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Man is enslaved to sin, guilt, fear, sadness and death. No man can free himself or another. However, Jesus proclaimed to men, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18; cf. Isaiah 61:1).

In John 8:31–36, Jesus revealed how he would free man from his bondage: “31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

“The truth shall make you free”

“You shall know the truth,” said Jesus. What then is “the truth” that we shall know? In the Gospel of John, the word “truth” frequently refers to Christ and His words. John wrote in John 1:14 concerning Christ, that “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth”. He again affirmed in John 1:17 that “grace and truth came by Jesus Christ”. When Jesus spoke about John the Baptist who had prepared the way for Him, He said that “he bare witness unto the truth” (John 5:33). Now, the truth that John the Baptist bore witness unto was Christ, for Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”.

The words of the Lord Jesus Christ are also referred to as “the truth”. Just before assuring the believing Jews that “ye shall know the truth”, He had told them in John 8:31, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed”. Hence, it is this very continuing in Christ’s words that will help believers to know the truth. Christ is the Truth – the truth personified! Being the source of all truth and the embodiment of the truth, His words grant His people the knowledge of His truth.

Continuing in Christ’s words brings us into a relationship with Him as His disciples which enables us to truly know Him who is “the truth”. As true disciples of Christ, we are to walk in the truth (3 John 3), love the truth, and believe the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). We are also to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). When we abide in the knowledge of Christ and His words, we possess the truth that shall make us free indeed.

Later in His conversation with the Jewish hearers, Jesus told them that they needed freedom as they were under the shackles of sin. In no uncertain terms, Jesus told them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34). The servitude to sin is the most grievous bondage, far worse than any other kind of political or social servitude (cf. v. 33). Hence, freedom from sin’s influence and guilt is the greatest freedom!

As we abide in Christ and His truth, we shall experience true freedom from the slavery of sinful cravings, inordinate passions, degrading vices and all carnal propensities. Our yielding to the truth of Christ will grant us deliverance and freedom from all awful errors that once subjugated us.

“The Son therefore shall make you free”

Here Jesus, first of all, directs our attention to the fact that He is the “Son”. By using the title “Son”, He wanted to draw our attention to the fact that He is the undisputed Heir of all things, who wields the ultimate authority and power concerning all matters, even to free a man from his servitude. So in the preceding verse, He had said, “And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever” (John 8:35). As the only begotten Son of God, Christ enjoys unchallenged, eternal right to exercise the full authority vested in Him by the Father to liberate slaves. Jesus Himself said in John 3:35, “The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.” Only Christ, the Son, has the power and freedom to liberate us from everything that shackles us.

In fact, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah had predicted that when the Messiah, the Son of God, comes, He will liberate those who have been under the repression of Satan, sin and death (cf. Isaiah 61:1-3). Jesus, citing that prophecy, said in Luke 4:18 that He was sent in the power of the Spirit “to set at liberty them that are bruised”.

Christ alone has the ability to grant freedom. Since the Fall of Adam, all men are born slaves to sin, without the power to deliver themselves. Only by the gracious bestowment of freedom by the Son of God can one ever obtain one’s freedom. So our freedom is a benefit conferred by Christ which we obtain by faith. By His Spirit, He liberates our souls so that we may gain freedom from sin and continue in that freedom. Thus Paul testified in Romans 8:2, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” Regarding the freedom He grants us, Jesus says, “ye shall be free indeed”. An emphasis is placed on the word “indeed”. His freedom is not some unreal, foolish figment of imagination.

Many today are like the Jews whom Jesus rebuked for claiming that they were never in bondage and had always been free. They boastfully say that they are free to do whatever they like to do. They do not acknowledge that they are actually under the wretched bondage of sin.

Nonetheless, we who follow Christ and His truth rejoice to take heed of the admonition of the apostle Paul to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

Godly Civility of Christians

Though Christians are free in the Lord Jesus Christ, they must not act irresponsibly in the societies which God has placed them in. The apostle Peter cautions Christians, “As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16). Then, in order to guide Christians in their proper conduct as God’s servants in their respective communities, Peter gives them four rules of conduct on their behaviour in society – “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king” (1 Peter 2:17).

Firstly, Peter commands Christians to “honour all men”. Believers must treat every person with dignity and respect. Respect and honour must be accorded to even unbelievers as human beings. We must recognize the worth of all human beings in God’s sight and live so as to attract them to faith in Christ. A contemptuous disposition will not help us in our efforts to win them for Christ. The poor and the afflicted in society must not be despised. Proverbs 17:5 says, “Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.”

Secondly, Christians are commanded to “love the brotherhood”. All human beings should be respected, but there is a special bond among fellow believers. Christians are not only brethren, but a brotherhood, i.e. one body in Christ. Christians are a fraternity united in Christ. We gather in the church as members of one family with a special fraternal affection for one another. Loving the brotherhood of believers is our duty and privilege. Loving and being loved fortify every Christian as he lives in a world of many temptations and trials. A sympathetic demeanour towards fellow Christians is crucial to Christian camaraderie and advancement.

Thirdly, Christians are taught to “fear God”. The highest reverence and total submission must be due unto our God at all times. If this be found wanting, none of the other three duties can be performed rightly. As Ecclesiastes 12:13 tells us, “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

Fourthly, Christians are commanded to “honour the king”. Early Christians were commanded to respect the Roman emperor Nero’s authority though they could not but loathe his crimes. Christians must give due honour to those who rule the country. We may not agree with their beliefs and practices, but we must honour them for their office’s sake.

Respect for Senior Christians

Courtesy must also pervade our interactions in the church. After all, “charity begins at home”. Among other things, the apostle Peter requires the younger believers to submit unto “the elder” – “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder” (1 Peter 5:5a). Apparently, such submission to “the elder” is with respect to the latter’s age as well as office in the church.

It is not uncommon to hear of young men viewing older folks as outdated and outworn. Young people tend to spurn the ideas and suggestions of older men. They show frustration with older men’s cautious and patient approach to matters; they even judge the latter to be slothful or obstructive. To add insult to injury, some young people seem to have lost all proper manners, behaving rudely and crudely towards elder Christians. Such uncouth, impudent conduct runs counter to the divine counsels.

Scripture demands that young men must show respect unto the elder. “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:32). Reverence for the elderly must be inculcated as being part of the fear of God. If we fear God and keep His commandments, then we must also show respect and submission to the elder.

Young people must realise that years of learning and experience will have added greater wisdom and understanding to a godly elder. Indeed, “the hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31). So, there is much wisdom in submitting to a godly elder. Respect for age is not only good manners; it also constitutes a wise and godly conduct as taught in God’s Word.

Godly and pious aged men can be a great source of wise counsels and guidance. Having accumulated years of experience, they are qualified to be young people’s advisers and guides. Their biblical instructions should not be rejected. In fact, it is to the young people’s advantage that God has provided them with godly elders in the church. They should not only show respect, but should also diligently seek and follow their wise counsels.

What if an elder is wrong? What if he has spoken or acted unwisely? 1 Timothy 5:1 advises us to “rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father”. We must not adopt a harsh, crude manner when we correct him. Rather, we must with meekness persuade him. We must appeal to his mind, showing politeness and respect due unto a father.

It is becoming fashionable among many preachers and Christians to deny the reality of a fiery hell, where God will eternally punish the unrepentant sinners. They deny the literal understanding of the biblical description of hell. It is foolish and perilous to deny the biblical warnings of hell, for it will deceive sinners to think that there will be no severe consequences to their sins and rejection of God.

In Revelation 20:14-15, the reality of hell is declared thus: “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Hell is a place of fire and torment

First of all, herein we have a description of what follows the great white throne judgment. All the wicked dead shall be brought to life again and be judged according to their works by the Lord who sits upon the Throne. According to the previous verse, Revelation 20:13, “the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works”. The mention of “the sea” giving up its dead makes it clear that regardless of how far a body has disintegrated, it will nevertheless be resurrected for this judgment. The physical bodies of the unsaved will be joined with their souls; then they will be cast into “the lake of fire”!

The phrase “lake of fire” occurs only in Revelation and that for a total of six times (19:20; 20:10, 14 [twice], 15; 21:8). In our text, the casting of the wicked dead into the lake of fire is referred to as “the second death”. It does not denote, as some say, annihilation or complete destruction of a person. According to their teaching, the soul and body of the wicked will be completely destroyed such that they will not suffer the eternal torment in hell or the lake of fire. That teaching of annihilation is unscriptural.

The lake of fire is the place where the wicked will suffer eternally the torments of hell. It is the place in which the wicked spend eternity in torment. John the Baptizer referred to hell as “unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12; Luke 3:17). Jesus referred to hell as “everlasting fire” (Matthew 18:8), and “everlasting punishment” (Matthew 25:46). He also described hell as “the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:43-44; cf. Mark 9:48).

This is the place where Satan, the Antichrist and the false prophet will also be cast into forever. Revelation 20:10 says, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” The epistle of Jude also testifies to the eternality of the hell-fire, which is reserved for the wicked. Hell’s torment is referred to by Jude as “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7).

Those who repent from their sin and trust in Christ do not have to fear the eternal hell. In Revelation 20:6, it is said concerning the believers that “on such the second death hath no power”.

The unsaved will be cast into hell

Secondly, this is a divine declaration about those whom God will cast into the lake of fire, the place of eternal torment. This is certain to happen. Let not the strident voices of the unbelieving ones – that God will not cast anyone into eternal hell – ever cause us to doubt the certainty of His judgment, which is mentioned so clearly here. God will execute the judgment of the unrepentant and the unredeemed, just as He has said here.

We are told that “whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” The word “whosoever” means all persons, irrespective of their ranks, worldly achievements, age or social status. It is an all-encompassing word. The only group of people who will be delivered from the lake of fire will be those whose names are “found written in the book of life”. Kings, princes, statesmen, judges, philosophers, religious men, rich men, poor men, the young, the aged, and all whose names are not found written in the book of life, will be doomed to the lake of fire for eternal punishment!

In the New Testament, “the book of life” is the sacred register of all those who are saved (cf. Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 22:19). This book belongs to Christ, the Lamb who was slain for the redemption of the people whose names are written in the book from the foundation of the world (cf. Revelation 13:8; 17:8). At the last judgment, everyone not listed in the book of life is consigned to the fiery lake (Revelation 20:12, 15).

How can you know whether your names are written in the book of life? If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be an overcomer of sins and trials by His grace, you can be assured that your name is in the book of life. In Revelation 3:5, Jesus said, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” He will never blot out the names of those who have trusted upon Him for the forgiveness of their sins. The comfort of the believers is that their names are recorded in the book of life and that they shall remain secure in the possession of the Lamb who was slain for them.

But all those who are not found in the Book of Life will be doomed to an eternal punishment in the lake of fire.

Does it matter what sort of music one listens to?

A large number of Christians of our time have no qualms about listening to and singing worldly music. After singing hymns of faith and spiritual songs on Sunday in church, they would spend the rest of the week watching R-rated movies and listening to R-rated music. They learn by heart the lyrics of those profane songs. Their minds are filled with the sights and sounds of the filthy themes of those songs.

Let us not be foolish to embrace the secular music of our time. It is highly pernicious and certainly perilous to the Christians’ pursuit of holiness. The “Beatles” of yesteryear had helped to bring up a generation around the world that was characterised by loose morals, drug abuse and blasphemous beliefs / conduct. The members of this band themselves were fornicators, drug abusers and profane people. And yet, we hear of Christian musicians declaring themselves to be ‘Beatle fans’.

Today’s famous secular musicians are not any better than them. If anything, they are coarser in their songs and conduct. The secular musicians and their music have been one of the greatest contributors to the moral erosion of our society. Not only do they promote sexual promiscuity and violence, they also sneer and belittle godliness and purity.

The irony of it all is: why would Christians, who are called unto holiness, give themselves to such ungodly entertainment? Are not Christians taught in the Scriptures to have no association with people and activities that would stain their minds and instil ungodliness?

Every singer and song that glorifies that which is opposed by God should be rejected utterly by Christians. The apostle Paul warned the Ephesian Christians to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11). Likewise, Christians are admonished in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”

Why are Christians warned against associating themselves with those things that are forbidden in the Bible? It is important to realise that the things we watch and listen to, do affect us - just as we are affected by the people whom we have associations with. When it comes to our sanctification, it is an absolute necessity that we keep ourselves away from that which corrupts us. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 reminds us: “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.” Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 5:22 insists that Christians are to “abstain from all appearance of evil”. This is particularly true when it comes to our struggles with sin. The perverse things we watch and hear will entangle us in sins that easily beset us. For instance, if a Christian who is struggling with the lust of the flesh gives himself to watch obscene movies or listen to sensual songs, he will be led to temptations of lust whenever those scenes and songs come to his mind. If a man struggles with swearing, and yet closely associates himself with vulgar people (or listens to songs with lots of swearing), it will be harder for him to have purity of thoughts and words. So give diligence to remember Christ’s words: “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell” (Matthew 5:29).

Please abstain also from socalled Christians who try to influence you with the wicked entertainment of this sinful world. Take heed to the warning in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Rather than dwelling on that which defile our minds, let us give ourselves to all things that will influence us unto purity and godliness. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

David, the King, trusted in all of God’s words because he believed them to be perfectly pure. In today’s article, I would like to consider the purity of God’s words based on David’s two testimonies.

His first testimony in Psalm 12:6 is:

“The words of the LORD
are pure words: as silver
tried in a furnace of earth,
purified seven times."

The excellence of the Holy Scriptures is powerfully presented here by David. Firstly, the phrase “the words of the LORD” points out that all the words of the Scriptures are the LORD’s. Every word of the Bible proceeds from the LORD Himself. He used men, who were His servants, to write them down. As 2 Peter 1:21 declares, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” Likewise, 2 Timothy 3:16 declares, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” The LORD is the actual author of the Bible.

Secondly, we are told that all the words of the Bible are “pure words”. The Hebrew word for “pure” has also been translated as “clean”. It points out that the Scriptures are absolutely free from all impurities of falsehood and error. Proverbs 30:5 also declares, “Every word of God is pure.”

The purity of the Word of God is illustrated and affirmed by these words, “as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times”. This evidently refers to the ancient process of purifying silver. The “furnace of earth” is where the metal was tried and purified. It refers to something like a crucible placed on the ground, around which a fire of intense heat was made. Such structures were found near the mines where ore was obtained. The ore was then purified by smelting it repeatedly till all the dross was removed from it. Here it is said that the ore was purified “seven times”. In other words, a time-consuming and meticulous effort was made to ensure the purity of the silver. Likewise, the LORD had seen to it that every word of His is pure in His infinitely pure eyes. He shall also keep every word of the Scriptures pure through all ages. So the next verse says, “Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever” (Psalm 12:7). We can be absolutely sure that every word in the Holy Scriptures is kept pure in all ages. Today, just as David had pronounced in Psalm 119:140, so can we also assuredly say, “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it”!

The Holy Scriptures need no updating, editing, or refining. It is eternally pure and faithful. It is God’s infallible, inerrant and perfect Word. It is eternally true, relevant and enduring. It is God’s revelation kept pure for every generation. Because it is pure, it shall purify all those who live by it.

His second testimony in Psalm 119:140 is:

“Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.”

David always had the highest regard for Scripture. He always considered it as belonging to God; hence he referred to it as “Thy word”. In Psalm 119 alone, 35 times David used the phrase “Thy word” to refer to the Holy Scriptures.

We too must read the Scriptures in the belief that we are listening to the words of our God. Through the Scriptures, God communicates with us. So with great reverence and joy, we must attend to God’s Word. We must receive the truths it teaches as divine and glorious. Nowhere else have we such a perfect body of divine truths revealed for our blessing.

We have no reason to doubt what God’s Word says, for it is “very pure”. The Hebrew words “very pure” literally means “much tried or refined”. As David said in Psalm 12:6, “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” God’s Word has been utterly tried and has been proven to be absolutely pure and perfectly righteous. Its purity is the purity of its Author, the infinitely holy God.

Like David, many men, who have repeatedly relied on all that Scripture says throughout their lives, have testified unto us with utmost certainty and joy that all that it says are pure. David also confessed, “therefore thy servant loveth it.” Would anyone declare his unabated, unbounded love for God’s Word if it has ever been found defective, deceptive or unreliable? David’s open declaration of his love for God’s Word is a grand testimony to its trustworthiness. Those who trust all that it says shall not be ashamed, as it has already been tested and proven pure.

Because God's Word is pure, it will also purify and preserve those who trust and obey its pure words. Earlier in this psalm, David said, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9). It could very well have been David’s own experience, for he confessed later that “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). He also testified, “I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word” (Psalm 119:101). The beauty of God’s holiness shines through every word of His Word. Those who walk in the light of His Word shall have the joy of walking in the beauty of His holiness. The pure Word of God shall keep us away from all defiling ways. So, let us love it as David did.

In Hebrews 3:12, churchgoers were forewarned, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

Everyone in the church is admonished to see to it that he has no evil heart. It is with brotherly love that such an admonition is given. The author of Hebrews addressed them as “brethren” to show that his admonition is given, not out of any hard feelings or distrust or jealousy, but rather out of a loving care for their spiritual safety.

What does “an evil heart of unbelief ” imply? It implies negligence and rejection of divine truths while pursuing sin. Such a heart would not submit to the claims of the Gospel of Christ. Indifference to the grace exhibited in the Gospel would be apparent. It would refuse the application of the Gospel truths to itself. That is the ultimate sign of unbelief. Just as it is by faith that a person receives Christ as his Saviour and Lord, it must also be asserted that it is a vivid manifestation of unbelief if one rejects Him. As submission to Christ’s righteousness is the greatest act of faith, rejection of His righteousness is conversely the greatest act of unbelief.

Some openly reject Christ and scorn His Word. Others do so secretly by merely paying lip service in their profession of faith. Their profession of faith is employed only as a cloak for their sins. While they claim to have given their hearts to Christ, they continue to yield themselves to hidden lusts lurking in their hearts. Their natural inclination is to sin, as sin reigns in them. It is impossible for unrestrained love for sin and faith in the Saviour to thrive in the same heart. While faith in Christ leads to sanctification, unbelief paves the way to more sins.

In an evil heart of unbelief, love for the world and for its pleasures, riches, honours always supersede the eternal things of God’s kingdom. In such a heart of unbelief, spiritual matters are deemed unworthy of its pursuit. Loss of material gain or comfort for Christ’s sake will not be tolerated, as it glories in the things of the world more than the things of Christ.

Such an evil, unbelieving heart will inevitably depart from the living God. Apostasy (or departure from God) first exists in one’s heart, and then is manifested in one’s life. Apostasy finally exposes the prideful, self-willed heart of an individual. Such departing from the living God is an immense evil and the greatest insult to God! It is the worst tragedy one can bring upon oneself. So brethren, be vigilant against the apostasy of your hearts.

]In Psalm 119:11, we read the confession of David which gives us understanding to the secret of His victorious life over sin – “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” This confession to the LORD reveals to us that he was very conscious of the possibility of being overpowered by temptation of sin. Temptation of sin is a terrible evil that lurks around every man to seek to destroy his testimony, peace and spiritual well-being. There is also a propensity in man to fall into this evil. So David sought for an effective precaution against sin. It was a very wise act by David to safeguard himself against sin. What a good desire it was to fight off sin!

Sin will weaken and degrade every man. Sin will ruin his nature, and destroy his happiness. We are all in danger of falling into it, especially if left to ourselves, and to our own ideas, inclinations and desires. We need to be ever on our guard. We must always be vigilant and pray for the Lord’s help to safeguard ourselves against sin’s assault.

David had found for himself an excellent precaution against sin in the Word of God. By its very nature, the Word of God is a counter-remedy against sin. Because it is God’s revelation of His truth and wisdom, it promotes holiness and prevents sin. It is the source of everything good and holy, which equips us to stand against sin.

Like David, we must hide God’s Word in our hearts. Having a copy of the Bible or occasionally listening to its preaching is not enough. We must lay it upon our hearts. It must be allowed to cast its light upon our desires, passions, motives and ambitions. If we give it the most prominent place in our hearts, it will teach us what is holy and acceptable to God, and thus will fortify our resolve against every sin.

God’s Word hidden in our hearts will alert us to sins’ stealthy invasions. If we know God’s Word well, we will be able to recognise those things that God abhors and detests. It will not only reveal what God’s will concerning us is, but will also expose the presence of sin. In fact, it will warn us before sin starts its assault. It will sound the alarm before rudes into our life – so we will have enough time to resist and thwart its attack. It will also teach us how to avoid sin and escape before it strikes. It will point us to the “secret” door of escape through which we may flee and be safe. God’s Word will also strengthen and steel our resolve in times of sin’s threats. So, let us hide God’s Word in our hearts like a sword in its sheath, ready to be drawn out at a moment’s notice to fight off sin’s attacks!

In Matthew 4:19, Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This verse records the words which the Lord Jesus spoke to Simon and Andrew. This special invitation by Jesus Christ was first extended to those fishermen of Galilee. He took great pleasure in those people who were at the lower strata of society and offered them what they could not have otherwise inherited. These words are full of invitation, incentives and promises. They are for the joyful contemplation and obedience of all who have trusted Christ, regardless of their social status.

Firstly, we notice that herein is a warm invitation from our gracious Lord. He gently beckons us, “Follow Me.” He is sure of the way, for He Himself is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). What a great honour it is for us to receive an invitation from the Son of God to follow Him all the way to His glorious heavenly abode...

Secondly, He beckons us to accept His leading and demands total commitment from us. We cannot be halfhearted followers if we are to be partakers of the blessings unto which He is leading us. We must give Him our absolute allegiance. He makes no other demand here except that we faithfully follow Him.

Thirdly, He assures us that He will not fail to lead us. The words “Follow Me” are very assuring, for they bespeak Christ’s role as our unfailing leader. He is ready to lead us all the way. He does not give us any notion that at some point in our lives, He would desert us.

Fourthly, He gives us a personal promise, “I will make you fishers of men.” Simon and Andrew were only familiar with mending and casting nets. How could men, who had only been accustomed to boats, nets and fishes, be at home in preaching sermons? How could men of the sea become men of the Word? Nothing is impossible with the Son of God. Just as He promised, He used those fishermen of Galilee to conquer the souls of the rich and poor, the kings and peasants, the scholars and barbarians from around the world. We know, with hindsight from biblical and world history, that they became great soul-winners just as Jesus has promised.

Are you brought low by a sense of your own unworthiness? Do you feel that you can never be useful to lead men to Christ? Do not doubt any more. Accept His call. Follow Him and His will. Then His wisdom and power will transform you to be a soul-winner for His kingdom!

Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). This is an immensely concise divine precept that applies to every word and action of a Christian. It is a succinct, yet comprehensive rule for a victorious Christian life. In any circumstance of life, it will serve as a golden rule for a God-honouring life. All of life’s scope is addressed with the words “whatever you do” and “in word or deed”.

Though the principle specifically mentions every word and deed, it also concerns our thought and motive. It presents to us the purest motive for every word and action – “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus”. If this motive would govern every speech and action, our life will be holy and acceptable to God. Only when we do all things in our Lord Jesus Christ’s name can we dispel selfishness and ungodliness from our conversations and activities.

The “name of the Lord Jesus” provides us with the blessed assurance that all matters of our relationship with God (i.e. worship and prayer) and all matters of our daily activities, are acceptable and pleasing to God. Living our lives in Christ’s name will grant us the confidence that the Lord is pleased with us, and that our ways will redound to His glory.

Let us also take note that “the name of the Lord Jesus” concerns His authority, His character, His truth, His will, His purposes, His pleasure and His glory. So living in accord with His name means to live in harmony with His revealed will, in subjection to His authority, and in dependence on His power. In other words, we are most concerned about His repute and glory. We will thus do nothing apart from His approval and blessing.

Let us also take note that “the name of the Lord Jesus” concerns His authority, His character, His truth, His will, His purposes, His pleasure and His glory. So living in accord with His name means to live in harmony with His revealed will, in subjection to His authority, and in dependence on His power. In other words, we are most concerned about His repute and glory. We will thus do nothing apart from His approval and blessing.

Youth Camp Testimonies (24th – 27th Dec 2014)

All praise and thanks be to God for this camp. Like a few other youth participants had shared in this camp, I also noted myself having grown lukewarm in my faith, and thus have been most refreshed by sitting at Christ’s feet and continuously feeding on God’s Word during the 4 days.

During the icebreakers, in the midst of my excessive excitement, I banged hard against my brother’s elbow and for the following 2 days, my nose was very painful. This minor hit was a striking reminder to conduct myself in a self-controlled and gentle manner, especially during the games.

I’m particularly grateful to be exhorted to seek constant spiritual growth; yes, it will assure myself of my salvation, but more importantly and wondrously, it will glorify my Heavenly Father

Through the second theme message, God has taught me that there are many areas of my spiritual life which I need to seriously take heed of; I must beware of relying on my personal strength to overcome tripping obstacles and reach greater heights. Praise the Lord for His exceedingly, amazingly and bountifully plentiful ocean of grace, from which He provides for my growth. I pray that I will launch out into the deep and be “lost” in the depths of His infinite grace.

All glory to God.
In Christ,
Dorcas Koshy

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).

Through the message ‘Need for Spiritual Growth’, I learnt that if one is truly saved, spiritual growth must be present. I have not been walking close with the Lord and spiritual growth has been absent from my life. By God’s grace, through this youth camp, He has allowed me to see my depraved state. I felt so “tormented” at my malnourished spiritual state; yet thank God that through the very same grace, He reached out to me and I repented in my heart.

During the second message, Pastor asked us for words to describe God’s grace. “Marvellous”, “amazing” and “incredible” came up. But the one word that rang out to me was “undeserving”! Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Despite how wretched I was, God never forsook me and always called me back to Him. As fallen creatures, we really do not deserve His grace, mercy and love. And yet He continues to care for us and to teach us as we walk with Him.

I’ve also learnt that I should put aside all childish things and be spiritually mature, not to be like the seeds that fell by the wayside, on the stony ground or the thorny ground but rather, to be like the seeds sown on fertile land. As I continue to walk close with Him, I hope that I would keep growing like a blooming lotus flower, for His glory.

Love in Christ,
Abigail Tan

Praise God for a really blessed GYF camp. Thank God for all those who had laboured to make this camp a fruitful time of studying God’s Word concerning spiritual growth and hindrances.

I have learnt a lot of lessons, which helped to clear the uncertainties that I have regarding my spiritual walk with God. The verse that pricked me most, is 1 John 2:13 – ‘I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.’ I discovered I was still a “little child”, because I haven’t overcome the wicked one yet. This struck me because I thought that being in a Christian family, I knew a lot about the Bible.

Last year, I had some heart-searching struggles which unfortunately drew me away from God and good Christian fellowship. I thank God for the close fellowship all of us had during the camp, in games, singing of hymns, meals, etc. Oh, how wrong I was in thinking that if I avoided fellowship, then no one would know about my struggles and I could still continue projecting a good testimony. In fact, fellowship is the best medicine against spiritual dejection as we gather with true Christians and feast on God’s Word together!

Through this camp, the Lord slowly drew me back to Him and I pray that 2015 will be a year where I lean upon Him, no matter what happens along the way. I pray that I will be like a lotus, blooming brightly for Christ after pushing up through the dark waters. ‘But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen’ (2 Peter 3:18).

All glory be to our gracious Father in Heaven!
Duaine Kabingue

"God is love.” Though short, this sentence is a statement of eternal magnitude and significance. Never was more meaning encapsulated in so few words than in this short sentence – “God is love.” The Apostle John stated this truth twice in his first epistle (cf. 1 John 4:8, 16). The message of this short verse reverberates throughout the Bible!

Some clarifications, though, are necessary before any further elaboration of this glorious statement is attempted. When John wrote that “God is love”, he was not saying that “love” is the complete revelation of God. In fact, he has already written in the same epistle that “God is light” (1 John 1:5), which refers to God’s holy nature (cf. John 3:18–21; 1 John 1:5–10). So, love is not the only attribute that adequately describes God. God cannot be fully explained by one of His attributes alone. Love is not the only perception we ought to have of Him. Neither was the Apostle John implying that “love is God”. The emphasis of the saying, “God is love”, is that in God alone can one fully view what true love is, and only by His enablement can one have the power to express true love.

God is Boundless Love

The declaration that “God is love” not only reveals God as a loving God, but also portrays love as natural and essential to His divine glory. All of God’s will and all of His works are draped in His glorious love. In nature and essence, He is “God of love” (2 Corinthians 13:11).

God is perfect, and His love is perfect too. God is unfathomable, and hence His love is beyond our full grasp. But the knowledge that God is full of perfect and infinite love enables us to draw near to Him with full assurance of faith for pardon and redemption.

In this dark world of hatred, sin and sorrows, we have the assurance that a God of infinite love rules over all. Though we may not be able to reconcile all the cruelty and tragedies that occur around us, yet by exercising faith on this marvellous declaration, we can find consolation. In fact, amidst all the sadness, sin and sorrow, there is abundant evidence that God is love. Among all the manifestations of His love in this dark world, the gift of a Saviour is the greatest of all.

God Manifested His love through His Son

We can know God because His great love is manifested unto us. Immediately after making the assertion that “God is love”, the Apostle John wrote, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9-10). God’s love has sent the Son of God to bear all our sins so that we may know Him intimately.

How amazing it is that God should love vile mortals like us. Who can fully comprehend that the holy, eternal God would love ungrateful rebels such as we? What a great mystery and a grand miracle that divine love would send His only begotten Son into the world for us! If this is not love, what is then?

John says, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). God’s sending of His Son is so unusual and such an unprecedented expression of love that the apostle says, “Herein is love”. God loved the world so wonderfully, so amazingly and so incredibly that He sacrificed His only begotten Son as the ransom for the redemption of sinners. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

God’s Matchless Love

Being moved by the love of God manifested through Christ, the Apostle John exclaimed, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1a). John encourages us to contemplate the greatness of God’s love. He points us to God’s love as peculiar. It is an “out-of-this-world” kind of love. There is no act of love in this world that can ever be compared to God’s love that received us as His children, though we were once His enemies.

The apostle was so astonished at the greatness of God’s love that he wrote, “What manner of love”. The Greek words potapên agape, used by the apostle, point to both the quantity and quality of God’s love. Its length, breadth, depth and height are beyond description!

How can we ever describe the love of God that allows us to call Him, “Father!” There can be no higher expression of love than His adopting of us, reckless children as we are, as His own, now and forever. There can never be any greater act of love – even from God – than that which He has manifested through the sacrifice of His Son, so that we may be reconciled to Him as His children! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

He loved us, when we had no love for Him. He lovingly came to us, even when we had wandered away from Him. When we laid down in our sin, guilt and misery, His tender love sought to redeem us. When we were undeserving, ill-deserving, polluted and unclean, He stooped down in love to wash us from our sins with His sacred blood. While we were dead in trespasses, His love for us affixed Him on the cross to die that we might live forever through Him. He loved us, wretched sinful mortals, that we might live in heaven, live with God and live in eternal glory and blessedness with Him and through Him: O, what love has reached us here on earth!

Conclusion

All those who have tasted His love, in receiving the salvation by faith in Christ, must praise Him for His eternal love. When we remember how insignificant we are as creatures, and how ungrateful, rebellious and vile we have been as sinners, we may well be full of adoration and worship at His love which had adopted us into the holy family of God, so that we may be regarded and treated as the children of the Most High. The love of God that surpasses all finite conception will be the theme of adoring praises from multitudes that no man can number, for ever and ever. Moreover, we should declare His love to every creature, that others may also come to Him and rejoice in His love.

Even in this world of animosity, bitterness, violence and suffering, we have sufficient evidence to prove that He is benevolent. Let us always behold the cross where the love of God shines through the injustice, travesty and violence of human sin. The gruesome experiences of this earth tend to mask our perception that God is love. The full glory and meaning of His infinite love will be fully understood only when we reach heaven. In the meantime, let us hold on to the truth that God is love. Let us believe that He sincerely desires our good, and that what seems dark to us is designed for our welfare. Amidst all the sorrows and disappointments of the present life, let us be rest assured that our interests and our destiny are in the hands of the God of love.

There is none who is infinitely perfect in love as God. O, what astonishing goodness and condescension from the Almighty God towards us who believe on His Son. Indeed, God is love!