PREACHER’S CHAT
Dear Readers,
We thank God for the church camp that has just passed. I am especially encouraged to see many of the brethren encouraging one another “to press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:14). May we continue to hold forth the Word of Everlasting Life until the Lord returns!
I was also heartened to hear the missionary reports from Preacher James Tan and Preacher Li Ya Hui. Ya Hui has laboured faithfully in Mustard Seed BPC. He is adamant that he must remain separate from the Three-self church and the ecumenical World Council of Churches (WCC) even though others around him are capitulating towards compromise. His stand for the truth will inevitably lead to heightened challenges soon. Please pray for him.
Meanwhile, Preacher James Tan has been lecturing diligently in the Bible College of East Africa (Kenya). He had to contend with the hardened hearts of men, and the rampant falsehood of the times. Moreover, he needs to manage his long-standing medical condition. Despite these challenges, James has been pressing on with the Lord’s work. We pray that more faithful workers will sprout forth from BCEA to serve the Lord in His vineyard.
These two brethren have proven faithful in the defence and confirmation of the gospel thus far. We should consider strongly how we can support them in the work for Christ. Let us learn from the example of the Philippian Church who did her best to communicate (koinonia, i.e. have deep partnership and participation) with the Apostle Paul in the midst of his afflictions. Their care for Paul was described by the Apostle as “an odour of sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God” (Phil. 4:15-18). We must support missionaries who have proven themselves faithful to the cause of Christ.
I am convinced that the gospel is the best gift to the Chinese people. Faithful Chinese Christians will not only be the most diligent and submissive of citizens, but more importantly, they will be lights to point others to the way of eternal life. Many mainland Chinese are also not grounded in the doctrines of God’s Word. Thus, they are easily swayed by every wind of doctrine that blows, and are led into falsehood and iniquity. Let us pray and see how the Lord leads us in this matter. Step by step, the Lord will show us the way.
On another note, Yu Jie and I will be away at the True Life Young Adult’s Fellowship Retreat this coming week (11-14 Dec 2017). The retreat is held in Resort Lautan Biru in Mersing. I will be speaking on the topic “The Body of Christ”. There will be a total of seven messages –
Message 1: The Sacrifice of Christ’s Body;
Message 2: Made Alive in Christ’s Body;
Message 3: Communion with Christ’s Body;
Message 4: My Body is Christ’s;
Message 5: The Church is Christ’s Body (I) – The Head of the Church;
Message 6: The Church is Christ’s Body (II) – The Members of the Church;
Message 7: The Church is Christ’s Body (III) – The Leaders of the Church”
Sister Tammy will also be teaching in the Children’s Programme. Please pray for us.
In view of my absence, Preacher James Tan will be taking the devotion for the Tuesday English Prayer Meeting. Deacon Bo Hao will lead in the rest of the corporate prayer session. Please come and pray as a church. Do not forget the exhortation that was given by Paul to the whole of the church of Philippi. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7) If we desire peace in the church, we must come together and pray united as God’s people.
As we enter the Christmas season, let us bear in mind not to fall into the trap of ungodly merriment and revelry like the rest of the world. Instead, let us commit our hearts unto a blessed remembrance of the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ, without which there would be no hope for us in this world. We should also double our efforts to share the good news of Jesus Christ to loved ones and friends. May this Christmas truly be a meaningful one to all of you!
God bless all readers.
Lovingly in Christ,
Preacher Clement Chew