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The New Testament records how the Holy Spirit guided the early church to thrive in prayer. From the beginning of the New Testament Church, prayer was offered continuously - individually and collectively by the believers. Public prayers were common in the church of the apostolic era. In the Book of Acts itself, there are about 50 instances of prayer – both private and (mostly) public prayers.

Persistent prayers of the apostles and early believers played a major role in advancing the Gospel work and establishing churches in Israel, Asia Minor, Europe, and even to the ends of the earth. Through prayer, Christians persevered and progressed in their spiritual growth and established churches amid great opposition and persecution arising in most places.

Communal Prayer Gatherings

Right from the inception of the church, believers gathered to pray. Such gatherings of believers were regular and frequent. The following records in the Acts of the Apostles give evidence to the early believers’ commitment to collective prayers in the early churches. Some of those instances of communal prayers were pre-arranged, while others were spontaneous.

• “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren” (Acts 1:14).
• “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).
• “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour” (Acts 3:1).
• “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).
• “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).
• “Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost” (Acts 8:15).
• “… but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5).
• “… he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying” (Acts 12:12).
• “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted… And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away” (Acts 13:2-3).
• “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed” (Acts 14:23).
• “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made” (Acts 16:13).
• “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (Acts 16:25).
• “And it came to pass, as we went to prayer…” (Acts 16:16).
• “And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all” (Acts 20:36).
• “… we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed” (Acts 21:5).

The early believers met together to pray whenever and wherever they found it necessary. Having no church building, they met in homes which were large enough to accommodate their gatherings. They also met to pray in the temple and in synagogues until they were forbidden from those places by the Jewish authorities. On occasion, they would meet in public places, like riverbanks and the seashore, to pray. When in trouble, those who were together would pray, like Paul and Silas who prayed in their prison cell.

In all those instances of communal prayers, believers met with one accord to pray (cf. Acts 1:14; 2:42, 46-47; 4:24). They were all in harmony about what had been uttered to God in prayer. The ones who prayed articulated the thoughts of all who had gathered to pray. In their prayers, they praised God (cf. Acts 2:47; 3:8-9; 4:21; 27:35), submitted their petitions in conformity to the Scriptures (cf. Acts 4:24-29), prayed for the preachers of the Word (cf. Acts 4:29), asked for healing and strength for their persecuted and afflicted brethren (cf. Acts 4:30-31), and pleaded for the spiritual progress and protection of the believers and their works (cf. Acts 14:23, 26; 15:40; 20:32).

The New Testament also records the apostolic exhortations to the churches to get together to pray. The apostle Paul exhorted men to pray during believers’ gatherings, as well as for one another – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men… I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Timothy 2:1, 8). Paul encouraged the Roman Christians to strive together with him in prayer – “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me” (Romans 15:30). The apostle James exhorted Christians to engage in prayer for one another, when sickness afflicts them – “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). They were also told for whom they should not pray – “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it” (1 John 5:16).

Personal Times of Prayer

The apostles and the early Christians also spent time in personal prayers to God. They prayed at various times – morning, afternoon, evening, night. Some even fasted and prayed for several days. In their prayers, they worshipped God and prayed for themselves, others, and the Lord’s work. Following are a few examples of the many personal prayer times mentioned in the New Testament:

• At the time of his extreme physical pain, trauma and death, Stephen, who was stoned, called “upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:59-60).
• “But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up” (Acts 9:40).
• “A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always” (Acts 10:2).
• “On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour” (Acts 10:9).
• “And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God” (Acts 10:30-31).
• “Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy” (Philippians 1:4).
• “For what thanks can we render to God again for you, … night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?” (1 Thessalonians 3:9-10).

Whether it be communal or personal prayer, the believers were engaged in prayer happily and confidently – “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us; and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him” (1 John 5:14-15). They prayed on very many subjects, but always submitting to God’s will as revealed in His Word.

Let it be our joy to pray for one another in our communal and private prayers, for it is a privilege and duty which God’s Word teaches us for the edification of the body of Christ. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Date: 12 January

To:
Members and brethren of,
Calvary Kuching B-P Church
Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore
All GBPC’s mission churches (in Ethiopia, the Philippines, India and China)

On behalf of the Committee of Calvary Kuching Bible-Presbyterian Church (CKBPC) and the BOE of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church (GBPC), we greet you all in the blessed Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

We have the joy of announcing that by the Lord’s providence and leading, CKBPC and GBPC have come together in a spiritual and fraternal relationship with effect from 1 January 2021. With this union, GBPC will take on the complete oversight of CKBPC’s spiritual and administrative LEADERSHIP as one of GBPC’s mission churches. We are grateful in the Lord, that the BOE of Calvary Jaya BP Fellowship who previously provided this role joyously and well has confirmed their agreement.

We pray the Lord will be gracious to bless our two congregations as we co-labour and strive to extend and prosper the cause of the Gospel in Kuching, throughout Sarawak and beyond. Amen.

Bro. Jeremy Teo
Chairman, Committee
Calvary Kuching B-P Church

Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Chairman, BOE
Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church, Singapore

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Proposed Amendments to the Constitution Questions & Answers

Q1: Why is there a need for the amendments?
A1: The current Constitution was approved on 13 July 1995 and over the past 3 decades many significant events have taken place in our Church, the Bible-Presbyterian movement in Singapore, Christendom as a whole and society at large. The current Constitution, for our spiritual and administrative guidance needs to be amended to give legal standing for the reaffirmation of our Church’s beliefs and practices which are according to Scripture, and the approved doctrines and practices of the Westminster Confession of Faith and Presbyterianism, to confront the newer attacks against the Lord Jesus Christ, Scripture and its truths. The amendments are also meant to further strengthen the leadership of our Church by making provisions for more God-given, spiritually qualified and gifted men to serve as leaders of the Church.

Q2: What are these amendments?
A2. The proposed amendments may be categorised as: a) Restating certain paragraphs and sentences in the Constitution to clearly explain and support the unchanged Scriptural foundation of our beliefs and practices. Hence, additional Bible references are included; certain words and expressions are changed to firm up the church’s biblical beliefs and practices. In response to attacks from various quarters in the increasingly sin-tolerant world and alternate life style practices against the Lord Jesus and His teachings as recorded in the Bible, certain parts of the Constitution are re-stated to make our original and unchanged doctrinal position clear.

b) Following the Biblical teaching and aligning with the Presbyterian practices regarding Church leadership. The Bible is clear that the Church is to be ruled by elders - pastors (who are teaching elders) and ruling elders. Deacons render their invaluable services unto the Lord in supporting functions, rather than ruling. The present constraint of only nine Session members allowable is removed to enable more God-gifted men whom the Lord would be pleased to call to serve as elders, deacons and preachers in our growing Church and into the future. The requirements and roles of preachers are also clearly defined.

c) Updating relevant sections to align with the proposed amendments in a) and b) above, for example replacing the word “Session” with “BOE”, and necessary administrative updates, e.g. the change of official address.

Q3. What is the process involved in amending the Constitution?
A3. The proposed Amendments can only be adopted after the Registry of Societies (ROS), Singapore has approved them. The steps are:
1. Develop the first draft of the proposed “Revised Constitution of Gethsemane BPC, 2021” incorporating the propose amendments (completed by the Review Committee, comprising Pastor Koshy, Elder Francis Lee & Elder Mah)
2. Endorsement of the first draft, incorporating other changes by the BOE, GBPC (completed)
3. Endorsement of the first draft, incorporating other changes by the Session, GBPC (completed)
4. Communicate with members, GBPC (ongoing, to be completed by 5 Feb 2021)
5. Endorsement of the first draft, incorporating changes by members, GBPC (at the Extraordinary Congregational Meeting [ECM] on 6 Feb 2021)
6. File the first draft with ROS (to be done on 7 Feb 2021)
7. Receive reply from ROS (likely with questions and required changes)
8. Study (7) above, develop the second draft, incorporating agreed changes together with accompanying explanations to ROS for not accepting certain changes
9. Endorsement of the second draft by the BOE
10. Reply to ROS, with the second draft and accompanying explanations.
11. Tasks (7)-(10) continue, with the updated third, fourth, etc revision(s), till the final draft (as suggested by ROS and acceptable to the BOE) is achieved
12. Communicate with members, GBPC
13. File confirmed version with ROS for approval.
14. Receive approval from ROS for the “Revised Constitution of Gethsemane BPC, 2021”
15. Communicate to members, GBPC. (End of Project) s

As Christians, we ought to be a prayerful people. The Scriptures, both in the Old and New Testaments, teach us the importance of prayer—both by exhortation and example (cf. Deut. 4:29; Ps. 50:15; 91:15; Isa. 55:6; Jer. 33:3; Lk. 18:1; 1 Thess. 5:17; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:8; Jam. 5:13–16; 1 Jn. 5:16).

Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, taught about the necessity of prayer (cf. Lk. 18:1), the manner of prayer (Matt. 5:24; 6:16–18; 7:7; Mk. 11:24–26; 13:33; Jn. 15:7), and the benefits of prayer (Matt. 7:8–11; 21:22; 26:41; Lk. 21:36; Jn. 15:16). He also gave an illustration as to how we ought to pray (Matt. 6:9–15). Moreover, Jesus assured us of His presence when brethren meet to discuss and pray according to His counsels, about matters or problems that would arise in the church (Matt. 18:18–20).

Jesus is our supreme Example. He was in the habit of praying alone, with His disciples, and with others, whenever it was necessary or deemed fit to Him. Though He was full of grace and glory, truth and might, He humbly prayed. He prayed to praise the Father (Lk. 10:21; Jn. 11:41), to yield to the Father’s will (Lk. 22:42), and to seek the Father’s aid for Himself and the people around Him (Jn. 12:27; Lk.22:32; 23:34; Jn 17:9, 15).

We must emulate Christ’s example in our lives and ministries, that we may effectively fulfil the Father’s will concerning us. Here are some examples of Christ’s prayer patterns:

Christ prayed alone:

• “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mk. 1:35).
• “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed” (Lk. 5:16).
• “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God” (Lk. 6:12).
• “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not…” (Lk 22:31–32).
• Matthew 26:39–44 records Jesus’ praying in Gethsemane prior to His arrest and crucifixion (cf. Mk. 14:32–42).

Christ prayed with and for others

The following verses show us that Christ prayed while others were with Him.

• “And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him…” (Lk. 9:18).
• “And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (Lk. 11:1).
• “…he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering” (Lk. 9:28–29).
• John 17 records Christ’s pastoral prayer for His disciples (who were with Him), as well as for all the future believers (vv. 1–26).

Christ prayed in public before people who gathered around Him

• Jesus prayed before John the baptizer and others at His baptism—“Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened” (Lk. 3:21).
• Immediately after His upbraiding of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, Jesus prayed to His Father, which was meant to be heard by prospective believers—“I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight” (Matt. 11:25–26).
• Before the seventy who returned to Christ, He expressed His joy in the form of a prayer of praise and adoration, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him” (Lk. 10:21–22).
• Jesus “gave thanks” to God (eucharistéō—Mk 8:6; Jn. 6:11) and “blessed” (eulogéō—Matt 14:19; Mk. 6:41; 8:7; Lk. 9:16) before thousands of people as He was about to provide food for them.
• At the grave of Lazarus, before all gathered there, He prayed—“And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me” (Jn. 11:41–42).
• Before the Jews and Greeks who gathered around, Jesus prayed as his heart was troubled—“Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name” (Jn. 12:27–28a).
• From the cross, Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).

A note of clarification here. Jesus did warn against hypocrisy in prayer, especially against the public display of piety with long and ritualistic prayers. He said, “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matthew 6:5). Some overly-reactive believers have used this warning of Jesus as a reason to renounce all public prayer. But neither the Lord nor the Scriptures ever taught against praying in public. As shown above, Christ often prayed in the presence of His disciples and in public. The Scriptural records also abundantly show that many godly men of the Old and New Testaments prayed in public. Rather, what we all should avoid is praying hypocritically, whether public or private. It is not an outward display of piety that God desires, but our hearts’ humility, repentance, and faith.

(God willing, next week, we will look at the prayer pattern of the early New Testament Church.)

2020 was a year of changes! However, what has remained constant is the preaching of God’s Word in the Gethsemane Children Ministry (GCM). The Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS) is an annual event of the GCM during the school vacation for our children to be nourished in the Word of God and to reach out to their friends, both within and without the church of Christ. Despite being nearly hindered from ministering to children due to the invasion of the coronavirus worldwide, especially with the implementation of the “Circuit Breaker” in Singapore (April – June 2020), we are thankful that the LORD is good to us! “We were troubled on every side, yet not distressed . . . cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). We were able to adjust quickly and GCM went online, with technical support from our brethren. All glory be to God!

With 2 sessions of GCM meetings held every Saturday (11am and 2pm), we were led to the idea of running our 3-day DVBS online for 2020. When restrictions on physical gathering and studio recordings were eased, the GCM committee decided to hold DVBS in a hybrid manner both physically and virtually! Instead of hosting the event via Zoom from our homes, the event was hosted in BWMM Studio in Gethsemane Media Centre (GMC). In doing so, some local children were able to physically participate in the event while others joined virtually, especially those abroad!

The conventional programmes of our DVBS were tweaked to suit the live-interaction on Zoom’s platform, which included the singing of hymns and choruses, the preaching of God’s Word and an activity time. Each day had two sessions: the morning session was for younger children (P2 and below), whereas the afternoon session was for the older children (P3 to P6). We thank God for the wisdom to adapt and adjust according to the needs, and for brethren who willingly offered their service for the smooth running of DVBS 2020, whose theme was “Christ of the Bible”. The children were taught on 3 names of Christ in the Old Testament: “The Seed of the woman” (Genesis 3:15), “Shiloh” (Genesis 49:10) and “The Stone of Israel” (Genesis 49:24). God willing, for future DVBS, we will continue with the same theme and teach our children more names of Christ from the Law of Moses.

On behalf of the committee, I would also like to thank the respective parents for their unstinting support and cooperation in sending their child(ren) to GMC on time for the morning and afternoon sessions over the 3 days (16-18 December) of DVBS.

Jesus had said, “Suffer (allow) the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). I thank the LORD for sending us participants from near and far, (locally and globally). More than 50 children joined us in total! This is truly the goodness of the LORD upon our church and her endeavours to propagate the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ! Included herewith are some testimonies from the participants:

Testimonies from Children

Thaddeus, child of a regular worshipper since CB
I enjoyed the singing most. God is so good to me and I am saved. Jesus is my Saviour. I also enjoyed the Bible lessons. Thank you, Brother Cornelius and Aunty Luan Kheng!

Johan & Hannah
Thank God for allowing us to join this year’s DVBS. Even though we were not able to join together physically, we thank God for online-DVBS. Teacher Cornelius taught us from the Book of Genesis, on the topic: “Christ of the Bible”. In three days, we learned 4 names of Jesus Christ from Genesis – her Seed, Shiloh, Shepherd and Stone of Israel. Secondly, thank God for all the efforts of GCM committee to teach us the Word of God. We pray to God that many children will be blessed by the GCM. All glory to God. Amen.

Esther and Naomi (Cebu City, the Philippines)
I praise God that my sister and I were given this opportunity to join the DVBS 2020 – through Zoom. We thank God for the blessed and fruitful time spent together with children all over the world, learning and growing in the faith of the Lord. I pray that as we grow older, we may be able to keep in mind all the lessons that we have learned in DVBS 2020. All glory be unto Him!

Ryan Skariah
Thank God for the opportunity to attend DVBS 2020 – live at GMC. During the lessons, I learnt about Christ of The Bible. Thank God for giving Pr Kelvin the wisdom to teach us and nurture us in His wisdom. During the messages, I learned about “the Seed of the woman” mentioned in Genesis 3:15, the “Shiloh” mentioned in Genesis 49:10, and “the Stone of Israel” mentioned in Genesis 49:24, which are clear references to Jesus Christ. It is so wonderful to know that the promise of a Saviour is prophesied clearly in the first book of the Bible. Praise God also for all the singspiration leaders, for Aunty Luan Kheng who never failed to remind us to be attentive to the messages, for the AV crew who made sure that the programme could be brought to those at home, as well as for the games-leader, Bro Amoz. All glory be to God!

Annabelle
I thank God for the opportunity to learn God’s Word in the online Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS). Although I would have liked to attend it at GMC, I enjoyed all the online sessions. The DVBS’ theme was “Christ of the Bible”. I learnt the different names of Christ in the Bible.

Things I learnt during Brother Cornelius’ sessions:
1. There are names of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament - “Her Seed” in Genesis 3:15; “Shiloh” in Genesis 49:10; “Stone of Israel” in Genesis 49:24.
2. Jacob had many sons, and one of them is Judah, whom Jacob gave special blessings (in Genesis 49) - he shall: a) be praised; b) produce mighty warriors; c) be linked to “Lion of Judah”; and d) receive a sceptre and a crown.

Things I learnt in Preacher Kelvin’s sessions:
1. The Stone of Israel refers to Jesus Christ.
2. He does not come from the line of Joseph.
3. If you are heavy laden or weary in spirit, Jesus said, “Come unto me, and I will give you rest.”

I like the teaching of God’s Word. I also liked the activities and games that were conducted. May God help me to learn God’s words well so that He can use me to serve Him in time to come.

Testimony from Combined Retreat of GYF and GYAF

Tan Yeh Wen
I thank God for overseeing the smooth conduct of the Retreat and for His Hand of protection over us. Truly, by His grace, not only were the respective participants able to meet in GMC over 2 days, but the live stream over YouTube and prayer meeting over Zoom were also smoothly executed. Thank God for His enabling grace upon all who laboured, for the participants, as well as for the planning committee (for their patience and forbearance), in the light of the many changes that have happened. Surely, we are weak, but He is strong.

Thank God for empowering Pastor Koshy and Bro Cornelius in ministering to us – for the challenges and rebukes which I have received through the messages – as well as for Pr Kelvin and Sis Abigail in ministering to the children. The divine commissioning and appointment of leaders into the church leadership instil in my heart a great sense of reverential fear – this is not for man to appoint on his own, nor for any to foolishly appoint another. The Lord’s working must be seen in that man through his inner calling and its manifested evidence. Without this, no man can enter into the church leadership, regardless of his physical gifts or position in society. It is then foolishness to claim to be called but yet manifest no evidence, and thereby go against the Scriptural order.

Thank God also for the lessons on the expectations of church leadership, namely stewardship, stedfastness, studiousness, stainlessness, stout-heartedness, flexibility, and teamwork / cooperation. Are not these also expected of consecrated Christians? That we are to be servants of the Lord in all humility; that we are to walk and remain in His way; that we are to be like the noble Bereans searching the Scriptures; that we are to abstain from all appearances of evil; that we are to be strong in the Lord, holding faith and a good conscience; that we are to be able to bear one another’s burdens, seeing we are members of the same body; that we are to build up one another in the faith, supporting one another’s service in the Lord, and to esteem others better than ourselves – these too are some of the qualities which we as Christians should strive to have according to the Word. Surely, these are not qualities confined only to leaders; rather, these are what we should all aspire to have a part in.

I thank God for the instructions on how to read the Bible as well, and how to derive lessons from the truth written in the Word better. In particular, the lesson on John 21:1-14, where we were taught not to be distracted from what the Lord has called us to do, but to remain firm regarding what He has instructed through His Word. There are many things which may seem innocuous in my life (including entertainment), but if that should distract me from the things which the Lord has called me to do, then what does it profit me? Better to part with these things than to have my service hindered.

Truly, praise be to the Lord alone, who has richly showered us with many spiritual blessings over the 2 days, in a time when a famine of the Word is clearly seen. But the sacrifice of the lips, even thanksgiving, will not be accepted except the heart be first consecrated to God, and wholly devoted to Him. May God be merciful unto us, lest we heard God’s voice clearly but yet perceived it not, neither laid it in our heart nor manifested it in our lives. Let the Word which has been so clearly expounded take deep root in every heart instead, and may God be pleased to cause it to bear much fruit in Him in His good time. God be gracious unto us to grant us a God-fearing church leadership, and that every member of the church may offer up spiritual sacrifices, as commanded by the Scriptures.

Jesus Christ is the firm and steadfast rock of foundation for our life of faith. Insecurity and anxiety plague those who fail to always exercise their trust in Him. However, Christians can prevent spiritual failures in their lives and attain a triumphant Christian life if they maintain faith in Christ, their great Saviour and Shepherd – "and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4b).

I think of the apostle Peter as an illustration. On one occasion, while Peter was walking on water towards Christ, he noticed the boisterous wind and began to sink. Fear and dread gripped him. Jesus rescued him, but with a rebuke: "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" (cf. Matthew 14:23-31). But there was a later event in his life in which Jesus taught him what it was to be rock solid in faith. Jesus had asked whom the disciples thought He was, and Peter had answered, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (cf. Matt. 16:15–18).

Many people have understood these words to mean that Jesus was going to build His church upon Peter. The Roman Catholic Church has interpreted Jesus' words as a promise that Peter would become the first pope, and that the church would be built on Peter and his successors. We rather understand Jesus' words as referring not to Peter himself but to Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and argue that the church is to be built on this confessional foundation.

Peter's own words in 1 Peter 2:4–8 provide us with his understanding of the above words of Christ to him. He insists that the Rock upon which the church or any individual Christian is to build is Jesus Christ.

"To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed."

Peter's insistence is that Christ is the Rock upon which His people are built up as a church. There is no suggestion whatsoever that he is the rock. In the light of those words of Peter, we can say that Peter (which means "a little stone") wanted us to know Christ Himself is the Rock upon which He builds His church. Peter learned that Jesus is the only possible foundation for a sure and stable Christian life. Peter had biblical grounds for understanding Jesus' teaching this way. He indicated it by three Old Testament quotations.

First, Isaiah 28:16. The prophet Isaiah spoke of God “lay[ing] in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation". Peter also emphasised that "he that believeth on him shall not be confounded" (1 Peter 2:6). Everyone, who lives by faith on Christ and His Word, will be built up together as a spiritual temple God.

Second, Psalm 118:22. Jesus applied Psalm 118:22 to himself during his earthly ministry, so Peter had learned to interpret the verse as Jesus did (cf. 1 Peter 2:7). Jesus told a parable about a householder who leased his vineyard to some husbandmen (or farmers). They tried to take over the field for themselves, eventually killing the owner's son, who had been sent to them to collect the profits. Jesus then asked, "When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?" His hearers correctly answered Him that "He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons." Jesus then applied it to Himself by quoting from Psalm 118:22, "Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" (cf. Matt. 21:33–42; Acts 4:11). By this parable, Jesus was teaching that God is the owner of the vineyard. The leaders of Israel were the evil tenant farmers. The servants were the prophets, and the son who was killed was Jesus Christ Himself. Therefore, Christ is also the stone, rejected by the builders, who was to become the capstone (the head of the corner) of true biblical religion. Christ alone is the only sure foundation for His people.

Third, Isaiah 8:14. By using Isaiah 8:14, Peter added the thought of stumbling to the initial idea of rejection of Christ – "a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed" (1 Peter 2:8). Peter also warned that rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ, God's anointed Messiah, had a disastrous consequence, i.e. to fall spiritually or be lost forever.

Dear Gethsemaneans, may every one of us be strong in our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. Then we shall be like a house well-built on a strong foundation of rock. And it shall be said of us, that "the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock" (Matthew 7:25).

Testimonies from Combined Retreat of GYF and GYAF

Ruben Skariah
I would like to praise and thank God for the opportunity to attend the combined retreat of GYF and GYAF. During the retreat, I have learnt many precious lessons from the 4 theme messages and 2 morning devotions. Through the morning devotions on the theme, “Offering Spiritual Sacrifices”, taught by Bro Cornelius, I learnt about 4 sacrifices that we need to offer:

(1) I need to offer the sacrifice of my lips through praise and thanksgiving – “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
(2) I need to offer the sacrifice of prayer. We are duty-bound to offer up prayers as our daily obligation as priests.
(3) I should offer the sacrifices of repentance and righteousness – “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD” (Psalm 4:5). In order for us sinful men to have our spiritual sacrifices accepted by God, we need to first repent of our sins.
(4) Finally, the sacrifice of ourselves for others. I need to pour out my life to be spent for the service of the faith of others.
Through the theme messages on “What Should the Church Leadership Be?” taught by Pastor, I learnt that church leadership consists of divinely designed offices, and men whom God has commissioned to those offices. Hence, leadership in the church ought to be a divine appointment, which is preceded by biblical evidence, and in line with biblical expectations.

I am grateful to God for the fellowship with both youths and young adults that I had during the lunch and dinner breaks. I also thank God for the Bible Reading session on John 21:1-14, which has taught me to read the Bible with more understanding. May God help me to delight in His Word, and grow in faith. All glory to God!

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Joey Peh
Truly, thank God for the recent combined YAF-YF Retreat on 25 and 26 December 2020, where the truths about church leadership were clearly expounded.

It was an illuminating study, especially the section on having an intense spiritual desire for the work. “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). The burden to preach was so strong that the apostle Paul described it as being “pressed in the spirit” (Acts 18:5) by a constraining force (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:14).

I also praise the LORD for the morning devotions on "Offering Spiritual Sacrifices". In particular, Philippians 2:17-18, “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me”, struck me. The joy bubbling from those who minister and those who are ministered unto—merging as one ceaseless river of praise—is a wonderful sight to behold.

May God stir all His children to serve with gladness, and to receive the service rendered by others in the same body of Christ with much thanksgiving.

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Judy Lim
I am very grateful to God for the combined retreat of GYF and GYAF. I thank God for granting our church leaders the perseverance in feeding us with God’s Word amid challenging times, and for the brethren who labour much in planning and making the camp possible.

I learned from the morning devotions that God does not desire “burnt offering and sin offering” (Psalm 40:6), but He delights in “a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1), “a broken and a contrite heart” (Psalm 51:17), and “the sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15).

Pastor taught us that God designs church leadership, and every member in the leadership is under His direct supervision. We were taught that a godly leader should serve the Lord “with all humility of mind” (Acts 20:19) and possess Christ-like qualities.

The apostle Paul exhorts, “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). So, may we respond to our divine calling and continue the good work that the Lord has started in Gethsemane!