MARANATHA BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 Weekly Newsletter of Introduction MARANATHA MESSENGER 1 Private Circulation Only MARANATHA BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 3 January 2016 Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28) Address: 63 Cranwell Road, Singapore Tel: (65) Fax: (65) maranatha.bpc@pacific.net.sg Website: Sunday School: 9.45 am Sunday English / Chinese Worship Service: am Sunday Chinese Worship Service: 7 pm Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 8.00 pm Pastor: Rev. Dr. Jack Sin (HP: ) The Power of God s Word Unto Revival This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8) The opposite of revival is regression. For a born again Christian, spiritual regression starts when he fails to feed his soul with the heavenly manna the Word of God. In the beginning, he feels fine. In the long run, he will be spiritually damaged. He will stop reading and studying the Word of God altogether, neglect the gathering and fellowship of the believers, miss prayer meeting and skip church. He starts to feel at ease with the world. In fact, he finds his decision to remain unplugged from the church life as a blessing because he can live as he pleases. He avoids sounding too Christian in his conversation. He is cool with unbelievers ways and lifestyle. Beware! This is a slippery road to apostasy. What is the cure for spiritual regression? How to avoid the road to apostasy? How can we have a personal revival? Let us learn from the example of Josiah in the Old Testament which demonstrates the power of God s Word unto revival. Power of God s Word Unto Revival Our knowledge of the Word of God and obedience to it is an absolute necessity for our spiritual well-being. Our personal revival starts with knowing God through His Word and a desire to obey whole-heartedly His commandments. Today, we are called to repentance. We are called to repent from our lack of desire for the Word of God and disobedience to His commandments. Take God and His

2 Word seriously. Obey not unwilling but humbly to please our God and Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We see the power of God s Word unto revival in 2 Kings 22:8 23:35. In 2 Kings 22:11, King Josiah rent his clothes when he heard the words of the book of law found in the house of the LORD because he realized that the people of Judah had sinned greatly in the sight of the LORD and quickly sent the priest Hilkiah to enquire of the prophetess Huldah. The LORD though later brought His wrath upon the unrepentant people of Judah yet spared King Josiah from witnessing His wrath because of the king s tender heart and humility after hearing the words of the lost book of the law. In 2 Kings Chapter 23, we see King Josiah start the spiritual reformation of the kingdom under his reign, the restoration of God honoring worship once again and the celebration of the Passover. At the same time, he got rid of all idolatrous artifacts and people who had defiled the temple. In 2 Kings 23:25, it was recorded for us. And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him. We are exhorted to be like King Josiah repair and rebuild our temple, rediscover the Word of God, reform and renew our lives in accordance to the Scripture, remove from our lives that which is idolatrous and displeasing to God, repent of our disobedience and re-dedicate our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is our cure for spiritual regression and even apostasy. This is our hope for a personal revival and for the revival of the Church. Conclusion Let us begin the New Year with a prayer and a holy desire for our own revival, for our own spiritual development and fruitfulness in the Lord Jesus Christ and a greater devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. As we pray for our own revival, let us purpose earnestly to know the Word of God, to diligently study the Bible by faithfully attending the Sunday School every Lord s Day, joining an appropriate fellowship in Maranatha BP Church, regularly coming to the weekly Wednesday prayer meeting and monthly Friday night NBC near your homes. I pray that God will grant us revival individually and collectively as a Church, Amen. Elder Daniel Tau Superintendent, CED

3 Christian Education Department (CED) The CED has made available a number of Sunday School classes to cater to the need of the church members from various age groups. Please avail yourselves to one of these classes. The Sunday School classes start at 10am. Sunday School Programmes Nursery Walk through the Bible (Esther, God is Sovereign; Ezra & Nehemiah, Life of Christ Books 1-4) Junior Worship Service Lessons based on Sermo from Previous Week Lower Primary School (P1 to P3) Little Kids Can Know God * Through His Miracles * Through The Saviour * Through His Promises * Through Prayers Upper Primary School (P4 to P6) Lessons for Life Book 4 & 1 Youth (Secondary) Walk through Exodus Adult The Gospel of Luke The Old Testament Mino Prophets Catechism Class Shorter Catechism Chinese Class Teachers Hazel See / Joy Seow Serlin Foo / Chaw Jia Yun Scott Ng / Luke Yeo Tan Sye Gek / Chin Pit Yuen Amy Lim / Sarah Tan Julia Kwok / Chen Kai Ling Dawn Lim / Ian Ng Jennifer Liu / Melody Seow Goh Choon Pio / Anne Yeo Scott Ng, Chiang Mui Leng, Dn Ng Thiam Koon, Albert Tjoeng, Han Kin Hoong, Dr Tan Kwong Leen, Fong Jing Heng and Dn Shaun Ng Hazel See, Han Kin Kheng and Shawnna Heng Dn Hong Che Hwee, Chiang Mui Leng, Dawn Lim and Scott Ng Dr Tan Kwong Lee Hazel See Eld Daniel Tau and Dn Peter Ong Rev Dr Jack Sin and Eld Steven Ng Fong Jing Heng 3

4 Industry vs Slothfulness in 2016 Biblical Counsel Introduction Proverbs 10:4, He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. Proverbs 18:9, He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. There is a temptation or tendency for us to be lazy or indolent in our work, studies and ministry and not to do what we ought to and give excuses for it. It is a great liability and a great disservice to God and men. We need to watch out for this in the new year. There are practical precepts from wise Solomon of the book of Proverbs to help us in proper God honouring work and avoiding the curse of slothfulness and being diligent for the Lord. The many wise and terse sayings and advice from the book of Proverbs addresses this well in many ways. Let us look at it below with the following considerations : 1. Remember the chief end of man is working with our might for the glory of God and to enjoy Him forever. It is first a spiritual and mental mindset (and so is laziness). (Proverbs 10:5; 15:19; 22:13; 26:13, 16) 2. Work hard for the Lord and be also focused on the God given task. It is an important matter of right focus and sound temperance of our being (Proverbs 16:32b; 25:28). Less texting and distractions on the HP and more reading of the biblical text. 3. We need to learn to rest our bodies well and to learn to get up early to optimize time. Sleep is important for the body to restore its energy and we need to do the right thing with proper diligence and with the right attitude and disposition (Proverbs 20:13; 24:30-34; 26:14; 31:15). 4. There is a strategy that we do the toughest jobs when we are at our best and then easier jobs later at the right time. You know yourself what you can do and when is your best time of the day is (Proverbs 22:29; 21:20; 24:27). 5. It is also important that you enjoy and Love what you do as a God given vocation (i.e. including homework), regardless of what it is. It is a divine calling and conviction. Pray for godly wisdom to like your work or studies (Proverbs 12:11, 14b; 28:19). 6. Be engaged in good work with all your might and do not make profit of others through deception, fraud or lies. There are serious consequences if we do that one day (Proverbs 3:9-10; 10:2; 11:18; 15:27; 16:8; 20:14; 28:8, 20). 4

5 7. Be honest in your workplace or school or camp with your superior or subordinate about how you do your work. God is our Judge and we are accountable to Him ultimately one day (Proverbs 14:23; 20:17; 22:16; 30:8-9). 8. Strive for a healthy balance between your work, church, leisure and your family. There is a time for everything and do not be afraid to rest or play at some time. Keep fit in your body and mind all the time with rest, exercise (jog, swim, read, run or play racket game) and fun and play (Proverbs 13:11, 25; 15:16-17; 23:4-5; 24:3-4). 9. Work well with others and be at peace with God and men and work for the harmony of the church as well in your home. Manage your time wisely with diligent and proper schedules for the day (Proverbs 11:29; 15:22, 32; 18:15, 22; 19:20; 21:16). 10. Be realistic and manage your family finances carefully together with your spouse prudently as a good steward of the Lord. Do not over spend nor be niggard when it is necessary to do (Proverbs 16:26; 19:14; 21:5; 26:15). 11. Treat your home or house work or church work or any work as unto the Lord (Proverbs 20:4; 27:18, 23-27). Do not be overworked in the office until you have no energy to serve God. If you are working too many hours a day for a week with no rest, beware of physical or mental exhaustion. Money or worldly success or promotion is not everything. Take time off with family and learn to rest fully in the Lord. 12. Beware of anxiety, fears and worry that drain your energy and can mentally exhaust us too. Cast our cares up the Lord and take short breaks and refresh yourself with exercise and be joyful in simply doing your work for the glory of God and the good of men (Proverbs 3:27-28; 12:26; 21:25-26; 24:21-22; 25:21-22). 13. Lazy people or students often felt that they have a right not to work too hard and they give many excuses (i.e. tired, busy, do not feel like doing it etc.). Beware of this and do not fall for it as there is good reward for every labour done for the Lord (Proverbs 13:4). 14. Do not attempt to take the easier way of any challenge. But pray and entrust it to the Lord for wisdom whether to do it or not if it is difficult (Proverbs 10:26; 19:15). 15. Much will be done for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ in saving souls if we work as hard in ministry in the fear of God (Proverbs 18:9). 16. Remember that your work ethics and integrity are important in the office work and in the ministry as well (Proverbs 21:2). We are to be light and salt to the world and note that they are watching us. Dishonesty does not pay but uprightness does. 17. Acknowledge certain areas of your life that require more attention (i.e. reading the Bible, prayer service etc.) Confess your sin to God. Whether at home, at work, or in ministry, admit to God that you may not be working as hard as you should and do 5

6 something about it sincerely (Proverbs 28:13). 18. Discipline and diligence means is when you are under the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit. Be careful, wise and pray and seek God s will in everything you do first and think carefully of what you can achieve for Christ s sake (Proverbs 12:24, 27; 31:27). 19. Be responsible agents and be accountable to God and men be diligent workers for God and men to His glory and you shall receive your reward one day (Proverbs 1:8; 2:1-2; 3:1-2; 4:1-2, 10-11, 20; 5:1-2; 6:20; 7:1-3; 8:32-36; 22:17-21; 23:15-25). 20. Finally get on your knees and look to Christ to guide and lead you in every area of your life and seek His will and His word in all things (home, secular work, studies, church ministry, etc.). (Proverbs 6:6-11; 24:30-34) Proverbs 13:4, The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Proverbs 10:26, As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him. Conclusion Colossians 3:23, 24 says, And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. The devil would have us to be slothful in our duties and work and not fulfil the will of God. There is much joy and contentment in serving God industriously and faithfully as He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Beware of indolence and substitute it with joyful and fruitful diligence and hard work in the Lord and be rewarded and blessed by it. Let us do everything heartily as unto the Lord Jesus daily as good examples and good stewards and be eternally rewarded in the end. Proverbs 12:24, The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. Jack Sin Thanksgiving Thank you for the directives to a healthy marital relationship. Been a year since we returned to Auckland. We are settled in our new home. Been able to receive guests / visitors and enjoy the blessings of new home. Much to do in and around the house though. Zac had quite a difficult school year. Thank God he is getting some help. Both Tim and I are involved in the Sunday School ministry - adults and 6

7 children respectively. God willing we hope to do more in the new year - in the outreach work especially. I continue to pray for Maranatha. Anne Low New Zealand

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10 A POEM OF SPIRITUAL COMFORT AND STRENGTH When a Christian is taken ill, He is to pray and obey Gods will, Not murmuring nor complaining, But by faith, waiting and trusting. When a Christian experience pain, And his body and spirit grow faint, Yet, he knows that there is spiritual gain, When his soul is richly trained. When a Christian is distressed, And he struggles to find real rest, God will be with him through the test, To trust Him for His will is the best. As a Christian reflects on the demanding race, He recognise that God is his Dwelling Place And not forgetting His sufficient grace, With assuring hearts to God we praise. Jack Sin Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3) 10

11 Theme for the Quarter : Discovering and Applying the Johannine Epistles Studies in the Book of 1, 2 and 3 John English Worship Service : Rev Dr Jack Sin speaks on Fellowship with God in the Light (1 John 1:1-10) [End of MM] 11