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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!

This year, the world was gripped with the fear of sickness and death. We have heard and read about millions falling sick and dying around the world. Just before the world was gripped by Covid-19, I had to endure the sudden departure of my only brother (younger by about two years). It was sudden. I am sure some of my readers also experienced the grief of death in their families or friendship circles.

As we are approaching the end of another year, we have no certainty whether we will live to the end of the next year. Will death come and remove us from this earth soon? No one can tell for sure. We had better be prepared for the end of our journey on earth.

I would like to share with you the perspectives of the devout Anglican bishop J. C. Ryle (1816–1900) on preparing for death by living well. The following article is the concluding section of his chapter on “Sickness” in his book, “Practical Religion”.

“Sickness” by J. C. Ryle

I conclude with a word of exhortation to all believers, which I heartily pray God to impress upon their souls. I exhort you to keep up a habit of close communion with Christ, and never to be afraid of "going too far" in your religion. Remember this, if you wish to have "great peace" in your times of sickness.

I observe with regret, a tendency in some quarters to lower the standard of practical Christianity, and to denounce what are called "extreme views" about a Christian's daily walk in life. I remark with pain, that even religious people will sometimes look coldly on those who withdraw from worldly society, and will censure them as "exclusive, narrow-minded, illiberal, uncharitable, sour-spirited," and the like. I warn every believer in Christ who reads this paper to beware of being influenced by such censures. I entreat him, if he needs light in the valley of death, to "keep himself unspotted from the world," to "follow the Lord fully," and to walk very closely with God (James 1:27; Num. 14:24).

I believe that the lack of "thoroughness" about many people's Christianity is one secret of their little comfort, both in health and sickness. I believe that the "half-and-half, keep-in-with everybody" religion, which satisfies many in the present day, is offensive to God, and sows thorns in dying pillows, which hundreds never discover until too late. I believe that the weakness and feebleness of such a religion never comes out so much, as it does upon a sick bed.

If you and I want "strong consolation" in our time of need, we must not be content with a bare union with Christ (Hebrews 6:18). We must seek to know something of heart-felt, experimental communion with Him. Never, never let us forget, that "union" is one thing, and "communion" another. Thousands, I fear, who know what "union" with Christ is, know little of "communion".

The day may come when after a long fight with disease, we shall feel that medicine can do no more, and that nothing remains but to die. Friends will be standing by, unable to help us. Hearing, eyesight, even the power of praying, will be fast failing us. The world and its shadows will be melting beneath our feet. Eternity, with its realities, will be looming large before our minds.

What shall support us in that trying hour? What shall enable us to feel, “I fear no evil” (Psalm 23:4)? Nothing, nothing can do it but close communion with Christ. Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith—Christ putting His right arm under our heads—Christ felt to be sitting by our side—Christ can alone give us the complete victory in the last struggle.

Let us…
Cleave to Christ more closely,
Love Him more heartily,
Live to Him more thoroughly,
Copy Him more exactly,
Confess Him more boldly,
Follow Him more fully.

Religion like this will always bring its own reward. Worldly people may laugh at it. Weak brethren may think it extreme. But it will wear well. At even time it will bring us light. In sickness it will bring us peace. In the world to come it will give us a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

The time is short. The fashion of this world passeth away. A few more sicknesses, and all will be over. A few more funerals, and our own funeral will take place. A few more storms and tossings, and we shall be safe in harbour. We travel towards a world where there is no more sickness—where parting, and pain, and crying, and mourning, are done with for evermore.

Heaven is becoming every year more full, and earth more empty. The friends ahead are becoming more numerous than the friends astern. “Yet a little time and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Heb. 10:37). In His presence shall be fulness of joy. Christ shall wipe away all tears from His people’s eyes. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is Death. But he shall be destroyed. Death himself shall one day die (Rev. 20:14).

In the meantime let us live the life of faith in the Son of God. Let us lean all our weight on Christ, and rejoice in the thought that He lives for evermore. Yes: blessed be God! Christ lives, though we may die. Christ lives, though friends and families are carried to the grave. He lives who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light by the Gospel.
He lives who said, “O death, I will be thy plagues: O grave, I will be thy destruction” (Hos. 13:14). He lives who will one day change our vile body, and make it like unto His glorious body. In sickness and in health, in life and in death, let us lean confidently on Him. Surely we ought to say daily with one of old, “Blessed be God for Jesus Christ!”

We have the great pleasure of receiving new members (including infants), 28 in all, to the congregation of Gethsemane B-P Church. In a time when many of our traditional evangelistic and ministerial avenues were hindered due to the COVID-19 lockdown, the Lord had mercy to use our continual efforts to preach the Word, through online ministries and small gatherings and visitations, to keep the “Gospel door” open. Unexpected opportunities which the Lord’s good providence has opened before us, helped to bring about an increase in attendance with regard to our ministries. Truly, “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

It is important that present and new members of the church understand our individual and collective calling from God for our existence and functioning as a faithful and fruitful church of the Lord Jesus Christ. So, I urge you to consider and pursue the following biblical truths concerning our calling as a church.

Church: God’s ‘Called-Out’ People

Church is a group of people whom God has called and assembled as His people through Jesus Christ. This truth is expressed in Paul’s first epistle to the church in Corinth – “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Corinthians 1:2; cf. Romans 1:7).

Only when members of the church are aware of their call of God and passionately pursue that calling will the church be able to fulfil its calling. Members’ understanding and obedient response to the call of God are paramount to the church’s faithful and effective functioning for the glory of God.

The church is called to belong to God:

The biblical depiction, “church of God” (1 Cor. 1:2; cf. Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 10:32; 11:22; 15:9; 2 Cor. 1:1; Gal. 1:13; and 1 Tim. 3:5), denotes that every local church – like those in Corinth, Ephesus and Galatia – belongs to God. God owns the church, having purchased it for Himself with the blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 20:28). He has given the Headship of the church to His Son, Jesus Christ, who has given His life for her redemption for God’s glory. Paul wrote about the church in Rome that they were "the called of Jesus Christ" (Romans 1:6). So, no one should ever lord over the church, but Christ. It is not an institution or organisation that should be controlled and directed by human ideologies and fancies which are contrary to God’s revealed purposes in His Word. The church belongs to the LORD God, hence it is referred to as “the house of God” in 1 Timothy 3:15.

The church is called to be an assembly of saints:

The church (in Greek, ekklesia – “the called out ones”) is formed by those whom God has called out of the darkness of sin and the world, to be an assembly of holy people. That is why Paul explicitly speaks of the members of the church that they “are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints” (1 Corinthians 1:2b; cf. Roman 1:7). The word “sanctified” (hagiazo) means “to be separated from profane things and be dedicated to God for His use”. It is in Christ that we are sanctified from sin unto God. Christ cleanses us from our sins by His blood and imputes His righteousness to us, that we may be separated from sin unto God for His service. Scripture says, "we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:10). In Ephesians 5:25-26, Paul said, “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”

Paul also mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:2 about the congregation of Corinth that they were “called to be saints”. Being sanctified or separated from sin, the members of the church are “to be saints”. The calling of the church is to function as a congregation of saints. The church and its members are summoned by God to live a life of holiness in this wicked world. No organisation or group of people on earth is endowed with a holy calling, but the church and its members. Any member of the church who lives in worldliness and sin without genuine repentance defies God’s call and corrupts His purpose for His church. So, let us cease from every sin and live a holy life that pleases our blessed Master, who loved us and gave His life for our sanctification. Nothing weakens the church as much as the sin of its people. Thus, we must separate ourselves from sin and falsehood. Scripture reminds us again in 1 Thessalonians 4:7 – "For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." The Lord has “saved us, and called us with an holy calling” (2 Timothy 1:9). So, let us walk in holiness, in obedience to the calling we have received from the Lord.

The church is also called unto His fellowship:

As much as the church of God is called to be saints, it is also “called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). Likewise, the apostle John wrote: “truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3). Our fellowship (or partnership) with Christ, the Son of God, must determine every fellowship we have with people or organisations. Our fellowship within the church must also be based upon Christ. In other words, we should not enter into a relationship or fellowship that would dishonour or hinder our fellowship with the Son of God. John warned us: “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1 John 1:6). Paul also reminded us in Ephesians 5:10-11, "Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." Every church member ought to examine himself to see whether his fellowship with Christ is growing more affectionate and profound, or whether it is hindered by sins and worldly friendships and activities.

The effectiveness of a church is very much dependent on the strength of its members’ fellowship with Christ. If church members abide in Christ, the church will be a fruitful one. The stronger its relationship with Christ, the greater is the impact of the church as a witness to the world!

The church is called to be one united people:

In 1 Corinthians 1:24, we read: “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” God has called both Jews and Greeks alike, that they may have Christ as their power and wisdom. In the church, everyone, regardless of ethnic or national diversity, has the same spiritual inheritance. In Christ, every man, whether Jew or Greek, is called to partake of the divine provision of power and wisdom. All believers share in the same spiritual inheritance. Therefore, there is no reason why any true believer should feel that he is less privileged or more privileged than others. We are all joint-heirs with Christ! In Romans 8:17, Paul wrote: “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.” Let us therefore regard one another in the church with mutual respect and love. Let us not despise, but esteem one another, and thus keep our unity in Christ for God’s glory.

In 1 Corinthians 7:17-24, Paul dealt with members of the church who were from different classes of society, and taught them how they should live as Christians though God’s providential appointments for them in society vary. He wrote: “But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God” (1 Corinthians 7:17- 24). Even though Christians are all one in Christ, each believer should remain in the same calling which the Lord has providentially allotted to him. Jewish believers should not try to become Gentiles (by erasing the physical mark of the covenant), and Gentiles should not try to become Jews (by being circumcised).

A Christian’s past religious, racial or social background and his present vocation are of little consequence in his spiritual relationship with Christ. If the vocational status of a Christian can improve, well and good; if it does not, it is not a matter of concern. What matters is that every Christian should realise that he is Christ’s slave and needs to render obedience to Him. Every vocation then becomes Christian service performed for the Master (cf. Ephesians 6:5-8). A Christian can then live in peace in his calling to whatever earthly vocation, and carry it out as one responsible to God.

In the church, members must hold one another in high esteem (Philippians 2:3; cf. Romans 12:10). No church can prosper if it is not united by mutual love and respect. Selfishness and pride will ruin the church, but a sacrificial spirit and humility will promote its unity and strength. So, may all church members take heed of Paul’s advice in Ephesians 4:3-4, “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.” Paul also reminded us, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

Every Christian, who publicly testifies of the calling he has received from the LORD to enter into the full-time service of the church, has a holy obligation to be unwaveringly and wholly committed to the works that the Lord will give to him in the church. His desire to serve the Lord in the church must be all-pervasive; and nothing should be allowed to interfere with his obligations in the work of the church.

The apostle Paul’s words to Timothy, who received the Lord’s calling, are emphatic concerning the undivided attention he ought to give to do the Lord’s work: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:3-4).

A full-time church worker, whom God has called into His glorious work, has the solemn duty to be loyal, dedicated like a soldier. Firstly, he must endure all kinds of hardships which he would encounter in the service of the Lord, that he may faithfully and efficiently carry out God’s work. He must be prepared to endure long hours of work (even deprivation of sleep), challenging conditions, rough treatment, loneliness, hunger, thirst, etc. If he is singleminded in his employment in the church to accomplish the maximum for the Lord’s kingdom, he will be enabled to be an overcomer of all his afflictions. Then he will be able to serve the Lord undeterred by his trials.

Secondly, the full-time church worker’s soldier-like attitude would mean that his devotion to his God-given areas of service would be full and total. A soldier in active service is totally dedicated to his nation’s army 24 hours a day, every day of the year. His health, his skills, his time are pledged to the military in which he serves. His life – all that he is — no longer accepts other pursuits of life as he has yielded himself wholly for the service of his nation’s army. A soldier can be recalled to duty from leave at any time, without notice and for any reason. His allegiance and his dedication are so complete that he is expected to put his very life on the line without question or hesitation!

Albert Barns, a commentator, while commenting on Paul’s statement that “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life”, wrote as follows: “This is always a condition in becoming a soldier. He gives up his own business during the time for which he is enlisted and devotes himself to the service of his country. The farmer leaves his plough, and the mechanic his shop, and the merchant his store, and the student his books, and the lawyer his files, and the doctor his clinic; and neither of them expect to pursue these things while engaged in the service of their country. It would be wholly impracticable to carry on the plans of a campaign if each one of these classes should undertake to pursue his profession. So with the ministers of the gospel. It is equally improper for them to ‘entangle’ themselves with the secular business, with plans of speculation and gain, and with any purpose of worldly aggrandizement. The minister of the gospel accomplishes the design of his appointment only when he can say in sincerity, that he is not entangled with the affairs of this life.”

Every good soldier of Jesus Christ will abandon all forms of secular commitments that will distract and impede his undivided attention in fulfilling his duties. Hence, a church worker should not take on anything that will distract him from his total devotion to the Lord’s calling. He must reject all matters that are irrelevant to the Christian ministry. Extraneous undertakings would divert his attention and diminish his contribution to the work of the LORD. He who allows himself to be entangled with secular pursuits is unworthy to be a soldier of the Lord’s kingdom. He who claims to be called to full-time service should not allow anything to hinder his usefulness and achievements in the work of the Lord. A faithful servant of the Lord will be sincere and fervent in the Lord’s work. He will not merely do his minimum duty for his Lord, but rather serves Him with all that he is and with everything that he has.

When Jesus called His apostles, they left their secular professions ultimately to pursue the Lord’s calling. In Matthew 4:18–22, we read of their total abandonment of their earthly career: “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him” (cf. Matt 9:9; Mk 1:16-20; 2:14; Lk 5:27-28).

Pursuing secular employment, business or projects, trying to earn more money, will impede the church worker’s focus on the Lord’s work. Christ warned His apostles against such conduct. He said, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:13). A church worker who is entangled in the pursuit of material gain is indeed in an unholy alliance. If he does not repent from his material pursuit immediately and turn to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, his departure from the work of the Lord is inevitable!

Church workers who openly or secretly pursue material gain will fail to give their very best to the Lord. Worse still, they will be bad examples of faith and commitment, and be unreliable and unsteady people in the work of the Lord. Their fellow workers cannot count on them when their presence and help are most needed. Neither will they be responsible and reliable co-workers. The apostle Paul wrote about a man named Demas who once co-laboured with him but eventually abandoned him – “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world…” (2 Timothy 4:10). Sad to say, many churches and servants of God have been troubled by pastors, preachers and church workers who became distracted from the purpose of the full-time service when they began to pursue financially profitable business and enterprises!

Why would a man, who claims to have the calling and assurance from the Lord to serve Him full-time, turn again to the secular world and engage in business with it? No matter how difficult life may be, he who is called to the Lord’s work must press on with faith, patience and prayer! Let everyone who has already entered the full-time service, and anyone who desires to enter the ministry consider the words of the Lord Jesus in Luke 9:62, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Let all the workers of the church take heed not to be misled by “the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches”, which will make one unfruitful (cf. Matt 13:22).

Let us all, who have entered the full-time service of the Lord in the church, cultivate the right thinking and attitude necessary to offer our utmost and the best for the high calling that we received from Him. Like Paul, let us say, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). Let us commit our needs and struggles to our God who “is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Nothing is more important for His servants than pleasing Him who has chosen us to be a soldier. Every servant of the Lord looks forward eagerly to the rewards that Christ will give to all His faithful and loyal servants.