30 Oct 2005 Private Circulation Only MARANATHA MESSENGER

Transcription

1 30 Oct 2005 Private Circulation Only MARANATHA MESSENGER Weekly Newsletter of MARANATHA BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28). Address: 63 Cranwell Road, Singapore Tel: (65) Fax: (65) Website: * Sunday School: 9.45 am Worship Service: am Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 8.00 pm Pastor: Rev (Dr) Jack Sin (HP: ) Pastoral Directions for the Vitality of Maranatha BPC Introduction We are beholden to the Almighty Jehovah for 15 years of edifying ministry of Maranatha Bible Presbyterian Church (BPC) since its inception on 28 October 1990 Reformation Sunday in the eastern part of Singapore. What is the meaning of the Church s name? "Maranatha" is mentioned in 1 Cor 16:22. The meaning of the term "Maranatha" consisted of three Aramaic words: "Mar" - Lord; "ana" - our; "tha" - come. Thus, the entire term meant "our Lord, come". The term "Maranatha" was an Aramaic expression begun by Jewish Christians in the land of Israel. Why, then, did Paul use it in a letter to a Greek church? The explanation is that the phrase had become a watchword and a password. It summed up the vital hope of the early Church and Christians whispered it to each other, identified each other by it, in a language which the heathen could not understand. The term "Maranatha" must have expressed a sentiment that the early Church regarded as supremely important, else it would never have been taken over in this way by the Greek-speaking Christians. Thus Maranatha is an important and authentic witness to the faith of the primitive Christian community. The term "Maranatha" used by the early Christians was a witness to their strong belief in the imminent return of Christ. That is the meaning of our church name and should continue to be the aspiration of the Church members. The Church started by about 20 pioneers from Life BPC in 1990 (including Elder Thomas who is still with us) is led by the Lord and fulfil an important need in the expansion and propagation of the gospel in the eastern part of Singapore. 15 years have passed by and God s faithfulness and steadfastness are to be praised in the life of Maranatha BPC. The Lord is guiding and directing his own flock to persevere and to continue in the work of preaching the Word, defending the faith, teaching and caring for one another, saving souls; both in Singapore and in the mission fields of Malaysia, Indonesia, India and beyond and in the building of a sound, vibrant and growing local congregation. We would like to commend the editorial committee for the 15th anniversary thanksgiving magazine; for their diligence in the chronicle of the history of the Church and for the edification of members and friends. This will serve as an effective channel and a

2 communication tool among members of the Church who can share with one another through the written medium. Luther said, Music is next to Theology. We also appreciate the ministry of the Church choir; a blessing to the congregation by the ministry of sacred music, psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to the praise and glory of our God (Col 3:16, 17). What are our concerns for the Church at this point of time? Firstly, a heart to pray and a serious commitment from the members of the Church to attend church worship services regularly and be zealous in supporting the ministry and programmes of the Church. It is encouraging to see the MYF members who are committed to serve the Lord; to build up the spirit of the MYF. When we have evangelism, a Reformation video show, a Christmas outreach, VBS, Wednesday night prayer meeting, Church cleaning, Sunday School, Church camp or a retreat, will we make a conscientious effort to come? (About 20 came on 23 Oct and cleaned up the church for this special occasion). Will we be fervent to pray, serve and be a vital part of the work of the gospel ministry? Can the Lord use us as vessels for the Church s growth? These are vital questions for a growing Church and it is an opportune time to take stock after 15 years. Secondly, pray for a fervent zeal and tenacity for gospel preaching and effective evangelism and discipleship. The Church is to be committed in preaching the pure and unadulterated gospel; be instant in season and out of season (2 Tim 4:1,2). How can we expect others to witness unless we be Andrews ourselves bringing in the Peters, as the disciples of old (Mark 1:18-20). There is a great harvest field out there in Bangalore, India with about a billion souls outside Christ. Pray for Dr George, Bessy and Justin in their labour of love and preaching / teaching the Word of God in Covenant Bible Presbyterian Church, to the saving of souls (including children and youths) in these perilous days. We thank God for the good progress they made over five months of ministry and now we are contemplating buying a piece of land to build the Church, as a tangible gospel lighthouse in this spiritually darkened continent. For this reason, today s tithes and offerings will be designated totally for the gospel advance in Bangalore, India (2 Cor 9:7; Luke 6:38). They need our prayers and support and it is our joy to be copartners in the advancement of God s kingdom. Matt 24:14 says, And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. There are many out there who have not heard the gospel and are in dire need of a Saviour. Who will go and who will share their resources and who will be witnesses for the Lord? Who will form an evangelistic band or mission team to preach the gospel of eternal life to the lost, teach the Indian children and youths? Recently, we had a wonderful preaching and teaching ministry from 7-13 October 2005 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, instructing from the Book of James and other themes to the Bible students of Geneva Institute and members of Calvary Reformed Presbyterian Church, with Angie ministering to the ladies, Sunday School staff and children and George Tan giving his testimony as invited by Dr Paul Hoole, the Pastor, who is supported by Calvary Jurong BPC. Have you a burden for the lost or have you lost that burden?

3 Thirdly, there should be a spirit of brotherly love, cohesion, unity and closeness with one another in the Church. There should be warmth, a spiritual togetherness and a sense of oneness and solidarity in the family of Maranatha (Eph 4:1-4). Satan seeks to destroy and divide the Church. Are we a united and cohesive reformed Church? In the midst of our exacting schedules, do we make time to fellowship and to get to deeper relations with one another better and be willing to avail ourselves; to share and seek out one another in care and concern? When someone is sick or going through bereavement, can we be there to pray, encourage and support one another in the comfort of the Holy Spirit (Heb 10:24, 25)? There should be a burden to come for the Church prayer meeting, for family worship, Neighbourhood Bible Class, Sunday School YF, YAF, MLF and Tween Fellowship, a desire to reach out to another with God s compassion for the spiritual betterment of the Church and our families. Fourthly, Maranatha should continue to grow to be a Christ-centred and Biblebased Church which knows and cherishes God s Word (Jer 15:16); defend and zealously guard and preserve sound fundamental doctrines and practices as in the 16th Century Reformation. Remember Paul in 2 Tim 2:15 says Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth). We live in a current ecclesiastical environment where false teachings and heresies abound. The Church of Christ needs to be vigilant and watchful against the inroads of modernism, new age movement, charismaticism, neoevangelicalism, cultic and occultism and ecumenism. The Apostle Peter in 1 Pet 5:8,9 say, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. We have a grave responsibility to our members; to warn them of false doctrines, which can even come from within the Church (Act 20:28-32) even denying the deity of Christ and the doctrine of Trinity. We need to earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints (Jud 3, 4). A fundamental reformed Church is one which upholds the Westminster Confession of Faith ( ) in both the creed, conduct and preaches the pure and unadulterated gospel and defend the faith with love and truth. A God-honouring, conservative Church upholds the inspired, inerrant, infallible and verbally inspired, providentially preserved Word of God (Matt 5:18; 1 Pet 1:22-25; 2 Tim 3:16, 17) with the proper administration of the two sacraments (as we witness the baptism of two today), fervent corporate prayer by members who search the Scriptures daily and apply them in their daily lives (Act 17:11). May Maranathans stand fast in one spirit with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel (Phil 1:27). Fifthly, the Church should also be a God-honouring, caring and sharing community of saints. That the Church members will go all out to comfort and strengthen one another in the Lord; ie when one is downcast, sick, bereaved or depressed or those who have backslided (1 Thes 5:14). The Church is also to be a spiritual hospital where the spiritually sick and backslided and weak be nurtured and brought back to spiritual health and vitality. Members ought to learn to be caring and mindful of one another and reach out and practically care for one another in the body of Christ (Eph 4:11-16). This was

4 the example of the early Church in Act 11:28, 29 where there was famine in some parts of the Roman Empire where the brethren brought relief and physical supplies to meet the needs of the suffering saints in other areas. In this regard, we thank God for the way the Church prayed, supported tangibly and care for some of her members recently in their times of need; whether over the birth of a child and the death of a loved one, for standing with those who are depressed/distressed or going through the doldrums and the trials of life. Sixthly, the Church should have a good base of committed and energetic young people who will be the driving force of the Church and form the second echelon of stewards one day. A healthy growing Church should have a core of zealous and faithful young people who will initiate, support and carry out the biblical aims of the Church in evangelism, discipleship, mission, fellowship, resource ministry activities and in other events of the Church (that is, Vacation Bible School, missions, evangelism, Christmas gathering, Church cleaning, visitation, etc). An example is the Maranatha Resource Ministry, which was started in 2003 to provide edifying Christian resources for members and friends and we thank God for George Tan, Jane Poh and Daniel Siam and others in faithful stewardship of this ministry. Do we have faithful men and women standing in the line for the continuance of this and other ministries? Let us pray towards the end. Finally, there should be strong, vibrant, God-fearing and caring stewards for the children and ladies ministry, to nurture them in the fear of God. Thank God for committed teachers for the important children s ministry in Junior Worship Service/Nursery, SS ministry and a group of faithful men and women continuing in this work. Who will come forward to serve in these areas? We are Presbyterians in our Church polity, governed by the board of elected elders and (Tit 1:5-9) supported by elected deacons (1 Tim 3:1-13). We want to thank God for the session, comprising Eld Thomas, Dn Steven, Dn Terence and Dn Daniel who have filled an important gap in the stewardship of the Church and not forgetting the fellowship leaders, Neighbourhood Bible Class, the Bible Study and Sunday School teachers who are co-labourers as well. This is a grave Responsibility, not to be entered into wantonly but with godly fear, trembling and with a willing sacrificial mind and God-fearing spirit. There are important issues to be settled in a growing Church, including the building of the spiritual lives of the flock in the Word, a tangible Church building as the Lord wills and the propagation of the pure gospel in foreign missions. Let us catch the spirit that the Apostle Paul exhorts in Rom 12:11 say, Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. May the Lord continue to prosper, help, guide and direct Maranatha as we look up to Him for His daily mercies and pardoning grace in the days ahead in these last perilous days. Conclusion We are living in the final moments of human history where Christ is coming again soon. The signs of the times (Matt 24:1-24) are before our eyes in the 26 Dec 2004 tsunami that hit 11 countries, devastating mega earthquakes, with the latest hitting Pakistan, India and Afghanistan in 2005, which killed about 40,000 people, with the recent wars, widespread pestilences (bird flu spreading in Vietnam, Turkey, China, Indonesia and

5 Romania and other countries), catastrophes (typhoons, hurricanes in the China, USA, Mexico) and the increasing persecution of God s people (as we witnessed in our neighbouring countries recently). Are we ready to meet our Creator as Amos challenged us in Amos 4:12, Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel? Let us be vigilant and earnestly share the gospel; fervently pray and meditate and reflect on His Word as we approach the end of the year. Even come, Lord Jesus, Maranatha! Jack Sin ************ 15th Anniversary Greetings from Covenant BPC, Bangalore, India Dear Pastor Dr Jack Sin, the Session, members and friends of Maranatha BPC We are very delighted to rejoice with you all on this blessed occasion of the 15 th anniversary of Maranatha BPC. The LORD has done great things for us during the past 15 years of the ministry and growth of Maranatha BPC and it is the right thing on our part to give Him all glory and honour. On this occasion, Covenant BPCI, the mission outreach of Maranatha, is particularly grateful to the Lord for the mission-mindedness of Maranatha. The Lord has been greatly using our Pastor and the leaders and members of the church to carry forth the gospel beacon to different parts of the world. Indeed, Maranatha is a gospel-lighthouse. We thank the Lord that we also can be a part of this great work of the Lord through Maranatha s mission outreach to Bangalore, India. We praise the LORD for the vision and commitment of our Pastor (along with his wife Angie) and the Session members in leading the church all these years with the counsel and guidance of the Almighty God, the Great Shepherd of the sheep. With grateful hearts we express our love for each one of you for your prayers, support and ministry along with us for the cause of the gospel in India. May the Lord continue to use us to faithfully preach and teach His most holy, infallible and preserved Word, so that we would become faithful witnesses for the Lord wherever He leads us. In His Service, George, Bessy, Justin, and members and friends of Covenant BPCI. ************ INFANT BAPTISM (including Daniel and Jane Goh, children of Francis & May Goh)

6 Anne Yeo Xin Ning (daughter of Royce & Choon Pio) Anne is our second child, born 19 months after Luke. Each time we look at both of them, our hearts are filed with thanksgiving. Our Lord is indeed full of grace and mercies. Luke is the Lord s first gift to us after four unsuccessful pregnancies. As such, we were filled with unspeakable joy at his birth. When Anne was conceived, we were not without worries as Choon Pio was found to have a low lying placenta. Thankfully, our faithful God saw us through again. We are truly grateful to Him for the gift of Anne and will pray unceasingly for wisdom to bring up both Luke and Anne to love and to fear Him. BAPTISM Grace Tau Wen Ting (daughter of Dn & Mrs Daniel Tau) I thank God that my parents are Christians and I am brought up in a Christian family. I attended Sunday School regularly and learned about God and His love for each of us. My parents also shared about the love of God and the need to seek God in whatever we do. My Papa shared with me how Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that whoever believe in Him will have their sins forgiven and have eternal life. I decided to go for water baptism because I want to show my faith in God and tell people that I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I want to obey the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ. Lie Vera Elisa Alexandra In my youth, I studied in the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus at Katong. There I was inspired by the nuns who served God with devotion and love and wanted to be a nun just like them. However, God had other plans for me. After many years studying catechism and Bible studies from Primary 6 to Secondary 4, I was still not sure about becoming a Catholic and missed going for baptism year after year. I went to church every Sunday on my own or sometimes with school friends. I remember one time when I was unaccompanied I read words on the yellow wall above the pulpit that was not there unless you stared long and hard and these words appeared. I kept reading it over and over and suddenly I felt light, voices and sounds around faded and I blacked out. Next thing I know is someone was applying tiger oil under my nose and waking me up. I have fainted! I cannot remember those words I found on the wall but maybe I will find them in the Bible if I have a chance to read them again one day. My life after school seemed to have gone by quickly. I met and married a Muslim and went through Islam conversion three months after my civil marriage and I went through another marriage with the same man at the Syariah Court after that. I was not sure

7 about the conversion then as I had always followed in the footsteps of Jesus Christ but at that time there was some pressure from my husband s community and so I went along with it. Marriage and family commitments came quickly and religion took a back stage as my husband and I worked through our marriage and nurtured our three children. There were ups and there were downs. I never felt quite at peace and many a time during difficult moments I would go to the sanctuary at my work place to pray. I was working as a kindergarten teacher at Jurong Calvary BPC. The principal there was the first guide God sent to me to return to Christ. We started the day always with devotion and bible reading and I was happiest working there. I was serving in the Church Kindergarten for seven years. I had to stop working there as we moved to Pasir Ris. I then worked for the YWCA child care center in Bedok as Principal. I was the only non-christian principal to be employed. I continued to work and study and completed my degree in education while there. After three years I resigned from the YWCA and joined Julia Gabriel School of Education where I lectured and trained early childhood teachers. I was doing well career wise but something was missing from my life. Even after I quitted and joined Eton House International School. I still felt lonely and unhappy and could not find the peace I sought. It was through good friends, my lecturer and a course mate at the NIE master s programme for education, who guided me back to Him. I was at that point going through a lot in my personal life and was at that time reflecting on my life and purpose. They were sent to remind me that God is waiting and that I had wasted much time. I must pause now, reflect, act and reaffirm my belief that Jesus Christ is the only true and living God and my duty and wish is to glorify His name and live peacefully in His light. I have sinned against God and have come to Him for repentance and want to be a born-again Christian, to follow in the path of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I am learning not to look back, what has happened in the past. What is important is the future step I take. I am happy because He loves me and has sent me guides and guidance throughout my life. I am never alone for God is with me. He is always there for me. REAFFIRMATION OF FAITH Sarah Tan Hui En (daughter of Dn & Mrs Terence Tan) I was baptised in Life Bible Presbyterian Church when I was a baby, on Easter I came to know the Lord through my parents. They read the Bible to my sisters and I nightly and explained the verses to me if I could not understand. Soon, I grew to learn how to read the Bible and pray by myself. I am thankful to God for giving me a pair of loving and Christian parents. In some non-christian families, the children get persecuted by their parents for attending church and they have to sneak out of the house if they sincerely want to be Christians and to attend church. I feel that this is a

8 test from God to see if they want to risk their relationship with their parents in order to attend church. I really thank God for giving me such a lovely family and for my parents who always bring me to church. I think it is important for every Christian to walk closely with the Lord. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded (Jas 4:8). TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP Dr Koh Thong Sam I was born into a family of unbelievers. It was much later in their life that my parents accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. My whole educational experience was in public (secular) institutions. No one spoke the Word to me until I was in secondary school. My first exposure to the Scriptures was when my classmate, Rev Philip Heng (now Pastor of Galilee Bible Presbyterian Church) brought to my attention the saving grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Following that, we went for a Bible retreat. After my secondary education, I proceeded to pursue my medical education. I was so occupied with my studies that religious knowledge took little of my time. I was baptised soon after graduation. Three years after graduation I went on to do my graduate studies. I was more concerned with my career advancement than serving God. I was also actively involved in community and social work. We had a new constituency and we had to quickly put in place whatever facilities and amenities the community needs. During that time, little thoughts were given to my spiritual walk and I could not sense the presence of God. It was only when I retired that I began to do a thorough reflection of myself. All that I have accomplished were with God s blessings. The Lord has preserved, sustained and saw me through. By His providence He has generously bestowed upon me His mercy and grace though how undeserving I was. When I was in the United States, I returned to the Lord as a penitent sinner and denying myself I acknowledged Christ as my Saviour and that every good and perfect gift came from His goodness. I attended a fundamental Bible church, like Maranatha Bible Presbyterian Church. Back in Singapore, my wife and I worshipped at a Brethren Church. I did not feel comfortable, monthly when the service was opened to the youths. I sought God s guidance and direction to lead me to a church where the Word was preached in all its purity and clarity and where the sacraments were administered according to Christ s institution. Sometime last year I attended a dinner in celebration of Galilee BPC s renovation and present at the dinner table were a few BPC Pastors. They informed me that Dr Jack Sin is the Pastor of Maranatha and had highly commended him. I thank God for the privilege of worshipping here. The past year of my worship at Maranatha has been one of much joy and blessing.

9 Francis Goh Yeow Soon Just before the year 1992, I was still a Taoist, following my parent s belief. My brother Thomas, constantly tell me about Christ and his teaching, by singing hymns and I would join him in as well. After a while, I started to believe in God as my Saviour and Lord and acknowledge my sins, my life started to change as I would pray to him quite frequently in whatever I do. I also decided to quit buying 4 D, the use of vulgarity and my hot temper were also reduced. My brother gave me the first Bible. I wasn t serious initially though I enjoy attending Church weekly, as I would be fully charged for the week with the Word of God. His messages to me are energising. I have gained confidence and blessings in my life as a husband and father. However, I was not prepared to be baptised these years. At that time, I believed baptism is a commitment and is sacred which I am not qualified for. As a SAF personnel, I was regimental in my thinking. I studied and worked in States (with my family) three years ago. I was among some pioneers in setting up the office and hanger of the new apache helicopter. God has been gracious towards me, for my plans for the family have been met. Never had I expected that God finally allowed me to go to America to work. I was frustrated and struggled at work and at home; believing his sovereignty at work in my faith. I was then baptised together with my wife and my elder son in America. Now my family attends Maranatha BPC and we are transferring here together with our children who will be baptised as well. Thank God. May Goh-Tan Phaye Geck God was introduced to me when I was in a Christian Kindergarten and later in an Anglican Christian School. Throughout my years as a student, I prayed occasionally and especially for my examinations. At the same time, I was also aware of my parents religious offering in the temple like Kwan Yin, Tua Pek Kong, etc. Later, I followed in their footsteps. As they had sent me to a Christian school, they have no strong objection to Christianity. At that time, my belief was all goddesses are powerful and they could make things happen. When I worked in my dad s transport company, I decided to visit the temple on every 1st and 15th day of the Chinese calendar to ensure his business ran smoothly and his workers are safe. I would also pray to our Lord Jesus Christ within my office work station in critical times; for example recession or bad weather which could be dangerous for our workers travelling on the road or working on a job site. Somehow, my prayers were answered. I moved to America about three years ago with my family. My husband has been attending church every Sunday. I followed him every Sunday in Singapore and America too since I met him. I remembered that Sunday morning, when my husband and I were contemplating on other church service. That morning, the pastor gave his sermon and discussed the issue of people finding the right church for themselves. At that moment, we were startled and I kept telling myself, ONLY GOD KNOWS! That s why I wanted to know him more and got myself a Bible.

10 One day, I was afflicted with a misery which I kept as a secret, not even to tell my parents. I missed my parents as I love them much. Then I began to worry. My husband had been very supportive of me but I just could not get over feeling hurt. I felt sad and went to the temple to pray but realised that I just can t do it in America. There was no Kwan Yin or Tua Peh Kong that I could speak to. That particular Sunday I attended church and when the pastor preached, I broke down. ONLY GOD KNOWS! He was with me through out my trials and misery and in Him I found comfort and decided to move on with my life. He loves me, like my parents did but even more so as He watch over me. He knows my feelings and encourages me, giving me strength and guidance when I read his Words. I am sinful; I seek Christ s forgiveness and accepted Him as my Saviour and thank him for his love, persevering in and longsuffering towards me. I was baptised in a church in America and when I returned to Singapore, my family started attending Maranatha in February * * * * * * * * * At the Pulpit Theme for the Quarter: A Historic Revival Under Ezra Dr Jack Sin A Church s Vision & Mission (Isa 61:1-3; Act 20:17-27) *These hyperlinks work with Word 97 and later version.