Weekly Newsletter of MARANATHA MESSENGER Private Circulation Only MARANATHA BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 3 July 2016 Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28) Address: 63 Cranwell Road, Singapore 509851 E-mail: maranatha.bpc@pacific.net.sg Sunday School: 9.45 am Sunday English / Chinese Worship Service: 10.45 am Sunday Chinese Worship Service: 7 pm Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 8.00 pm Introduction Missions Sunday - Lessons on the Gospel Propagation in the Early Church The church is given the sacred duty of propagating the glorious gospel of Christ. The early Church was a glorious testimony of the expansion or the growth of Christianity in the midst of a hostile environment of Roman persecution for the first 3 centuries. The flames of persecution did not stop nor destroy the Church. Neither did the flames of spiritual growth and vitality as the gospel spread from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria and to the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). What are the lessons that we can learn from them? Consider the following : The strategy in God honouring biblical missions can be seen in the evangelistic thrust of the apostles and the early Christians who were persecuted and yet they went around preaching the Word. Acts 2:47 says, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. In Acts 6:7, we noted that the Church was properly organised with sound corporate Church governance and a stronger stewardship team, which helped in the gospel propagation of the Church. Proper administration, God fearing people in the church with vision and sound biblical planning are also required for the effective functioning of the Church. In Acts 9:31 says, we noted that Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. 1
Here we see three important principles of Church growth. They are, namely : People Edified in the Faith (built up by the teaching of the Word and the preaching which is paramount) Growing in the Fear of God (that is, knowledge of God through reverential worship and prayer) Comfort of the Holy Spirit (that is, encouraging and exhorting and serving ministry and fellowship) It is important that we preach and teach the Word of God effectively and systematically to build up saints and to teach them the fear of God and to provide the spiritual comfort for the weak through fervent prayers, visitation, fellowship and mutual encouragement through the Word (Acts 2:44-47). As a result of all these, many were added to the church as the Lord willed. Consider some principles of Paul s missionary methods in spreading the gospel of Christ in the first century : Paul made many preaching journeys (i.e. 3 missionary trips), similar to a circuit preacher (i.e. George Whitfield). Paul wrote many letters to encourage the brethren (Romans 15:30). Paul revisited churches that had already been established (Acts 14:21-25) to follow up. Paul established churches at strategic centres first before moving on to others (i.e. all capital cities). He went to all classes of people without prejudice (i.e. all ethnic groups). He did not seek financial help for himself, yet he defended the right of the full time pastor to be paid, trusting God for His provisions. He was concerned with the practical needs of the people or alms for the poor (i.e. practical ministry in helping widows and orphans). He did not establish or possess any large property or build a super church in Jerusalem (i.e. he decentralized the work) Acts1:8. Paul warned the flock about false prophets (i.e. protecting and defending the flock with the truth) in addition to preaching the gospel (Acts 20:28-32). Beware of the errors of the cults and the occult. Paul had an evangelistic message (i.e. gospel and Christ-centered) in every sermon. Acts 17 at Mars Hill. Paul preached systematically, from house to house, in season and out of season and privately to individuals. Paul did not come with enticing words of man s wisdom (i.e. no worldly 2
compromise like man-centred psychology and theistic evolution and self-esteem theories, 1 Corinthians 2:2, 13). Paul did not spend much time with those who rejected the Gospel. He was focused and move on to others who will hear him. Paul put a great emphasis on the faithful preaching the pure gospel. On establishing the churches with sound church polity and teaching the converts in the Word of God. On the proper appointment of the local leaders as well as to assist the pastors in the administrative tasks, i.e. church planting and discipleship and as well as a Presbyterian church order (i.e. elders and deacons) and the exhortation and the defence of the faith (Acts 14:21-23, 1 Timothy 3:1-11). From the Apostolic Missionary Methods, we learn to apply also the following : Oral preaching verbal instruction and apologetics (preaching and teaching and defending the faith). Go to Strategic centers as the first place to start (i.e. Bangalore, Yangon, capital cities in Country X). Itinerary Ministry visiting places of probable mission work and networking with local leaders (villages, cities and provinces). Personal work and evangelistic outreach fellowship and networking with other believers and new church leaders (Identify them right there and train them in colleges and kindergarten, schools and orphanages). Printing of Maranatha Resource Ministry (MRM) books and literature and MP3 message, websites and Maranatha Messenger (MM) weeklies to advance the gospel (i.e. pamphlets, resources, tracts, booklets). In gospel missions, consider also the following potential problems : 1. Hostile social forces and opposition on the ground 2. Recalcitrant or unfaithful missionaries (or members) 3. Financial concerns / management 4. Leadership succession 5. Lack of local lay leaders 6. Building, structures and support 7. Internal doctrinal differences within the church 8. Danger of the social or legalistic gospel and worldly compromising activities 3
Conclusion In the last days of increasing compromise and intolerance, we need godly discretion to face more challenges in the preaching of the pure gospel. Thank God for incepting and preserving the various Maranatha BP Church mission stations from India (Covenant BP Church, Rev and Mrs George Skariah) to Myanmar (Immanuel Orphanage and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Rev Salai) to Holy Covenant BP Church in country X (Pr Barnabas Song) and Tangkak BPC (Pr Yap Kim Chuan) and Evangel BPC in Malaysia (Elder Dr Lim Yew Cheng) and Filadelfia BPC, Batam (Pr Ang Liang) which are making good progress by God s grace. There is much to be done and we need to build strong and vibrant reformed churches that will be a beacon of Truth and Light to the unsaved ones in a darkening environment of compromise and religious accommodation. This is a post-modern ecumenical world with pluralistic practices that compromise to please man instead of God which we need to be careful of this. The theological Equipping Ministries of local and foreign pastors and lay leaders through the Emmanuel Reformed Bible Lectures, is necessary for the continual progress of church growth and the gospel work. MBPC is committed to the saving of souls, the equipping of local pastors, lay leaders and missionaries in the reformed faith in their own countries to serve and set up reformed and conservative colleges and churches in the other countries as the Lord leads. Do pray for godly wisdom for the session and the MBPC mission committee in the sound and effective propagation of this gospel ministry of God entrusted to us as the Lord tarries. Jack Sin Immanuel Orphanage, Myanmar Covenant BP Church, Bangalore India 4
Tangkak BP Church, Malaysia Frontlines in the Gospel Mission Fields published by Maranatha Bible-Presbyterian Church is available for $4 only for today and next Lord s Day (10 July 2016). Those interested, kindly see Dn Ng Thiam Koon. ++++++++++ 2016 THE YEAR OF MISSION TRIPS! I have been looking forward with much enthusiasm towards all the mission trips to unfold in 2016! In Country X, the mission team would touch base with our representative and conduct his adorable infant daughter s baptism. In Myanmar, I would love to witness the brotherly love extended to the newly constructed dormitories and basic health amenities (which we would take for granted) for the 40+ orphans. Lastly, the completion of the magnificent building of Covenant BPCI. It is God s lighthouse right in the heart of Bangalore. God s work is advancing and I am thankful for opportunities to be part of MBPC s mission team. When would it be yours? 5
So, I was directed by God Almighty to serve Him using my time, talent and treasure, which are gifts bestowed upon me by Him, for overseas mission stations especially, since the commencement of my retirement in 2014. Upon reflection, there is truly no reason at all for me to regret this commitment made to God. On the contrary, I have been richly blessed and ministered to by His Word through the association and assembling of like - minded brethren, regardless of nationality, age or gender. I have also learnt what it really means to wholly trust and obey God and thus grow in faith. For instance, during this recent mission trip to Country X, there was an episode of separation from the other 4 members and us, the local host and I, at the railway station! Sensing something was amiss while queueing up to get my ticket for the next destination, I prayed, committing the predicament I was in unto God. I was cool, calm and collected, even though I could not communicate well in Mandarin for I believe and have faith in God. All Praise and Glory to God whose Higher Hand of Providence brought the whole mission team of 5 then to meet up again before boarding the train. Yes. God s timing is perfect and He preserves His people who have learnt to entrust their lives to Him. God is most loving, merciful and gracious. Do you know this God Almighty? I pray that you will come to the saving knowledge of this God of salvation. I did. [ John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.] Besides meeting up with the relevant people in charge of the mission stations in Country X, there were also moments of fun and laughter as we went sight-seeing. But, everything was done in accordance to our common faith that centres on God. There was no lack of spiritual food served to the different groups of participants along the way. A special highlight came from the infant baptism of Dorcas Song Xi Xuan. Another testimony of God s great achievement was the setting up of a Children s Ministry. 6
Hence, we were able to address the topic on Creation versus Evolution at the VBS (Vacation Bible School) for about 12 children. It was a lively session conducted by brother Dn Hong Che Hwee. Personally, every moment serves as a platform for one to experience God s great love and blessings as well as to glean precious lessons from. Spiritual Lessons from passages read are as follows : a) Micah 7:18-20 ( shared by Pastor Jack Sin ) The Nature of God... Who is God? - HE pardoneth sins and forgets them. - HE retaineth not anger but delighteth in mercy. - HE has a special love /purpose for His remnant to share the gospel of salvation and eternal hope in Him. b) Haggai 1:10-12 (shared by Pastor Jack Sin) - Submit to God - Listen to the voice of God - Fear God [ Matthew 6:33... But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ] c) 2 John 1-13 ( shared by Dn Hong Che Hwee ) - v1-3: Role as a shepherd - v4-6: God s unconditional love - v7-11: Truth what is it? * Why did you believe the Truth is in the bible? * Spurgeon s you ve been chosen! d) John 4:31-38 (shared by Preacher Barnabas Song) - Evangelism is for ALL! - Do not Give Up before harvest time! e) Joshua 1:4-9 (shared by Timothy Zhu Jia Wei) - Be Strong and of Good Courage! - God is with us! - Any hindrances / hurdles preventing you from doing God s work planned for you? 7
Return to God for Reflections, Re-charge and Renew Strength So, brethren, delay it not (DIN) your decision to join in anyone of the meaningful and rewarding mission trips. Do it now (DIN)! Amen. Han Kin Kheng ++++++++++++ Thanksgiving Thank God for leading me to Maranatha BP Church and the opportunity to join the church camp this June. Thank God for Dr John Battle, Rev Dr Jack Sin, and brother Chen Ching Hong for their faithful teaching of God s Word as well as the church camp master Dn Ng Thiam Koon, the game masters Dn Shaun Ng and Sister Lee Yu Wei. all the group discussion leaders and all who had served and contributed to the success of the church camp. I had gained valuable insights from the morning devotion and thematic messages. I enjoyed the fruitful group discussions, workshop and Q & A session which had deepened my learning. I rejoiced in the warm fellowship with like-minded brothers and sisters through the group bonding activities and the conversations over meals. I like the structure of the thematic messages, which anchored on the four unique characters (Job, King David, Apostle Peter and Apostle Paul) recorded in the Scriptures. Dr Battle drew our attention to how their minds and hearts were being transformed by obeying God s Word, through fervent prayers and the Spirit of God at work in the sanctification process. By studying and evaluating these 4 individuals, it enabled us to examine the sins of others from a third-party s perspective. As human beings, some tend to be more judgemental of others, but insensitive to our own shortcomings. It served as a mirror and triggered us to reflect on our own lives and conducts. Their life events demonstrated God s sovereignty. It revealed to us the blessings awaiting us to receive by obeying God s Word and also the curse of disobedience. Dr Battle also exhorted us on what are the appropriate biblical responses are, should we be placed in a similar circumstance, trials and temptation. It reminded us to fear God and obey God. It urged us to be steadfast in our faith through fervent prayer, and to firm up our foundation with the Word of God. (2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and 8
for ever. Amen ). The morning devotion messages were clearly explained and carried out systematically. The summary of key points helped me to remember and relate the various key doctrines. Pastor Jack exhorted us to seek the Lord, seek righteousness and seek meekness. He reminded us to learn from John the Baptist who exhorted us that He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30). Pastor Jack used an apt analogy of Biblical cardiology to urge us to cultivate our spiritual hearts to be perfect heart, willing heart, pure heart, steadfast heart and upright heart. Pray that the Lord teach us to be more humble, to be more willing to serve Him, and teach us to walk righteously. (Psalm 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. ). Brother Chen Ching Hong exhorted us to learn from Hannah s prayer and how she addressed our Lord Almighty in high reverence. He also stressed the importance of intercessory prayer. One tends to magnify one s own problems or afflictions. However, from the prayer meeting, when we heard of others afflictions and calamities, our own issues became relatively insignificant. The corporate prayer meeting reinforced the theme of the church camp and the importance of fervent prayer. (John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. ) I am revitalized with much spiritual food that fed my hungry soul. I am blessed and rejoiced in the warm fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. God willing, I look forward to the next Maranatha church camp. God bless in Christ. Karen Chong +++++++++++ 9
We congratulate Dn Ng Thiam Koon of Maranatha BPC and Desmond Low of Life BPC in completing the certificate in Biblical Studies from Emmanuel Reformed Bible Lectures (ERBL) with 20 credits and we encourage all to take courses next semester to deepen your knowledge of the Word. Theme for the Quarter : Extraordinary Spiritual Examples in the Old Testament for our Emulation English Worship Service Rev Dr Jack Sin speaks on Rev Dr Jack Sin speaks on Basis for Success in Church Based Missions (Scripture Text : Acts 14:7-28, Responsive Reading : Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:1-8) Missions Sunday [End of MM] 10