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Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b).

“In the World Ye Shall Have Tribulation”

No Christian is fully shielded from troubles. Jesus says plainly, “In the world ye shall have tribulation”. Jesus has not promised His followers a life totally free from sorrows, poverty, toil, sickness, slander, persecution or any of the common ills of mankind. Instead, He promises every follower a “cross”.

You are not promised the admiration of the unbelieving world. In fact, you should not expect or accept much favour from the world. Worldly people will not gather around to admire our piety or our devotion to the Lord. They may like a Christian in return for some favours from him, but they cannot love him for being a Christian. If the world does end up admiring and supporting a Christian, it may be either because it has made a mistake about him or the Christian has compromised!

Beware of the “kiss of Judas” with which Christ was betrayed, and with which you will be betrayed, unless you are well on your guard. In and from the world, ye shall have tribulation. When the world appears to love you, understand that it is in effect “hating” you more cordially than ever, but is carefully baiting its trap to catch you and ruin you. John cautioned us, “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you” (1 John 3:13). It is no surprise that the world hates Christians because it hates their Master. Jesus said, “The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil” (John 7:7); “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). The world’s hatred for and opposition to Christians are a reflection of its prince’s hatred for Christ and His beloved ones. The enmity between the “seed of the serpent” and the “seed of the woman” still continues. Make no mistake, the serpent’s nature has not changed. He is a vile deceiver and destroyer still. As soon as he sees in you a devotion to Christ and His truth, he hates you passionately.

We are all born into a measure of troubles. Now after being born again, we are introduced to a second set of tribulations. From the kingdom of this world whereof Satan is lord, Christ tells us we must expect fierce opposition and contend against it victoriously if we are to enter into everlasting rest.

Some Christians may have been enjoying a life of comfort and prosperity. Like Job, they may also have been increasing in riches and dwelling at ease with a “hedge” about them. They may be thinking that they have no tribulation to bear. But may such Christians be forewarned that when the devil turns against them, great may be their trials!

Unfortunately, many a Christian has grown very fond of the world. If we have no troubles in this world, we would become too comfortable with this world of sin. So through trials, the Lord “stirs up” our worldly tabernacle, that we may remember this world is not our eternal home. He allows trials to come our way that we may realise we are not of this world, but pilgrims here on earth. Soon we must be up and away to that “glorious land”. When tribulations in this world arrive, let our thoughts and desires be turned towards the heavenly city of our God. Thanks be to God for the tribulation which shakes our thoughts out of things on the earth and directs them towards things above!

“But Be of Good Cheer”

To comfort all His beloved ones who are troubled in this world, the great Conqueror of the world says, “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Remembering Jesus as the overcomer of the world will help us to be cheerful even in afflictions.

Our Lord was an overcomer both in life and death. No adversity was strong enough to distract Him from accomplishing all that His Father had appointed Him to do. Nothing could overcome Him, but He overcame them all.

If you take time to study our Lord’s life while He was on this earth, you will see that He was a victor in all circumstances. A deep calm always pervaded His spirit, whether it was in the face of men’s approbation or censure. He never lost His self-control. Nothing could frustrate Him that He might fail to perform His assignments perfectly to His Father‘s pleasure. He conquered all circumstances and did everything perfectly. To hold Him in our view through our life’s journey is indeed a wonderful experience.

Our Lord also overcame the world by His fearlessness of the world’s elite men. When the Pharisees, who had no regard for Him, confronted Him with sneer and disgust, He declared God’s truth, rebuking and refuting them. Like a true Master, He outwitted them with His wise answers and actions. Their opposition could only prove that He is all-powerful and all-wise. Even the threats of Pilate the governor, could not intimidate Him. He remained calm and unperturbed when He was tried by Pilate. Even in death, He was a victor, for He ministered divine comfort and hope to the repenting criminal who was crucified beside Him. Finally, He overcame death and grave in His resurrection. Thus, He has defeated our last enemy, even death!

Since the Lord Jesus has tasted the severity of earthly tribulations and also the exultation of victory, we can trust Him to give us cheer in this hostile world. He understands the agony of our sufferings. He knows what it means to be rejected by people. He empathises with all our problems, because He has experienced them. Now as an overcomer of every tribulation that He has faced, He assures us that if we follow His Word, we can “be of good cheer”.

Jesus wants us not to give up our resolve to live for God’s glory. Even as He had not neglected the work that His Father had given Him to do while He was on earth, despite being rejected and afflicted, we should also press forward. He wants us to set our eyes upon Him and follow His example.

We must look to Him not only as an example in overcoming our trials, but also as our strength and help to overcome our afflictions. He is able to see us through, for He is our victorious Captain. So, by trusting in Him, let’s persevere; He will see us through.

If we lose sight of our victorious Lord in our tribulations, we will lose heart. We need to remember that it is His desire that we have joy even in our tribulations. He is neither ignorant nor inactive in our problems. He is with us, and He is actively at work through our afflictions and problems in making us better and happier Christians.

So let’s persevere, and don’t let our hearts be invaded by sorrows and fears. The problems are there to test our mettle and spirit in following Jesus. Fear not the troubles, for our Lord has walked that way ahead of us. Keep your steps behind Him, trusting and obeying Jesus through your troubles. Remember that as you endure, you are following the One who has overcome the tribulation of this world. If you keep your trust in Him, you can be of good cheer, because victory through Christ is in sight.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Hebrews 12:2-3).

Greetings to you and the whole congregation in our Lord’s blessed name!

It has been quite some time since I last communicated. The past four months have been both trying and enriching. Despite the various challenges we have been experiencing, God’s mercy has been sufficiently bestowed upon us and His work that is committed to our trust. We are aware of and thankful for your constant prayers. I want to share some of the major blessings God has poured upon His work these past months.

1.   GBI Classes

By God’s blessing and guidance, fifteen new full-time students (13 men and 2 ladies) joined GBI when the new year’s term commenced on September 22, 2014. Now we are conducting three classes: one for the new students (15), one for the seniors (3), and one for the part-time students (4) coming in the evening. By God’s enabling grace, we are able to take the additional workload. What a joy to see young men and women from different parts of Ethiopia coming to study His Word and receive sound biblical training for the work of the ministry! Nothing is as rewarding as investing our lives in the training of these called ones. Praise God for the great part that you have in this work! Pray that this “mustard seed” will grow to bring mighty spiritual blessings to our land.

Out of the 18 full-time students, 15 are supported by our church. Each month, we spend about USD350 for their support. The trainees are very thankful to God for the golden opportunity they got in receiving biblically sound instruction and training in GBI. Pray that God may add more called ones in the years to come, and also mightily provide for the needs of His work.

2.   Gethsemane Children’s Ministry

God has strengthened us to start Gethsemane Children’s Ministry to reach out to children of the poor and disadvantaged in the community around our church at Alem Gena. We now have 13 such children coming to learn how to read and write. Sister Gete is carrying the full load of the teaching work. She is being assisted by a volunteer named Sisay. We are praying that God may provide more godly men and women to help in this ministry.

3.   Drilling of Borehole

Executing the drilling project has been a trying one. The first round of bidding, done in mid-July, was fraught with problems. The contractor who initially won the bid could not take the job because of some issues with the renewal of his permit. We then started to negotiate with the contractor of the next best bid in line. After a month of negotiations, however, when that contractor was not willing to reduce the price, we decided to call for a second round of bidding. This time, by God’s mercy, we obtained a reasonable quotation of Ethiopian Birr 449,981.25 for drilling a borehole to a depth of 150 metres. We hired a qualified geologist to supervise the work at Birr 20,000. The contractor has begun the work on Thursday, and the work is progressing well. God willing, the work will be completed in one month’s time. Praise God for His mercy and provision!

4.   Church Ministries

The Lord has been sustaining and blessing His work both in Addis Ababa and Alem Gena. Attendance in both congregations is slowly growing through new people who confess their faith in Christ. All those who serve are committed to give their best to the service of the LORD. God willing, we are praying to start one mission station in the suburb of Addis Ababa, through one of our students who will finish his studies in March 2015.

The vehicles which the Lord has provided are working well and in good condition. We bless the Lord for all His benefits. Thank God for enabling me to pass both the theory and practical exams for my driving licence. Although I failed the practical exam in the first round, God helped me in the second round which I took just last Saturday. Now, I am waiting for the issue of the licence. Incidentally, Dn Imane Dola has also started to take driving lessons. Pray that God will prosper his efforts too.

“Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered” (Psalm 40:5).

Once again, I would like to praise God and express my deepest gratitude for all the works of love you have been doing in supporting God’s work here in Ethiopia. May the LORD bless you mightily! Please convey our greetings and gratitude to God’s people.

Yours in Christ,
Rev Ephrem Chiracho
On behalf of Gethsemane BPC and GBI Ethiopia

Last Thursday, there was a news report regarding the “killing of a Christian couple who were beaten and pushed into a burning kiln in eastern Pakistan.”(http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/06/world/asia/pakistan-couple-slain/index.html). The following day, CNN reported such comments as: “It is an indescribable tragedy that Christianity is now under such threat in the Middle East, an area where Christians have lived for 2,000 years. . .” Yet another report says: “(Christianity) remains the most persecuted faith in the world.” (http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/05/world/europe/uk-prince-charlesreligion/index.html).

Upon reading such reports of unrelenting persecutions and killings of Christians around the world, my mind was filled with the words of Paul in Romans 8:35-37: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

His Love Makes Persecuted Christians Conquerors

Indeed, Christians are conquerors. In fact, v.37 declares that Christians are “more than conquerors”. This is truly a comforting message to Christians, for they live in a hostile world. Though they would face extreme hostilities, their faith shall not be quenched because the Word of God assures them that they shall be “more than conquerors”!

Paul has in vv.35-36 written about the steadfastness of God’s love for believers in the face of hostility: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter”. Yet, Christians will be enabled to overcome sin, Satan, the world, temptations, reproaches, afflictions, persecutions, and thereby continue in their faith. The devil will trouble their souls with temptations and trials. Many Christians will suffer great afflictions. But they shall abide in their faith, love and service through thick and thin. In fact, they shall be “more than conquerors”.

Just what did the apostle mean when he referred to Christians as “more than conquerors”? He meant that they are winning a sweeping, overwhelming victory. The emphasis made here by the apostle is that in the midst of all the myriads of hostile experiences – yes, even by means of them and with their “help” – Christians shall show that they are more than conquerors!

They overcome their innumerable troubles, not by their own strength, but through the Lord Jesus Christ who loves them. The ability to triumph over all adversity does not arise from any inherent superiority of believers, but rather, by the might of their loving Saviour, they will overcome their adversities. His love for them is the pledge of His help for them to be great overcomers.

Christ’s steadfast love will strengthen and enable us to endure affliction. Special favour of His love will strengthen us. We shall overcome all our afflictions, not by our natural powers, but by the special blessings of our Saviour’s love.

His Power Empowers His Afflicted

Yet another familiar verse comes to my mind that encourages every afflicted Christian: “ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9b).

Paul was buffeted by the messenger of Satan and afflicted with what he referred to as “a thorn in the flesh”. The Lord, who found it necessary that the trouble should remain in Paul’s life, assured him of His grace which was sufficient to strengthen and equip him to serve the Lord effectively. The Lord’s assurance that His grace was sufficient to support and strengthen Paul in his trial, made

him a happy minister of the Gospel. So he joyfully confessed, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Because of the glorious promise of the Lord’s sufficient and strengthening grace, Paul refused to be perturbed by his trial. Instead of being preoccupied with the trial, he committed himself to delight in the grace of the Lord that was made available to him. He was in effect saying, “I count it my joy to be afflicted, if my trial will be the means to know the power of my great Redeemer.” Paul rejoiced that his weakness became the vehicle by which the Lord’s grace and power were most fully manifested to himself and to others. When the devil inflicted him with weakness and pain, the Lord “perfected his strength” in the midst of his weakness. It seems that Paul was saying that his weakness plus Christ’s power equals perfect power. Paul was not relying on his own strength, for he was full of weakness. He was most powerful when he was least reliant on his own resources and most reliant on the Lord’s grace and power.

Self-reliance, which is the result of pride, is detrimental to our spiritual joy. So it is to prevent the possibility of pride in Paul that the Lord permitted his trial. We should not, therefore, be bitter when afflictions are permitted in our lives. Only when we are totally emptied of ourselves, will our strength be perfected with Christ’s glorious power. Very often, the continuing weakness in Christians is necessary so that they might not confuse the power of God with their own power, and lose God’s power by attempting to rely on themselves.

Like Paul, in order that you may be vessels of Christ’s glorious power, be glad to suffer the trials He would permit. If you are in the midst of trials, rejoice that His power shall rest (pitch a tent) in you. His power will keep your faith intact, and let you magnify Him against Satan’s evil devices.

God calls all His elect unto salvation, and so we can say that every Christian is called of God. This we read in Romans 8:30 – “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” This call of God comes to God’s elect through the preaching of the Gospel and as the Holy Spirit works in their hearts to convict and convert – “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:14; cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:5).

Besides, every Christian also has a calling from the Lord to serve Him (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:22; Romans 6:28; 12:11). For this purpose, the Lord has equipped every Christian with at least one spiritual gift (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:7- 11; Romans 12:6-8). Hence, all Christians are urged to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58b).

Though all Christians are called to serve the Lord, some Christians are specially called by the Lord to serve as pastors, teachers, missionaries or other full-time workers of the church. This calling into the full-time ministry is also referred to by some as God’s call unto vocational ministry.

The Scriptures teach us through the life and ministry of God’s servants that an absolute conviction of a divine call into the ministry is a necessity for those who serve Him in various ministries of the church. To help us understand God’s call into the ministry, the Spirit of God scrupulously recorded in the Scriptures, the Apostle Paul’s deep conviction of his divine calling to be an apostle and preacher of the Gospel.

Paul wrote: “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1). The words, “called to be an apostle”, are very significant because they affirm Paul’s apostleship as divinely ordained. He did not take it up himself but he was called and appointed by God to that office.

In his epistles, Paul asserted his calling in various ways. He insisted unashamedly that it is “by the will of God” or “by the commandment of God” that he is an apostle of Jesus Christ (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; I Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1). There was not a tinge of doubt in his heart that his ministry as an apostle of the church was commissioned by the Lord. So, he wrote in Galatians 1:1 - “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)”.

Even the designations that he used for himself in his customary introductions were a further proof of his deep sense of the divine call he had received to serve God full-time. Consider these designations: “Apostle of Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Col. 1:1; I Tim. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1; Tit. 1:1); “Minister of Jesus Christ” (Rom. 15:16); “Servant of Jesus Christ” (Rom. 1:1; Phil. 1:1). Truly, Paul saw himself as a man appointed by Christ to do His work. He understood that his commitment was, first and foremost, to Christ, and thus always acted in obedience to the One who had called him into the ministry.

An abiding conviction about his call to the ministry filled Paul’s heart, and it is seen in all his epistles. Paul’s preaching was always characterized by a fresh awareness of the divine call he had received.

Such unswerving conviction about his call to the ministry fashioned him to be a single-minded, devoted, enthusiastic minister of the Gospel. In all circumstances, whether convivial or hostile, preaching the Gospel was Paul’s singular passion. Even when he was bound in chains, he looked for opportunities to preach the Word. So, in Ephesians 6:19-20, he wrote, “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

From Paul, we must learn that the work of the ministry is too difficult and too demanding for any man to enter without a deep sense of divine calling and appointment. Only a man with an unshakeable persuasion that God has called and commissioned him for a task, can be successful in the ministry. Such an understanding of God’s call into the ministry rejects any notion of a self-assumed office in the work of the church. It also prohibits Christians from appointing those who are not called by God into the ministry of the church.

Let us also take note that it is those who are unsure of a definite call from God who leave the ministry, whereas those who are fully persuaded of their divine call and appointment will remain responsible and effective, even in the midst of many adversities.

Has God called you into the ministry? If you are called, your answers to the following questions will be “yes!”

• Do you sense an inward call of God through His Word?
• Do you yearn to be in the service of the Lord?
• Is your desire (or burden) so great that you are prepared to leave your profession to be wholly dedicated to the work of the Lord?
• Is your heart ready to toil assiduously to offer an excellent service to the Lord?
• Do you see yourself as never leaving the ministry for worldly gain but persevering in it?

Proverbs 10:2a cautions us that “treasures of wickedness profit nothing”. This warning is more pertinent than ever before. Countries, organizations and individuals who once advocated and promoted a morally upright way of life and who also flourished economically, today appear to have lost their determination and mettle to continue in the same perspective about life. In the name of economic security and progress, immorality and destructive lifestyles are accommodated everywhere. This tolerance of an immoral lifestyle for economic reasons will not bring any true gain, according to the Bible.

“Treasures”

The Hebrew word for “treasures” (owtsar) refers to wealth and possessions. “Treasures” are often mentioned as God’s gift and as His reward to His servants. The Bible promises “treasures” to those who will love God and live by His Word. Proverbs 15:6a says, “In the house of the righteous is much treasure.” Likewise, Proverbs 21:20 affirms that “there is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise”. Therefore, treasure or wealth is not evil in itself.

However, if wealth is regarded above all other matters of life, especially spiritual and moral principles and duties, it becomes an evil thing. So Scripture says, “Labour not to be rich” (Proverbs 23:4). It is a great evil to give pre-eminence to affluence and prosperity. Scripture also warns, “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him” (Proverbs 28:22). So let it be our conviction that “Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich” (Proverbs 28:6)!

“Treasures of Wickedness”

“Treasures of wickedness” refers to ill-gotten wealth. Greed and covetousness lead man to earn money through all kinds of unjust, deceptive, violent, sensual and cruel methods. “Treasures of wickedness” are the fruits of selfish desires.

That kind of wealth which men get unjustly will do them no good, because God will blast it. Proverbs 22:16 says that there is one that “oppresseth the poor to increase his riches”. There are also those who borrow much to appear rich (cf. Proverbs 13:7a), thus making themselves enslaved to worry and work.

Proverbs 13:11 talks about “wealth gotten by vanity”. It is referring to wealth gotten through greedy and wicked means; such will prove to be of no lasting value. James 5:1-5 speaks of such wealth gained through vain means — “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.”

“Treasures of Wickedness Profiteth Nothing”

“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.” This rancid wealth rots the heart of the one who gets it and it cannot save him from his ultimate demise. Righteousness, however, is a far more precious treasure. This righteousness of the Eternal God, this gift given to us by grace through faith, is greater than the limits of our mortality and powerful enough to redeem our souls from death.

“Treasures of wickedness” may dazzle, and may furnish a greedy heart with gratification. The treasures of wicked people – even the treasures which they have acquired through wicked or ungodly means – will profit nothing, no matter how safely they are laid up. They will neither profit the soul nor the body. They will not secure any true comfort or happiness. Instead, such treasures, gained through wicked means, will bring much trouble and sorrow!

Dear readers, keep yourselves away from every ungodly and filthy place set up to provide jobs and businesses. The money they offer may be huge and very attractive, but do not forget the warnings of God’s Word. Working in such places can destroy yourselves, your families, friends and even others in the society. It is better to be poor and pure than wealthy and filthy.

In last Sunday’s pastoral exhortation, I have briefly discussed the prevailing sexual immorality of our modern-day society. I would like to continue with the article by presenting to you some of the important Scriptural reasons and advice for avoiding sexual sins.

Scriptural Reasons for Avoidance

Sexual sins distort the purpose of God concerning Christians’ bodies: 1 Corinthians 6:13-14 says, “Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.”

Believers’ bodies, according to God’s design and purposes, are not just for biological functions. It is also for the Lord (cf. verse 13). Verse 14 reminds us that our bodies are not only for the service of the Lord in this world, but also for the heaven to come. God will raise our bodies one day as glorified or heavenly bodies to serve Him for ever and ever in that sinless world. Since our bodies are for the Lord forever, we must not pervert their purpose by polluting them with sexual sins.

Sexual sins desecrate the spiritual body of the Lord: 1 Corinthians 6:15- 17 records, “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.”

Believers’ bodies are not only for the Lord’s service, but are also inseparable members of His own body. Romans 12:5 says, “So we, being many, are one body in Christ.” So, for Christians to commit sexual sins is to use a part of Christ’s body to commit immorality. Because sexual relationship involves a union, the Christian who commits adultery or fornication joins Christ’s members with the members of a harlot. What an abomination to corrupt the Lord’s holiness by such association!

Sexual sins damage Christians’ bodies: 1 Corinthians 6:18 warns, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” Paul is saying that sexual sins are more destructive to the body than any other sin. From the experiences of many, we know that sexual immorality not only brings horrendous diseases, but also can drive one to suicide.

Sexual sins desecrate the temple of the Spirit: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 admonishes, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” The bodies of Christians have been made the temple of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit rejoices in indwelling and sanctifying our bodies to be a glorious temple for Him. But sexual sins will instead desecrate the bodies that are consecrated. Sexual sins, in other words, are sacrilegious!

Scriptural Advice for Prevention

Refrain from flirtatious comments and gestures: Godly wisdom advises us to be kept and delivered “from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead” (Proverbs 2:16-18; cf. Proverbs 7:5, 21), as well as “from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids” (Proverbs 6:24-25).

Guard your eyes and ways: Scripture, in no uncertain terms, warns us in Proverbs 7:6-21 of the ruin that befalls an unrestrained man who allows himself to sink deep into sexual immorality. This description is given that we may avoid such situation at all costs. “For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, and beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: and, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: he hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.”

Avoid places of temptation. During courtship, young couples must not be alone in quiet places whereby they may be tempted to sin. Married people must be deliberate in not developing close or intimate friendships with people of the opposite sex.

Remind yourself of severe consequences: Scripture further warns us in Proverbs 7:22-23 of the serious consequences of sexual sins. “He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.” Finally, do not ever forget Scripture’s unequivocal warning against the unrepentant of eternal judgment (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; cf. Galatians 5:19-21)!

Notes of Thanks and Appreciation...

Dear Bible Witness team,

We have been richly blessed by the articles in the Bible Witness magazine, and we wish to express our heartfelt and sincere thanks with a small love gift (enclosed in this letter).

The Bible Witness magazine is a rare find. There are not many periodicals/magazines that we know of which provide readers with good, sound doctrine, based on fundamental interpretation of the Bible. The Bible Witness magazine is one of them - and it is our hope that this work will go on from strength to strength. I hope that my children will be able to also enjoy and benefit from reading it (when they grow up in about 10 years’ time), so it is my prayer that the Lord will sustain and prosper your ministry in the years ahead.

May the Lord bless you all!

In Christ,

Adrian & Carolyn Ho

Dear Pastor Koshy,

We must inform you that we are so thrilled to read the section devoted to children in your church weekly.

In the previous churches that we attended and visited, including our own church, this does not even exist. The emphasis on dedicating a section on Scripture for children could not be more important, for each child is as important and valuable as each adult member. We are sure the children in GBPC look forward to their Scripture section of your weekly. Like parents in GBPC, we are glad to see that children are not left out. Praise GOD.

We have decided to collect a year’s issues to bind into a booklet form, to present to our 2 grandchildren in Hong Kong. We are certain they will love to read and learn from your GBPC weeklies.

Thank you for your devotion to all the children.

With joy in Christ,
Church Visitors

Blatant promotion of immodesty and open display of carnal affection in public are increasing day by day. In these days, pornographic images and movies are made available with little resistance; and even children view them with ease. Sexually explicit music is also common. Extramarital sexual activity is regarded as normal. Sexual immorality is like an unstoppable plague of our time, corrupting and destroying individuals and families.

A recent report in our country’s leading newspaper, The Straits Times, is appalling:

“One in two teenagers here has watched or read sexually explicit materials, a poll has found, with some as young as seven when they were first exposed to it. And one in three admitted viewing pornography in the past year, whether intentional or accidental. The first large-scale survey here to examine children’s exposure to pornography, which polled 836 students aged 13 to 15, was conducted by Touch Cyber Wellness, the main agency that gives online safety talks in schools here. Experts say the findings are worrying as such content affects young people’s attitudes and behaviour towards love and sex, and may lead to sexual crimes.” (See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/half-teens-singapore-exposed-pornographysurvey-20140906#sthash.vEtap2VS.dpuf)

With such reports, we can easily discern the severity of the moral decay of our society. You do not have to be an expert to know how accepting our society is when it comes to promiscuity, both in thought and deed.

However, the Bible teaches us the avoidance of sexual sins. There is nothing better than prevention when it comes to sexual sins. If sexual sins occur, there can be severe consequences of various kinds. Most certainly, God will forgive those who repent of such sins. Nonetheless, the consequences of such an action can linger on for a long time. So the best is prevention.

One of the sad things about those who commit sexual sins is that they often live in serious denial about their sin. They believe that they will never get caught and somehow, life will continue to move towards a happily-ever-after ending. But let us take heed to the old saying, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

The Scriptures prescribe prevention

Our attitude towards scriptural admonitions and counsel should not be “when all else fail, read instructions”. Many often try to assemble or operate things that they buy even without taking a look at the manufacturer’s instruction manual. They only refer to it when they are in trouble. If we take such an attitude towards the biblical instructions given to us by our Great Creator, we will not be able to prevent many tragic and disastrous events. This is especially so with regard to sexual sins.

If you have carefully read the Scriptures to find out what God says about sexual sins, you will certainly realise that nowhere does He counsel us to try it once and then think of how to get out of it. On the contrary, the Scriptures repeatedly warn us not to engage in any sexual conduct outside marriage. It calls for total abstinence from sexual activities outside marriage.

“Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body” (1 Corinthians 6:13).

“Flee fornication” (1 Corinthians 6:18). “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22).

“. . . they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, . . .” (Acts 15:20).

“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints” (Ephesians 5:3).

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, . . .” (Colossians 3:5).

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4).

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

“For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries” (1 Peter 4:3).

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, . . . shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; cf. Galatians 5:19-21).

The Scriptures’ clear message to the unmarried is “Wait till you get married”; and to the married, “Don’t - with anyone other than your spouse.”

A New Campus Bible Study at SUTD

Andrew Koh

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof (Matthew 13:31, 32).

Thank God for another campus outreach which started on the 26th of September at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). Its purpose is twofold: to preach the Gospel to students studying at SUTD and to minister to the Christians there. Currently, there is a systematic study of the book of 1 Thessalonians every Friday evening starting at 7.45pm.

When this campus outreach began its first meeting, God brought 1 SUTD student, Bro Chris, to join the Bible study. We prayed for other SUTD students to join us so that more people can listen to God’s Word. During one Bible study session, we saw one of Chris’ friends, Yuliana Harijanto, sitting just outside the classroom where we were seated. She went there to find a quiet place to pray! It was indeed God’s providence at work. Seeing her outside the classroom, Chris invited her to join us and she agreed. Though we had just one more addition, thank God for a new participant!

There is another campus near SUTD where we hope to reach out to its students too. It is the campus of INSEAD, a business school. Both are within walking distance of each other. By God’s wonderful working, He has brought a Christian sister, Echo, who is currently studying at INSEAD to join our Bible study. In the days to come, may God be pleased to work through her to bring more students from INSEAD to join us.

The campus ministry at SUTD may have started small, like a mustard seed, but God can definitely give the increase. We just need to be faithful and recognize that this is the work of God. Do continue to pray for this ministry at SUTD. Thank God also for some of the youths from Gethsemane Youth Fellowship who came to encourage the Bible study on campuses of SUTD (Fridays @ 7.45pm) and NAFA (Wednesdays @ 6.30pm).

Is your mind made up before getting any counsel? Christians who are young in the faith may lack the necessary biblical knowledge to make certain decisions in life. This may be due to their lack of understanding concerning some biblical doctrines. When certain situations arise, they do not know what to do. They would usually ask more spiritually mature Christians for advice, as they genuinely want to know and do God’s will.

However, there are those who ask for counsel for the wrong reasons. Some, being driven by personal lusts, seek God’s help to gratify their desires. When they ask for counsel, they ask with the hope that the counsel they receive will be in line with their intentions. In other words, they have already decided on their course of action even though the counsel they seek might be different!

This all-too-familiar scenario in the church also happened during the time of the prophet Jeremiah. Certain individuals went to Jeremiah to seek counsel concerning God’s will but only to act contrariwise.

Acting before Asking for Counsel (Jer 41:17 - 42:1-3)

Judah was in ruins in the year 586 BC. The “terrible and dreadful” Babylonians (Habakkuk 1:7) destroyed the city of Jerusalem and burned down the Temple and all the houses of Jerusalem. They also carried off many people and the treasures of the Temple, leaving behind the poor ones (2 Kings 25:9-13). In the chaos that ensued, a man named Johanan took some of the Jews and “dwelt in the habitation of Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt” (Jeremiah 41:17).

He was already on the move to go into Egypt for fear of the Babylonians (Jeremiah 41:18). However, Johanan and the people still asked Jeremiah to show them God’s will concerning them so that they might act accordingly (Jeremiah 42:1-3).

Sadly, even today, there are some who seek counsel only after having taken steps towards a particular direction. Though such an action seems to be irrational, many are found making this mistake. For example, some, having established relationships with unbelievers, approach their preachers or elders to ascertain whether such relationships are okay. Some others proceed to make investments before praying earnestly about those matters. There are others who apply for jobs without considering whether those professions are God-honouring or not. They act before asking for or finding out God’s will. If a Christian is sincere in seeking spiritual counsel, he should not act before getting an answer from God.

Placing Self-gratification over Obedience (Jer 42:5-6)

Another characteristic of people who have made up their minds before asking for counsel is that their decisions are based on what is most pleasing to themselves. Such people tend to give only lip service to God. Johanan and the people professed that they would do all that the Lord said, whether they liked it or not (Jeremiah 42:5,6). Yet, Johanan and the people had already presumed that which would please them the most would be the best. They claimed that they would obey God so that His favour would be upon them. But in reality, they only wanted God to approve what they had decided beforehand as the best course of action. Being overwhelmed by fear of Nebuchadnezzar, they were only concerned about their own survival and safety, rather than doing God’s will.

When a person has decided on his own what pleases him the most, he will be very hesitant to obey God’s will. Although God’s will may at times not make sense to us, we just have to trust it to be our perfect guide. We just need to do what God requires of us. Our heavenly Father always knows what is the best for us. Therefore, it is better to pursue His will than follow what we think to be the best.

Levelling Blatant Accusations against Faithful Counsel (Jer 43:1-4)

Jeremiah gathered Johanan and the people after receiving an answer from God. He then made known to them that God wanted them to stay back in the land that God might build them up. God also encouraged them not to be afraid of King Nebuchadnezzar, as He had promised to be with them. A warning was also issued against Johanan and the people that if they were to flee to Egypt, they would die in Egypt and none of them would escape (Jeremiah 42:7-22).

When they realized that Jeremiah’s counsel was not in line with their plan, they turned against Jeremiah. They accused Jeremiah of lying. They also disputed that Jeremiah was sent by God to give such a message. They even charged Jeremiah for being involved in a conspiracy to deliver them into the hands of the Babylonians. Thereafter, Johanan and the rest of the people acted against “the voice of the LORD” (Jeremiah 43:1-4). Their self-pleasing attitude emboldened them to blatantly accuse God’s appointed servant.

Pastors and preachers are often attacked by self-seeking, disobedient people. Such people have no regard for God’s messengers. Neither do they reverence God’s Word. Oh, what tragic errors are found in those who made up their minds even before seeking spiritual counsel!

It Helps to Confirm Our Love for God and Fellow Men

Both in the Old and New Testaments, obedience of His commandments proved a person’s love for God (cf. Exodus 20:6; Deuteronomy 10:12, 13; Daniel 9:4; John 15:10, 14; 2 John 6). Jesus says to His followers, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

It must be emphasised that Jesus’ commandments did not exclude the Ten Commandments, for He said that He did not come to destroy but to fulfil the Law (cf. Matthew 5:17). The Lord Jesus Christ has taught us more than just the Ten Commandments, and not once did He refute or set it aside. Neither did Jesus teach His followers that it is alright to ignore or disobey the Decalogue. Instead, He taught them how to obey the Ten Commandments – by loving God with all their heart and strength, and by loving their neighbours as themselves.

In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus firmly asserted the importance of the Law when He was asked, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” His answer was not that the Law would be irrelevant from then onwards, but that “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Thus, Jesus taught us that we can fulfil the Moral Law by loving God and loving our neighbour.

Now ask yourself, in the light of the above teaching of Christ, whether a man can justly claim that he truly loves God and his fellow brethren, when he refuses to obey even one of the Ten Commandments.

The Apostle John reminds us, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (vv. 8-10).

Christ and the apostles clearly upheld the Decalogue as an expression of love for God and man. Hence, the commandments of God serve as a guide by which our love for God is given rich expression. They do not grant us salvation, but they provide those who are already saved by faith in Christ, the proper expression of a life that is filled with love for God and fellow men.

The Law of God is not antithetical to the love of God. God’s Law and His love are not opposing or conflicting spiritual realities. Instead, there is an immutable and unbreakable bond between them. The Law and love are two spiritual realities that God has joined, which no man should put asunder. True love does not promote lawlessness, but it promotes the fulfilling of His Law. James, in his epistle, explains this truth: “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty” (James 2:8-12).

It Shows and Guides Us in the Path of Righteousness

The Apostle Paul says, “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good” (Romans 7:12), and further asserts, “For we know that the law is spiritual” (Romans 7:14). Every one of the Ten Commandments is holy, just like its Giver, the Lord Himself. God gave them to command and to encourage holiness in His people.

The Decalogue is the holy will of God. It is spiritual, for it forbids spiritual wickedness (such as heart-murder and heart-adultery), and it commands spiritual service. It requires the heart to render worship to God with total devotion. It is God’s spiritual Law for all His people.

In Romans 7 and 8, Paul shows the importance of the Law in fighting off the onslaught of the flesh. In Romans 8:7, he mentioned that “the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God”. In fact, he had already explained in Romans 7 that the sinful or fleshly nature within him is overcome by his inward commitment to the Law of God. He said, “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man” (Romans 7:22). He also “thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord” in Romans 7:25, that “with the mind I myself serve the law of God” as he faced the temptation of the flesh to serve “the law of sin”.

If the Law of God had been Paul’s help in the fight against the flesh, we should also adhere to the Law with the help of the Holy Spirit to fight against the fleshly desires of our body. “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:4).

The Moral Law, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, gives evidence to our conscience and the actual nature of our sanctification. When the Spirit helps us to compare our thoughts and actions with the Law, we will be able to discern whether we are growing towards the perfection that God requires in our practical living. Hence as a standard of holiness set by God, the Law, in the hand of the Holy Spirit, functions as an unerring guide in our pursuit of holiness.

Conclusion

The Law of God is relevant and important to Christians. In fact, God’s people of the new covenant will have the Law written in their hearts. “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people” (Hebrews 8:10). Though the new covenant is specifically focused on Israel (cf. Jeremiah 31:31), it is clear that Christians of the present time also stand under its blessings (cf. Romans 11:13-27). Assuredly, this perception does not lead to confusion between Israel and the Church, for under the new covenant, all believers are promised that God will “write” His “laws” in their hearts and minds. For all who know Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord, and have become partakers in this new covenant, the Law is not just something external (written on two stone tablets placed in the Ark of the Covenant), but an internal truth written in their hearts!

Matthew Henry rightly said, “The Law is still of use to convince us of what is past, and to direct us for the future; though we cannot be saved by it as a covenant, yet we own it, and submit to it, as a rule in the hand of the Mediator, subordinate to the Law of grace; and so, are so far from overthrowing that we establish the Law. Let those who deny the obligation of the Moral Law on believers consider this.”

So, are the Ten Commandments relevant today? Let us consider the words of Jesus Himself: “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19). Nothing can be clearer than that!

Annual Congregational Meeting

The ACM for the Financial Year 2014/2015 will be held today at 1.30pm.

The Annual Congregational Meeting (ACM) of Gethsemane B-P Church is held every year in the month of September. All Communicant Members are required to attend this meeting. The quorum needed for the ACM is one third of the total Communicant Members. During the ACM, the office-bearers of the Church Session shall report on the spiritual and temporal matters of the church, and also inform the church of the plans for the coming year...

Just as in all our meetings, let us also during the ACM conduct ourselves in an orderly and honourable manner worthy of a church that is called in Christ Jesus our Lord. Let us also pray for the office-bearers who will give reports of the church ministries and accounts.

Remember the following Scriptural advice on our conduct in the church.

• “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).
• “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:7-9).
• “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; ...not in strife and envying” (Romans 13:13).
• “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:26).

As we listen to the reports, we should not only examine whether the work of the church has been carried out faithfully, but also praise God for all things that have been done faithfully and effectively. Since we will also consider our plans for the coming year, let us also take this time to dedicate ourselves to serve Him as good stewards of His house.

Pangasinan Mission Update

The northern part of the Philippines, including Manila and Pangasinan, experienced two typhoons in one week. Together with the typhoons were heavy rains. Last Friday (2am onwards), the rain kept pouring non-stop for 30 hours. Most parts of northern Luzon, which include Pangasinan, were flooded. School and work were suspended. Some districts, including Dagupan City, have declared a state of calamity. But the Lord has preserved us in our mission station. We thank the Lord for sparing us the flood, though we experienced strong winds.

The church brethren have also experienced the loving Hand of God. They were very worried that their crops would be destroyed by the strong winds and possible flood. Now they are very thankful that the Lord has kept their rice fields intact. The river beside their houses and fields almost burst its banks. Thank God that they did not experience flooding. The weather for this week is very sunny which is favourable for the harvest season. God willing, the brethren will start to harvest from late this week until next week.

We thank God for safety, especially while I drove to fetch the brethren to and fro in the midst of heavy rain and typhoon last Sunday. Last Sunday’s worship service was attended by 14 adults and 8 children. Please pray that the worshippers in Pangasinan will consecrate their lives and follow God’s will. Please pray also for the Friday Bible Study and all our evangelistic efforts.

This Lord’s day, the children will have Scripture Memorization test. To encourage them to take it seriously, we have prepared token rewards for those who are outstanding students. We pray that our children and adults will strive to put Scripture in their heart.

In Christ,
Pr Donald dela Cruz

Thanksgiving for Provision of Vans

Dear Pastor,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I apologise for not sending you an email earlier. Upon my return after the Missionary Conference in Singapore, I had tried twice to send an email to you but for some reason they bounced back. However, I would like you to know that we keep you always in our prayers.

I also would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to all who have made it possible for us to purchase the two vans for our church ministries here in Ethiopia. Because of the van, I can now go from Addis Ababa to Alem Gena without all the problems that I used to face. It has helped me to avail myself to teach and preach even in Alem Gena. It gives us much relief from the long and wearisome journeying that we had to endure over the last three years. I cannot thank you all enough for your generous giving to the van fund, as well as for all your prayers and support. ALL GLORY BE TO OUR ALMIGHTY GOD!

Truly, even as we continue to reach out to the unsaved ones with the Gospel, God has been using you, brethren, in many ways to sustain the Gospel work here in Ethiopia.

Thank you also for the support extended to my family. God bless you and keep you for His glory. Amen.

Pr Engida Tefera

We are left with no room to debate or doubt the relevance of the Moral Law (i.e. the Ten Commandments or Decalogue) in the daily life of all who trust in Christ for salvation. We are clearly taught in the New Testament that faith in Christ does not nullify the relevance of the Law in the lives of Christians; rather, Christians are to give the Law the uncompromising place God has always intended and demanded in their lives.

While discussing the Law and justification, the Apostle Paul declared in Romans 3:31, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” Though the Law cannot justify us before God (cf. Romans 3:28) – for we are justified by faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ – the Law is still very relevant to our Christian walk. Faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ does not negate the relevance of the Law.

The following teachings of the New Testament further explain the perennial significance of the Ten Commandments in a Christian’s life.

It exposes the sin within us

Romans 3:20 says, “for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” When we bring our thoughts, words and actions under the light of the Law of God, it will show up our transgressions of His holy Law. The Apostle John teaches that “whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4).

Without the Law, man will remain unaware of his sins. In Romans 7:7, Paul elaborates this truth even further - “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” Furthermore, “without the law sin was dead” (Romans 7:8), and “where no law is, there is no transgression” (Romans 4:15). The Law awakens our souls to the presence of sin within us. In other words, without the light of the Law, the ugliness of the stains of sins will remain unnoticed in the darkened souls of men.

If the Law of God is not preached and applied in the lives of the people, sins will abound even in Christian congregations. Antinomian (doing away with the law) tendencies will take deep root in individuals, families and communities. Where the Law of God is not preached, there will be no conviction of sins and no crying out, “Who shall save me from this life of sin?”

It convicts man of his condemned state before God

Romans 3:19 says, “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”

The ministry of the Law is to stop anyone who dares to speak of himself as righteous by holding him guilty before the holiness of God. No one can argue in his own defence that he is not under sin and God’s wrath. As the Law holds up God’s holy standards, it also shows that the whole world is guilty before God.

To the guilty world, it proclaims God’s just wrath. In Romans 4:15, Paul wrote that “the law worketh wrath”. The same truth is also found in 1 Corinthians 15:56 – “The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.” The righteous Law of God declares to every man not only his sin, but also his condemnation, even eternal death. Thus the Law urges sinners to run to the Saviour for eternal life.

It functions as a schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ

The Moral Law not only convicts sinners of their sins and warns about their eternal condemnation; it also points them to Christ, the Saviour. Galatians 3:24 declares, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” The Law never distracts us from Christ, it only leads us to Him. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Romans 10:4).

The Law clearly tells every man that he cannot be justified through the Law. While talking about our justification before God, the Apostle Paul said, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Galatians 2:16). Paul then continued, “For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God” (Galatians 2:19). In other words, when a man seeks to be justified through the Law, he finds himself under death, being condemned by the Law for his many transgressions. He is then led to believe on Christ, that he might live unto God. The Law points mankind to Christ, because He alone has fulfilled all the righteousness of the Law (cf. Matthew 5:17), that we might be imputed with His righteousness. Moreover, Christ also has borne the curse of the Law for our sin and died on the cross. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Galatians 3:13).

Jesus did not come to this world apart from the Law, but fully in submission to all its requirements. This is so that He might fulfil not only all its righteousness on our behalf, but also to take away its curse that was upon us. Paul wrote, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Galatians 4:4- 5). In Romans 8, Paul reiterated, “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (vv. 3-4). Therefore, we can most assuredly say that the Law does not divert us from Christ, for it draws us inexorably towards Him. Neither does Christ do away with the Law, for He has affirmed and fulfilled the righteousness of the Law.

(to be continued next week)