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Issue III 2010 (Jul - Sep)
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uthchronicleIssue III 2010 Jul - Sept
Mysteries,Marvels & Much More!
Editor’s Note
UTH TEAMAdvisor: Bro Henry Chua Editor: Brian Lim Secretary: Jonathan Tay Layouts: Grace Auyong Photos: Samuel Chia Chasers: Dorothy Chiang & Joel Quah
Special Ops: Jonan Tan, Michelle Chiang & Yeda Ko
Heylo dear reader!
Welcome to the third issue of Uth Chronicle this year, where we delve into ‘Mysteries, Marvels & Much More’!
But before we delve into the articles themselves, it would do us good to take a moment to ponder if we have by ourselves made diligent study of God’s Word. In Matthew 13:11, Jesus said that ‘it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.’ Have we exercised this precious gift of being able to find, understand and receive the truths contained in the Bible, or are we doing ourselves a great disservice by being slack in our quiet time? James 1:25 tells us that ‘whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.’ May we then eagerly come before God’s Word daily, ready to receive instruction and blessing!
Of course, we all know the importance of following Christ. Yet we often struggle with the things of the world, and all to often we are drawn away. Bro.
Joseph has penned a pertinent article that addresses the question ‘An hundredfold interest rate: Why aren’t people investing?’
Still within the topic of mysteries is a piece by Bro. Henry, who explores ‘The Charisma of Charismaticism’ to give us a better understanding of why so many people have been sucked into this movement.
Another marvel contained in the Bible is the description of the relationship between a husband and wife, as exemplified by Christ’s relationship to the church. Bro. Simon brings us through ‘The Mystery of Marriage’. Along that same train of thought, Aunty Lisiah shares about how to be a godly wife in ‘Retrospect’.
Students at local universities will start a new year soon, and we may be driven to work harder for the Lord; the ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels will roll around towards the end of this quarter; Poly students will be having projects or papers to contend. In the midst of all this, Eunice Ting provides a timely reminder in >25 that ‘Our Sufficiency is of God’.
Let that thought constantly be on our minds as we forge through the next three months, and may our hunger for God’s Word grow as well! For our next issue, stay tuned for more mysteries, more marvels, and much, MUCH more!
God bless your reading! =)
Yours in Christ,Brian
P.S.: To all concerned readers who have contacted us regarding the subscription fee for the Uth Chronicle announced in the last issue, the team would like to apologise for giving in to the temptation of pulling an April Fool’s joke; a closer inspection of the cut-out coupon will reveal that the pricing makes no sense (it gets progressively more expensive if you subscribe for a longer period, finally culminating in a request to submit a blank cheque) and a tongue-in-cheek footnote that says ‘All proceeds will not go to charity’. We also failed to specify where all the money and coupons should be submitted. Once again, our sincerest apologies for any consternation caused! But thank you for the genuine inquiries – we’re really touched by your love. =)
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"An hundredfold dividend: Why aren't people investing?" —Bro Joseph Poon
Mark 10:29-31(29) And Jesus answered and said,
Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
(30) But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
(31) But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
THE MYSTERYWith such a promise of a hundred fold “returns on investment”, why aren’t Christians responding to the call which promises such high dividends?
Today’s uncertain economy is fluctuating rapidly. Since the “impossible” has taken place with the fall of Lehman Brothers, with the near collapse of AIG, and the crash of many stock markets, many are wondering where to put their money and life savings in order to have security. On the other hand, some are still jumping into the ballooning property markets in Singapore, hoping not to miss the train. And just when parts of the world’s key economies showed signs of stability and even pockets of recovery, there came the Dubai debt crisis and now the Greece crisis which has caused the world markets to take a dip once again. The world has little certainty and can only hope for the best when they invest. Some will do some analysis, while others just simply take a gamble. But the end for both of them is still the same - an uncertain hope for a positive outcome.
As Christians who trust in God’s promises, there is absolute assurance in what God says in His Word. The outcome for us is always certain when we put our faith in God. Yet why, despite the promises of Christ in Mark 10:29-31, are there so few who are willing to give our lives to Him? Don’t we all hope to see the security of houses, lands, relatives, and children? But Christ promises even more than the security of these alone. He promises a hundredfold multiplication of them which ought to make us sit up and take attention, if not jump at His offer. No company in this world can make a credible offer of a hundred times returns or provide such a retirement plan that is truly out of this world. Yet why are there so few takers, especially if the promise is also for “now in this time” (v30)?
Yet why are there so few takers, especially if the promise is also for “now in this time” (v30)?
To unravel this mystery, we must look at the context of how this promise came about.
Mark 10:17-31 reads,
Mar 10:17-31(17) And when he was gone forth into
the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
(18) And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
(19) Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
(20) And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
(21) Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
(22) And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
(23) And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
(24) And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
(25) It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
(26) And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
(27) And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
(28) Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
(29) And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
(30) But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
(31) But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
Christ promised “treasure in heaven” (v21) to the rich man, if the latter would sell away all of his possessions and give to the poor. And he had great possessions indeed (v22). After witnessing this offer, it triggered Peter to pose the statement, if not a bold hint to Christ, as if to ask – so what about us? What can we expect since we left all to follow You? It is from this incident that we read of Christ’s promise of hundredfold returns. So if we understand what caused the rich man to decide not to take up Christ’s offer, we will see the answer as to why so few respond.
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“To unravel this mystery, we must look at the context of how this promise came about.”The Lord Jesus who knows what possesses the most intimate thoughts, intentions, and desires of every man’s heart gives us the assessment of why the rich man turned away from Christ’s offer of treasure in heaven, the greatest of which is eternal life. The key issue was “trust in riches” (v24). Though the Lord Jesus’ repeated answer (v23, 24, 25) had to do with riches, He was specific about this point – that it was the “trust in riches” that was the key issue of the heart. At this point, we must not lose sight of the fact that the rich man was a genuine seeker, with a sincere desire. But though he dashed to Christ and enquired upon bended knees, he eventually turned away from the offer of eternal life with treasure in heaven thrown in!
Let us rewind the scene and take a step back. What was the “investment” required in verse 21? By this, let us be clear here that Christ was revealing the stumbling block that prevented him to be saved. In sincerity, the rich man had attempted to keep the full law, but he still had idols in his heart, thus breaking the first commandment not to have other gods in his heart. This, then, was an outwardly religious and probably spotlessly moral man from man’s perspective – but who in his heart served mammon.
“. . . sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven . . .”
The first test was about selling all, and giving to the poor. The second, to take up the cross and follow Christ. These tests were the turning point of the rich man, causing him to turn down the offer before him with a sorrowful heart. And we shall now consider how these same points are related to us, being unwilling to invest despite the promised returns.
“The first problem has to do with the idol of desiring the controlling ownership of possessions”
The Lord Jesus was pointing to the idol of desiring the controlling ownership of possessions. This too is often our nature as we shall see later. Note that it is not so much about possessions but the need to have control and own these possessions. There are two “mini” or “sub” mysteries which I wish to address at this point.
First, is the Lord Jesus against riches and rich people? The answer is no. The issue is not with money but the love of money that is the root of all evil (I Timothy 6:10); we are told to “make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness” (Luke 16:9) in other words be wise stewards of money; and while the rich are not to trust in riches (1 Timothy 6:17) they are to use it well so as to be rich in good works (1 Timothy 6:17-19) like supporting the work of God by giving financial support to missions etc. Nevertheless, the Bible does warn against desiring to be rich (1 Timothy 6:9-10) and Christ points out the snares of riches (Mark 10:24-25). Someone made a wise observation that few are able to walk a tight line with a full cup.
Second, does Jesus teach that every Christian must sell all that we own and give to the poor after salvation? The answer is no. It must be also made clear that Christ is neither teaching communism as well since all these would contradict Acts 5:4, 1 Timothy 5:8, and 2 Thess 3:10-12. So, we see in the Bible voluntary Christian communalism and sacrificial and responsible giving, not communist ideals. And it behooves Christians to keep a “hand loose” on our possessions and things which will make it hard for us to die to self.
We shall move on. Many of us have heard and seen how the Lord provides for those who are in the ministry as well as Christians in need. We see how the family of Christ in the church give each other aid and comfort. Many Christians share how Christian families opened their homes to them when they were alone in foreign lands. I know of a Christian who has only one sister. But at his wedding, he had so many brothers and sisters in Christ helping that he hardly had to do
anything. He suddenly had so many relatives in Christ helping. Then others came to help him in house renovations because he was away on mission work.
The ownership of land would then bring to the Israelites’ mind the means of sustenance and maintenance for their households, with agriculture as their main economy. Farming would provide them with the needed food and income. The Lord never fails His servants in this respect, providing every need – both for themselves and their families. Have we not often heard how Christians in need in mission fields never lack? We also hear of the kindness of church members that sometimes exceed what families can afford. A recent reminder of God’s faithfulness was at the funeral of the late Rev Timothy Tow. Serving the Lord faithfully till his work on earth was done, at his funeral service it was revealed that he had so little to his name that no lawyer was required to handle his “estate”, for he had none. Yet, the Lord whom he served – and our God too – never failed in providing his family’s need, whether in sickness or in health, on the shores of Singapore and beyond. The list goes on.
Have we not been enthralled and touched by the many testimonies of those who gave their lives to the cause of the Gospel and never regretted? Are there not ample and frequent proofs of Christ’s promises fulfilled? Is it not our personal testimony that we have failed in our promises, but our Lord has never failed on His? Herein lies the issue of us not “investing” despite all these promises fulfilled before our eyes – we want the ownership of houses and lands to be ours, not someone else’s. We want them on our terms. We have our preconceived ideas of what the returns must be like. Yes, Christ will provide in greatly multiplied terms, but they do not fit how and what we want them to be.
The rich man could not part with the ownership of his great possessions. “Treasure in heaven” is not what he treasured. Instead his treasure was on the things on earth and of exceeding priority to him even though he desired
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to have a part in heaven. If he gave all to the poor, he would no longer be able to decide how to spend that money on earth. Likewise for us, if we did not own the houses which are opened to us by brethren in Christ, we cannot decide how to decorate it, we cannot decide how to make it to our taste and comfort or show off that we own the property. In similar way, food provided by others is different from having the means to choose what we want to eat, at which restaurant, what desserts should follow etc. The priests in the Old Testament did not get to choose what parts of the meat they received for themselves from those who came, and neither did the disciples choose which nice house to stay in but simply at any home that welcomed them and to remain there (Matthew 10:11).
Ultimately it boils down to “Hey I don’t want to live like I am on charity! I think I’d rather keep the life I have and my current possessions instead of “investing” them in the manner the Bible wants because the returns, though multiplied, are not my personal dividends which I can keep and decide how to use them.” So while having food and raiment, yet we are not
content (1 Timothy 6:8) because they are neither the kind of food nor the fashion we desire. This leads us to the second problem which is what we value as returns.
“This leads us to the second problem which is what we value as returns.”
Why do we not give our time, money, and energy to help in church? Why do we not give our lives and ambitions to God? Well, simply because the returns are not what we value. So what if there are hundredfold returns but I am not getting back a hundred iPods, a hundred pairs of limited edition Nikes, a hundred Ralph Lauren T-shirts etc. Hey, I don’t even like my siblings why would I want a hundred more of them? Why do we think like that? What is the solution to both these problems?
“What is the solution to both of these problems?”We find the solution upon careful reading of verses 21 and 29. There, we see that to both the rich man and the disciples, Christ points the reason for leaving things or “investing” as we
would put it for this article’s purpose - it is for following Christ (v21), for Christ’s sake (v29), and for the Gospel’s sake (v29). So it is only when we give up our possessions, time, money, and life for the right motives that we would value the returns and hence want to continue to “invest” more time, more money, and more of our lives. Most of us are so earthly minded with our treasures of earthly possessions that things concerning souls and the Kingdom of God are simply not on our priority list. In such a state, we value returns that we can enjoy in a carnal sense not spiritual sense.
“. . . for my sake, and the gospel's”
But when we do give up our lives, our time, our possessions, and leave loved ones for the sake of Christ and the Gospel, we will treasure the returns Christ mentions in v30. In this case, when we meet likeminded Christians on our pilgrimage on this earth, we will treasure their fellowship and find them to be great comfort and encouragement, just like we get from close kin. Also, we will be thankful for a place to sleep and any food because
all we need is bodily rest and nourishment to serve God better. When we see houses and lands, our thoughts would be how they could be used for Christ’s kingdom. We will appreciate God’s providence in any form and they will come in many forms.
If we did things for Christ and the Gospel’s sake, the allure of the things of this earth will grow strangely dim, as the hymn writer puts it aptly. We will not be lusting after being able to own and show off a nice house, a nice car, parade in fashionable apparels and accessories. Our priorities will be different. When we live for Christ, all possessions will be viewed in a different light and used for different purposes. We will not feel the need to own them personally so that we can use them to satisfy our earthly carnal
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desires. It is then that we will value the hundredfold return that Christ promises on His terms in this life. It is then that we will be motivated to “invest” in such a life.
“If we did things for Christ and the Gospel’s sake . . . we will be motivated to “invest” in such a life.”
Please note that money was not mentioned in the list of multiplied returns. By the way, it is interesting to note that the rich man was willing to live as perfectly as he could but the moment his possessions were mentioned, he faltered miserably. He could not keep the first commandment and possessions were still his idols. Was this not also an accusation which Satan brought against righteous Job? But Job passed the test. Furthermore, one must also not miss the point that when comparing v29 and v30, one will see that while there is a hundred times multiplication of items for now in this time, v30 includes an additional item - with persecutions. Christ included this condition of taking up the cross to the rich man in v21 as well. Here is where many shrink back.
There is a cross that comes with the “dividends”. Are you willing to trust God to control how the returns are given out or do you only trust in the possessions in your direct control? The test of faith is not easy in trying times. In addition, are you willing to bear the cross of not having the so-called fineries of life that the world seeks after? The “investment” can cost you a position in society, lifestyles of the worldly, comforts of luxury, and other objects of fleshly desires; even in little things like being willing to use an ordinary mobile phone while others have the latest android phones because you wish to give to some cause of Christ even as a student, or having to wear clothes that are on sale because they are not the latest fashion and causing your friends think less of you. How true is the saying that we often buy things we do not need, just to impress people who we do not even
like or know. Who are we trying to impress in life at the expense of being willing to please Christ? Brethren we are not even talking about “resisting unto blood” (Hebrews 12:4) in martyrdom but little discomforts in life (which to many less fortunate are luxuries, not even discomforts). Well and fine if we could afford these things but the question is what is the proportion of how much we are storing on earth versus laying up treasures in heaven? But when our living, suffering, and sacrificing are motivated by the sole desire to uphold Christ to all men, and we have the attitude that if Christ was glorified and men led to Him, that nothing else mattered and everything is worth it, we will only then begin to “invest” our lives and possessions.
The MarvelThat the Master who purchased sinners by pouring out His own Blood should promise such multiplied “wages of returns” to His undeserving slaves is truly a marvel indeed! And greater marvel yet, that slaves who owned nothing in the first place should entertain the thought that the houses, lands, and children entrusted under their care belonged to them, and hence even expect to be reimbursed for returning them to the Master. I pray that we have a better perspective now.
For those would refuse to toil in His vineyard when invited, it is never too late, whatever stage in life to respond in humility and gladness to this call. For many that are first shall be last; and the last first. Think of how you are spending your time, your money, and your life. How would you choose to return them to God from now on?
So I invite you, dear reader, to the foot of the Cross of Calvary, and as you gaze at the visage marred beyond recognition, and as you hear His words “It is finished” for you and for me . . . the matter, I hope, is no longer what the returns are - but simply to return.
Mystery solved. But the question remains . . . will you put in your best?
Charisma of Charismaticism— Bro Henry
In a strange way, the Cuban folk song “Guantánamera” is to Guantánamo Bay what the word “charisma” could be to Charismaticism.
Perhaps not many outside of Spanish-speaking countries know the meaning of the lyrics to the song Guantánamera. It tells, I’m told, the story of a peasant woman from Guantánamo, with whom the writer of the song fell in love. This woman eventually leaves him, but that is not the concern of hearers, for many have this warm easy feel whenever the song is played; it lulls and soothes.
Guantánamo Bay is quite different. Until the scandal broke out, not many know it is a large US detainment facility with a stained past. When the truth leaked, it jolted the public to the cruel reality behind closed doors. But the physical setting behind the warm easy song is the same as the cold hard detainment facility – in the coastal part of Cuba called Guantánamo.
The word “charisma” has a warm easy feel. It evokes positive emotions, and is often meant as a personal quality attributed to leaders or individuals who arouse devotion and enthusiasm. It reminds one of personal magnetism or charm.
Until today, Charismaticism is not known by many as some movement with a stained past. It has galvanized millions, and ushered in unparalleled cooperation among what used to be historic Protestant denominations. In fact, Charismaticism seems to be able to bridge certain differences among faiths. There is more than a stained past to Charismaticism; it has a blemished future. But when would the unsuspecting millions know Charismaticism for what it really is – a tool of Satan to promote ecumenism? That day may be too late for many.
A book I read years ago entitled “Three Sisters” by Michael Harper alarmed me. If memory serves, the story
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revolves around sisters Evangel (representing Evangelicals) and Mary (Roman Catholics) who were not on good terms. But they had what they needed - their sister Charis (Charismaticism) to bridge their differences. “Charis” is still doing her job today …
What is the common denominator that links the personal quality of “charisma” with the corporate movement of “Charismaticism”? Charismaticism is charismatic. That is not circular logic. In many ways, charismatic churches exude a form of attractiveness and warmth many fundamental churches do not seem to have. Many charismatic churches are also supportive of social welfare, an area fundamental churches appear to be lagging behind. But most of all, charismatic churches have hordes of people flocking to them because, perhaps amongst other reasons, they champion the use of modern music in their worship services and they market the “health & wealth” pact that accompany easy believism.
Many of your friends who attend churches would have been influenced by Charismaticism. Especially for those who grew up in Charismatic churches, they would find it very tough to accept our views that sign-gifts have ceased and that the Charismatic movement is not of God. If you have such friends, it is wise not to trade arguments over interpretation of Scriptures, but to pray for them and to let the Spirit work in His timing.
And Charismaticism is powerful. Held in Singapore as I pen these words is the Asia Conference and Church Growth International 2010, organized in large by the 33,000 member-strong City Harvest Church. From 26th to 30th May 2010, thousands will descend at the Singapore Expo as world-renowned speakers expound “church growth strategies”. Guest speakers include David Cho Yonggi, the founding pastor of the largest church in the world – the 800,000 member-strong Yoido Full Gospel Church of Seoul. Surely, the founder / senior pastor-emeritus of such a church is qualified to teach church growth.
Sadly though, there is absolutely no basis of such a doctrine or even such an idea in the entire bible. In fact, the Lord tells us in Matt 7:13, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” Another special speaker is Reinhard Bonnke, principally known for his gospel campaigns throughout Africa, that has since grown to as many as 1.6 million people in a single gathering!
The final analysis is - many find charismatic churches attractive; many deem fundamental churches un-charismatic or unattractive.
Should we then strive to be “attractive” or “appealing”?
If “attractiveness” is to be a watering down of our stand or doctrine, then an unequivocal “No”! The gospel of Christ is that of the Suffering Servant, and cannot be adulterated to suit modern tastes and demands which are essentially narcissist. Pandering to such would contaminate the gospel message and negate its power, as Paul warned in 1 Cor: 21-23, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness.”
But hand to heart, are there areas we can learn from charismatic churches? Of course! I just want to share three areas where we can improve, and where you can be a part of.
For one – they have many small groups with membership often capped at 12. Whatever names these groups and structures are labeled, having small groups in large churches is a good idea. In Pandan we have a semblance of that in contact groups. But these are usually too big for any meaningful level of close fellowship and interaction. Look at our Tuesday night prayer meeting. Some groups are way too big for attendees to
share and pray one for another. Of course, some actually prefer large groups for they rather not share and want the advantage of incidental anonymity. In YF, we group the members into a few groups and have group leaders focus on helping those in their care. This is a good thing, and should continue. On the personal level, focus on a few individuals. Do not aim for popularity or familiarity. Real fellowship needs time and sacrifice, and I suspect not many of us are able to afford both in ample measure.
Another thing we can learn is to have good follow-up. Many Charismatic churches have elaborate follow-up mechanisms that actually work. There is virtually no such ministry at the church level in Pandan. What we see is a well-intentioned but feeble attempt on Sundays to welcome newcomers. If we were to analyze statistics of newcomers, I’d not be surprised to see an overwhelmingly high drop-out rate. What about this aspect at the YF level? What do you do when new people join? Do you reach out to this person as you’d love to if you were new? Technology is harnessed by many Charismatic churches. This could come in various forms: highly interactive and attractive websites, multimedia channels of communication, live recordings and broadcasts. The list goes on. All of you are familiar with the latest in the techno-market; some are experts. If this is an area you excel in, why not serve the Lord in this space? Talk to Elder Jeffrey Cheong who is in charge of our church’s website. I suspect there are many areas where, with the right skills, we can enhance the quality and usefulness of the website.
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The Mystery of Marriage— Bro Simon Chua
In Ephesians 5:32, we are informed of a great mystery. This mystery is a mathematical formula beyond the comprehension of unbelievers, and even among Christians, one must be instructed before he can understand it. The formula – one plus one equals one (Eph 5:31 – For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh).
The Origin
The parallel text to Eph 5:31 is Gen 2:24, dating back to the Garden of Eden prior to the fall of man. There, God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, took his rib, made a woman for him, and brought her unto him. Adam recognized that she is of him, named her as such, and declared, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Gen 2:24)
The Significance
It is important that the Christian husband and wife recognize that their marriage is the predestined will of God. To him who is married, it was God who said, “Gen2:18It is not good that the man should be alone”. It is literally a ‘match made in heaven’ for God Gen2:18make (you) him an help meet for (you) him. You met each other because Gen2:22God brought her unto (you) the man. You must recognize your oneness with your wife because she Gen2:23is now bone of (your) my bones, and flesh of (your) my flesh, and we shall look at this mysterious oneness in more detail in the next paragraph. Gen 2:24 says you must now make decisions independent of your parents, but jointly with your wife and Gen 2:25 says you must remain true to each other in Christ, hiding nothing, ashamed of nothing.
The Great Mystery
The oneness between the husband and wife is clearly expounded in Ephesians 5:21-30. Here, marriage between the man and the woman is likened unto Christ and the church, and we have a clear definition of the respective office – the wife is to submit to the lordship of her husband, as the church to the Lordship of Christ, and the husband is to love his wife, as Christ loved the church. With these two broad strokes, God reveals to us the mystery of marriage and summarizes for us the doctrine of marriage.
The Application
Wives, to you God says, “submit”. The Greek word for submit in Eph 5:22 is hupotássō, taken from two separate words; hupό means under, and tássō means to order. Together, it means to place in an orderly fashion under something. Here, the wife is commanded of God to place herself in an orderly manner under her husband, which is contrary to the sinful nature in which she was conceived. During the fall in the Garden of Eden a two-fold sentence was passed upon the woman, the latter being, “and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.” (Gen 3:16b) Her sinful nature demands that she overrides her husband’s decisions and to challenge his authority. No woman can escape this sentence passed upon her, and she faces the constant struggle not to challenge the authority of her husband, and the Christian woman is no exception. In fact, many sisters in Christ have shared about their struggles to obey their own husbands and submit to their authority.
Having said this, it is important for the Christian woman (and man) to recognize that our God is a God Who is able to turn the curse into a blessing (Neh 13:2). In order for this to happen, there must first be the filling of the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18). This means that although some non-believers may have happy marriages, only believer-couples can have this kind of relationship that fulfils the parallel with the Christ-church relationship, because only
believers can be filled by the Holy Spirit. The Christian wife is able to submit fully (i.e. according to biblical standards) to her own husband because God Himself grants her this ability. The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31 is not a fairy tale, but in every way attainable by every born-again Christian wife. You are in the sight of God of great price in your obeying of His words in 1 Peter 3:1-6, following after the example of Sara in verses 5 and 6.
Husbands, to you God says, “love”. The Greek word for love in Eph 5:25 is agapáō, which means to love. This word is derived from the root word agápē, translated charity meaning benevolent, sacrificial, unconditional love. Here, God clearly spells out the benchmark in which the Christian husband is to love his wife – i.e. even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. Your headship (1Cor 11:3), lordship (1Pet 3:6), your rule over her (Gen 3:16), etcetera, are to be conducted always in the context of love.
There is always the temptation, or should I say danger, of you misappropriating your office. We know that Christ will never take advantage of His church’s submission to Him, He will never abuse His Lordship over His church. The Christian husband must therefore bear this in mind and guard himself against this pitfall. Your wife is neither your maid, nor your 24x7 childcare centre. If God gives the both of you a home, you are to jointly maintain it remembering that she is the weaker vessel (1 Pet 3:7). If God gives the both of you children, you are to remember that you hold the greater responsibility as father (Isa 38:19, Eph
6:4, Psa 78:3-8), you
8
must not be detached but involved, and to direct in all matters pertaining to your children (e.g. salvation, education, career, marriage, etc).
Then there is the other pitfall of allowing your wife to have the rule over you. We cannot imagine the church directing Christ and usurping His Lordship. Your office demands that you also reproof and correct in love. If she fails in her devotion towards God, if her calling you lord is mere lip service, if she fails in charity toward another, if her outward adorning is in danger of stumbling another, if matters at home are not in order, you are not to take to her side but reprove and correct her in love.
In Pro 31:23, the husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land, because of his virtuous wife – what a reputation! In verse 28, her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her, because of his virtuous wife – what peace and joy! In verses 30 and 31, she is a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised, oh what an achievement! This is absolutely attainable, and the desire of God in that (you) he might present it to (yourself) himself a glorious (wife) church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that (she) it should be holy and without blemish. (Eph 5:27) How do you do it? Sanctify and cleanse (her) it with the washing of water by the word. (Eph 5:26)
Conclusion
The mystery of marriage is clearly expounded by God in His Word, and many scriptural texts quoted in this article are well known to many Christians. However, it is not the knowledge of the Word that sanctifies, but the obedience to the Word and living it out in our lives (Rom 2:13, Jas 1:22). To the youths of our church, be patient and wait upon the Lord – if it is His will and He calls you into marriage, He will lead your predestined spouse to you in His time. Until then, you have one task – prepare yourselves to be the Christian husband or wife that God designed you to be.
unlocking the mystery of talking to new people by grace the ancient
hello! So this article would've been better if it came out before the church camp... but it didn’t. anyway, we meet new people all the time in church! Even those friends that have been with us a couple of times, but if we haven’t spoken to them personally, they're new! Remember that we're all in the household of faith, and like what Rev Quek said a couple of weeks ago, we're family! So here's how to know the members of your spiritual family better.
See new person?
Pray first. Pray that the Lord will use you as a blessing to the
people around you. And pray for courage.
Be brave, say hello. Everyone is shy.. but someone's
gotta make the first move. Be that someone. Say hello! You'll be
surprised by the results!
Start with a question. In the YF, you really can’t go
wrong with "How's school?" I know I've used this line many
times, but I meant it every time I said it.
The person gave a monosyllabic answer
The person shared about exams, ask for the dates + subjects! I usually try and
remember and pray for the person, and ask them about it the
next time I see them!
The person is running away.It’s not because of you.
Try again next time!
The person starts sharing
Congrats you’ve made a new friend!
Ask another question!
You start sharing...remember to encourage each other in the
faith!
Of course this is an ideal situation, and it won’t happen like that all the time. In fact, it often does not, but this can serve as a stepping stone for us to get to know other people. Talking to new people is not a job of an older YFer, or the Exco. Everyone’s got a part to play in making YF a welcoming place! And use this to speak to someone you don’t usually talk to in YF too!
(P.S. Remember to be a good witness for Christ. Sometimes we assume that everyone in YF is already a christian, but this might not be the case. Be ready to share about Christ to your new friend! Ask if they are assured of their salvation... If they are, encourage them to trust in the Lord. If they are not, talk to them about it! Oh, and remember to follow up with your new friend! ) 9
“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” (Hebrews 11:26)
One of the commendations Moses received from God was that he considered being reproached by others for Christ’s sake worth more than the vast treasures of Egypt. In his youth, Moses had been a prince of the superpower of that day, the empire of Egypt. He would have grown up in the shadow of the great pyramids, architectural monuments so massive and lasting they still stand today. Each pyramid honoured a great pharaoh, and every pharaoh was worshipped as a god by all in Egypt, and every prince would have been similarly lauded a possible future pharaoh. Yet Moses gave up this position of great esteem by others. The Greek word translated as ‘esteeming’ is ηγεομαι ‘hegeomai’, which is the same word translated as ‘counted’ in Philippians 3:7 “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” Paul, too, could have basked in man’s admiration, but he esteemed his past accomplishments as worthless compared to esteeming God instead.
In my teens, I had a major struggle with self esteem. Like Moses, I had many opportunities to build up my self-esteem. The family business afforded some luxuries and the schools I attended gave prestige, but amongst my schoolmates I still craved recognition. When no one seemed to notice what I had done that was noteworthy, I somehow felt small. When I did not accomplish anything noteworthy, I felt smaller still. I did not realize at that time that self esteem is influenced greatly by others. I also did not realize that self esteem is like a drug which you cannot get enough of; beneath the bluster of every school bully was a cowering boy just like me who craved respect from others and kept on bullying to gain more respect. When I was in primary 5, I remember weeping because I was the only one left out of a soccer match; that was how affected I was by others. When I realized that my studies were only average, I resorted to other pursuits in order to gain some recognition, like being good at library cataloging, Chinese chess and music equipment. I am ashamed to confess that there was one occasion when, in order to gain respect from one uncle, I ate 222 sticks of satay at one go. I cringe at these memories, but they are true.
Praise God, I was convicted later in my youth by Matthew 6:5 “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” Unlike Moses, the only reward the hypocritical Pharisees would receive for their deliberate public displays of prayer was what they already received in being lauded by others for apparent holiness. They would receive no reward from God for their prayers. Even if their actions were correct, their motive was wrong; God would not recognize their works. Although the context here is prayer, I knew in my heart this applied to all my silly attempts to “be seen of men”. All my cravings of recognition by others would not gain me any reward from my Heavenly Father. Further, my pride and vainglory was robbing Him of the glory that was due Him for any blessing received.
Since then, I have been trying to glorify Him in everything that I do, to esteem His praise greater than anything else in my life. Till this day, I am still trying, struggling against my carnal nature so potent in my younger days. I now question my motive at every decision, to ask myself if I am doing it for God’s glory or man’s acclaim. Outwardly, I may look confident to many, but I know this confidence is by faith in Christ alone, for I now count living for self or man’s esteem as vanity. Giving glory to God with my lips is not enough; even in my forties, I am still learning how to be like Moses, a man who was “…very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3)
Dear YFer, please pray for me, as I also pray that you too will not fall into this sin of seeking the esteem of man that I fell into in my teens.
Sola Gloria,Bro Milton
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Retrospect
Brother Milton shares about
God Esteem
The world around us is driven by a mindset of insufficiency. Everything is not enough! I suppose most people are more focused on what they lack than what they have in abundance. Insufficiency can lead to a lot of discontentment. But it may not necessarily be bad, depending on what it drives you to.
Insufficiency of possessions, man and selfThe desire to possess more intensifies as one moves from being a student to a working adult. The lust of the eyes only gets heightened and the covetous spirit will be fanned like a flame as you start earning your own keep. SomeCmes when I have bad days at work, I would go shopping and jusCfy to myself that I need a treat. Sounds familiar? Discontentment drove me to find comfort in more possessions. But shopping is not the answer!
AlternaCvely, we find our sufficiency in people. As long as we have that close inner circle, that would be enough. We want to laugh and cry and share our ups and downs with someone. We want to hear their words of comfort and affirmaCon. At work, that would be the boss’s approval. In order to fill the void in our lives, we look to men who are subject to change and not always present with us. And we end up emoConally drained.
Or we find sufficiency in ourselves – our own strengths and experiences. Eugene Loh from “A Slice of Life” (popular programme on 938LIVE) uses self-‐help, new age psychology to dish out advice to listeners – ‘believe in yourself’, ‘follow your heart’, and ‘think posiCvely’. Yet the inadequacy remains, which is why that programme is (unfortunately) sCll so popular. Looking to ourselves does not help because we are weak and limited. So many things are out of our control.
But our sufficiency is of GodInsufficiency is not a bad thing if it
drives us toward greater and constant dependence upon God alone. Through Cmes of change, of trial, of weakness, I have experienced the sufficiency of God in my life and tesCfy that “[t]he Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Ps 23:1).
God’s presence is sufficientWhen there is change, there is usually hesitaCon to get out of our comfort zones and submit to God’s will. Abraham is a good example for us. God commanded him to get out of his country and leave his father’s house to a land that He would show him. Abraham obeyed and led the familiar because his sufficiency was in God and not in his surroundings. Abraham had faith in God to move on to this next stage of his life and to sojourn with only God’s encompassing presence guiding him. So if you are moving out of a comfortable seeng soon to a new class, or school, or place of work, be encouraged that the God of Abraham is also your God and His presence is sufficient.
God’s grace is sufficientWhether the trials you’re going through have to do with
circumstances or relaConships, the grace of God is sufficient to carry you through. Run to God in prayer first and always, and refrain from running too quickly first to people for help and advice. For it is Christ who said “[m]y grace is sufficient for thee” and He knows our infirmiCes because He, too, went through it all. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in Cme of need” (Heb 4:16).
As we conCnue to wait upon the Lord in prayer, take heart that “[t]here hath no temptaCon taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptaCon also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13). I thank God that His Cming for that way of escape is always perfect, never too early and never too late, always at the perfect Cme for my faith to be strengthened and to recognise His hand at work. Take heart and be of good cheer!
God’s power is sufficientSome years back, when I shared with
>25: But our sufficiency is of God — Sis Eunice Ting
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my mother that I was feeling nervous about serving God in a parCcular ministry, she told me simply that God’s work needs God’s power. I was both rebuked and encouraged at the same Cme. Do you feel nervous, weak, and inadequate to serve God? Does your insufficiency drive you to self and man’s approval? Not so for Paul who needed no leoers of commendaCon from man to sustain his ministry, for he tesCfied – “And such trust have we through Christ to God-‐ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God” (2 Cor 3:4-‐5).
We may be weak and inadequate, but God has chosen the foolish and weak things of the world to confound the wise and mighty, “…that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us“ (2 Cor 4:7). If we are feeling inadequate about serving God, may we humble ourselves because it is God who gives the increase and not we ourselves, so that He alone receives the glory.
God’s supply is sufficientGod also promises to supply our physical needs and we need not worry about what we shall eat, or drink or wear. “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing” (Ps 34:10). Thank God for His daily provision which we oden take for granted. He gives us enough to use and to give back to Him. The pocket money you have as a student will one day be a lot more, and if it’s hard to part with liole now, what more in the future? We should never scrimp on the Lord’s work thinking there might not be enough for ourselves; we are but stewards, and nothing really belongs to us! As He has freely given, so let us freely give without worry. God’s blesses the cheerful giver abundantly! Your
Heavenly Father knows your every need and will look ader you. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phi 4:19).
Sufficiency to aboundDear reader, does your state of insufficiency drive you closer to God or away from Him in search of more possessions and the company of man? I pray our sufficiency may always be of God, and in the daily disciplines of prayer and mediaCon upon His Word. And having no lack, may we abound and be fruitul in every area of our lives for His glory.
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work” (2 Cor 9:8).
PERSONAL POINTS
Name: Yeong Yin LengAge: 17Studying at: Raffles' Junior CollegeHobbies: Playing guitar/piano, cycling, badminton, writing, watching movies, exploringHopes and dreams: Be a servant of Christ always
Full name: Daniel Lim Hua SiangAge: 18School: Hwa Chong Junior CollegeCourse of Study: Bio/Chem/Math/EconsHobbies: Sports, Baking, Hopes: Germany wins the world cup :)
Most Saturday afternoons, a group of 30-40 youth gathers (usually in the Calvary Pandan New Sanctuary Cryroom) for Christian fellowship (also known as the Youth Fellowship). The session begins at 5:00pm with a prayer meeting, followed by singing, a message, group discussion or games, and dinner. YF is a convenient and appropriate place to learn more from God’s Word, discuss issues relevant to a Christian youth and get to know fellow believers better.
I enjoy attending YF because the YFers are friendly and welcoming and are genuinely interested in learning more from the Bible. If you’re unsure about joining the YF, hesitate no longer! While you may feel out of place at first, the benefits will be great once you get used to it.
— Anonymous
TEENS THAT TALKex
Full Name: Ko Mingying JehanneAge: 17School: Innova Junior CollegeCourse of study: Arts streamHobbies: Playing the pianoHopes: 1. Keep a close walk with God, and do all things to the glory of his name.2. To be more disciplined.
oops.
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Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
It was indeed a warm and pleasant YF cooage meeCng (24th Apr) at Brother Henry’s house with everyone gathered together in the clubhouse, away from our usual meeCng place at the new sanctuary cry room in church. The topic for the day was “FELLOWSHIP”, where Brother Henry talked about fellowship with likeminded brethren, and of course our personal fellowship with God.
To be able to fellowship with likeminded brethren is not always easy. Hence, true fellowship with each other must always be preceded by having the right fellowship with God. Having the right fellowship with God means daily feeding on His word and living a godly life as best as possible. The privilege of fellowshipping with God as opposed to fellowshipping with others is that God will always be available for us when we turn to him. (1 John 1:7) That said, God will not be able to fellowship with those who are not walking in the light. Hence, it was a Cmely reminder for all of us to walk aright and be as close to the Lord as possible.
When the foundaCon (fellowship with God) is properly set, then can we go
about fellowshipping with likeminded brethren. Brother Henry touched on how to be a good ChrisCan friend to one another, which involves being sincere in our approaches and not having any ulterior moCves in befriending and helping each other. He also menConed that we have to let others in and to welcome right reproof instead of geeng upset; we should instead be grateful when admonished because it shows that our friends do care about us and desire us to change for the beoer.
Brother Henry ended the message by leaving us with Heb 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorCng one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching”. We should all indeed learn to edify and help each other spiritually as we strive to live godly lives on Earth. It was a deeply thought-‐provoking message, yet an encouraging and blessed one at the same Cme!
It’s a pity I couldn’t stay on for jQ’s quiz and dinner aderward because I had to rush off somewhere else but from what I heard, everyone enjoyed the quiz and gained much spiritual blessings that day! Looking forward to the next cooage meeCng! :)
-‐Hannah Woo
YF cottage meeting
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“Parables for children of God’s kingdom” was the theme for this year’s FCM Camp and I thought the theme song ‘Open my Eyes that I may see’ would have been a very good daily prayer! All the morning and night messages were taken by different speakers who drew precious lessons from each parable to give us insights into the heart of God, how we ought to live our lives worthy for the Lord and most importantly, to give us a glimpse into the kingdom of God. Like what Rev Quek said, all the different parables are like pieces of puzzles; when pieced together, they give us a view of the kingdom of Heaven.
In the opening message, Rev Quek taught the purpose of parables to the mulCtude of people that followed Him. Based on Maohew 13, he taught that parables are revelaCons of God concerning His kingdom and they are not to be taken lightly; ialways a good gauge for ourselves, to find out whether we are truly born again. Beyond doubt, only the true followers of Christ would be interested to find out the deep meaning behind the parables and this knowledge and ability to understand parables can only be given by God. It really set me thinking whether I have this interest, this desire for my new home above in the Kingdom of God, that would cause me to diligently search the scriptures to understand the parables or even to find out what God would have me to do and how He wants me to live my life for Him alone!
We covered many other parables day ader day, from the morning devoCons shared by the brothers to the morning and night messages by the many preachers of God’s word. The messages constantly reminded me of the urgency of God’s calling to prepare for the coming of Christ and to be a good soldier for the Lord!
Besides the great spiritual feasCng on the word of God, FCM Camp was definitely a good Cme of sweet fellowship! Camps are always good reminders on the goodness of God in our lives and spiritual wake-‐up calls for the soul. Thank God for the privilege to serve Him in the camp commioee this year! It may have been Cring but truly that was when God really reminded and showed me that He is always with me, granCng me the strength to serve Him daily – ‘Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.’ (1 Thess 5:24) No maoer how sad I felt when I found myself not able to stay fully awake during messages, when I realised the lack of desire I have for His word during messages, or when I thought how bad I was to be always missing from discussion, God sCill sends
friends to share and to encourage!
The girls also had a lovely Cme together during the Modest Apparel Workshop led by Sister Sharon. (I’m sure the boys enjoyed their session with Bro Joseph too!) Sister Sharon gave us many reasons why we ought to dress modestly from a biblical perspecCve. The greatest part of our tesCmony is based on our dressing, the external appearance – the first impression counts ader all. Therefore, it is necessary that we dress appropriately; also because we won’t want to stumble the boys around us yeah! Another thing is, always start with ourselves, evaluate our own wardrobe but never judge others. No maoer what we do, how we choose to dress ourselves, we must all do it to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31) Through it all, God’s name MUST always be glorified.
The thought of aoending camps with scary-‐people-‐whom-‐I-‐have-‐never-‐seen-‐before may discourage us from taking the first step to indulge ourselves in a Cme of spiritual refreshment. However, if we don’t take the first step, how can we ever find out how scary the scary people can be? I’m sure the maximum they can do is to shower us with soooo much love that we don’t even know how to react! Truly if God’s people are unwilling to support the camps, then how? What shall we do? So, be brave! Join us, join us!!! :D
Psalm 133:1 ‘Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!’ INDEED IT IS! Yeahyeahyeah!!! :) All praise be to God!
Love, Su Ling
Hello friends! (:fcm camp 2010
14
Church camp is coming up! You have been going for church camp for as long as you can remember. You’ve never missed a church camp – not when it was during your year of O’levels (two years actually), not when you had aoachments during polytechnic period, not even when you had an important project to hand in ader the holidays and all your team members said meeCng up was crucial. You told them without any hesitance that you will not miss your church camp. You always go around saying “I have never missed a church camp”.
This year is special. You have a job that makes going for church camp so easy. There is no worry of whether you will be able to take leave from work; no worry of how to tell the principal that you will be gone for more than a week. You also have your friend going to church camp with you. She has never aoended a church camp in her life and you feel so excited that she is going. You want her to learn as much as she can from camp and you hope that she will have the desire to dig deeper in God’s Word and be more involved in church acCviCes, hopefully even treat it as a church she feels completely comfortable and independent in.
What about yourself, though? Are you ready for church camp? Don’t forget to prepare your heart for camp, and realise what church camp is really about. It’s not a Cme to go overseas on a holiday. It’s a whole week packed full of spiritual blessings and lessons that should be applied in your life. You have to set a good example for your sister and friend and many others at camp. So many opportuniCes will be given and you should make the most of them. Don’t fall asleep during messages. Don’t be the last to wake up in the morning. Make it a point to write notes for every message.
Sleep early at night. I pray and hope that you are able to apply what you have learnt from the messages every day. Looking at the theme of the camp, you think it’s going to be a series of messages you have heard so many Cmes before when instead, those messages can remind you of so many areas of your life that you need to work on.
I hope that you’ll look through the camp booklet before messages to prepare your heart and mind for what you are going to learn. GalaCans 1:9-‐10 says “As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
These are only two of the many verses that you will learn at camp. I pray that you will learn that this life is only worth living because we have God and there is no reason to stay on this earth for long if not to serve Him. One verse that means a lot to you is “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16. Make sure you live out this verse in your life and may it be a constant reminder for you to bring forth fruit for the glory of God.
I hope you enjoy this camp and come back learning many lessons that you already knew but did not apply in your life. Instead of only saying “I have never missed a church camp”, will you say “I’ve learnt so much from every church camp” instead?
Abby
Dear mecombined family camp 2010
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I LOVE OUR FAMILY CHURCH CAMPS! Besides the good food, great fellowship and the no-‐need-‐to-‐clean-‐our-‐own-‐rooms thing, the lessons learnt from the daily messages through the whole week really are precious treasures that we cannot find anywhere else.
The theme for this year’s camp was “Reinforcing Sound Doctrines in Perilous Times”, and it was truly a good reminder that we have to stand fast and firm in the faith believing that the texts underlying the King James Bible are the perfectly preserved, everlasCng Word of God because there will be constant aoacks against them. We have to be aware of what is going on around us and know how to handle such aoacks, using the Word of God as our basis and foundaCon.
The other acCviCes like games, group discussions, meal Cmes and even free Cme allowed many of us to have closer fellowship with people in church who we probably only had “hi-‐bye” relaConships with. During the first night of the camp, Dr Tow suggested that we make at least 1 new friend a day throughout the camp, and for myself, I can say that I have been blessed to have gooen to know many brothers and sisters-‐in-‐Christ from church!
Earlier this year, I was so afraid that I would not be able to go for our church camp and my lecturer’s email telling me I could not go confirmed that horrible feeling. I really felt there was no way for me to go because firstly I had aoachment and a tutorial class I could not miss or I would get debarred. Thank God for my
family and friends who were very encouraging and prayed for me constantly. About 2 weeks before the camp, my dad received a call from my course manager who eventually said that I could go and that they would waive the debarment! COOL RIGHT! So the lesson I learnt from that incident was that we should not take family church camps we have once a year for granted, and when we have the opportunity to go, we should.
The family church camps we have once a year is honestly the best part of every year because – as my dad has been saying – it is a foretaste of heaven, where we all see one another every day, have our meals prepared for us and are greatly blessed and encouraged by one another. I may sound like I am exaggeraCng but seriously friends, going for our family church camps can actually be quite life-‐changing. It’s not just geeng that spiritually charged feeling ader it, but in the long-‐run, there are also the many precious lessons we learn during that one week can be applied to our everyday lives even if we do not know it right away.
SO! When we have the opportunity to go, we must try to go okay? (: Because you see right, there will always be others who cannot go even if they really want to. And even if our buddy-‐buddy friends cannot make it, sCll just try to go! We can always make new friends right? RIGHT! :D Next Cme, we can go together to bless and be blessed! Yeahyeahyeah!!!
-‐Alanna
combined family camp
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Thank God for the blessed YF ouCng at Hort Park on 5th June and the labour of love of the AGLs in planning the ouCng (: It was truly a Cmely reminder for us to reflect on our walk with God for the past five months. The day started off with a short sharing by Brother Henry from Genesis 5: 21-‐ 31, learning from the life of Methuselah and his father, Enoch, and his son, Lamech, and how they had walked with God.
Following the devoCon was a Cme for games and the theme of the ouCng, ‘ReflecCon’, was once again reinforced in the lessons behind the various acCviCes. We were reminded of the need to seek God daily, to always pray without ceasing; not only during difficult Cmes but even when things are going smoothly in our lives. We must always commit all things into God’s almighty hand, trusCng that He is always able to deliver us and He will not send tesCngs above what we are able to bear (1 Cor 10:13). For example, during the obstacle course, as we went through the different stages and met with difficulCes, as long as were willing to surrender and seek help, aid would be rendered to us.
We were also reminded of the need to be doers of the word and not hearers only (James 1:22), especially when things are not going the way we want but the way God wants. Even if it may be inconvenient for us, we ought to sCll
submit ourselves to His will, like in the piecing together of the YF theme verse using the toothpicks. In the first round, we were allowed to arrange the verse in ways we desired and of course everyone found no problem with that. Ader that, condiCons were added to increase the level of difficulty and we were tasked to rearrange the verse as instructed. That was when the inconveniences set, since it was not according to our way, and it required Cme and effort to redo it. In such a scenario, do we simply ignore the instrucCons and conCnue in the way we want or do we obey God and submit ourselves to Him? Likewise, when we read God’s word and come across words of rebuke, do we disregard God’s instrucCons for us and conCnue in our sins because of the effort it takes to change, or do we humble ourselves and submit willingly to God?
May we all take some Cme to ponder and to look back on our lives over the past few months to check if we have been living our lives according to God’s will or have we been neglecCng His will and gone our own ways. Have we drawn nearer to Him, desiring Him more, or has our love for Him grown cold due to the cares of the world? Pray that we will conCnuously strive to keep a close walk with God despite the busyness of life (:
-‐Wanping
YF outing to Hort Park!
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July
Exercising Christian Love Pr Ko Lingkang
3rd: Showing Love to YFers through Encouragement
10th: Showing Love to YFers through Rebuke/Restoration
17th: Showing Love to Non-Christians
24th: Showing Love to Doctrinally Different Christians
31st: Showing Love to Parents (Parents’ Appreciation Day) — Rev Quek Suan Yew
Birthdays: 2nd Jeremy Chan
10th Joanne 12th Bertha 15th Lingting
August
Prayer Rev Koshy
7th: Praying Amiss
14th: Intercessory Prayer — Bro Joseph Poon
21st: Public vs Private Prayer
28th: Importunate Prayer
Birthdays: 2nd Hannah 11th Michelle & Mervyn 13th Jason
Liew 15th Binn Yi, Daniel Wong & Debbie Grace
September
Titus 2
3rd — 4th: September Retreat —Bro Henry Chua
11th: Godly Women (Ti 2:4-5) — Eld Sim Siang Kok
18th: Godly Men (Ti 2:6-8) — Dn Han Whie Kwang
25th: Godly Servants and Living Soberly (Ti 2:9-15) — Dn Vincent Teo
Birthdays: 1st Garbiel 16th Marcus 20th Kenny 22nd Hui Min 28th Jonan
Im, be#er known to us as Mrs. Tow Siang Hwa, went home to be with the LORD. She passed away peacefully in hospital, her ailing frame unable to cope with the trauma of an otherwise technically successful surgical procedure.
On 5 May 2010, the church, and indeed many others, gathered in Calvary Pandan for her vigil service. It was a large event, with every seat in the sanctuary filled, as well as every parking space in the church’s vicinity occupied. This was true of even the subsequent two services.
That many people had disrupted their weekly schedules to a#end Mrs. Tow’s funeral services was no surprise. She was a prominent figure in church through many generaMons, always by the side of our pastor, Dr. Tow. The love shared between the elderly couple was
strong, evident to all those who knew them. While at the funeral, the keenest sense of sadness was felt observing our Senior Pastor. The sorrow of loss was barely hidden under a Mred visage.
But truly, the ChrisMan funeral is an enigmaMc event. Even though it is a Mme of mourning, this was only but a minute aspect of it all. For underneath the veneer of the pain of physical separaMon, there was a deep current of humanly inexplicable spiritual joy! There was the gladness that another had faithfully run the race and completed it, and was now present with the LORD, free from all physical pain.
The song items presented by various choral groups were an accurate representaMon of the significance of the homegoing service. The slow, melancholic acapella piece addressed the earthly sorrow of
those experiencing the loss, also being a prayer for heavenly comfort. The rapturous rejoicing of True Life’s choir reminded us of the joy to have completed the race faithfully.
This was yet again reflected during the exhortaMon. When Mrs. Tow’s life story was recounted, I could not help but wonder whether my life would echo the theme of Mrs. Tow’s life—that of one well lived, given to God, peaceably led amongst men, unblemished. I entered the sanctuary heavy hearted, but leX encouraged and joyful.
“Ecc 7:4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.”
On Saturday, 8 May 2010, The casket was lowered into the ground, and Mrs. Tow was buried at the lawn cemetary at Choa Chu Kang, marking the last Mme we shall see her, Mll we meet again in the land that is fairer than day.
On 4 May 2010, Mdm Tan Cheng
APRIL8th: Choong Kai Shuin receives a promotion to the rank of sergeant
17th – 18th: Elvin Siew completes an art test at LucasFilms
19th: Benjamin Chung enlists for National Service
24th: YF cottage meeting is held @ Bro Henry’s. Topic for the message: “Fellowship”, after which a quiz by JQ was conducted
30th: Jason Liew completes and submits his final year project
End April – Early May: Generally the exam period for students in tertiary institutions
• • •MAY
5th: Elvin Siew completes three years of tertiary education at Laselle College
8th: Brian, Suling, and Joyce Au Yong take
their first FEBC exam on 'Harmony of the
Gospels'. yeahyeahyeah!
10th – 6th AugustLim Zhongyan starts his internship with HDB which will end on the 6th of August
17th: Celeste Chin returns from her studies in the USA
15th – 17th: Lingting visits Kang in Perth. Both of them return to Singapore after the visit.
17th – 22nd: FCM Camp 2010. Theme: Parables for children of God’s kingdom.
24th: Gabriel Teo graduates from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a diploma in Mechatronic Engineering
24th – 28th: William Quah goes on holiday in Krabi, where he has his first scuba diving experience
25th – 4th June: jQ and Grace Auyong go off to Shanghai to visit to Phoebe Choo
26th: Kenny returns to Melbourne for 7 weeks with friends and family back home
28th – 4th June: Joyce Huang goes to Vietnam for OCIP
31st: Zach Quek takes the GCE O Level Chinese Examination
31st – 1st June: Brian goes for a compulsory motivational camp for student teachers at NIE
31st – 7th June: Christopher Cheong go off to Beijing/ Shanghai Expo for a holiday
• • •JUNE2nd: Jonathan Tay’s ATM card, debit card, CashCard and Kopitiam card go missing from his wallet after he leaves it unattended at a swimming pool. Oddly enough, the kind thief leaves his ez-link card behind for him to get home.
2nd – 9th: Yeda Ko goes on holiday in Taiwan with friends from school
7th – 12th: Family Bible Camp 2010 @ Seremban
11th: Elliot Chin ORDs during the family camp
15th – 17th: Several YFers and teens serve as helpers and bus captains in VBS 2010. Also on the 15th, a skit on the Zacchaeus account is enacted by a group from the YF.
17th – 4th July: Phoebe Choo returns from Shanghai for a holiday back in Singapore
18th – 24th: Hannah Woo goes for a holiday in Japan with some relatives
21st – 24th: Annual Teens Retreat 2010. Theme: One Body in Christ. Speaker: Bro Paul Ferguson
21st – 25th: Lim Zhongyan is called up for ICT/reservist
24th – 26th: 2010 Combined Youth Conference. Theme: Peter’s Progress
28th: Jason Liew is away for ICT.reservist for 2 weeks.
Short and Broad
18
A Publication of
Calvary Pandan Youth Fellowship
Calvary Pandan Bible-Presbyterian Church 201 Pandan Gardens
Singapore 609337
Email: [email protected]“Edify, Educate, Engage”
