PASTORAL CHAT
“How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!” (Ps. 84:1)
Today is the 32nd Anniversary of Tabernacle Bible-Presbyterian Church. It is a day of rejoicing in the Lord’s goodness towards His Church. And there is much to thank the Lord for, not least for His guiding hand in leading us to worship here in PSB STEM Academy. We had a safe place to worship these 32 years without fail, unlike the early Christians who at times had no place to congregate due to persecution. Surely we must give thanks to the Lord for this freedom of worship which we have in this nation.
As we rejoice in the Lord, let us also not forget God’s purpose for His church to be the “pillar and ground of truth” (1 Tim 3:15). The Bible is the truth (Jn. 17:17). Thus, Tabernacle BPC must always hold on to the Word of Everlasting Life. A church that fails to obey, promote and defend the truth will surely die. May the Lord grant us the grace not to forget His Word!
We received good news just before of the inauguration of Zhengzhou BPC under Preacher Wang Shuaiyong. He is joined by former FEBC graduate Guo Sufang and her husband. Even though this group may be small, but we pray that God will bless their labour of love for the Him. Preacher Li Ya Hui is also finding a suitable place to restart Mustard Seed BPC. We pray for the Lord’s direction in this matter. The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) must be foremost in the hearts of all in Tabernacle BPC.
The theme for this year is “Strangers and Pilgrims on the Earth” (Heb. 11:13b). This is most appropriate as we are called Tabernacle BPC – the term “tabernacle” reminding us that our stay in this world is temporal and we are just passing through. Let this anniversary then remind us of this truth: not to set our affections on things of this earth, but on things above (Col. 3:1-2). “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1 Jn. 2:15-17) How are you living your life, my friend?
As strangers and pilgrims on the earth, our sole desire must be the Lord Himself. All the things in the world pale in comparison to Christ. Thus, the psalmist exclaims, “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Ps. 84:10) May this also be our cry.
Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity (Eph. 6:24). Amen.
Yours affectionately,
Pastor Clement Chew