Bible Witness

A Sanctified Vessel for the Master’s Use - 2

2007-03-19T20:08:00.000+08:00

A Sanctified Vessel for the Master’s Use - 2
2 Timothy 2:19-21

“19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.”

What We Have Learned

The Need to be Sanctified

Infiltration of false doctrines (vv. 14-18, 23)
Unwholesome, filthy, destructive communication (vv.16, 22).
The pastor is charged to respond to such destructive attack of the devil on the church with appropriate teaching that men who are entrapped might be brought out (vv. 24-26).

The Encouragement to be Sanctified

v.19a

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure”
“having this seal”
“The Lord knoweth them that are his”

The Process of Sanctification

v.19b-21

Individual sanctification: “And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
Strive to be a vessel of honour:"But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work."

The Rewards of Sanctification

v. 21b

“he shall be a vessel unto honour”
“sanctified”
“and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

How should a Church Strive for Sanctification?

A call for individual sanctification must be made

V. 19b – “And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
V. 21 – “If a man therefore purge himself from these”

A classical example of a congregation of God sanctifying themselves: Ezra 10

Following are 12 important steps for the sanctification of a church that we can learn from Ezra 10. All of it ought to be pursued with total dependence upon God’s grace and His grace alone.

Every time when there is a serious infiltration and spreading of sin or falsehood there must be an effort to sanctify the whole congregation
Sanctification must begin with the leader of God’s people (Ezra 9:1ff; 10:1)
Let the people come voluntarily to sanctify themselves (Ezra10:2,3).
There must be genuine sorrow for the sins among the people and every one must humble and repent before the Lord (Ezra 9:1-10:1)
There must be a willingness to put away sin - “to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them”(Ezra 10:3a).
There must be a willing submission to the spiritual counsel of the godly leader(s) – “according to the counsel of my lord” (Ezra 10:3b).
There must be a grave or serious reverence for the Word of God and its commandments – “and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law” (Ezra 10:3c).
There must be a whole-hearted unity among the people (leaders and the congregation) to be sanctified - “Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it” (Ezra 10:4).
There must be an avowal (taking of an oath or a pledge) in renewing our commitment to walk in holiness – “Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware” (Ezra 10:5).
Let it be done with much prayer, and even fasting – “Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away” (Ezra 10:6).
Let there be a deliberate and meticulous effort to get people separated from the plague of sin – “And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem; And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that had been carried away” (Ezra 10:7-8).
Let there be prayers for God’s mercy for forgiveness and for His wrath to turn away that we might continue to progress in His work – “Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.” (Ezra 10:14).

A Sanctified Vessel for the Master’s Use

2007-03-15T18:45:00.000+08:00

A Sanctified Vessel for the Master’s Use
2 Timothy 2:19-21

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.”

Introduction

Today, being led by the Spirit, I would like to bring to you a special, as we commemorate the 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of Gethsemane B-P Church.

Several issues have evoked very deep emotions within me over the past two weeks and also caused me to draw close to God for his help and guidance.

A place of worship and activities for our church
Internet Pornography that affects men in the ministry
19th Anniversary of our Church
God’s unfailing provisions for the church, for the ministers of the Word, full-time staff, theological students, and everyone in the church.
All of those matters require appropriate response.

But nothing has been more distressing than the sin of pornography that is invading the computers of Christians, and causing many to be entrapped in it.

As I reflected upon God’s goodness in the past years and our duty to Him, the Spirit of God has impressed upon my heart that there is nothing more appropriate for Gethsemaneans, on this Anniversary day, than to be resolved to be sanctified vessels for the Master’s use.

The Need to be Sanctified

Men will infiltrate the church with false doctrines (vv. 14-18, 23)
Men will be affected by unwholesome, filthy, destructive communication (vv.16, 22).
The pastor is charged to respond to such destructive attack of the devil on the church with appropriate teaching that men who are entrapped might be brought out (vv. 24-26).

Only faithful preaching of the Word that appropriately and adequately rebuke, correct, and nurture the church can protect it from the corruption of false doctrines and immorality.

The Encouragement to be Sanctified

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his” (v.19a).

the foundation of God standeth sure

Regardless of all the attack of the devil, God’s foundation of the church is “sure.”
What is “the foundation of God”?: The truth of God’s Word reveled by the apostles and prophets. Ephesians 2:20 - "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone."
The foundation that God has laid for the church is “sure”. The word, “sure” (stereos - Greek) conveys the idea of something that is solid, stable, steadfast, and strong.
As long as the church remains firmly on this foundation, there is no reason to be troubled from the few-instances of attacks by apostasy and sin.
Every local church that is solely Bible-based can be sure that the Lord is still building the church, against all the hellish attack on it. Our Lord Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
All glory to Him for this comforting and encouraging truth that He is building the church. But this truth is exclusively belongs to those who are buidling upon the foundation of God, even the apostolic doctrines.
So if we constantly respond to all the attacks of the devil by preaching, teaching, obeying the truth, we shall continue to enjoy the Lord’s power and goodness for the building of this church.
At the same time let us remember Psalms 11:3 – “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” May Gethsemane B-P Church always remain solidly on the Word of God!

“Having this seal”

Or rather a seal with this inscription.

What does the word “seal” indicate?

A seal represents the authority with which a thing is secured. (Matthew 27:66 - So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.)
A seal is a mark of genuineness. (Revelation 9:4 - And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.)
A “seal” also indicated authenticity and integrity (cf. Rom. 4:11; 1 Cor. 9:2).( Romans 4:11 "And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:" 1 Corinthians 9:2 "If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.")
The allusion here is to the custom of inscribing the name of the builder and the design of the edifice on the corner-stone. It seems to refer to some inscription on the foundation-stone which denoted the character and design of the edifice.
Likewise the church of Christ is like a building constructed by the hands of God, which has a foundation that has been firmly and securely laid, and on that foundation there is an inscription always remaining.

“The Lord knoweth them that are his.”

This is one of the inscriptions on the foundation-stone of the church, which seems to mark the character of the building.
It always stands there. It guarantees God’s authority and power in securing the church. No matter who would attempt to apostatize the church the Lord knows how to take care of His own faithful children.
It is, at the same time, a fearful inscription - showing that no one can deceive God; that he is intimately acquainted with all who enter that building; and that in the multitudes which enter there, the friends and the foes of God are intimately known. He can separate his own friends from all others, and his constant care will be extended to all who are truly his own, to keep them from failing.
Nahum 1:7, the following words are found: "And he knoweth them that trust in him;"
It is clear that he meant to say that it was one of the fundamental things in religion, that God knew who were his own people, and that he would preserve them from the danger of making shipwreck of their faith.

The Process by which We Ought to be Sanctified (v.19b-20)

Individual sanctification:

“And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

This truth must be emphasized in the church.
The commentator Barnes says, “This is the other seal or inscription which is made on the foundation which God has laid. The foundation has two inscriptions-the first implying that God knows all who are his own people; the other, that all who are his professed people should depart from evil.”
The meaning is, that it is an elementary principle in the true church, that all who become members of it should lead holy lives.
It is significant that every Christian would lead holy lives amidst all the defections by the disobedient and unbelieving. All their attempts to draw away others from the true faith, will be in vain if the people of God are determined to avoid evil.
The church’s purity is dependant on individual members. We must not allow ourselves to sink in the miry clay of sin. We must fight to pull ourselves of every besetting sin.
Especially in these days of moral decadence, we must not go down without a fight. Fight against every temptation and sin to the point of death. Hebrews 12:4 says, “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”
Psalm 34:14 "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."
Psalm 37:27 "Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore."
Proverbs 3:7 "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
Romans 12:9 "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."
2 Corinthians 7:1 "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Ephesians 4:17-22; Ephesians 5:1-11; Colossians 3:5-8; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:13-19; 2 Peter 1:4-10; 2 Peter 3:14; 1 John 3:7-10.

V.20-21 elaborates the significance of the process of sanctification further.
“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.”

In a large household are all sorts of containers. Some are made of gold and silver and others of wood and clay.
More importantly, some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble.
Since the reference so far is to the faithful and the unfaithful within the church, this metaphor should be understood to show how a sanctified Christian can be an instrument for noble purposes, and an unclean life of a church participant make him an ignoble vessel.
In the church there are some vessels of honour and some of dishonour. Some dishonour the Lord and His church by their corrupt opinions and wicked lives; and others honour and credit it by their exemplary conversation.

Verse 21, clearly declares that “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel of honour.”
o Every one in the church is not only called to depart from evil, but also purify himself of sins that have become part of his life.

purge himself - ἐκκαθαίρω (ekkathairō): clean out, cleanse, get rid of (1Co 5:7; 2Ti 2:21).
We shall study next Lord’s day how the Scripture teaches us to purge oneself of sins. Nonetheless, let us take not it is the will of God that every one who claims to be a Christian ought to rid of every sin that is in him.

The Reward of being a Sanctified (v.19b-20)

V. 21b tells us that the sanctified will be “meet for the Master's use.” In other words, the sanctified will be fit to be employed by the Lord Jesus in promoting His work on earth.

A man must purge himself from these before he can be a vessel of honour, or meet for his Master's use.
Every vessel must be fit for its Master's use. Every one in the church who desire to be in his Master's service must strive to be fit for His use.

Tongues for All Believers in All Ages?

2007-03-14T16:38:00.000+08:00

Tongues for All Believers in All Ages?

Selected Scriptures

Introduction

Since the inception of the Pentecostal movement in the late 1800s, the Christian church is plagued with the notion that a truly spirit-filled Christian will have the gift of tongues.
Such a notion is absolutely unbiblical and yet so widely believed and sought after.
Today, as the Lord helps, we shall consider some of the fallacious teachings on “tongues” and the biblical texts that are abused to support them.
Mark 16:17 is commonly cited to prove the claim that every true believer can/must speak in tongues.
“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.”
Let us examine this passage in its context - Mark 16:11-20

Crucial facts about Mark 16:11-20

There are two groups of unbelievers in this passage:

The Apostles

The first group was the Apostles who did not believe on the resurrection of Christ. They are consistently referred to in this passage by the third person plural pronoun (“they” / “them” – vv.11-14,17-20).

They did not believe on the resurrection of Christ, though it was reported to them by Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James (vv.1-11). V.11 - “And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.”
They neither believed the report of the two disciples to whom Christ appeared (vv.12-13). “And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them” (v.13).
The Apostles were rebuked by the risen Lord, who appeared to them (v.14). v.14 - "Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen."

Those who are yet to hear the Gospel

The second group of unbelievers in this passage are all those who are yet to hear the Gospel and be saved.

They were to be reached by the apostles (v.15-16.) "15 And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
“They” (third person pronoun, plural) refers to the disciples who were chided by the Lord for their unbelief concerning His resurrection. They were told to believe on Him and preach to every creature.
“He” (Third person pronoun, singular) refers to everyone who would hear the Gospel through the apostles and believe.

Analysis of Mark 16:17-18

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

“Them that believe” (v.17) is a reference to the apostles who have not yet believed in his resurrection.
The continued use of third person, plural (seven times) once again confirms that the apostles are meant.
V. 20 gives us further proof that Jesus was giving those miraculous gifts only to the apostles. “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

Does Spirit-Baptism Warranty Tongues?

Acts 1:4-5, Acts 2

. . . wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
The phrase “not many days” (Acts 1:5) limits this prophecy only to the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
So, Acts 1:4-5 is not a reference to the baptism of the Spirit that is offered to all the believers of all ages.
It is neither a proof text that then onwards baptism of the Spirit would surely lead to tongue speaking.
In fact, the word “baptism” with reference to the Spirit’s ministry does not appear in Acts 2, but words such as “filled” (v.4), “pour out” (v.17), etc.
Acts 1:4-5 is a reference to the beginning of the new dispensation of the Spirit’s work in the New testament, with reference to universal Gospel preaching and the receiving.
It does not say that baptism of the Holy Spirit will lead all believers at all times to speak in tongues.

The Scripture, in fact, clearly teaches us that even when biblical tongues existed not all believers, who received the baptism of the Spirit, spoke in tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:27-30 teaches us that even though all the Corinthians were baptised by the Holy Spirit, not all were given the gift of tongues.
So we conclude that baptism of the Spirit do not warranty all believers the gift of tongues.

Conclusion
We are never commanded to be baptised by the Holy Spirit, for it is part of salvation work that God does in our lives.

It is not a second blessing after one’s salvation.

But we are commanded to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-20) – that is to come under His control and guidance.

Understanding Spiritual Gifts

2007-03-01T19:52:00.000+08:00

Understanding Spiritual Gifts

Selected Scriptures

Introduction

“Spiritual Gifts” are one of the most misunderstood, abused, misused and underused blessing that Christ has bestowed on the church and its members.

This is particularly so since Pentecostal and Charismatic movements started to make appearances in Christian circles.

Pentecostalism & Charismatism

Pentecostalism is similar to the Charismatic movement, but developed earlier and separated from the mainstream church denominations.

Charismatic Christians, at least in the early days of the movement, tended to remain in their respective denominations.

Pentecostalism first began to appear in the late 1800, as some members of “holiness movement” in the USA, started to advocate “baptism” of the Holy Spirit, tongue speaking and miracles.
Although there were claims of Pentecostal expereinces of tongues prior to 1906, The Azusa Street Revival led by William J. Seymour is the watershed of the Pentecostal movement in the U.S and worldwide.
Beginning April 9, 1906 in Los Angeles, California at the home of Edward Lee who claimed the infilling of the Holy Spirit as of such date.
William J. Seymour claimed that he was overcome with the Holy Spirit on April 12, 1906.
On April 18, 1906, the Los Angeles Times ran a front page story on the revival, "Weird Babel of Tongues, New Sect of fanatics is breaking loose, Wild scene last night on Azusa Street, gurgle of wordless talk by a sister".
By the third week in April, 1906, the small but growing congregation rented an abandoned African Methodist Episcopal Church at 312 Azusa Street and subsequently became organized as the Apostolic Faith Mission.
Almost all mainline Pentecostal denominations today trace their historical roots to the Azusa Street Revival.
Since then the modern Christian world has seen constant growth of their teachings and practices.
Today it has gone into almost all the mainline denominations and is generally known as Charismatism.
From the beginning they have emphasized that ecstatic and miraculous gifts as proofs of the baptism of the Spirit.
This fast wide spreading movement has been spinning farther and farther from the proper Scriptural teachings since its inception.

Their preoccupation with the ecstatic experiences has produced some very strange, totally unbiblical phenomena in their midst, such as

Mass hysteria of gibberish (Tongues)
Claims of healing, signs and wonders (Faith Healing)
Prosperity and health to all who believe and receive blessings from their anointed leaders (Health-Wealth Gospel)
Falling backward and rolling on the ground (Slain in the Spirit)
Uncontrolled laughter, accompanied by animal like sounds and behaviour (Holy Laughter)

Are these true manifestations of the Spiritual Gifts that the Lord Jesus Christ offered to the members of His Church?

If those modern manifestations are not consistent with the Scripture, then they are not from God, but self-generated or satanic.

The Scriptures warn us that in the last days there will be an upsurge of spiritual deception through miracle workers. The Scriptures clearly teach us that in the last days many will be deceived to follow false teachers by their wonders and signs. The false prophets would mislead people through their miraculous, ecstatic deeds. In fact, a sure sign of the end times is the form of godliness that is devoid of truth and holiness, and yet with manifestation of miraculous.

Mathew 24:4-5, 11-13, 24
Matthew 7:21-23;

Foundational Gifts

These were generally miraculous gifts.
They were given as part of the revelation of God’s Word in the early church
They were either “revelatory gifts” or “sign gifts”
These are non-permanent gifts. They ceased as soon as their purpose was accomplished.

Revelatory Gifts – Not to be continued

In 1 Corinthians 13:8, Paul emphasizes the permanence of love by contrasting it with spiritual gifts that are meant to be temporary.

Verse 8 says,

“Charity never faileth” (Hē agapē oudepote piptei): Love never faileth. It is expressive of the perpetuity of love. Love survives everything.
“but”
“whether there be prophecies, they shall fail” ("shall fail": katargēthēsontai): First future passive of katargeō (from argos): to make idle, to be inoperative. Prophetic gift will be made inoperative (when the Bible, complete revelation of God’s truth, comes to existence cf. vv.9-10).
“whether there be tongues, they shall cease” ("shall cease": pausontai): Future middle indicative of pauō, which means “to make cease.” The middle voice suggest that the gift of tongues shall make itself cease or automatically cease of itself.
“whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away” ("shall vanish away": This word is also from the same Greek word as “fail” (katargeō). The gift of knowledge shall no more take place.

Paul clearly said that all of these special spiritual gifts, that were given for the purpose of revelation would pass away.

The Reason for their cessation:

1 Corinthians 13:9-10
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Through those revelatory gifts, the early Christians were given portions of God’s truth each time when one was led to exercise them.
The word “in part” (appears twice in v.9) is translated from the Greek word, meros, which means, “one of the constituent parts of a whole, or in a measure, or severally, or individually.”
In the early church, the truth of God was given to edify the congregation through these revelatory gifts, but the truth was revealed in portions.
The New Testament was not yet written. So those gifts continued until the revelation (N.T) was complete.
After the revelation (the Scripture / the New Testament) was complete (apostolic period) and then put together (canonization 350 A.D – 451 A.D), these revelatory gifts were vanished.
We have plenty of credible testimony from the church fathers that those revelatory gifts and the accompanied confirmatory gifts or sign gifts ceased after the completion and acceptance of the New Testament.

John Chrysostom (347-407) concerning the spiritual gifts of 1 Corinthians:

“This whole place is very obscure: but the obscurity is produced by our ignorance of the facts referred to, and by their cessation, being such as then used to occur but now no longer take place” (“Homilies on 1 Corinthians,” Vol. XII, The Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Hom 29:2).

John Calvin (1509-1564):

“...the gift of healing, like the rest of the miracles, which the Lord willed to be brought forth for a time, has vanished away in order to make the preaching of the Gospel marvellous for ever” (Institutes of the Christian Religion, Bk IV:19, 18).

John Owen (1616-1683):

“Gifts which in their own nature exceed the whole power of all our faculties, that dispensation of the Spirit is long since ceased and where it is now pretended unto by any, it may justly be suspected as an enthusiastic delusion” (Works IV, 518).

Thomas Watson (1620-1686):
“Sure, there is as much need of ordination now as in Christ's time and in the time of the apostles, there being then extraordinary gifts in the church which are now ceased” (The Beatitudes, 140).

Matthew Henry (1662-1714):
Speaking of the ‘gift of tongues,’ he said, “These and other gifts of prophecy, being a sign, have long since ceased and been laid aside, and we have no encouragement to expect the revival of them; but, on the contrary, are directed to call the Scriptures the more sure word of prophecy, more sure than voices from Heaven; and to them we are directed to take heed, to search them, and to hold them fast ...” (Preface to Vol IV of his Exposition of the OT & NT, vii).

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758):
“Of the extraordinary gifts, they were given 'in order to the founding and establishing of the church in the world. But since the canon of Scriptures has been completed, and the Christian church fully founded and established, these extraordinary gifts have ceased” (Charity and its Fruits, 29).

George Whitefield (1714-1770):
“... the karismata, the miraculous gifts conferred on the primitive church ... have long ceased ...” (Second Letter to the Bishop of London, Works, Vol. IV, 167).

James Buchanan (1804-1870)
“The miraculous gifts of the Spirit have long since been withdrawn. They were used for a temporary purpose” (The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit, 34).

Robert L. Dabney (1820-1898)
“After the early church had been established, the same necessity for supernatural signs now no longer existed, and God, Who is never wasteful in His expedients, withdrew them ... miracles, if they became ordinary, would cease to be miracles, and would be referred by men to customary law” (‘Prelacy a Blunder,’ Discussions: Evangelical and Theological, Vol. 2, 236-237).

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)
Speaking of the office of the apostles, “an office which necessarily dies out, and properly so, because the miraculous power also is withdrawn” (Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit 1871, Vol. 17, 178).

Benjamin B. Warfield (1851-1921)
“These gifts were ... distinctively the authentication of the apostles. They were part of the credentials of the apostles as the authoritative agents of God in founding the church. Their function thus confirmed them to distinctively the apostolic church and they necessarily passed away with it” (Counterfeit Miracles, 6). After the revelation (the Scripture / the New Testament) was complete (apostolic period) and then put together (canonisation 350 A.D – 451 A.D), these revelatory gifts were vanished.

Sign-Gifts

Together with the revelatory gifts, the Lord also bestowed upon those who were called to be the Apostles, miraculous gifts for the confirmation of their message. These miraculous were not found with every believer. They were seen being performed only by those who were in the Apostolic band.

The following verses and all the evidences in the Acts and elsewhere in the epistles point to this truth.

2 Corinthians 12:12 - "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”
Acts 2:43 - "And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.”
Acts 5:12- "And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch."
Romans 15:19 - "Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ." These signs were done by the Apostle Paul.

Conclusion

All the foundational gifts have been ceased with completion of the New Testament.

Now we must build upon that is revealed and confirmed, the Bible.

Ephesians 2:20 – “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone”

The apostles and prophets were the two major offices of the early which the Lord has given to the church, that they may reveal the Word of God, which will be the foundation of the church. Their gifts were foundational and temporary. Those gifts have vanished with them. Today, as Paul said in Ephesians 2:20, we ought to build upon using the gifts that are for our times, such as preaching, teaching, ministering, etc.
Anyone who claims to have those foundational gifts and their confirmatory (sign) gifts is a pretender and deceiver. Christ has already laid the foundation through the revelation of His Word through the apostles and prophets, He Himself being the chief cornerstone. The Lord is no more in the work of laying the foundation. The foundation is already laid.
Today the members of the church, must proclaim, teach and live according to the foundational truth of His Word, which is given to us by the Apostles and prophets. If anyone today appears with the claim that he is an apostle or a prophet, we must reject such. Their miracles are not of God (Matt 7:21-23; 24:24), they are counterfeits, like those of the ancient Egyptian magicians who performed the miracles that Moses did.
Let us therefore do not seek after the charismatic ecstasy and miracle signs because they are counterfeits. But let us seek to build upon the Word of God, which is handed down to us by the Apostles and prophets of the church.

Our Service in the Church - II

2007-02-20T08:47:00.000+08:00

Our Service in the Church - II

Romans 12:4-8

Introduction

God has called us to be living, active, serving members.
Every Christian ought to function like a member of the body (cf. vv.4-5).
The Church is Christ’s body. We, the members of the church, though diverse in our abilities function in unity.
A non-serving member weakens the Church, as its members remain dysfunctional.

Basis for Our Service in the Church

The basis is God’s gracious bestowing of spiritual gifts.
Romans 12:6a - "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us.”
“having then gifts”- All true believers are bestowed with “gifts” to equip them to serve.
Those gifts are given “according to the grace that is given to us.”
We can/must serve in the church because God has given us “gifts” to enable us to serve.
– While speaking of the gifts, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:7 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”
– 1 Peter 4:10 “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
– We ought to be “stewards” or faithful servants in managing God-given gifts by using it appropriately and promptly.
– Because God has bestowed all Christians, every one who claims to be a Christian is without excuse for not serving the Lord actively in His church.
The Greek word for “gift” (charismata) speaks of God’s grace in blessing us with spiritual abilities.
– God is the giver of the spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). He has graciously given us the gifts.
– The Spiritual gifts are not cultivated or earned by oneself, but “received” from God’s hands.
– So spiritual gifts do not reflect a person's greatness, but the greatness of God who gave the gift.
– Since we are enabled by His grace, none of us should be proud of our gifts and service.
– We must serve in the church with thankfulness, humility, willingness and vigour.
– Not to serve God is to neglect the grace and gift of God. (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).

Use of Gifts in Our Service

Seven spiritual gifts are mentioned in verses 6-8.
(i) Prophecy (v.6), (ii) Ministry, (iii) Teaching (v.7) (iv) Exhortation, (v) Giving, (vi) Ruling (Administration), and (vii) Mercy (v.8).
– Only one of this is a “sign-gift”
– In the Scripture, there are about 18 catgegories gifts are mentioned.

i) Prophecy (v.6):

“let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith”

Purpose of prophesying—communicating God’s message, to strengthen, encourage, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3).
One’s “prophesying” ought to be proportionate to the (not his) faith.” (tes pisteos).
It is to be in right relationship to the body of truth already revealed (“faith” as doctrine in Gal. 1:23; Jude 3, 20).

ii) Ministry (v.7):

“Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering”

Ministry (diakonia): All kinds of services, let us be occupied with it.

iii) Teaching (v.7):

“he that teacheth, on teaching”

Acts 13:1; 1Corinthains 12:28
Pastors ought to be good teachers. There is no such thing as “music-pastor”.
Only diligent students of God’s Word can be teachers. God equips some for the feeding of the flock by giving them the gift of teaching; and they should labour in the word (1 Timothy 5:17).

iv) Exhortation (v.8):

“he that exhorteth, on exhortation”

The gift of exhortation is about comforting, encouraging, and consoling fellow brethren (paraklesis).
This does not necessarily involve public teaching. It is calling along side an individual to admonish, correct, guide, comfort and strengthen in the Christian walk.

v) Giving (v.8):

“he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity”

When we give we must give with sincerity, without hypocrisy, (simplicity –Greek – haplotes).
We should not seek self-promotion. No fanfare, when it comes to generosity.

vi) Ruling (v.8):

“he that ruleth, with diligence”

The gift of ruling refers to leadership administration. The Greek word for rule” (proistemi) means “to be over,” “to superintend,” or “preside over.”
This gift is to be carried with “diligence,” which in Greek(spoude), means “haste,” “forwardness” “earnestness,” etc.
Every leader (elder) must fulfil the duty of his office with great earnestness. He must strive after in accomplishing the leadership roles.
Leadership is not a promotion given, but a call to duty, which must be diligently fulfilled.

vii) Mercy (v.8):

“he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Showing mercy (eleeo) is about having compassion to the needy and the troubled. This is a believer being efficient in helping the afflicted or seeking aid, or one’s ability to bring help to the wretched.
This gift ought to be done with “cheerfulness” (hilarotes). It is impossible to show mercy with a grumpy spirit. Showing mercy is often a very demanding and exhausting work. So those with this gift need not only patience but also “cheerfulness”.
A ready and joyful heart must characterize those who are called by the Spirit to the ministries of compassion and mercy.

May God bless us abundantly by His grace through His blessed Spirit to carry out each of our gifts that our church may be edified and strengthened for His glory.

Our Service in the Church - I

2007-02-19T10:07:00.000+08:00

Our Service in the Church - I

Romans 12:4-8

Introduction

A large number of Christians give little consideration to their service in the church.
It weakens the Christian, as he fails to appropriate God’s grace that is made available to him to serve God in His church.
It also weakens the Church, as its members remain dysfunctional.
Paul has already told us in the previous verses that we should not to think and act as we deem best, but according to God’s plan and decrees (vv. 2-3).

We are exhorted

“ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (v.2)
“not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (v.3)

Church’s Body Functionality (vv.4-5)

Body Metaphor (v.4)

In verse 4 Paul introduces human body as a simile or an image to teach us the divine plan for the functionality of His church.

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office” (v.4).
The conjunction “for” introduces this verse as the reason why we should not think individualistically, an admonition he mentioned in verse 3. The reason for not thinking individualistically is that we are called to be joined to one body as its members.
The term “as” tells us that Paul is using the concept of body functionality as a metaphor to teach the function of the church and its members ought to function.
1 Corinthians 10:17 – “For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
1 Corinthians 12:12 – “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.”
1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”
Ephesians 1:22-23 – “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
Ephesians 2:16 – “And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.”
Ephesians 3:6 - “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.”
(cf. Ephesians 4:4,12,16; 5:23)
Ephesians 5:30 – “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.”
Colossians 1:18 – “And he is the head of the body, the church . . .”
(cf. Colossians 1:24; 2:17,19; 3:15)

Two major points of comparison

The church is made up of believers, like the body that is made up of many members - “For as we have many members in one body”
Believers in the church functions like members of the body – “and all members have not the same office.”

Church’s Functionality Explained (v.5)

“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

Diversity: “So we, being many”
Unity: “are one body in Christ”
Functionality: “and every one members one of another”

Diversity: “So we, being many”

God has designed the church as a living organism with many members with various functions
v.4b - “and all members have not the same office.”
1 Corinthians 12:14 says, “For the body is not one member, but many.”
God has designed the church as a living organism with many members with various functions
Church is not a “one man show.”
The church has leaders, but it functions the best when all the members serve with their different abilities.
1 Corinthians 12:15-19

Unity: “are one body in Christ”

Diversity does not mean that we stand disunited.
In Christ, we function as one body.
Members work out their diverse gifts as they like, but as Christ, the Head, would direct. Thus they function as members of one body
1 Corinthians 12:20-27

Functionality: “and every one members one of another”

Mutual care and support are emphasised by these words.
1 Corinthians 12:25 - That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
Ephesians 4:11-13

Conclusion

As a Christian, have you joined the church to be a functioning member by baptism (or transfer of membership)?
As a member of the church, have you been actively serving other members according to the will your Saviour?
Let us rise up to serve the Lord like one united body of Christ, as He instructed us this day.

Christ’s Lessons on Worship

2007-02-07T23:00:00.000+08:00

Jesus’ actions and words recorded in John 2:12-17 are instructive of how one should regard the worship of God.

John 2:12-17
12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. 13 And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. 17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

After attending the marriage in Cana, where He performed His first miracle, Jesus travelled through Capernaum and arrived in Jerusalem to participate in the Passover feast. While He was in Jerusalem, He came to the Temple. As Jesus entered the Temple, He was greatly displeased with the unholy activities and improper worship of God that were going on there. So He acted swiftly to dispel the evil doers out of the place of worship.

This record of Christ’s cleansing of the Temple is very instructive of how we ought to prepare to render acceptable worship of God.

Christ’s High Regard for the Worship of God

According to verse 13, it was time for the Jewish Passover. During this season, people would normally go up to Jerusalem to worship God Almighty in the Temple.

The Passover was celebrated to commemorate God’s miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from the bondage of the Egyptians and their emperor, Pharaoh. It was commanded by God through Moses that Israel must observe the Passover. It was also known as the feast of unleavened bread (Exodus 23:14-17; Numbers 9:1-5). The Passover thus became one of the greatest celebrations of worship among the Jews.

Jesus showed great respect for this festival as it was commanded in the Old Testament. Having great regard for this season of worship, He went up to Jerusalem from Capernaum, though it was a very long journey.

The Lord Jesus is our supreme example in all aspects of life, even in the matter of worship and service of God. Like our Lord, we must worship God on the appointed day (the Lord’s day) and be zealous in the activities of the Church.

The writer of Hebrews exhorts us in Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Christians must not neglect worship and church activities, but must regard them as essential activities.

Christ’s High Expectation of the Worship of God

When Jesus entered the Temple, it was filled with animals and birds on sale. In verse 14, we read, “And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting.” Those were to be sold to the worshippers who came from distant lands without animals for sacrifice.

There were also money changers. We understand from Jewish history books, like the "Antiquities of the Jews" by Josephus, that every adult Jew was required to pay a Temple tax of half a shekel. The Jews in Palestine were allowed to pay in their own villages. But the Jews who came from outside Palestine had to make their payment in the Temple. Their Roman or other coins had to be exchanged at the Temple for the shekel, the Jewish coin.

Though there seems to be a legitimate reason for such a transaction, they were doing it with no regard for God’s house. They were making the Temple grounds a place of merchandise. Their motive and attitude were not of an acceptable spirit before the Lord. That’s why Jesus said, "Make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise." In fact, during another similar Temple purification towards the end of Christ’s ministry, Jesus said to them that they "have made it a den of thieves" (Matthew 21:13).

The so-called ‘services’ had become a means of exploitation. The worshippers had to put up with exorbitant charges. Furthermore, the profits that were supposed to go to the Temple treasury ended up in the pockets of priests, officers and merchants.

John Calvin commenting on this event wrote, "The priests misused the merchandise for their own gain and avarice, and such a mockery of God was unendurable. Again whatever excuse men may plead, so soon as they depart, however slightly, from God’s command they are blameworthy and need correcting."

The covetous spirit existed in the Temple has compelled Jesus to drive away the animals, birds and the merchants with a ‘scourge’ that He made out of small cords that would have been used to bind the animals.

Here are some Scripture portions to show how we should worship the Lord:

1 Chronicles 16:29 - Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Psalm 29:2 - Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Psalm 96:9 - O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

Psalm 5:7 - But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

Jesus’ action of forcefully driving them away was an act of His divine authority. How could He have done it alone against so many of the merchants and officers of the Temple if He was not a divine Person? In a normal case, no man could have achieved it alone. The fact that no one could resist Him speaks aloud of the greatness of His holy zeal and power. The Lord Jesus by His act of purging the Temple not only established His divine authority but also proved the righteousness of His person.

He also referred to God as "My Father" to authenticate His right to cleanse the Temple. The Jews knew only the Messiah (the Second Person of the Trinity) can make such a claim (see John 5:17-18). Claiming the Temple as His Father’s house was a declaration of His deity and His authority over the officers and priests of the Temple who allowed the merchandise to be brought into the Temple.

Being the holy God, the Lord Jesus expects great devotion and purity of heart from all those who worship Him. Our Lord is not interested in extravagant and glamorous ways of worship that leave the principles, purity and truth of His Word. When we come before the Lord, we must come with a sincere desire to serve Him out of a pure heart. Without true repentance and commitment to holiness, we cannot please Him. We may bring big gifts, we may sing melodiously, we may exhibit a form of piety, but if our hearts are covetous, dishonest and lustful, then all appearances of worship will be counted unworthy by the Lord.

Jesus once told the Jews why He refused their worship. Mark 7:6-9 – “He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Jesus identified their worship as ‘vain’ or useless.

In Jesus’ action of the cleansing of the Temple, we see His fiery zeal for the preservation of the holy worship. The disciples remembered the Old Testament passage that says, "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up." These words are from David’s prediction of Christ in Psalm 69. It is part of verse 9 of that psalm where the zeal of the Messiah in the things of God is described - "For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me." When we approach the Lord’s presence in an unholy and careless manner, it is viewed by the Lord as a reproach against God. It is a great sin to worship the Lord with unclean hearts and impure motives.

Let us be watchful of the reasons why we go to church. What motivates you to join in an area of service in the church? If it is any reason other than serving the Lord with a holy heart, then we reproach His holy name. Thus it will become an occasion for God’s fiery purification to begin in us. So let us go before Him with fear and holy devotion.

Walking with God

2007-01-29T09:22:00.000+08:00

Genesis 5:24 tells us that “Enoch walked with God.” Many Christians today find it so difficult to walk consistently with God, even for a single day. But Enoch walked with God for 300 years! A Biblical study of the term “walk” tells us that it is expressive of something more intimate than just taking a walk with God.

Firstly, walking with God suggests that there is no enmity between God and Enoch.

Enemies do not walk together. Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” The Scriptures in many places assert that the mind of the unconverted is carnal, sinful, and therefore at enmity with God. Romans 8:7 says, “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Thus, walking with God implies that the converted man who walks with God is no longer an enemy of God, but has been reconciled to God through the all-sufficient righteousness and atonement of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Jesus Christ is our peace as well as peacemaker. Romans 5:10 says, “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Colossians 1:20 says, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” If you have believed on Him, you are justified and you are reconciled to God; and consequently you can walk with God. Jesus Christ brings us to God and helps us to walk with Him.

Secondly, walking with God implies an abiding communion or fellowship with God.

1 John 1:6-7 says, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” So walking with God or in His light would mean having fellowship with God. Such a person would not allow anything to distract him from his communion with God. He keeps his life in tune with God all the time.

We all know that when friends walk together, they would engage in close and interesting conversation. They derive strength and encouragement from their close communication. And this idea is clearly intended in the figure of speech “walk with God”. Every child of God must keep on communing with God. A Christian must draw his pleasure and comforts not from his worldly friends but from his God. He must have constant fellowship with God.
The child of God must have fellowship with God in prayer. He must view the daily seasons of prayer as sweet and wonderful. So the man who walks with God speaks with God – telling Him all his doubts and fears, struggles and sufferings, all his desires and needs. The prayerful Christian will receive God’s kind exhortations and comforting answers in return.

I remember a story told by Charles Spurgeon about a sickly Christian in Scotland who was on his death bed, and visited by a friend who felt very distressed for him. This Christian told his friend, “Could these curtains, or could these walls speak, they would tell you what sweet communion I have had with my God here.” O prayer! Prayer! It brings and keeps God and man together. It raises man up to God, and brings God down to man. If you have been there, you would like to be there again. O believers, keep up your walk with God; pray, and pray without ceasing.

Believers must also maintain their walk with God by reading His Holy Word. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). We meet our Saviour in this Holy Book, the Bible. There we hear His voice, gentle and sure, guiding and strengthening, comforting and emboldening us for each day’s task.

How can we maintain a Christian walk without having God to speak to us? So God preserved His inspired Word for His people. It shall not pass away for the sake of His people’s blessing. And the royal Psalmist tells us, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Walking in the light of God’s Word is to walk in His presence.

Thirdly, walking with God is a description of the renewed life of a believer.

The word “walk” is descriptive of the manner in which God’s people ought to walk. Romans 6:4 says, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” A man who is united with Christ should not walk like a worldly person. Anyone who desires to walk with God cannot walk with those who have no fellowship with God.

Ephesians 2:2 tells us, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”

Ephesians 4:17 – “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind.”

Those who walk with the Lord will be characterised by godliness. Consider what the Scripture says about the manner in which Christians ought to walk:

(1) Walk by faith: 2 Corinthians 5:7, “(For we walk by faith, not by sight).”

(2) Walk according to the Holy Spirit and not according to carnal feelings: Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:4, “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Galatians 5:16 “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

(3) Walk honestly, without hypocrisy: Romans 13:13, “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.” 2 Corinthians 4:2, “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” Ephesians 5:8, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”

(4) Walk in Christ’s love: Ephesians 5:2, “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

(5) Walk circumspectly: In Ephesians 5:15, believers are exhorted to “walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.”

A believer who walks with God will be wise to always please Him. One ought to walk with God in the same direction and to the same destination. The man who walks with God must conform to God’s moral character and will. His feelings and aspirations ought to be in accordance with the holy law. He ought to love righteousness and hate iniquity.

The New Testament names Enoch as a man of faith, and comments on his life as one that pleased God. Hebrews 11:5 says, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Enoch was certainly a remarkable man of faith. When the time came for this extraordinary man of piety to leave the world, God took him suddenly and supernaturally. He was the first of two in the Old Testament who did not see death.

Fourthly, walking with God implies that one is advancing or making progress in his spiritual life.

Walking, in the very first idea of the word, seems to suppose a progressive action or motion. A person who walks, moves and goes forward. So it is with those who walk with God. They will go on “from strength to strength” (Psalm 84:7); they are “changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

In the epistle of Jude, we are told that Enoch prophesied about the last days: Jude 14, 15 – “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” What a blessing Enoch received from God to be given a glimpse of the glorious return of Christ with His saints in the end-times!

It certainly pays to walk with God. And only those who walk with Him below will walk with Him above. The Lord took Enoch into His presence without letting him see death. That is a very great honour indeed!

A Serious Error of Preachers: Not Exposing Error

2007-01-25T23:22:00.000+08:00

We have no shortage of “evangelical” pastors and preachers who preach biblical and helpful messages. But, in modern days, one erroneous trend is increasingly found among such preachers. The error is not that they outrightly teach false doctrines, but they do not preach truth explicitly so as to uncover the widespread sinful and worldly habits in their congregations or the apostasy and compromise in the modern Christian world.

A great number of preachers of our times prefer to leave the errors and evils among their flocks untouched in their preaching. Though they preach that repentance is a necessity, they will not rebuke immodesty, carnality and materialism in their congregations. They are only concerned about giving cosmetic beauty to their preaching. Their preaching seldom goes beyond surface; it hardly touches the raw nerve of the people’s conscience.

Why don’t preachers expose error?

Popularity
Whenever a preacher stands up and preaches, he does so with the hope that his voice will be heard and that his message will be received in full by the congregants. Herein lies the danger. When people’s opinion becomes predominant in the mind of the preacher, he seeks to cater to their pleasure rather than preach the will of God in its entirety, which is expected of him. The ultimate duty of every preacher is not to please the crowd but God. The preacher who is a manpleaser is an entertainer, not a servant of the Lord, neither a faithful minister of His Word.

Another problem of a preacher who is preoccupied with the acceptance of the people is that he will be constantly under an irresistible pressure not to apply the truth of God’s Word in a
way that would unsettle the “comfort” of the errant ones. A popularity conscious preacher will be silent even when he is aware of unrestrained sinful ways of his congregants. Such a man will rather cherish the comfortable relationship that he enjoys with the congregants than the holiness and glory of God. He feels more at ease with the abominable ways of men and
women of his congregation than with uneasiness resulting from bold rebuke of their immodest, carnal, materialistic ways. So he develops a style of preaching which appears to be biblical and yet without full, appropriate and necessary application of God’s Word into the lives of his hearers.

Pragmatism
Pragmatism is the mindset and principle which engages those who pursue fame and recognition. It is the notion that meaning or worth is determined by practical consequences.
Where pragmatism reigns, only visibly productive ideas and practices are pursued. All else, even biblical principles, are considered secondary. Pragmatism pushes aside holiness, faithfulness and the fear of God from its primacy in preaching and replaces it with bigger crowds, human appeasement, more money, more glamour, etc.

In so far as preachers, and their preaching, ministry and life are concerned, the present pragmatism of modern Christianity is at odds with Scripture. It is leading preachers away from being admonishers of sin and false doctrines to being their accommodators. The pragmatism’s road to popularity is too often paved with deception and lined with vagueness. The sign posts on such a highway to acceptance are always indistinct. Pragmatic pastors are leading their flocks into puddles of sin and devil’s pastures. This has become an acceptable way of life for those on the way to the top of the ladder of success in the business of entertainment. The world thinks little of using improper manoeuvres to gain its goals. A vast number of people have obviously determined that morality is no longer a needed asset in the social, political and spiritual fields. Immodesty and immoral lives are quietly overlooked.

Smooth-sounding professionalism of pastoral preaching largely turns a blind eye to apostasy and compromise. More and more preachers and churches are toning down and paring down their messages. Once in a while, this will be hinted at, but it will not be dealt with in a plain manner.

None of these should surprise us. The Spirit of God already cautioned us in His Word: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

Personal Pleasure and Gain

To offend listeners means loss of income and influence. So pragmatic ideology of modern preachers has filled many church pulpits with “dumb dogs”, who refuse to bark and alert men of the spiritual calamities that encircle them. Pragmatism has produced a breed of “greedy dogs” who rather remain silent for their own gain, even at the expense of the souls placed under their guard.

This reality of modern preachers reminds us of Paul’s words, “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself” (1 Timothy 6:3-5).

The Lord also spoke of such pastors in Isaiah 56, “His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant” (vv. 10-12).

As Isaiah said, one of the reasons for the silence of many pastors in the face of increasing sinfulness in their congregation is their own love for sinful pleasures, such as wine drinking, immorality and worldliness.

Exposing Error: Is It Worthwhile?
Exposing error is a very unpopular work. Objection is often raised even by some who are sound in the faith - regarding the exposure of error as being entirely negative and of no real edification. But from every Scriptural standpoint, it is most worthwhile. Proverbs 24:25, affirms, “But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.” A wise pastor will rebuke the sins of his congregation, and a wise congregation will gladly receive it with submission and obedience for its own blessing.

When a godly pastor or elder or a brother or a sister points out your errors, you ought to be thankful rather than resentful. Psalm 141:5 says, “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.” You should not go against the loving act of the one who rebukes you. Neither should you smear his or her good intention with false accusations and with your own false self-exaltation. The Scripture says such angry responses belong to the scornful and the foolish ones. “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee” (Proverbs 9:8).

God’s Word says, “Open rebuke is better than secret love” (Proverbs 27:5). And the next verse reiterates, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” It is the duty of every loving pastor to rebuke and correct his flock, even if it would cause some form of emotional hurt to the offender. If rebuke is necessitated by sin or a doctrinal error, then godly love demands the intense rebuke of it. Unfortunately, today, rebuke is much rather the neglected duty of love. (I do not advocate harsh treatment of an errant brother – cf. Galatians 6:1- 2; though I fully agree that a church should take biblical disciplinary actions against unrepentant men and women in its congregation – cf. Matthew 18:15-20.)

At this juncture, I would like to bring to my readers’ attention the words of a famous godly preacher of yesteryears, A. H. Ironside (1876–1951), “Error is like leaven of which we read, ‘A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.’ Truth mixed with error is equivalent to all error, except that it is more innocent looking and, therefore, more dangerous. God hates such a mixture! Any error, or any truth-and-error mixture, calls for definite exposure and repudiation. To condone such is to be unfaithful to God and His Word and treacherous to imperiled souls for whom Christ died.”

I end this article with the advice of the Apostle Paul to all preachers, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2). He advised Titus concerning some malicious men, who infiltrated the church, “whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith” (Titus 1:11-13).

God Cares for His Children

2007-01-09T21:21:00.000+08:00

From time to time, the Lord has comforted and strengthened me with the promises of His Word. Whether it be times of dire needs, sickness, sadness, opposition, or disappointments, the Lord always has a word of promise to cheer me. My heart is full of thanksgiving for the voice of His assurances in the Scripture. O how I love to meditate His Word in all my struggles, for it gives me courage, strength, and direction when I need them most.

In recent years, one of the disturbing problems I had to endure was the receding gums. It has caused many of my healthy looking teeth to be removed as they came very loose, causing swelling and pain in my gum. When I sought treatment in National Dental Centre, I was firstly told that I have a very serious periodontal disease. After a couple of sessions of initial examinations and dental care, I was briefed on the surgical procedures that I need to undergo to correct the bone degeneration in my gum and the eventual implanting of new teeth. When the doctor told me about the cost involved, I knew that I will not able to continue with the recommended procedure. I walked away from NDC, feeling very disappointed.

The Doctor’s advice was - Since there is not enough bone in the jaw to support the teeth, a bone graft is required, or the stimulation of natural or synthetic bone growth. This is urgently needed in the upper jaw, underneath the sinus cavities. Further time is needed to the whole dental implant surgery process.

(You can have a fairly good idea of the treatment for severe periodontal diesase (gum disease) and implant of teeth and the cost of it from the following website: http://pennsylvania-cosmetic-dentist.com/)

I knew that I am faced with a real difficult situation of loosing more teeth. With very little bones left in the gum, I would not be even able to wear dentures. I felt helpless, but chose not to let this issue affect my heart. So I prayed to the Lord and left the matter with Him, and focused on the work He has given me to do.

My parents and dear wife were very concerned about my situation. They kept praying about it. Though my wife tried to save up little by little, when there were very urgent needs in the ministry that the Lord has committed to us, we were moved by the Lord to give that sum to meet the needs in the Lord’s work. The Lord soon moved to provide for my treatment. He takes care of His servants. Praise the Lord!

One of the 200 over people who faithfully attended my Thursday night lectures on “Principle and Practice of Prayer” in Far Eastern Bible College was a dental surgeon. I had no knowledge that he was a dental surgeon. It was someone who knew my periodontal problem related it to the doctor and his wife. (I think the informant is a good friend of mine in the Lord). They approached me and invited me to their clinic for an evaluation of my situation.

I came home and shared with my wife of the amazing way in which the Lord has brought to me the treatment for my periodontal problem. We prayed with thanksgiving. Yesterday, I have undergone the first stage of my treatment – removal of my front teeth and the synthetic born graft in the front part of my upper jaw.

Though I suffered a bit of pain after the operation, the Lord has granted me much relief. Today I feel almost no pain. There is swelling on the upper lip. But according to the doctors it will go away in about 5 to 6 days.

The Lord has once again proved Himself faithful, loving and caring to my family and I. Yes, He cares for His servants, “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

As I thank the Lord for His goodness, I also thank the doctors and all the dear brethren in the Lord who have been praying for me, and those who have shown much love toward me. Thank you all for your comforting emails, sms messages, telephone calls, prayers, etc.

I prayerfully wait for the Lord to completely heal me that I may quickly return to the work He has given me in FEBC, Gethsemane B-P church, and in other places.

God cares for all His children! Amen.

Prospering for God’s Glory (A Sermon Preached during Watch Night Service)

2007-01-02T17:26:00.000+08:00

Prospering for God’s Glory
Selected Passages

Introduction

God’s people should always aspire to excel for His glory both in spiritual and mundane life.
Such is my prayer for each and everyone of you.
3 John 2 – Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
But we are not to seek physical prosperity without prospering spiritually.
Psalm 30:6-12 - And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. . . . .Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Jeremiah 10:21 - For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.

Prosper in Spiritual Matters

1. Prosper in the knowledge of God and excel in good decision making that are spiritually wholesome and pleasing to God.

Psalm 1:3 - And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Romans 2:18 - And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law.
Philippians 1:9-10 - And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.
Philippians 3:8 - Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.

2. Prosper in godly love – to God and brethren.

Philippians 1:9-10 - And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment

3. Prosper in God’s Work

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Prosper in Physical Matters

1. Wealth through godly and diligent ways

God’s wisdom says, “Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness” (Proverbs 8:18). Only the wealth that is obtained according to God’s wisdom shall be a blessing. Proverbs 13:7 reminds us, “There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” We are not to be desperate make money in any manner. If godliness would require us to be poor, then let us accept it, because it will lees to the riches that God would grant us. 1 Timothy 6:10 reminds us that “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
But if our godly pursuit and diligence would lead us to wealth, we should in no wise be hesitant to receive it and use it generously for God’s glory. Everything we obtain, even by hard work, is of the Lord. Proverbs 10:22 reminds us, “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”
God expects us to be hardworking; so His Word warns us in Proverbs 10:4 that “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
We must earn as much as we can through honest and righteous labour. Proverbs 13:11 tells us that “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” We should not dream about being wealthy by any means. There is no lasting and meaningful pleasure in making money through deception, violence, etc. Let us work hard. Let our shirts stink with our sweat. Through honesty and labour let us seek the wealth that God send to us.
Then let us be rich in charity - as Paul instructed the Coritnhian believers in 1 Corinthians 16:2 – “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”

Essentials for Godly Prosperity

1. Confess your sins

Proverbs 28:13 - He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
There is no reason why God should prosper a man whose heart is set on sins. God does not give grace that we may continue to sin. His mercy is given that we may sin and prosper in the ways of the Lord. Sin will be an hindrance to our blessings. So examine yourself and repent from besetting sins.

2. Pray earnestly

Nehemiah 1:11 - O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.
Like Nehemiah, we must pray earnestly before we set out to undertake any project at all. We must seek God’s permission, guidance and provisions before we set out to do our business.
No prayer, no provision! No prayer, no prosperity!

3. Count the worldly glory nothing but loss

Philippians 3:8 - Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.

4. Labour in the Lord

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. The key to abounding in the work of the Lord is “labour.” It denotes to toil or hard work irregardless of difficulties and trouble (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:8).

5. Have Strong Faith in the Lord

Nehemiah 2:20a Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build . . . Note the Nehemiah’s faith and confidence – “The God of heaven, he will prosper us.” Whenever we attempt something in accordance to His will, we must neither be anxious nor be fearful.

6. Keep Yourselves from the Ungodly

Nehemiah 2:20b - but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.
Psalm 1:1-2 - Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Conclusion

When the Lord prospers us, let us humbly praise Him

Psalm 118:25-29 - Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

BIBLE WTINESS WEB RADIO

2007-01-01T18:53:00.000+08:00

BWWR! http://biblewitness.com/webradio

After almost two years of prayer, planning and plodding, the Bible Witness team has set up a Christan Web Radio from Singapore- BIBLE WITNESS WEB RADIO. As far as I know, this is Singapore's first Christian Web Radio (If anyone else has set up a Christian Web Radio in Singpaore, I gladly withdraw/delete my statement) .

Our ambition is, as the name suggests, to bear a biblical witness to the whole world.

Please visit our website and listen to the radio. Introduce it to some others.

We would appreciate your prayers that we may continually improve for His glory

ANOTHER NEW YEAR! PRIASE THE LORD

2007-01-01T18:41:00.000+08:00

Ah, Lord what good have I
That Thou might give me
Yet another New Year?
It is by Thy grace alone
That I see another year.
Lord, I yield myself
To be Thy servant all the days
That Thou woudest give me.

My prayer and desire in the year 2007: Nehemiah 1:11a
"O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy."

My Sermon Outline (10 Dec, 2006)

2006-12-11T02:15:00.000+08:00

Has the N.T. Church Replaced Israel Permanently?

Romans 11: 1-36

Introduction

There are Christians who believe that the nation of Israel is totally replaced by the N.T Church.
They deny that God is still working out His specific promises and prophecies concerning the nation of Israel.
They erroneously spiritualize and apply promises and prophesies concerning Israel to the N.T Church.
In Romans 11, the Apostle Paul reveals that God has not replaced Israel with the N.T Church forever.
Here Paul lays out various biblical reasons why God has not rejected Israel totally.
Israel is not permanently cast aside by God. According to God’s plan, it still has a future.

Proofs that Israel is not Permanently Replaced:

Proof from Paul’s Personal Experience (v.1)

Paul, an Israelite (“of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin”), is saved by faith in Christ.
Paul, though a Christian, still emphasizes that he is an Israelite. The distinct identity of the Jew/Israelite is not completely eradicated, though he is a Christian.

Proof from the Biblical History (vv. 2-10)

Paul reached back into 1 Kings 18 & 19 to show that God has always had a faithful remnant even in the times of greatest unbelief in Israel.
In his day, Elijah thought that the nation had totally departed from God (see 1 Kings 19).
But Elijah discovered that there was yet a remnant of true believers.
Though He thought he was the only faithful Jew left, later he discovered that there were 7,000 more.
Paul already established that even in ancient Israel, not all the people were obedient believers.
Romans 9:27
So Paul says in v.6, “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”
Note that this remnant is saved by grace and not by works (Rom. 11:5–6).
But many Israelites, then and now, consider their religious rites and rituals guarantee their spiritual well-being.
The fact that the Jews shared in the covenant by being circumcised did not guarantee their salvation. Like Abraham, they had to believe God in order to receive His righteousness.
If God’s grace has chosen and preserved a remanant, what happened to the rest?
They were judicially hardened in their unbelief that they would perish (v.7).
Paul gives further proof by citing Isaiah 29:10; Deuteronomy 29:4 in verses 8; and Psalm 69:22–23 in verses 9-10.

Proof from the Provocation caused by the Gentiles’ salvation (vv. 11-15)

Verse 11 says, “I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.”
Today, the saved Gentiles provoke Israel “to jealousy” (see Rom. 10:19) because of the spiritual riches they have in Christ. Israel today is spiritually bankrupt, while Christians have “all spiritual blessings” in Christ (Eph. 1:3).

Proof from Patriarachs (vv. 16-24)

Though this section is a warning to Christians who came from Gentile background not to mock Israel, it also points to the fact that Israel will have full restoration in the future.
He refers to the ancestry of Israel to show us that God has not fully rejected Israel.
He uses two illustrations here.

The lump of dough (v. 16a). (cf. Numbers 15:17–21.)

The first part of the dough was to be offered up to God as a symbol that the entire lump belonged to Him. The same idea was involved in the Feast of Firstfruits, when the priest offered a sheaf to the Lord as a token that the entire harvest was His (Lev. 23:9–14).
The basic idea is that when God accepts the part He sanctifies the whole.

The olive tree (vv. 16b-24).

The roots of the tree support the tree; again, this was a symbol of the patriarchs who founded the nation.
God made His covenants with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and He cannot deny them or change them. Thus, it is God’s promise to Abraham that sustains Israel even today.
We (wild olive branches) are grafted into that natural olive tree, when some God has cut off the unbelieving Jews (broken branches).
We (N.T. Church) stand on Israel. “Salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22).
No matter how far Israel may stray from the truth of God, the roots are still good.
God will keep His promises to these patriarchs. This means that the olive tree will flourish again!

God will Restore Israel (v.25-32)

In His Time (v.25)
According to His promise (v.26)
According to His covenants (vv.27-28)
Because of His faithfulness (v.29)
Because of His grace (vv.30-32)
Because of His wisdom (vv.33-36)

Conclusion

We have a very patient and gracious God, who is willing and ready to forgive and restore us. Let us learn today that we should not hardened our hearts, but repent from our backslidings.
He is faithful and just to forgive us
Let us praise Him for the riches of His mercy and proclaim His saving name that both Jews and Gentiles alike find salvation in the Gospel of Christ.

Gethsemane B-P Church Camp 2006: A Fortaste of Heaven

2006-12-03T06:50:00.000+08:00

A glorious time of Christian fellowship! A foretaste of the joyous heavenly gathering of the saints of Christ! At the end of five days (27, Nov – 01 Dec), when all the spiritual joys and blessings are considered, the feeling was like it was all over a within a day. But there were enough things to remind us that we are still on earth. Some of the campers have fallen sick with stomach discomforts and fever. There were also weaknesses and immature actions of Christians, which were patiently overcome by the matured believers. We have much thanksgiving for the Camp Committee that laboured hard to make the camp a blessed experience. All in all, this years’ church camp was a very blessed camp, where the glory of Christ was clearly visible through the preaching of the Word of God and Christian unity.

I am thankful that the Lord has send Rev.& Mrs. Errol Stone (Pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church - Perth, Australia) to minister God’s Word in our church camp. Rev. Stone expounded on the theme “Pre-occupation with Christ’s Glory,” while I preached on “The Glory of Christ.” Mrs. Stone and Sis. Ejigayehu taught the children.

We have the honour of having Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Timothy Tow with 146 that attended the camp. Though Rev. Tow was weak after the recent bout of illness, he was able to rest and be refreshed during the camp. It was really a joy to have both of them with us in the Gethsemane’s camp.
All glory be to God for a joyous camp, where we as a church had a good opportunity to study the topic, “Behold the Glory of Christ.”

I will be ministering God’s Word on the Lord’s Day (3 Dec, 06) in Calvary Jaya Bible-Presbyterian Church, KL Malaysia; and then the following day I will join the Berith B-P Church from Singapore for their church camp, which is held in the Holiday Villa, Subang, Malaysia. I am also thankful that my wife and three children can also join me in all these camps that we may as a family enjoy the study of God’s Word and the fellowship of the saints.

Let us pray for Rev. Lee Kim Shong (Pastor of Calvary Jaya B-P Fellowship) and Dr. Jeffrey Khoo who are in East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) to teach in the Bible Colleges and churches.

Posted from Calvary Jaya B-P Church's Guest Room, (Petaling Jaya, KL, Malaysia)

My Sermon Outline (19 Nov, 2006)

2006-11-19T23:07:00.000+08:00

Rejection, Redemption, Restoration
Romans 10:19-21

Introduction

Preceding Context (cf. Romans 10:12-18):

The Word of God is to be preached everywhere that those who hear might believe and be saved.

It is the duty of the church to send preachers everywhere to sound forth the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Present Concern:

A concern was raised about the rejection of the Gospel by the nation of Israel, while it is accepted increasingly by the Gentiles.

v.19 - “But I say, Did not Israel know?”

Why is it that while people from all nations are turning to Christ, Israel, as a nation, shows no knowledge of Christ?

Israel’s present ignorance of Christ and Gentiles acceptance of Christ are not because the Gospel was not preached to Israel, while it is preached elsewhere.

Jesus was born in the midst of Israel. He lived, ministered, died, resurrected and ascended to heaven from their midst. Jesus said in Matthew 15:24, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

The apostolic ministry of the Gospel began in Jerusalem of Israel. Peter told the Jews in Acts 3:25-26, “Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.”

So Israel had the witnesses of:

Christ who lived in their midst
The early apostlic preaching ministry
The early Christians
The testimony of John the Baptist
The covenants & promises in the Old Testament that pointed to Christ
The prophets who testified of Christ

• Why are they still ignorant of Christ?

Rejection (v.19b)

It was the rejection of Christ, even though all of those testimonies were before them, that made them ignorant of their Saviour.

To prove this is the case, Paul cited the words of Old Testament prophet, Moses in Deuteronomy 32:21.

Paul cited in verse 19b the last part of Deuteronomy 32:21, “First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.”

The larger context of Deuteronomy 32:21 – “They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.”

Through Moses God has prophesied that when Israel would go after other gods, He would provoke them by leaving them for foolish nations who knew Him not.

Paul cites a very early prophet as Moses to show how early God has warned against their rejection of Christ.

A two-fold rejection – When Israel rejected Christ, God rejected Israel.

Redemption (v.20)

Israel rejection of Christ has turned God to the Gentiles that He might redeemed them through the Gospel of Christ.

To prove this is the case, Paul cited another prophet other than Moses, even Isaiah.

In verse 20, Paul cited Isaiah 65:1, "But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me."

Here Isaiah boldy told a proud Israel that God will turn toward a people, who never sought Him in worship or prayer, even the Gentiles, that He may become their God.

Let us take note that it is not the goodness of Gentiles that moved God to save them.

It was His own gracious decision that brought salvation to us, who are non-Israleites.

It is man’s duty to “Seek and find.” But we failed.

So God revealed Himself to them who never sought Him that He may be found of them.

He dispenses His grace at His good pleasure to whom He chose. Thus he manifested himself to the Gentiles, by sending the light of the gospel among them.

So let us not become proud because we are now favoured at the expense of Israel and become like Israel who rejected God and His Word in their pride.

Paul warns us in Romans 11:19-22 – “Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.”

Restoration (v.21)
“But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.” This is a citation of Isaiah 65:2.

The Lord is patient to His people. He yearns over Israel all day long.

Though He left them for now, He still awaits their returning with stretched hands.

So Paul pleaded that they would believe on the Lord

Conclusion

Let us return to Him, from all our backsliding. He will receive us with open arms.

Let us echo the message of Romans 10:19-21 by singing Fanny J. Crosby’s famous hymn, “Jesus is calling”. Encourage ourselves and others around us to be restored to Christ from all our backsliding.

Jesus is tenderly calling thee home
Calling today, Calling today
Why from the sunshine of love wilt thou roam
Farther and Farther away

Chorus: Calling today, Calling today,
Jesus is calling,
Is tenderly calling today

Jesus is calling the weary to rest
Calling today, Calling today
Bring Him thy burden and thou shalt be blest
He will not turn thee away . . . . chorus

Jesus is waiting, O come to Him now
Waiting today, Waiting today
Come with thy sins at His feet lowly bow
Come and no longer delay . . . . chorus

Jesus is pleading, O list to His voice
Hear Him today, Hear Him today
They who believe on His name shall rejoice
Quickly arise and away . . . . chorus

My Sermon Outline (12 Nov 06)

2006-11-13T02:01:00.000+08:00

Sending Preachers
Romans 10:12-18

Introduction

The church’s greatest duty on earth is to send preachers.
Church is God’s only institution on earth that is given the task of preaching the Gospel of salvation everywhere.
So the Apostle Paul instructs the church in Rome, its duty of sending preachers.

Reasons for Church’s Commitment to Send Preachers
1. We are entrusted with a message (v.15c)
“preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (v.15c)

• “Gospel of peace”: The good news that offers peace. (cf. Ephesians 6:15)
– It is the word of reconciliation between God and man. “On earth peace” (Luke 2:14).
– Romans 5:1 - “. . . Peace with God through Jesus Christ”

• “Glad tidings of good things!”:
– 2 Thessalonians 2:16 – “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.”
– Romans 10:12b-13 - “the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

“is rich” (Greek – plouteo): It indicates that God is affluent in resources so that He can give blessings of salvation to all.
What a joyous news is that God will manifest His grace and salvation abundantly to all those who would trust Him.

• The Apostle Paul has described the message of the Gospel also as

– “Gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27)
– “Gospel of salvation” (Ephesians 1:13; 1 Thess 3:2; 2 Thess 1:8)
– “Glorious Gospel” (1 Timothy 1:11)

2. We are entrusted with a mandate (vv.14-15a)

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent?”
• Faith comes by hearing, so they must hear the message. How will they hear?
• A messenger must go to them with the message.
• But this means that the messenger must be sent.
• The preachers ought to be sent to every people, indiscriminately. It is God’s commandment to His Church.

– Romans 10:12-13 – “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
– Matthew 28:18-20

Role of the Church in Sending Preachers
“And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” (v.15a)
• Preparing Preachers
– 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
• Providing for Preachers
– Philippians 4:10-19
• Pray for preachers
– We must pray for more labourers to do the work of evangelism. - Matthew 9:37-38
– We must pray for the protection of those who preach the Gospel - Romans 15:30-31
– We must pray that God would grant us more opportunities to preach the Gospel. - Colossians 4:2-3
– We ought to pray that the preachers of the Gospel would have the grace to expound the truth clearly to the hearers. - Colossians 4:3-4
– We must pray God that He would grant us boldness in preaching - Ephesians 6:19, 20

Responses to the Church’s Sending of Preachers
• Some will turn to the Lord
– Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
• Some will reject the Lord
– Romans 10:16 – “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?”

Results of the Church’s Sending of Preachers
• Divine commendation
– Romans 10:15b - “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace”
• Many will turn to Christ by faith
– Romans 10:17 – “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
• World evangelization is accomplished
– Romans 10:18 - “But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.”
We will be able to fulfil our part in God’s plan concerning the Global preaching of the Gospel.
– Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

A Passion for Fervent Prayer in Church

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I was always convinced in my heart that prayer is very vital in the ministry of the church. Now that conviction is becoming an unbridled passion of my heart. There were times when the Lord moved me to lead the church in prolonged prayers, even with fasting. Now, it has gripped my heart like never before that we should give ourselves to fervent prayer. A stronger and more vibrant prayer ministry in the church is my heart’s passion! O that men and women might pray day and night and the power, wisdom and provisions of God might fill every ministry of the church for the salvation of thousands of souls in Singapore and around the world and for the establishment of churches around the world.

Gethsemaneans, come and join the ‘Prayer-Partners’ ministry in the church. Let us humble ourselves and seek His face. He is our only help, our only guide. Jesus told us “without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Then He said, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:7-8). Let us obey our Lord and pray that we may be fruitful.
Let us not only to come for prayer on Tuesday nights, but let us also more often unite our hearts in small groups and pray from different places.
My brethren, I plead, let us seek His face that His countenance may shine upon all our Gospel frontiers.

My Sermon outline (5th Nov 06)

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The Word of Faith
Romans 10:8-11

Introduction
Revision and New Observations of the Preceding Context (vv.2-7)
• Ignorant zeal of the Jews (vv.2-3)
– Inconsistent with the knowledge (v.2b)
– Ignorant of God’s righteousness (v.3a)
– Insistent on self-righteousness (v.3b)
– Insubordinate to God’s righteousness (v.3c)
• Christ, “the end of the law” (v.4)
– Christ is the designed end (telos) or the purpose or the object of the law concerning righteousness.
– He has fulfilled the law (all its righteous precepts – moral and ceremonial)
– So He became the “righteousness to every one that believeth.”
Paul then applies two Old Testament passages to urge his readers to exercise faith in Christ as their righteousness.
i) v.5: Cf. Leviticus 18:5 – “That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.”
• If any one wants to live by the righteousness of the law, it requires complete obedience to all of the law.
• But such a perfect righteousness through total obedience is impossible for the sinful man ever to achieve.
Romans 3:20 – “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
Romans 9:31- “But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.”
James 2:10 – “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
• This not at all due to the fault or error of the law, but man’s inability. The law, by itself, does not make us righteous, but it exposes and condemns our sins.
Romans 7:7 - What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

ii) v.6 : Cf. Deuteronomy 30:12-14
The point of Moses’ exhortation (Deut. 30:11) is that God’s Word given to the Israelites in his day.
• Since they had the message, they did not need to ask that it be brought down from heaven or that someone cross the sea to get it (Deut. 30:13).
• Instead, the Word of God was near them (Deut. 30:14).
• In effect, Paul, like Moses, urged the people to see that it takes no strenuous effort from them to find their righteousness.
• There is no need for anyone to attempt to bring Christ down or to bring Christ up from the dead. God had already sent His Son to us. Christ had already come, lived, died and resurrected.
• Whosever believes on Him will have all his sins forgiven and imputed with Christ’s perfect righteousness.
We Preach the Word of Faith (v.8)
“The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach”
– The term, “the word” (rhēma) occurs twice. It is often translated as “saying.”
– The emphasis of the word is “that which has been stated or said, with primary focus upon the content of the communication.”
– Our message should never be a message of exertion or superstition or tradition.
– Our message ought to be a message of faith in Christ.
– We ministers of the church must preach the “word of faith.” If we add anything to it, we will drag our hearers into a false religion that cannot save.
– This is truth for which the Reformers separated themselves from the false Gospel preached by the Roman Catholicism.
– Today the evangelical preachers from Protestant churches seek to merge with the Roman Catholics. So they created ECT and other ecumenical efforts.
– God forbid that we preach or do anything that will lead our hearers to a religion that cannot save.
Galatians 1:6-9 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 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.
– Our duty, as a church and preachers, is to declare the “word of faith.”
– Preaching Christ is our greatest duty that sinners be brought to Christ and be saved.
Acts 28:31 - “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”
1 Corinthians 1:17 - “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”
1 Corinthians 1:21 - “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.”

You Believe on Christ (vv.9-10)
“9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
– Confession and believing are not two separate steps to salvation.
– They are chronologically together. Salvation comes through acknowledging to God that Christ is God and believing in Him.
– The confession is an acknowledgement of one’s faith that Christ has incarnated to be our Saviour and that Jesus Christ is God.
– Confessing with the mouth that Jesus is Lord is mentioned first to conform to the order of the quotation from Deuteronomy 30:14 in Romans 10:8.
– One essential aspect of your heart-faith must be that God raised Him from the dead (cf. v. 7).
– The true order is given in verse 10: For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified (“believeth unto righteousness”), and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved .

Salvation is Guaranteed (vv.10-11)
“10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
• Paul quotes again Isaiah 28:16 (cf. Rom. 9:33).- “Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
• No one who believes in Christ will be exempted from receiving the salvation. None who believes will be condemned.
• Paul reemphasized this truth in verse 12-13, “12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Conclusion
May we, who believe on Gospel of Christ, rejoice that we shall never be condemned. My hearer, if you are still in your sin and its condemnation, you must turn to Christ for your redemption and purification. He lived perfect life and His righteousness is promised to all those who would put their faith in Him. He also died to remove the condemnation of our sins.

Final Hymn – Saved, Saved!

I’ve found a Friend, who is all to me,
His love is ever true;
I love to tell how He lifted me
And what His grace can do for you.
Saved by His pow’r divine, Saved to new life sublime!
Life is now is sweet and joy is complete, For I’m saved, saved!

- Jack P.Scholfield

I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ

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For the glory of My great Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ!