation and manage it to bring glory to His name (cf. James 1:5). We can pray for His grace to endure troubles (cf. 2 Cor. 12:7–10). We can also pray, if it is His will, that He will remove the troubles. Through prayer we not only communicate to God our needs, but also commune with Him. One of the major divine purposes of our afflictions is that we may draw closer to Him in prayer.

God has designed our afflictions to lead us to the throne of grace. Is there a better experience than drawing near and communing with God? From “broken cisterns, which can hold no water”, to “the fountain of living waters”! From gloom and sorrow to peace and exultation! What a happy outcome of trials, if we are led by our trials to seek God in prayer.

Happy? Then Sing Psalms!

What should we do when we find others or ourselves in a situation of joy and gladness? James says, “Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” Psalms are thanksgiving, worshipful songs to the Lord. Singing psalms to the Lord is the most preferred way of praising and worshipping God for all His benefits in our lives. Joyful experiences are given to us so that a worshipful spirit may be built up within us. While afflictions are sent to teach us to pray, happiness is bestowed that we may learn to praise Him.

In times of joy, we must exercise much care not to conduct ourselves irreverently before the Lord. Excitement should not result in mindless, unholy celebrations. In our joys, we should not be like the worldly people. We should not be singing and dancing to worldly music. Our hearts and lips should glorify the Lord with psalms. Our mirth must not be the unbridled expressions of a godless mind. The right response to our joys is the praise of God, who blesses us with all good things.

What if you can’t sing well? Learn from an old saint, Thomas Fuller, who had a defective voice and yet did not refuse to praise the Lord. He said, “Lord, my voice by nature is harsh and untunable, and it is vain to lavish any art to better it. Can my singing of psalms be pleasing to Thine ears, which is unpleasant to my own? Yet, though I cannot chant with the nightingale, or chirp with the blackbird, I had rather chatter with the swallow than be altogether silent. Now what my music wants in sweetness, let it have in sense. Yea, Lord, create in me a new heart, therein to make melody, and I will be contented with my old voice, until in due time, being admitted into the choir of heaven, I shall have another voice more harmonious bestowed upon me.” So let it be with us. Let us ever sing in the same spirit and in the same joy and hope.

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Another Gospel Door in Kuching, Sarawak

Early on Monday morning, I set out on my very first journey to East Malaysia. It was an opportunity that came through Rev Lee Kim Shong (Calvary Jaya BPC, KL). Our initial plan was to travel together to Kuching and meet with a Bro Jeremy Teo, who has been calling for reinforcement to start an English worship service in his home city of Kuching. However, a couple of days before our journey, Rev Lee informed me that because of the sudden demise of his father-in-law, he would not be able to go with me. Though I was a little disappointed that Rev Lee could not go with me, I plucked up courage to strike out on my own, believing that if it is the Lord’s business He would be with me and guide me. What also helped in my decision to go ahead with the planned journey was that our host, Bro Jeremy, was someone I had met in 1991 in Hope B-P Church, Adelaide, Australia. Jeremy was then a young overseas university student worshipping in Hope BPC, during which he also attended a youth camp in Adelaide, where I ministered God’s Word. I was glad that I could meet him again after 23 years. Jeremy also made a special effort to encourage me by email to follow through with the planned visit to Kuching.

Jeremy was at the Kuching airport to receive me. He then drove me to his house, where I stayed for two days. Jeremy is married to Nikki and they have three young boys. Jeremy’s brother, Terence, is also a believer. When I met Terence, he appeared very familiar to me. Then he told me that he had been in Hope BPC, Adelaide, in 1995 when I was their church camp speaker. Both of them are keen to see an English service begin there, and are praying for the same. In our conversation, it was very clear that their doctrinal convictions are just like ours. Like us, they too whole-heartedly stand for Reformed, Pre-millennial doctrines. They also believe and confess the verbal, plenary inspiration and preservation of the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures underlying the King James Bible.

Let us pray that the Lord will help us to co-labour with Calvary Jaya BPC (KL) to start an English ministry in Kuching. Let us also pray for a faithful preacher to labour in this place. Presently, under Calvary Jaya BPC’s supervision, a Chinese preacher, Pr Ling Soon Ing, conducts Chinese ministries in Kuching, and the nearby cities of Sibu and Miri. Pastor Lee Kim Shong and Elder Chan Wan Fook from Calvary Jaya also frequently visit to minister to the Chinese congregations in those places.

Some facts about Kuching

Kuching is the capital and the most populous city in the state of Sarawak, East Malaysia. The city has a total population of 681,900. The state of Sarawak has a population of over 2.4 million. Miri, the next biggest city in Sarawak, has a population of 358,020 (source: the official portal of the Sarawak government: http://www.sarawak.gov. my/en/about-sarawak/demographics).