God’s Word exhorts us in Philippians 2:14, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings".

In the communion and service of the church, believers are dissuaded from engaging in two evils, namely murmuring and disputing. The apostle Paul is concerned about some who engage in spiritual activities with murmuring and disputing. In other words, they practise religion without sincerity and joy. When God-given duties are done with murmuring and a disgruntled spirit, such service will be unacceptable. So, all Christians must guard themselves against such evil conduct. Both of those sins must be abhorred and avoided, if our services are to be effective and helpful.

True religion is never merely external observance of duties. Hence Paul admonished, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings". All our activities must be rendered cheerfully and willingly. Everything that God has given us to do must be carried out with enthusiasm and readiness. Whether one does God’s work alone or with others, one must perform it with a genuine spirit of compliance to His will, coupled with diligence.

Some murmur against God and His servants, like the Israelites in the wilderness when experiencing a time of scarcity. In Numbers 11:4-6, we read about them: "And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes" (cf. Exodus 15:24; 16:7-9). Others murmur because they are discontented with and envious of the godly men and women whom God uses (cf. Numbers 14:1-4; 16:41; Mark 14:5). There are yet others who murmur because of their unbelief and their bigoted desire to spread their sedition (cf. Luke 15:2; Jude 1:16).

The spirit of murmuring is perilous. God’s Word cautions us, "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer" (1 Corinthians 10:10). Murmuring is often the result of envy, discontentment, bitterness, pride and unbelief. It results in numerous evil deeds, such as gossip, backbiting, slander, usurping of authority, defiance, sedition, dissension and schism. Murmuring is not just a dispute with man, but also with God! So, serve the Lord without any murmur or dispute.

Mission Report from Pr Donald dela Cruz (Pangasinan, the Philippines)

Dear Pastor Koshy,

I praise the Lord for opening another Bible study group. We ministered God’s Word in Dalumat, San Jacinto last Thursday. We had prepared sandwiches and juice, so we could share a simple meal after the Bible study. Thank God for bringing the family of our jeepney captain and his neighbours. May the Lord sustain the work. God willing, we will meet every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.

Praise God for bringing to us Sis Cecille (who has returned home from Singapore for her vacation). She stayed with us in the mission station, thereby encouraging one another. We had prayer meeting and prayed for the leaders/ preachers/ missionaries in all our Gethsemane churches. She also joined us in the Bible studies in Tebag and Dalumat.

Thank God for healing two elderly sisters (Sis. Rosie and Sis. Teresita) and strengthening them to attend the church last Lord’s Day, where a total of 47 (32 adults / teens and 15 children) came for worship.

Now is the harvest season for the rice farms. It brings both good and bad news to us. The good news is that many worshippers experience God’s goodness and provision through this harvest. The bad news is that some of them would not worship because they are busy with post-harvest activities. May the Lord convict the hearts of the brethren to keep the Lord’s Day holy and to prioritise the things of God more than their earthly goods.

Please continue to pray for us as we serve the Lord in this region.

In Christ,
Donald dela Cruz

Having considered the first two major divine purposes revealed in the Scriptural record of earthquakes, today we will pay attention to the third and final divine purpose.

Earthquakes that Betokened God’s Wrath and Judgment against People’s Wickedness

• David’s song to the Lord in 2 Samuel 22 recognises that the earth shook at His wrath – "Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth" (v. 8). Cf. Psalm 18:7 – "Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth."

• During Israel’s wilderness wandering, when Korah and his followers rebelled against Moses, God destroyed them with an earthquake: "And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation" (Numbers 16:31-33; cf. 26:10; Deuteronomy 11:6-7; Psalm 106:16-17).

• The prophet Amos pointed to an earthquake that occurred in his day (760 B.C.), when King Uzziah of Judah reigning. It is also mentioned by the prophet Zechariah.

• "The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake" (Amos 1:1; cf. Zechariah 14:5).

• The Jewish historian Josephus connects the quake with the events of 2 Chronicles 26:16-20 (Antiquities of the Jews 9. 10. 4), which refer to the LORD’s striking of the prideful King Uzziah (who transgressed by burning incense in the temple, a duty that belonged only to the priests) with leprosy. Many think the earthquake (mentioned by Amos and Zechariah) could have occurred following Uzziah’s transgression. Archeological excavations at Hazor and Samaria have uncovered evidence of a violent earthquake in Israel about 760 B.C.

• Outpouring of Divine Wrath/Judgment through Eschatological Earthquakes

• While Jesus was narrating to His disciples the end-time signs, He spoke of earthquakes: "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places" (Matthew 24:7; cf. Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11). These predicted earthquakes are those which will occur during the Tribulation period as the outpouring of God’s wrath on earth. Such earthquakes are predicted in the Old Testament prophetical books, as well as in Revelation:

• "And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth" (Isaiah 2:19). This is a description of God’s vengeance on the wicked in the Tribulation days before Christ returns. The earth will shake and people will try to escape by fleeing into caves (cf. vv. 10, 21), carrying their idols of silver and gold (v. 7). However, the people will toss them aside to rodents and bats (v. 20). Isaiah’s words here present a strong irony: things highly valued will be thrown aside to detestable creatures that people hate. In v. 21, Isaiah again spoke of people hiding in caves away from God’s terror when He will shake the earth (cf. v. 19).

• "And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible… Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger" (Isaiah 13:11-13). The day of the Lord, expressing His wrath (cf. Isa. 13:3, 13) against sin, will destroy sinners (v. 9) and punish the world for its evil and its proud attitude towards God (v. 11). Some see the dislodging of heavenly bodies [stars, sun, moon (v. 10)] and the trembling of the heavens and earth (v. 13) as a figurative description of the total turnaround or destruction of the political structure of the Near East. Yet, those descriptions resemble other Scriptural references to end-time judgments on the earth and celestial luminaries (Isaiah 24:18; 34:4; Ezekiel 32:7; Joel 2:10, 30-31; 3:15-16; Haggai 2:6-7, 21-22; Zechariah 14:6-7; Matthew 24:29).

• The Book of Revelation mentions earthquakes as a frequent occurrence during the seven years of Tribulation as an outpouring of God’s wrath against the wickedness and blasphemy propagated by the Satanic rule of Antichrist:

• As part of the seal judgments, there will be a massive earthquake when the sixth seal will be opened. "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood" (Revelation 6:12).

• As part of the catastrophes that will follow the opening of the seventh seal, there was an earthquake. "And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake" (Revelation 8:5).

• After the resurrection and ascension of the two assassinated witnesses, there will be a great earthquake, which will destroy a tenth of Jerusalem and kill 7,000 men. "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven" (Revelation 11:13).

• In association with the blowing of the seventh trumpet, the temple in heaven was opened as a token of God’s promise of His unbroken fellowship with believers. As the ark of covenant was dislcosed, "there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail" (Revelation 11:19). Truly, God's heavenly throne is the source of vengeance on unbelievers as well as covenant blessing on His people.

• When the seventh vial judgment is poured out on the earth during final stages of the Tribulation period, there will be a global earthquake which will severely affect the great city of "Babylon" and many cities of the world. "And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath" (Revelation 16:18-19).

Conclusion

There are those who maintain that God has no part in the cause of earthquakes. From all that we have examined in this four-part series, Scripture declares that God, the supreme Governor of the World, is the Author of such great events as earthquakes for the purposes which we have learned. Beyond a doubt, as we have learned today, earthquakes are also tokens of His just displeasure. When God is wroth against the wickedness of the world, He shakes the Earth and causes its foundations to tremble.

God can produce earthquakes through natural causes, such as underground shifting of tectonic plates or seismic waves. Though God would make use of second causes, He would also work without them. Being Omnipotent, God can cause earthquakes either by natural causes or by His supernatural power. We must therefore confess, like Job, that it is ultimately God who "removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger. Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble" (Job 9:5-6).

God’s active role in the earthquakes is indisputable, as testified by scores of passages, including Isaiah 29:6 - "Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire." Let us also be reminded of Jesus’ prophetic words that in the last days, there will be "earthquakes in divers places" (Matthew 24:7c)!

Having considered the first of three major divine purposes of the earthquakes which are revealed in the Bible, we shall today consider their second divine purpose — "divine deliverance".

Earthquakes that Betokened God’s Protection and Deliverance of His people

Although earthquakes are usually seen as something that we should try to escape, God had often used them as His tools to deliver and protect His people. Consider some biblical examples of the earth quaking when God acted to deliver and protect His people.

1) Psalm 114:1-8 — "When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language; Judah was his sanctuary, And Israel his dominion. The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back. The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs. What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back? Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs? Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob; Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters."

2) When Jonathan and his armour bearer fought a garrison of Philistines, God sent an earthquake among the Philistines to disperse them:

• 1 Samuel 14:15-16 – "And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling. And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another."

3) The prayer of the people in Isaiah’s time expressed their desire to see God shaking the earth as He comes down to deal with their enemies.

• Isaiah 64:1-3 – "Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence, As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence! When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down; the mountains flowed down at thy presence.
• This is the early portion of Israel’s second plea recorded in 64:1–7 (the first is in 63:15-19). Herein, a request is made to God that He might "come down" (vv. 1, 3) in His great power to smite the nation’s enemies. They prayed that the Lord would "rend the heavens" (the sky is pictured as a piece of cloth He would tear), mountains would "flow down" (swept down), fire with fervent heat would burn (v. 2), that the hostile nations who gather against them may tremble at His power and presence. Fire and boiling water picture judgment (cf. Jer. 1:13-14; Mal. 4:1, 5). The awesome things (Isa. 64:3) probably refer to the phenomena of fire, darkness (Deut. 4:11-13), and earthquake (Ex. 19:16-19) when God gave the Mosaic Law. The prayer of the people is that God would reveal His power and glory through the catastrophic phenomena that often accompanied His appearance in order that He may act on their behalf against the enemies.

4. When our Lord Jesus Christ was raised from the grave on the third day of His death, there was a great earthquake. It marked the power Christ has over death, our last enemy.

• Matthew 28:2 – "And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it."

5. An earthquake from the Lord sufficed to free Paul and Silas from their prison in Philippi at a very opportune time:

• Acts 16:26 – "And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed."

6. At the end of the future Tribulation Period, when the nations of the earth will join the Antichrist to attack Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:1-3), the Lord will shake the earth and destroy the attacking army, and will deliver Jerusalem and its inhabitants who will look to Him for salvation and deliverance from the enemy.

• Isaiah 29:5-8 – "Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly. Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire. And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision. It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion."
• At the end of the Tribulation when nations (vv. 7–8) will attack Jerusalem, the LORD Almighty will come and destroy each attacking nation. The threat of those nations will vanish like a dream.
• Joel 3:16 – "The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel."

7. Deliverance of Israel at the return of Christ to Mt Olive.

• Haggai 2:6-7 – "For thus saith the LORD of hosts; yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts."
• Haggai 2:22 – "And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother."
• Zechariah 14:5 – "And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee."

Those who love God and are faithful to Him have no need to fear the trembling of the earth. Like Psalm 46:2-3 says, "Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah." Our God is our refuge. Even if death were to come through this catastrophe, we shall be with the Lord in His presence, and thus forever delivered from all our troubles on earth!

The Beginning

On 16th September 2001, to mark the beginning of Gethsemane Filipino Fellowship, I wrote in the church bulletin: "The Filipino brethren who attend our church felt the need to have a special coordinated effort to nurture their spiritual growth, as well as to reach out to the large number of Filipinos working and residing in Singapore with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The session has prayerfully approved the formation of a new fellowship group for the Filipinos in our church. It will be called Gethsemane Filipino Fellowship."

Since then, several brethren have helped to preach the Word in GFF. In the early years, I have laboured, and then Reggor Galarpe (current pastor of GBPC, Cebu) laboured with me to preach the Word until he returned to Cebu in 2004. In 2004, Bro. Dennis Kabingue was sent to FEBC for training when he testified of his call to the preaching ministry. Since 2005, Bro. Dominino dela Cruz Jr and Bro. Dennis Kabingue colaboured with me to preach. In 2008, upon the completion of his theological studies, Bro. Dominino returned to Bogo, the Philippines, where he started the mission church in Bogo and later another congregation in San Antonio. Meanwhile, Bro. Dennis Kabingue completed his M.Div. and continued with Th.M. studies in FEBC, which he completed in May 2008. The church has received him as a full-time preacher in March 2008 (with the approval of S-Pass from Singapore authorities). Till this day, through many challenges and trials, Pr Dennis Kabingue has served the Lord in our midst.

Pr Dennis

Today is Pr Dennis’ last day of service with us in Singapore. He will be leaving tomorrow early morning (3:30am by Cebu Pacific, 5J 804) for his hometown Leyte, the Philippines. We sincerely thank God for His marvelous work in Dennis’s life, and for helping him to grow in faith and service. He has laboured much for the Filipino Fellowship as a preacher of God’s Word. He also contributed much to the church choir (Voices of Gethsemane) as the choir leader for more than a decade. His service in the Lord has been received by our mission stations, sister churches, BWWR, Prison Ministry, FEBC, etc.

May the Lord be pleased to nurture and strengthen Pr Dennis for His vineyard, wherever it may be. Let us also pray for his dear family – Daryl, Duaine, David and Davis – that the Lord’s goodness and mercy will surround them always.

We are grateful for the role we, as a church, could play in their lives and ministry, according to God’s good providence. "So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:7). All glory and honour be unto the LORD!

A New Chapter

By God’s providence, Gethsemane Filipino Fellowship is now moving into a new phase with the departure of Pr Dennis Kabingue. With the help of our preachers and elders, I will work to give all the necessary pastoral care for the Filipino brethren. In the recent Church Session meeting, the church leaders prayerfully considered the GFF ministry in the coming months and years. We thank God that all the preachers, elders are happy to contribute to minister the Word in GFF meetings.

On Tuesday night, the Session would like to meet with all the Filipino brethren at 7pm (prior to the prayer meeting) to discuss with you and firm up our plans for fellowship, evangelism, etc.

Please also take note that a half-day retreat is planned for GFF on 5th February (Tuesday, 2pm-6pm) at Singpost Auditorium’s powder room. (Please look out for further announcements.)

May everyone be comforted and strengthened, for the Lord has said in Revelation 3:8 – "I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name."

Why Earthquakes? — II

The biblical records of earthquakes reveal three major divine purposes in the occurrences of the earthquakes. They are divine revelation, divine deliverance and divine judgment. The records of these truths about the earthquakes in the Scriptures are given so that we may pause and consider God’s sovereignty, power and purposes in such cataclysmic events. The first divine purpose attached to earthquake was that:

They Betokened God’s Presence and Revelation to His People

God’s presence at Mount Sinai shook it violently.

• Exodus 19:18 – "And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly."
• Psalm 68:8 – "The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel."

Ancient appearances of God are mentioned in the song sung by Deborah and Barak in Judges 5 as causing earthquakes.

• Judges 5:4 – "LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water."
• Descriptions of similar events are given in Psalm 68:7-9 and Habakkuk 3:3-16.

God’s appearance to Elijah when he fled into the wilderness from the wicked king Ahab and his queen Jezebel, was preceded by an earthquake.

• 1 Kings 19:11-12 – "And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."

God’s voice is depicted as shaking the earth, which sometimes accompanied divine revelation.

1. Psalm 29:4-6 – "The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon. He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn."
2. Psalm 77:18 – "The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook."
3. In Isaiah 6:4, an earthquake is indicated as accompanying divine revelation – "And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke."
4. Hebrews 12:26 – "Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven."
5. Though earthquake is not specifically mentioned, the great natural phenomena recorded in Job 37:1-5 might well fit the description of an earthquake – "At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place. Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth. He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth. After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard. God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend."

God’s mighty presence is depicted as causing the mountains to tremble and "skip".

• Psalm 114:4-8 – "The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs. What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back? Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs? Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob; which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters."
• Psalm 97:4 – "His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled."

Earth shook as the Lord Jesus died on the cross, causing the Roman centurion and all that were with him to confess that He was truly the Son of God.

• Matthew 27:54 – "Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God."

Again, at Christ’s resurrection there was also an earthquake.

• Matthew 28:2 – "And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it."

When God granted His presence and revelation, the accompanying signs were indicative of His glorious power. Phenomena accompanying His manifestations, such as earthquakes, filled the hearts of His people with reverence for His divine majesty. At Christ’s death, as well as resurrection, the earthquakes were open affirmation of His divinity, that His people may be assured of the grandeur of His presence and power.

The Bible records or alludes to scores of earthquakes. They include past earthquakes that happened at various times during Creation, Noah’s Flood, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, the collapse of the Jericho wall, God’s appearance or revelation to Israel’s prophets, Christ’s crucifixion, Christ’s resurrection and the first-century apostolic ministry, as well as future ones that will occur as part of the signs of the end times, the Great Tribulation and the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. As a matter of fact, the biblical records of those past earthquakes are also evidenced by other historical, geological, archaeological records.

Do the earthquakes which destroy cities and villages, buildings, roads and bridges, kill hundreds and thousands of people, and leave behind devastation, chaos and sorrow attest to the deists’ belief that God is uninvolved in the catastrophic events of the world? Is it true that God has very little to do with catastrophes like earthquakes? Are they simply mere phenomena resulting from the natural laws? Or are earthquakes part of God’s sovereign, providential dealings in this world?

In the articles that will be published over the next couple of weeks, I would like to share what I have come to understand about earthquakes through the study of God’s Word. May the Lord be pleased to enlighten and strengthen you through these articles concerning the earthquakes that terrify and confound people.

God Reigns Over the Earth

The Bible records that God sovereignly reigns over the earth, even presiding over the fearsome, devastating earthquakes. As the Almighty King, God rules from heaven even over the earth. He owns them – "the earth is the LORD'S" (Exodus 9:29; Psalm 24:1; 1 Corinthians 10:26, 28). Exodus 19:5 says, "… for all the earth is mine". Deuteronomy 10:14 reminds us, "Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is."

As the Creator of the earth (Genesis 1:1; 2:1; Psalm 89:11), He not only owns it, but also rules over it. God is the sovereign Head over heaven and earth – "Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all" (1 Chronicles 29:11). Consider the following Scriptural declarations:

• Psalm 47:2 – "For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth."
• Psalm 47:7 – "For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding."
• Psalm 95:3-5 – "For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land."

Earthquakes do not happen because God has lost control or because God has no more interest in the affairs of this earth. Even when the earth shakes and tremble, God is there, acting as its just King. God is still on the throne. While describing God’s matchless greatness, power and authority, Job said that God, as the great Judge, shakes the earth - "He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered? Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger. Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble" (Job 9:4-6). So, when the earth quakes, it isn't happening because it is outside God's power and control. Instead, earthquakes are part of His sovereign purposes concerning the earth and the universe which He has created and is directing.

The Bible clearly shows God’s design and purposes of the earthquakes that are recorded in the Bible. The Bible not only speaks of the localised earthquakes that had occurred in the past, but also predicts increasing number of massive, devastating earthquakes, culminating in a global earthquake like never before towards the end of the Great Tribulation. Then at the end of it all, at God’s final judgment, the earth and heaven shall pass away.

So, instead of pointing to a powerless god who is detached from the events of the earth, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, etc. point to a God who reigns over the earth, even over the earth’s calamities. God is not a helpless bystander. He is not a frail being who is unable to handle the forces of nature. He is the all-powerful, the Omnipotent, who reigns supreme over all the events on earth, including its tragedies.

We may speak scientifically about those phenomena and explain the earthquake as the result of a fault beneath the earth’s crust, or as being caused by the top of the earth’s crust moving in one direction while the levels under the earth’s crust move in the opposite direction. To be sure, these are the intermediate causes that God, the ultimate Cause of such events, uses for His purposes. He rules through intermediate causes and at times by direct intervention, but either way, He is in charge!

So, we sing with Isaac Watts:
There’s not a plant or flower below,
But makes Thy glories known;
And clouds arise, and tempests blow,
By order from Thy throne.

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Testimony from Youth Retreat 2018

Moses Lee

I thank God for the precious lessons I have derived from God’s Word faithfully expounded during this youth retreat. Pastor has truly elucidated the differences between regeneration and adoption, and reiterated our obligations as "Children of the Most High".

Isaiah 53:5 states "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Christ has redeemed us through his atoning death on the cross. He has emancipated us from sin’s galling fetters and ensnarement. He is our Mediator and Intercessor, whom we know has removed all enmity and reconciled God and man. Having received the gift of salvation, it is imperative that we "put off the old man with his deeds; And put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Colossians 3:9-10).

Adoption not only encompasses regeneration, an important facet of soteriology, but also further establishes our position in relation to the Father. It changes our attitude towards Him. As sinners saved by grace, elected to be heirs of a wonderful inheritance, we cannot be fixated on the ephemeral things of this transient world. Each day, I am still learning to be more Christ-like in spite of all the seemingly insuperable challenges I may encounter along the way. In my pilgrim’s progress, I must learn to be more submissive to God’s will and not yield to the flesh. Putting God first in this morally deficient and decadent world may be difficult, but I put my trust in my Saviour – my Refuge and Strength. Although our steps may falter, we must humbly seek Him and repent, for the Lord is judicious in his chastisements, which are commensurate to our transgressions.

Finally, I cannot forget the privileges of our eternal glory and blessings in being a part of God’s kingdom. I pray the Lord may use this ministry to the youths mightily for the extension of His kingdom.

Dear brethren, I would like to share the following exhortation based on Acts 19:20, which says, "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed." As believers, we must know the divine power that we receive through the Word for our personal spiritual growth and for the ministry of the church.

When the apostle Paul and his team arrived in the city of Ephesus, they preached the Gospel to the Jews first. Paul went into the Jewish synagogue and "spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God" (Acts 19:8). But some of the hearers "were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude" (v. 9). He was forced to move out of the synagogue, and thereafter taught in the school of Tyrannus. The hostility notwithstanding, Paul undauntedly preached the Word, influencing the Jews as well as the Greeks in that city and its surrounding region (v. 10).

Another giant obstacle to the Gospel advancement in that city was its enchantment with sorcery and witchcraft. Ephesus was renowned for the statue of Artemis and her temple. The statue had mysterious engravings on the crown, girdle and feet. Those mystical writings, referred to as "Ephesian scripts", were considered to have magical power. Sorcery was part of the Ephesian culture. Some of the Jews also practised wizardry, as revealed in Acts 19:13 – "Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth." When seven sons of Sceva, the chief of the Jewish priests, tried to exorcise some demons in the name of Jesus, they were violently attacked by the demonic man. This incident brought much fear among the people.

Nonetheless, the preaching of the Word of God turned many away from their diabolical practices. "And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver" (Acts 19:18, 19). Mightily did the Word of God grow and prevail in that city, where unbelief and fierce demonic activities stood in its way.

In our own day, many dabble with horoscopes, tarot cards, crystal balls, Ouija boards, séances and other mystical and demonic activities, which are dangerous to their minds and emotions. If the church is preaching the Word faithfully and fervently, we will see some people being delivered from unbelief, and the enticement and enslavement of the devil. The preaching of the Word shall prevail over all demonic powers!

DVBS 2018 Testimonies

Rufus Wang Ze Min (with my Mummy Yuting)

I would like to thank God for a very enriching DVBS. I would like to thank Pr Kelvin and his team of teachers (Pr Dennis, Bro. Cornelius, Sis. Sarah and Sis. Sharon), as well as helpers (Bro. Amoz, Bro. Jordy, Sis. Dorcas, Sis. Kamala and Sis. Rhodora) for preparing Bible lessons, songs, art & craft, food and games.

My friends and I learnt 6 important lessons about the Bible:

1. The Bible is given by the inspiration of God;
2. The Bible is preserved by God;
3. The Bible contains instructions for us, as God’s children, to live godly and to produce good works;
4. The Bible tells us about God’s love for man in John 3:16;
5. The Bible is perfect and has no mistakes;
6. The Bible is eternal.

We also learnt many hymns. The three hymns that remain in my mind are: "The Bible Stands" (theme song), "This is the Day the Lord hath Made", and "John 3:16".

I pray that God will keep the fire of faith burning in me long after DVBS, as I continue to learn more about the Bible, and sing hymns in church and at home.

Elizabeth Teong

I learnt that the Bible contains "God-breathed" instructions to help me be perfect as God our heavenly Father, and also to help me produce good works.

Testimonies from Youth Retreat 2018

Eunice Choy

Praise God for the privilege to attend last year’s youth camp. As in every youth camp, there are so many precious lessons taught and gleaned, of which I would share a few.

We are children of the Most High – elected, called, justified, forgiven, adopted and reconciled to God. God draws us to Himself – this is the highest privilege one can have. It is not the accolades of the world, nor the worldly ambitions that attract us; rather, the joy and peace that we are children of the Most High. No Christian is an orphan, for we are sealed by the name of God and are called the sons of God.

Our Most High King and Master has transferred us from the world to God. Hence, I pray that we will live no more after the flesh, nor in fear, but have full trust and dependence upon God who has so mercifully and graciously saved and loved us. We must not let the threatening things enslave us but rejoice in the sure hope of glory that each child of God has in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Dorcas Koshy

Prior to this camp, the aspect of Ordo Salutis (Order of Salvation) that charmed my soul most was Election, i.e. how God sovereignly had mercy & compassion on me, independent of my willing and running. Regeneration, i.e. having tasted that deadness in trespasses & sins, to be quickened by Him alone who is able, was a wondrous truth that occupied my mind too.

But this camp has given me a newfound love and appreciation for Adoption. It is a joy to know that it is He who bought us over, and likewise declared our new legal status – gladly on behalf of us, His powerless children – to the unbelieving world. Truly, it is not our entrance into, but His welcoming, sealing & safekeeping of us in this new, holy beloved family of His that makes adoption the highest point, even the greatest experience of salvation on earth.

As the new year draws closer (and I know not what to expect in 2019), I pray that I will stop being indebted to the flesh, having learnt that I don’t owe the flesh anything, but instead be a submissive child, a partaker of my inheritance, even if it entails persecution or chastisement.

Joy floods my soul for Jesus has saved me,
Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me
His precious blood He gave to redeem,
Now I belong to Him;
Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.

Brethren,

In the last church weekly, I have briefly written on how we should maintain solemnity in our worship services. It is unfortunate that there are some among us who tend to become negligent of the need for reverential conduct in the worship of God.

What truth is in us if we say that we believe in the supremacy and holiness of God, and yet act irreverently before Him? Should not our faith concerning our God make a difference in our attitude when we come before Him in worship? Can our mannerism be unworthy of God’s greatness and grandeur, especially as we gather to worship Him? Are we acting indifferently to the doctrine of God that we have confessed?

It is an unspeakable tragedy if anyone acts irreverently amidst the congregation that gather to call on the great God as the object of their worship. Let us not be oblivious towards God when we come into His presence.

There is no worship until and unless our whole being is fully focused on the praise and glory of God. Our body and soul must be wholly fixated on God. No part of our being should wander from God when we worship Him. Neither should our conduct be a distraction to others. If anything distracts us, we must turn our attention back to God at once. We must make conscious efforts to yield ourselves fully to God to praise Him and to hear His voice in faith and submission.

It must also be said that if we participate in the elements of worship without being wholly fixated on God, we are not truly worshipping. True worship is not merely being present in the worship service, or clasping our hands and closing our eyes during prayer while our thoughts are directed elsewhere. Enjoying the singing without our thoughts being directed towards God, cannot be considered worship! Jesus and the Scriptures condemn such frivolous involvement in worship of God - "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:7-9; cf. Isaiah 29:13; Mark 7:6).

If we come to God to worship Him as He has taught us in His Word, great spiritual richness and joy will fill our hearts. When God becomes our hearts’ main fixation, worship becomes a wonderfully exhilarating and blessed experience. Sunday after Sunday, we will find Him to be inexhaustible! Our desire to know and worship Him will further increase. So, let us sing with Robert Robinson:

Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it - mount of Thy redeeming love.

Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS) 2018

Kelvin Lim (on behalf of the GCM Committee)

The Gethsemane Children’s Ministry (GCM) thanks the LORD for bringing last year’s DVBS to pass. We thank the LORD for watching over the various aspects of the planning and execution of last year’s DVBS, which is special as this is the first time we have online registration for DVBS.

Last year’s theme – "The Bible" – was formulated to remind the children and us of the significance of God’s Word. The participants were taught six lessons from various passages in the Scriptures. One of which was John 3:16, whereby the love of God was taught with the hope that one or more souls may be added unto the kingdom of God!

The LORD has been good to GCM in providing a venue in the premises of Berean Bible-Presbyterian Church. This is our first time using the premises of another church for our DVBS. We used the worship hall for the combined activities, such as singspiration, indoor games and lunch; it also doubled up as the classroom for the Nursery-Kindergarten Class. An upper-room was used for the Primary 1-3 Class while the office was used for the Primary 4-6 Class. As such, we want to thank God for the kindness of Rev. Tan Kian Sing and the Session of Berean B-P Church for allowing us to use their premises.

The LORD sent us 41 children, of whom 14 were from outside our church! While heartened by this outside group, we nonetheless hope that more of our members would be encouraged to send their children to receive God’s blessings through our annual DVBS! Among those 14 "outside" children who came, some were invited by our members while others came as a result of their parents’ online search for school vacation children’s activities. May the children be blessed with memories of the truths learned during the DVBS last year!

During the three-day event, we managed to have two days of outdoor games despite the wet weather forecast by National Environment Agency. More importantly, we also thank God for granting us safety, especially when crossing the roads to the park where the games were organised.

Lastly, thank God for moving the hearts of 17 brethren who serve as volunteers together with us in the committee, as well as 5 brothers who serve as teachers. Furthermore, praise God that Pastor was able to come daily to exhort the children and adults from the Bible, particularly from Psalm 19:7 – "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple."

Dear brethren,

I would like to exhort you to give your utmost diligence to worship the Lord in a way that is worthy of His great name.

Firstly, let all worshippers in Gethsemane show utmost reverence for the Lord during the worship. Worship is a sacred activity. Our mannerism must be express solemnity and reverence for the presence of the Most High God whom we have come to call upon. Scripture exhorts us, "O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth" (Psalm 96:9).

• Be punctual for worship service and be seated 5 minutes before time.
• Be silent and prepare your hearts for worship. Read "the Word on Worship" in the bulletin’s front page and quietly pray for the blessing of the service.
• Be reverent in your behaviour throughout the service. Do not be engaged in any activity that will distract you or other worshippers from fully participating in the service.
• Keep your mind from distraction, and actively participate in praise and prayer.
• Be attentive to hear the Word of God expounded in the preaching Be prepared to stay back and fellowship with God’s people for mutual encouragement and service.

Secondly, let us all get together for the Watchnight Service tomorrow night at 9 pm. Like the psalmist, let us say, "O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together" (Psalm 34:3). Worship is grandest when all of His children gather together to praise Him. Like a musician who plays his instrument with passion and precision, in harmony with the rest of the orchestra, every worshipper must happily join with others to exalt the name of the Lord. As it has been said, "God's praises sound best in concert." We have an excellent opportunity tomorrow to get together to praise our God during the Watchnight Service. Come well-prepared with short testimonies of praise, so we can rejoice in one another’s thanksgiving to the Lord.

Report and Testimonies from Youth Retreat 2018

Report by Cornelius Koshy (on behalf of the GYF Committee)

All glory to our Heavenly Father who gave 57 youths and 21 adults a blessed spiritual and physical retreat in UK Farm Resort, Kluang, Malaysia, from 24th to 26th December 2018.

Pastor Koshy preached 5 messages on the doctrine of adoption under the theme, "Children of the Most High". We were taught on how our adoption as children of God is the highest point of our salvific experience on earth, and that it stands distinct from the regenerative experience of justification, forgiveness, reconciliation in the Ordis Salutis (Latin for "Order of Salvation"). While regeneration deals with our nature before God, adoption deals with our status in relationship with God. Adoption upgrades our status in relationship with God, from "bastards" (cf. Hebrews 12:8) to children of the Most High! With this new identity, we owe nothing to the flesh, fear no pressure from the world, and look forward to the eternal hope of glory with our Father (Romans 8:12-16).

This year, Pastor introduced a new segment, "Bible Reading", in the retreat programme. In these 5 sessions, Pastor rekindled our love for the Word of God by training us to read with understanding, and to listen with attentiveness to the public reading of Scripture. After establishing the occasion for the public reading of Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments, Pastor gave the youths reading assignments to teach us how to divide Scripture according to its thought-progression, and to read Scripture with sense, so that all who hear may understand.

Apart from the spiritual feeding, the participants were physically nourished with the homemade food provided by the farm. Our afternoons were spent interacting with the farm’s animals (such as goats, sheep, ostriches, deer, rabbits and many more), as well as having a time of sports and games together.

As youths of Gethsemane, we thank God for this annual retreat through which we could grow closer to one another and, crucially, to our Heavenly Father! We also thank God for the many adults who joined us to take care of and support us in our retreat. To God be the glory!

Jenice Choy

Thank God for a blessed YF camp, where we could learn about the theme, "Children of the Most High". Truly, what a blessed privilege it was to learn of the love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Now that we are adopted as heirs of the Most High, we are to shine as lights in the world, and be blameless and harmless, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. Thank God for courageous young men of old, like Daniel and Joseph, who proved to us that we are never a fool to lose the whole world to keep our souls with God. Thank God that we can pattern ourselves after them, and to purpose in our hearts, that we might not defile ourselves with the world, but go onward, forward and upward till Jesus comes again.

Marcus Chee

Thank God for the opportunity to come for this camp. It was difficult for me initially to apply for three days of leave due to my NS commitments. But I thank God that He has made a way for me.

Thank God for the Word faithfully and powerfully preached. Through these few days, one thing that has touched my heart the most was this sentence said by Pastor: "Adoption is God’s gracious and merciful act which bestows unworthy sinners the admission and rights into the family of God."

Oh, the magnitude of His love, grace and mercy! If left alone, we would just be helpless and pathetic creatures seeking for a little comfort and so-called acknowledgment from people of this world (who are in the same miserable state as we were). But, by God’s infinite decree, we are called sons of God who now receive the ultimate acknowledgment, approval and acceptance of the eternal most High God through Christ. This is the greatest honour one can ever receive. May this truth stick in my heart, that it may continue to guide every word and deed I do.

In conclusion, I pray "that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ;" (Ephesians 4:14-15). All praise to God!

The title "The Prince of Peace" is the last in the list of five titles of Christ in Isaiah 9:6. What peace it must have brought to God’s people who had been violated and devastated by godless princes that reigned over them, when Isaiah prophesied to them the coming of the Prince of Peace! It was not only to them, but even to the people of our time who have been marred by the tyranny of Satan and sin that this title of Christ brings great consolation.

Christ alone is worthy of the title "The Prince of Peace"! Because...

Christ is the Giver of Peace

At His birth, the angels announced, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). Christ is the only One who can ultimately bring lasting peace on earth. While Christ was ministering to His disciples, He said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you" (John 14:27). Observe His absolute claim about peace: "My peace"! Notice also His claim that He is the giver of peace. True peace belongs to Him. He is the source of peace.

To all those who come to Christ in repentance and faith, and subject themselves in obedience to Him as their King, He will give peace. But, there is no peace to the wicked and rebellious ones (Isaiah 48:22; cf. Isaiah 57:21). Only those who follow Christ with yielded hearts and minds shall have the joyous experience of His peace.
Jesus’ readiness to dispense His peace to those who trust Him had been seen several times.

Jesus promised peace to a sinful woman who demonstrated faith and devotion to Him – "Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace" (Luke 7:50). After healing a woman who suffered from an issue of blood for 12 years, Jesus said to her, "Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace" (Luke 8:48; cf. Mark 5:34). He assured His disciples, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace" (John 16:33). After His resurrection, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of His disciples and said unto them, "Peace be unto you" (Luke 24:36; cf. John 20:19, 21, 26).

In fact, throughout the New Testament, Christ is declared as the dispenser of divine peace. In Acts 10:36, Peter says, "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all)." 2 Thessalonians 3:16 – "Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all."

Christ secured our peace with God

Christ came to this world that by His death He might reconcile to God those who come to Him by faith. Man’s sins have alienated him from God. In Colossians 1:20-22, Paul wrote: "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight."

Romans 5:1 tells us: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." When we genuinely believe on Christ, we are declared righteous by God. All rebellion, upheaval and war cease, and our sins are forgiven. Thus we have peace with God. Romans 5:10 also tells us: "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." Though once estranged from God, we are now brought by Christ to be at peace with God.

Christ secured our peace with one another

When men are reconciled to God, all sorts of divisions which have existed among them also cease, and they come together in peace to worship God. Thus, Christ becomes our peace. This wonderful truth is taught in Ephesians 2:13-17 – "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh."

Before coming to Christ, they were alienated and separated from one another because of their diverse social and religious backgrounds. They worshipped different gods, practised different religious rites and held different views and feelings. The Jews regarded the Gentiles with hatred, and the Gentiles the Jews with scorn. But now in Christ, they are at peace with each other. They have the same Saviour. They are both guided by His Spirit. They have the same hope. They belong to the same redeemed family. Reconciliation has taken place not only with God, but also with each other. In Christ, there is peace with God and peace among men.

Christ is the Prince of Peace

Prince of Peace (sar-shalom) is a Hebrew expression which denotes that Christ is a peaceful prince. Christ is truly the King of Peace, as His pre-figure Melchisedec symbolized (Hebrews 7:2). He possesses true, imperishable, indestructible and enduring peace. Nothing can sabotage His peace. While the disciples were frightened by the violent storm and waves, He was seen sleeping in the hinder part of the boat. Amidst the great storm, He was in perfect peace! Behold, the Prince of Peace! He rides the great storm! Then He hushed the tempest with His royal decree: "Peace, be still" (Mark 4:39).

His royalty as the Prince of Peace was on full display when He was surrounded by heartless traitors, cruel mockers, and murderous religious and political leaders. While they taunted Him relentlessly, He exuded a glorious calmness and peace that could not be disturbed. His peace confounded His enemies. The Roman governor, Pilate, was greatly annoyed that Christ was undaunted by all the threatenings and aggressiveness of His accusers and prosecutors. It was just as Isaiah had foretold about the Prince of Peace: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).

What blessed quietness! What peace! It is that perfect peace which Christ so wondrously manifested in His life and death that He offers to all who trust Him – "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). The peace that Christ, the Prince of Peace, bequeaths is perfect peace. It is the same peace that He Himself enjoys, that kept His soul tranquil in the midst of all His sorrows, and into which He has now entered in His Father's kingdom above.

The world’s offer of peace is far inferior to that of the Prince of Peace. While the world’s peace is superficial, Christ gives us His peace that is supreme and sublime. The world gives partially while Christ gives perfectly. The world gives temporarily but Christ gives eternally. The Scriptures assure us in Isaiah 26:3 – "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Likewise, Philippians 4:7 affirms: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

"T

he everlasting Father" in Isaiah 9:6 portrays the distinguishing divine nature of Jesus Christ the Messiah who would be the real comfort and tranquillity of the people of Israel. Jesus Christ is called "The everlasting Father" despite the fact that it has just been said about Him in the same verse: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given". How could Jesus Christ the Son of God be referred to as "The everlasting Father"? As far as the Godhead is concerned, Jesus Christ is not the Father but the Son. It is important that we note that Isaiah 9:6 is not about the position of Jesus Christ in the Trinity but His relationship with His people who have come to trust Him.

The historical context of this passage in Isaiah was set in the time when Ahaz was the king of Judah. He was not a good king, unlike his father Jotham and grandfather Uzziah (Isaiah 1:1). He had no fear for God. During his reign, when Israel was facing serious threats from the Assyrian Empire (Isaiah 8:1-22), the people were full of sadness and filled with fear. Furthermore, because of the irreparable damage caused by King Ahaz, the future of Judah seemed doomed and uncertain. It was at that very moment of great national despair, that the prophet Isaiah prophesied the coming Messiah’s birth, which rekindled hope for the people.

So when Isaiah the prophet called Jesus "The everlasting Father", it gave God’s people a great hope and help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1-2). The portrayal of Jesus Christ as the everlasting Father could refer to: first, He being the Eternal King will come to lead and care for His people; second, He being the father of eternity knows all things from eternity past to eternity future; and third, He being the father of the great work of redemption saves sinners.

Christ the King, as a Father who Loves and Cares

In His relationship with His people, Christ is like a father who is tender and caring towards His children. He not only provides them with eternal life but also constantly nurtures them. Isaiah speaks of Christ as a father of His people in Isaiah 53:10 when he said, "He shall see his seed." They need not ever fear that they will be without His care. His people will never be anywhere without His presence, provision and protection. He is an everlasting father to His people.
This truth about Christ the Messiah would have been a very consoling message to His people who had suffered under the ungodly and cruel kingship of Ahaz. Earthly kings may fail in their responsibilities to their people, but Christ, the King shall always be a faithful father unto His people. He will never fail to redeem them and tend to them in accordance to all His covenantal promises.

According to the Old Testament Scriptures, one who provided tender care for those who were poor and needy was referred to as "father". Job spoke of himself, "I was a father to the poor" (Job 29:16). God is called "the father of the fatherless" (Psalm 68:5). Hence, it is not farfetched at all to say that Christ, being God, cares for all His people and is unto them "The everlasting Father".

Christ, the Father of Eternity

Another important fact about the Lord Jesus Christ is that He is the Father of eternity. It reflects the very nature of God, that He is immortal, invisible, eternal, God Almighty, the Creator of all things and source of all life. He has all the attributes of God the Father, "For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9). He has the very nature of God (Philippians 2:6). As He has said, "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30) and "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9). This reveals the eternality of the Lord Jesus Christ. The angel of the Lord declared to Mary concerning the Holy Child she was about to conceive, "And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:33).

Jesus Christ knows all things from eternity past to eternity future, for He is the Creator of the universe. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist" (Colossians 1:16-17). He was with God the Father from eternity (Genesis 1:1, 26; John 1:1-3) and yet the same God humbled Himself, leaving heaven’s glory to take the form of man and to live among sinful men like us, that we might be called His people (Philippians 2:5-9). It was because of His love for His people that He came to be their eternal Saviour (John 3:16).

In Revelation 1:8, He is also called Alpha and Omega (cf. Revelation 4:8; Isaiah 41:4), revealing His nature as the unchanging God for ever and ever. Although people and everything keep on changing, the everlasting Father, not being confined by time and space, is unchangeable. He is in control of everything in the world, for He "laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands" (Hebrews 1:10).

Jesus Christ was sent to be our everlasting Father to care for us, despite our spiritual destitution and unworthiness. He who is the eternal God, who is always with the Father, who is from everlasting to everlasting, and the author of everlasting life, came to be with men to bring eternal life. The Lord Jesus Christ is not a dead but an eternally living Saviour (Revelation 1:18). Being the possessor of eternity, Jesus Christ is totally trustworthy, though the whole world may be against us. The everlasting father is the same yesterday and today and for ever (Hebrews 13:8).

Christ, the Father of the Great Work of Redemption

Jesus Christ came in fulfilment of what God the Father had promised when our first father Adam failed to obey perfectly the given commandments. Adam was the physical father of the human race. Jesus Christ as the second Adam was a representative of the human race in His obedience to the law in order to merit eternal life for sinners. This was declared by Paul in his writing, "God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under law, to redeem them that were under the law…" (Galatians 4:4-5). This is the great work of redemption that Christ had done on the cross in order to obtain the righteousness of God in Him, that His righteousness might be imputed to those who believe in Him. Paul further explained, "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:3-4; cf. 10:3-4). Jesus had perfectly obeyed God, which the first Adam failed to do.

God did not choose an angel to execute what He required of man but appointed His own Son to be the Redeemer of the world by becoming man (Philippians 2:5-9) and living among men (John 1:11, 14). His coming was so determined that the eternal love of God for the human race might be manifested. Christ’s work of redemption has merited the eternal salvation of those who gladly receive and believe in Him. He is our everlasting Redeemer who had willingly and sacrificially offered Himself to be crucified on the cross, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us" (Galatians 3:13). What a Redeemer we have! He took the curse on Himself in order to save sinful and wretched men like us.

Now we have the hope and anticipation of the return of the great Saviour – "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). What a wonderful and blessed joy we will have when we see the return of "The everlasting Father" of the great work of our redemption. Amen.