MARANATHA BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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1 Weekly Newsletter of MARANATHA MESSENGER Private Circulation Only MARANATHA BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 16 July 2017 Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28) Address: 63 Cranwell Road, Singapore Sunday School: 9.45 am Sunday English / Chinese Worship Service: am Sunday Chinese Worship Service: 7 pm Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 8.00 pm Introduction Resources For Effectual Outreach And Gospel-Sharing One of the privileges and duties of the Church is the fervent propagation of the pure and unadulterated gospel as commanded by our Lord (Matthew 28:18-20). It is a joy and sacred responsibility to preach or share the gospel to lost souls. We are God s ambassadors on earth and let us do the work of reconciliation well. Other believers, whether from the home church or indigenous Christians in foreign lands, should work alongside with sound missionaries and local leaders. Under the Lordship of Christ, we can be effective partners and co-workers and cobuilders in God s vineyard (1 Corinthians 3:9-10) for His glory to the saving of souls. All the redeemed of God should strive to pray fervently, support, give cheerfully to and if possible, to come and visit and serve in the mission stations and missionaries through edifying mission trips, so that we can witness the gospel work for ourselves. A church needs committed members and visionary leaders and we need to follow a God sanctioned missions plan, coupled with the right doctrines and tools to advance God s kingdom effectively. Builders are limited when they do not have the right tools. Psalm 127:1, Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. We need to seek and acquire the right mission tools or skills or theological knowledge, and learn how to employ them effectively. The tools are, first and foremost, the supreme commitment to the Lordship of Christ, a profound and practical knowledge of the inerrant and sufficient Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15, Ezra 7:10), a spirit of persevering prayer, a love for souls and the zeal and power of the Holy Spirit. The practical and working knowledge and application of the Bible in mission work is our most basic tool. Secondly, besides biblical knowledge, spiritual skills and qualities like conversational skills, humility, temperance, perseverance and answering questions correctly are other tools necessary for Christian work. Nobody has all the tools and it is in a progressive manner that we acquire them by God s 1

2 enablement. All those who want to be used to build the church of Christ through mission work should begin early to be equipped and to gather the necessary spiritual knowledge and skills or language tools they will need one day. Paul in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Be ready and equipped with the practical knowledge of truth of God s holy word as you begin your missionary assignment. Here are some basic missionary tools : Vibrant Spiritual Life and Walk with God Missionaries or mission minded-believers need to develop the daily discipline of fervent and intercessory prayer and faithful Bible reading with reverential worship and daily communion with God. We need to keep Jesus Christ as your first love and every Christ-centred believer should be fervent about gospel missions as well. The nearer we get to Christ the more intensely missionary minded we must become. Remember, what you do not have, you cannot give. Grow in love daily with God first and then pray for a passion to reach out to the lost souls that desperately need Christ as Saviour and Lord (Matthew 9:35-37; Romans 10:9, 10). Genuine Compassion and Concern for Souls Some Christians are overly excited about polemics, sensational end-time events, social action, worldly church growth techniques beside others. They want to serve the Lord, but they may be concentrating on the wrong things and do not focus on reaching out and building up people effectively. Mission work, however, requires us to be directly involved with people, knowing them first and loving them for the sake of Christ and knowing their social norms, religious culture and language (i.e. in India, eating with hands, caste system, pantheistic concepts). Learn to reach out to needy people with Christ s agape love and spend time with them, including those outside God s kingdom. Learn their language skills to understand them, and look for opportunities to share the gospel and impact them for the sake of Christ peradventure they may be saved one day. The burden and genuine compassion for lost souls is absolutely essential in effectual gospel missions (i.e. sharing the gospel at the airport and a Chinese worker who got the tract will be coming to our church service). A Biblical Theology of Mission Church-based mission require sound doctrine and direction from the Scriptures as its basis (2 Timothy 3:16, 17, Isaiah 54:1-3, Acts1:8, 14:21-23, 13:1-7). The Bible is our map and compass for a mission strategy and effective methods will have lasting results in mission endeavours for Him. We must continually examine and study the Bible like the Bereans, and draw sound scriptural principles and practices to advance the truth of the everlasting gospel to unreached peoples. Otherwise, we may be carried away by modern man centred liberal ideas in secular 2

3 church growth techniques that come in the name of missions but are for the most part unsound and defective, man-centred techniques and worldly wise ways that are not Spirit led and will end in frustration and fruitlessness or compromise (i.e. prosperity or social or the truncated gospel with no repentance of sins needed). Let us strive to do God s work in God s way and not in a humanistic with secular psychology or by worldly compromised pragmatic means. God-centred Goals and Strategies Some Christians think that systematic and orderly goals and plans and administration are not necessary in mission work. That is far from the truth. Mission teams and churches need to pray and set Biblical goals and have a God honouring church based mission policy, whether simple or detailed. The policy should cover areas such as missions directions, personnel, finance reporting and practical precepts and acceptable practices in the planting churches among people who do not have a church and be accountable and prudent in your expansion programmes (i.e. Bible based programme to teach children, youth, men or Bible colleges) and practical sustenance plans for churches, colleges or kindergartens working with local people and getting their commitment and support, humbly submitted to God in prayer. These plans (while they can be flexible) help us to be faithful and effective stewards working in tandem with local national leaders of like-minded faith to strengthen the local churches and ministries as well. Seek to be Equipped in the following areas : Personal Evangelism Churches will evangelise or fossilize finally. There is a dire and urgent need to equip members with the gospel content and train them as the effective disciples of old to be able to proclaim with witnessing and teaching skills and be able to tell the true gospel story to young and old (Mark 5:19). Can you share effectively of the glorious saving work of God in the vicarious atonement of Christ and our need for the Saviour due to sin, clearly, accurately, and in ways or languages that our hearers can understand? Will you be able to follow up on a young convert for the next 6 months in disiclping or teaching him or her? Produce gospel tracts, pamphlets booklets and notes for them. Peter in 1 Peter 3:15 says, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. That requires knowledge, commitment and discipline and much effort. Attend an Emmanuel Reformed Bible College (ERBC) courses on this. Readiness is important and the ability and spirit or the attitude of sharing as well. Teaching Effective Bible Studies Besides gospel rallies and service, conversational evangelism and Small group evangelistic Bible studies are effective methods for spreading the Gospel in countries and different cultures throughout the world. We should help mission churches to form effective Bible Study groups 3

4 and provide them with sound materials on reformed doctrines and practices (translated if necessary). Join the church based Neighbourhood Bible Classes or open up your home and learn how to organise and lead Bible Study in a systematic and interactive way and prayerfully share and teach the gospel and the expound the Word effectively (i.e. Chinese Evening Service and Saturday Bible Study on Jonah) before challenging them to be more involved in going to some other places of ministry. Personal Discipleship Emphasis We need to be prepared to give attention to new believers in the basic Christian disciplines of prayer, worship, discipleship, service and basic doctrines for everyone involved. Begin by learning to be disciplined in your home church or even in your place of study or work before going out on missions. Consciously pray and look out for potential Christian candidates and Disciple others in the Lord over a period of time and hopefully they will be able to teach others one day with multiplier effect (2 Timothy 2:2) as in a Bible college context and build up committed and responsible stewards who will stand the test of time and serve God faithfully and take up the cross and deny self and follow Him till He comes (Luke 9:23). Practical Administration and Medical and musical Assistance Christians can help the poor in a practical manner in addition to sharing the gospel (i.e. food, clothing, medical help, counselling, building homes etc.). Maranatha BP Church is involved in supporting 55 orphans in the Immanuel Orphanage in Yangon every month (i.e. some are working now). Learn how to help the poor together with practical ways (i.e. the missions team brought and taught them the ukulele and some of them can play Christian songs and hymns and there was a medical mission as well) and the preaching of the gospel in such a way that they become free of dependence upon man or compromised with worldly charity but beware of just social work without the gospel alone which is not what it ought to be in the true biblical missions (1 Corinthians 9:16, Romans 1:16, 17). Structure some kind of ministering if necessary to help them to support preachers in the long run (i.e. a kindergarten or childcare and to support themselves financially). Family Commitment to Missions We are all part of a family unit that God has put all of us into a local church. The total family support in missions is vital including the children and the domestic help if any. Preparing beforehand individually in different ministries and acquiring differing tools, but subsequently serving together as Aquilas and Priscillas can advance the kingdom more effectively. We had a 5 year old child and a 72 year old lady who came with us for missions before. No one is too young or too old for it. A husband and wife (and even children can serve and youths too) team is biblical and a potent fighting unit in the Lord s army that can pack a powerful punch into the enemy s territory (Acts 18:1-3). 4

Conclusion God has created each of us differently with differing gifts and talents and He uses all kinds of people from all backgrounds from fishermen to tax collectors and lawyers in the first

5 Conclusion God has created each of us differently with differing gifts and talents and He uses all kinds of people from all backgrounds from fishermen to tax collectors and lawyers in the first century and transformed them into effective evangelists and apostles. We need to gain experience and exposure from a variety of mission work areas, learn and discover and develop and demonstrate your gifts and talents in relevant mission ministries. Work on mission assignment that will develop your gifts and abilities and use it to edify others and for the glory of God (i.e. dentists, doctors, engineers etc.). Missionary apprentices and young aspirants should take time to learn and make full use of these resources. Above all, pray and rely and trust wholly on the Master Builder to equip and use us as vessels to do edifying and lasting gospel work to the saving of souls, with deep spiritual passion and compassion for them (1 Corinthians 3:9-15). For our Lord in Matthew 9:36-37 says, But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few. Jack Sin NOTHING! ABSOLUTELY, NOTHING! What Have I Done For God? I have procrastinated too long to submit this sharing. After all, the Reformation Study trip to England and Scotland had ended... and the highlight of the year for my family, the marriage of Shireen Han and Bernard Tung, in Oxford, had also become a reality showered with many blessings from God. I was one of the 39 members who went on the English Puritans and Scottish Reformers Study Trip from May 17 to May 29, covering Scotland, Wales and England. Han Kin Kheng However, I had a second agenda attached to it. I extended my stay in London to attend my niece s wedding. Hence, I arrived back home on June 5. This particular trip was especially dear to me. I renewed friendships made during the 2015 Study Trip besides making new friends. It was a fruitful time spent learning and sharing God s Word, singing songs and hymns for our Morning Devotions. Honestly, by now, I have forgotten some of the subject matter concerning the trip. But, thankfully, 5

6 there is a whole lot of reading materials for me to jolt my fading memory. This had been meticulously arranged for our benefit through the labour of love from Pastor Jack Sin and sister Angie. I am always grateful and thankful for the grace and mercies of God who is the overall commander in charge of our lives when we accept Him as our personal Lord and Saviour. At the end of the visit to David Livingstone s Heritage (i.e. missionary to Africa) in Blantyre, someone asked me a thought-provoking and challenging question! So, are you ready to be a missionary? This was the most vivid and memorable part of the Reformation trip for me. Upon reflection, perhaps, God is reminding, encouraging me to follow in the footsteps of the reformers of old, within my ability and capacity as I commit myself to be a team member of Maranatha BP Church Missions. I trust that God will (and has) provide my every need along the way. It is like renewing the charge to go forth and carry out the great commission with more zeal and discipline. Recently, during the Simei Neighbourhood Bible Class study from the book of Job, chapter 9 held over Thursday night on July 6, I brought home with me this precious lesson. In whatever situation in life that I am going through trials and tribulations God has sanctioned them for my trial of faith in Him which is more precious than gold (1 Peter 1:7). What I need to do is simply to believe and put my faith in God and to trust Him all the way. It is also important to confess my sins before God, seeking His pardon and strength to overcome the sin. Living my life as a Christian is a constant struggle. There are the ever present different distractions (no thanks to Satan!). Awaiting to prevent me from performing my duty as a child of God. Hence, my sinning against God and wallowing in sin sends me down with much ease the slippery slope towards indifference! I have been there before (many times) and it is a terrifying experience. Once I am in that situation, my pride hinders me from seeking God s forgiveness and strength to overcome the cold, indifferent attitude towards God s ministry. My focus is also cast away from God. Besides, Satan has been busy looking out for such a person to poison the mind that God will not mind if I sin a little for that day. One can fall right into the devil s trap. He will succeed in devouring you as a roaring lion if you allow him to, always on the prowl for weak souls like me. Therefore, it is my prayer to make the conscious effort and be fruitfully involved in God s ministry and to start each new day seeking Him for instructions and direction before rushing out into the world. Romans 12:11 12 reads, Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Amen. Han Kin Kheng

7 Thanksgiving Testimony I am from Henan, China, someone who did not know God in the past. When I first came to Singapore, I went to the temple. A friend in my company led me to Maranatha Bible Presbyterian Church. After months of listening to the pulpit messages, I believed in our Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord. Thank God for choosing me out of the millions. I had too many bad habits in the past but I did not realize I was a sinner. When I really trusted the Lord, my life was changed. Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. When I knew that I was a sinner, and that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, and He is the atonement for us, and was wounded and he died for us. He was resurrected on the third day, sitting on the right hand of the Father. Upon knowing all this, I decided to follow Him and take the path of this cross. Time passes so quickly. In the past two years, I have participated in the Chinese retreat organized during Chinese New Year period led by Pastor Jack Sin, Angie Sin, brother Seow Zhi Fa, Dn Chen Ching Hong and Preacher Timothy Zhu and others. We saw the demonstration of love and services by the brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank God, we learnt much biblical knowledge during the retreat. On every Sabbath day, Pastor Jack Sin and Angie Sin would drive individual members to their respective destinations, remembering also the desserts prepared by sister Pancy Siam and brother Siam Cai Qui, I am really touched by all these hospitality. I will encourage all of you to listen carefully to the preaching by Pastor Jack Sin and be a good witness for the Lord. Preacher Timothy Zhu said: When God closes a door, He will open another door for you. Thanks be to God! I am also thankful to the Board of Elders and Deacons of Maranatha Bible Presbyterian Church. Lastly, Proverbs 3: 5-6 says, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. I often meditate on this verse, thanks be the Lord! All glory to God! Immanuel. Zhang Jun Qiang Zhang Jun Qiang 7

8 Theme for the Quarter : Developing A Biblical World View English Worship Service Rev Dr Jack Sin speaks on Transforming Christian Character (Scripture Text : 2 Peter 1:5-9; Responsive Reading : Ephesians 4:17-32) [End of MM] 8

MARANATHA BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Weekly Newsletter of MARANATHA MESSENGER Private Circulation Only MARANATHA BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 19 June 2016 Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28) Address: 63 Cranwell Road,