Q & A (Calvary Jurong BPC: YF & YAF Combined Forum on 31 August 2003)

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Harvey Harrington
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1 MARANATHA MESSENGER Weekly Newsletter of Private Circulation Only MARANATHA BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 21 September 2003 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 Jack Sin (Pager: ) Q & A (Calvary Jurong BPC: YF & YAF Combined Forum on 31 August 2003) 1Q. We see our friends (unmarried) going on holidays together. Is it wise for Christians who are unmarried to go on short overseas trips together? 1A. We have to be careful here. As much as we appreciate the desire to be together for an overseas trip, it is neither prudent nor proper to go alone (ie just two of you). However if it is a group going for a camp, retreat or mission trip with other YFers or YAFers, it is perfectly in order (and if you are both in separate rooms). We need to wait patiently upon the Lord and He will reward and bless both of you in due time according to His will. A good Christian testimony is important before God and men. Let us not stumble others but strive to maintain a good example and responsible witness before God and men. God honours those who honour Him. 1 Cor 8:9 says, But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 2Q. Many know that going to the movies is discouraged, but what about TV dramas and variety shows, right at our home? 2A. There are principles here that apply to both as we are getting all kinds of unedifying programmes on our TV now with the new censorship rulings that allow sexual themes for NC-16, M18 (PG included), horror or violence, even on the TV. The goggle box can be our time waster and robber from the standpoint of the stewardship of time. One needs not spend too much time in front of the TV unnecessarily. As for movies, we do not want to support the worldly enterprise that encourages an anti-biblical lifestyle on themes of immorality, occult and violence as well. 1 Cor 6:12 says, All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. The TV has some useful programmes like news, documentaries, update on history, nature and other edifying programmes. However, there are also movies now in the homes with violence and sex. For example, do not watch Charmed, Bluffy the Vampire Slayer and play some computer games that are addictive and enslaving. Rather, let us be good stewards; use our time wisely for the Lord and not allow time wasters to rob us of our precious limited time.

2 Let us also remember Paul s admonition in Rom 12:1,2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Paul in Phil 4:8 also adds, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 3Q. Computer games are labelled as an excellent tool for improvement of our intelligence and help the mind to stimulate and work faster. Is this an acceptable excuse for us to play? 3A. Yes, there is a place for the stimulation of our mental faculties with challenging and thought provoking computer-generated games like Nintendos and intellectual and military games (but not Diabolos and witchcraft related games). These, however has to be freed from unedifying themes like nudity, horror and violence (in grotesque killing and chopping off of body parts). Educational programmes that cause us to think deeply about geography, science, interactive mathematics or English vocabulary will be meaningful and edifying. A student can learn the alphabet or Chinese language (or any other languages) provided it comes with personal and constant practice. Paul in 2 Cor 10:5 warns, Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 4Q. Some have come to church to market their business, though that is not their primary reason for coming to church on Sunday. They still worship the Lord, but they try to promote their business on the Lord s day. Is that acceptable? 4A. The Lord s day is a day of rest and worship in obedience to the 4 th commandment of the Decalogue (Exod 20:9,10). It is a day to cease or retire from all forms of secular work and labour. Hence to meet clients in church for the sake of personal business in profit making is unacceptable. The Lord showed His righteous indignation when the Jews did just that. You can meet up on a normal weekday to discuss business matters but keep the Lord s day holy for sanctified worship, the mutual edification of the saints and bodily rest. There is great reward and blessing for those who will honour and make the Sabbath a delight and keep it holy and wholly. Isa 58:13 says, If thou turn

3 away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words. 5Q. Is the Christian allowed to improve their image such as body building (so their muscles can be well-toned), sun-tanned, highlighting, facial, cosmetic surgery, dress fashionably etc? Did the Bible give any moderate guideline on personal image? 5A. There are certain guidelines and we need to be careful while there is nothing wrong with brains and brawn and the developing of a strong and healthy body through body building, (be sure it is not for vanity reasons). Cosmetic surgery that enhance our bodily assets physically is not necessary unless it is required for medical reason, as in reconstructive surgery after an accident. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God and we should be content with our Maker s design and creation. Double eyelids and sharper nose are things we do not need nor any other bodily enhancement if God has not given us. Discipline and exercise are acceptable to keep ourselves fit and trim. Paul in 1 Tim 4: 7,8 says, But refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For ladies who wants to be attractive, the Bible gives us guidelines in 1 Pet 3:3,4, Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price and Solomon in Prov 31:30 says, Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Q6. Is there anything wrong with a Christian listening to sentimental songs? A6. While we appreciate the need to listen to some music, one needs to be careful what kind of music we listen to, as music is not neutral. Worldly, romantic, popular or sentimental songs tend to play up our feelings and make us emotionally vulnerable to sin and temptation later. Let us listen to edifying Christian music like hymns, psalms and spiritual songs that draw us close to Christ and to the understanding of His Word. Col 3:16 says, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord and follow this rule in 1 Cor 10:23,31, All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Jack & Angelina Sin

4 * * * * * * * * * HISTORY OF THE BENEFITS OF MARANATHA BPC CAMP Mal 3:16 says, Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. Some of the church camps are historically significant for Maranatha Bible Presbyterian (BP) Church. The first church camp was on the theme: The Christian: His Lips, Links & Life held in March 1994 at the UDMC chalets where Pastor preached the Word (for the first five camps of the church as well). This camp led to the formation of the MYAF on 7 May 1994, a vital part of our church and Pastor s confirmation of his call to serve in Maranatha. The second church camp was held in November 1994 at the PA Holiday flats which witnessed a greater commitment to the ministry of Maranatha BPC among its 30 odd members then. The 3 rd church camp was held at Paradise Resort in Malacca in December 1995 with a spiritual revival. One father started family worship after the camp and another member volunteered to serve the Lord with her energy and time. The 4 th church camp in December 1996 was held in Tanjong Pinang, Indonesia (on Jonah by Pastor) and the church visited a foreign mission in field in the Tanjong Pinang Chinese Church and attended their prayer meeting for the first time. The 5 th camp in December 1997 was held in Desaru Perdana on the book of Malachi. It led to the founding of the MYF, an improvement of the ministry of SS and starting of Hougang NBC. The 6 th camp in 1998 (with speaker, Rev Charles Seet who preached on Daniel) was held in the same location and foreign missions for the church were deliberated that prepared the way for our church-based mission thrust in Chiangmai today with Robert & Chadarat as our missionaries in July The 7 th and 8 th church camps in December 1999 and 2000 were held in Pulai Springs Resort. Brother Soo Tin who attended the church recently was greatly challenged and worship at Maranatha BPC subsequently. During the December 2000 camp, we visited Kulai BPC where Rev David Wong shared on Malaysian missions. Brethren from Emmanuel BPC joined us for the first time and stronger tie between the two churches was fostered. Rev David Yan was the speaker then. The church camp in December in BP Youth Camp in Mersing, we witnessed a fervent spirit in the messages and devotion given by God s servant, Rev Charles Seet on the book of Amos. Last year s camp was our first combined church camp with three other churches, namely Gethsemane, Emmanuel and Berean churches at Malacca s Puteri Resort with Rev Errol Stone of Faith Presbyterian Church, Perth as the main speaker on Walking Wisely in a Foolish World ; in the Family, Personal Life, Workplace the Church. Will you pray and come (and apply for leave early, if necessary) for the camp, from 1-4 December 2003 camp and be stimulated and exhorted by the preaching of the Word. Faithful Discipleship: Yesterday, Today & Forever is the theme of messages to be preached by Rev Philip Heng, There will also be a practical workshop on How to Study the Bible and other morning devotions at the rustic and relaxing Kota Rainforest Resort.

5 Do not miss this blessed and edifying opportunity of growing and learning together as Maranatha s family. There is a time for everything. Get the registration form and sign up today or before the end of September and come as a family. A brother, Ivan Toms from New Zealand has called up to sign up for the camp already. How about you? We look forward to seeing you at the retreat. Jack Sin * * * * * * * * * At the Pulpit Theme for the Quarter: The Holy Spirit & The Believer Today Mr George Skariah "The Holy Spirit & Witnessing (Act 1:8; John 16:8-14) *These hyperlinks work with Word 97 and later version. [End of MM, 21 September 2003]

Christ - A Mighty Saviour

Christ - A Mighty Saviour MARANATHA MESSENGER Weekly Newsletter of Private Circulation Only MARANATHA BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 16 November 2008 Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28) Address: 63 Cranwell Road,