The Christmas Events in Tangkak BP Fellowship and Evangel Bible-Presbyterian Church

In all my journeys whether near or far I remember Psalm 121. The Scottish called it “The Traveller’s Psalm”. In verse 8 it says “The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in”. God is in control in all the travels and will ever keep us from evil and harm.

The journey to Tangkak BP Fellowship on 22 December was an unforgettable experience. My wife and I left home to board a coach from Novena at 9.30 am and arrived in Pagoh at 3.30pm after a 6 ½ hours ride. There was an hour of waiting in the coach before we cleared the Singapore Customs Checkpoint. The traffic snarled up was caused by the holiday season. From JB Checkpoint to Machap the coach inched very slowly along the highway because a car ran off the road and turned turtle in the ditch. Preacher Yap Kim Chuan despite having a flu and fever came to fetch us at Pagoh Rest and Recreation point to Ophir Hotel. Later in the evening Kim Chuan, his wife and daughter together with his two grandchildren joined us for a meal in an old coffee shop. Thereafter we dropped by at Lim Chan You and Bee Khim’s house. It was sweet fellowship to mingle with their daughter, Jerlyn and son, Justin.

The next day at the Worship Service, I preached a Christmas message with Rev. Kim as interpreter and Holy Communion was served with Dn. Chua and Pr. Yap assisting. I met Rev. Koa Keng Woo in the church. He was able to travel from Muar in spite of a flu. The Tangkak BP Fellowship committee had planned a thanksgiving lunch to celebrate Rev. Koa’s being awarded an honorary Doctorate and Pr. Yap Kim Chuan’s graduation from FEBC. The celebration was held after the worship service at Shan Hai Than restaurant. We thanked God for a time of sharing and learning of the Lord’s work in days past.

Chan You together with Pr. Yap drove us to Malacca after lunch. On Christmas Eve afternoon, Aileen and I took a taxi to PJ. In the evening Elder Lim invited us for a steam boat dinner and we both discussed about the combined church camp and the urgency for the BP Churches to challenge our young people to enter the fulltime ministry. God willing the Senior Adult Fellowship might come to Evangel BPC next year for a combined fellowship meeting.

On Christmas Day, I preached, conducted two adults and one child baptism, three adults transfers to Evangel BPC and administered the Holy Communion. Elder Lim by faith had invited a number of his patients and friends to the Christmas service. An attendance of 108 people, both young and old came to witness the baptism of their loved ones and to watch the play ‘The Three Trees’ performed by their children. It was a meaningful Christmas sketch which was well understood and received by the congregation. On the way home I received a sms from Eld. Lim – “Pastor thank you. I am still overwhelmed with the joy of worship. God bless.”

Amelia Leo Writes:
Evangel B-P Church Vacation Bible Camp
The inaugural Evangel B-P Church Vacation Bible Camp was held in the church’s premises at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 13-15 December 2012. In the course of three days, 24 youths (both Christian and non-Christian) were brought together by God’s providence to learn about His purposes for their lives. Spiritual lessons were accompanied by lessons on nature, drawing and even acting. As Elder Dr Lim aptly put it, it was indeed “three glorious days” well spent.

The first day saw 24 youths, slightly shy and uncertain about what to expect, gathering for the first lesson of the camp, entitled “Created In His Image”. Through teacher Sooky’s teaching and group activities, the youths learnt about how Man was made in the image of God. Games and singing followed; and after lunch, the youth were briefed about Project 33 – where campers were to act out a mini-musical based on the Tale of Three Trees during the church’s Christmas Service. The afternoon was spent creating props, learning lines, singing and acting. By this time, the youth had warmed up to each other and much laughter was heard in the church premises.

The second day commenced with an outing to the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), where the youth went about on a scavenger hunt to see God’s marvelous creation for themselves under fine, providentially-provided weather. The afternoon passed with games and the second lesson, entitled “Converted By God’s Grace”.

On the third day, the youth learnt about consecrating themselves to God’s service, before being quizzed by Rev. Ho about what they learnt during the three days of camp. The youth then delved into preparations for Project 33, with just enough time to stage a soft run of the mini-musical at the end of the camp. The three trees, Joshua, Kai Jun and Jack, received much giggles and applause for their acting. The youth eventually broke camp after a group photograph and exchanging Facebook contacts.

The camp’s organizers, while initially anxious (sometimes to the point of lacking sleep), were relieved and encouraged by the good turnout at the camp, and by the enthusiasm of the youths. Several months of preparation paid off as the youth had much fun and were reluctant to leave. It is our prayer that the seed of the Gospel planted in these youths through the camp would someday germinate and bring them to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Editor note: Rev. Ho and family and Amelia went to Evangel BPC in December to assist in the the youth camp ministry. Dr. Lim appreciates Sharon BPC for her support and he looks forward to more participation by the Sharonites in the Lord’s ministry at Evangel. Rev. Ho presently preaches once a month at Evangel and he is also in the church planning committee.

 

Wise Men Seek Jesus

1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matt. 2:1-2).

Every Christmas, the shopping malls will be decked with decorations, particularly, the Nativity Scene. Normally, the Nativity Scene is depicted with Joseph and Mary next to a manger where infant Jesus was laid. Surrounding the Holy Child are shepherds. Commonly found in the nativity scene are three wise men who brought forth their gifts to worship the King. Is this a true reflection of the Nativity Scene?

I doubt so. First, the wise men were never in the stable together with the shepherds when Christ was born. A period of time had elapsed between the day of Christ’s birth and time of the arrival of the wise men. Then, the young child Christ was already in a house as compared to a stable where the manger was laid (Matt. 2:11). Thus, it is incorrect to portray the wise men together with the shepherds in the nativity scene. Second, we do not know how many wise men were there – as compared to the common notion of three wise men. Nowhere does the Bible ever mention that that there are three wise men, though it may be possible.

Who were these wise men? They were called magi, and probably by which we get the English word “magician.” Although during the ancient times, magicians were actually scientists and philosophers who were well trained in various arts and sciences. In the Persian kingdom, the magi were also seen as priests. Accordingly, they came from east of Jerusalem. They were likely from Arabia as Arabia is called the land of the east. The presents they brought were products of that country.

How would they have known that Christ was to be born? I do not believe that they were astrologers and predicted the birth of Christ from the constellation. Rather, they were learned men who understood the truth of God’s Word brought to them by the Jews who were dispersed unto that land. They were convicted by what they heard and learnt, and were waiting in expectancy for the Messiah who would come and save the whole world. We must concede that we may not know exactly the nature of these wise men. But one thing is for sure, whatever sort of wise men they were before, now they began to be wise men indeed when they set themselves to inquire after Christ. By simply taking the Holy Scriptures and believing that every word of it comes directly from the mouth of God enabled them to come to full knowledge of Christ and His salvation. This is what the Bible describes as faith. And this is the only one way we can please the almighty God – that is to come to God in faith. For the Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb. 11:6). All our good works can never bring us any closer to heaven. The only way we can approach God is through faith in Christ. All good works will be in vain – and they will be like filthy rags in the presence of God (Isa. 64:6). If we come before God in faith, and truly believe He is the God of heaven and earth, and seek Him diligently, like the wise men, I am sure the Lord will reward us according to the measure of our faith.

What made these wise men started their journey was the appearance of an extraordinary star. This star was seen while they were in their homeland. It was unlike anything that they had seen before. The wise men had been waiting expectantly for the birth of the Messiah, the King of Jews. When this star appeared, straightaway, they recognized it as the sign of the fulfilment of the times of this miraculous birth. They packed their bags and began their long journey following the star to seek the King.

But why would the wise men in such a hurry to seek Christ? If such a great king were to be born, they would surely hear of Him shortly even in their own country, isn’t it so? But so impatient were they to worship Christ the King, that they took the long journey to seek Him out above anything else. Here, we learn a lesson on how we ought to seek God. Not only are we to seek God in faith, we also must seek God in earnestness. Those who truly desire to know Christ, and to seek Him, will not regard inconveniences, pains or perils in seeking after Him.

It is interesting to note that the birth of Christ was announced to the shepherds by an angel, but to the wise men by a star. God spoke to both in their own language, and in the way they were best acquainted with. Are you seeking God today? Be assured that if you truly seek the Lord in faith, God will reveal Himself to you, in the way that you will recognize that it is from the Lord. What is required of you is to be sensitive to the Lord’s prompting and recognizing that God is speaking to you. Listen attentively to the Word of God, and you will realize that God is directing and leading you to Him. Just like the star which led the wise men to Christ.

And the star indeed led the wise men all the way to Jerusalem, and then it suddenly disappeared. Without this extraordinary guide, the wise men had to inquire diligently from the inhabitants of Jerusalem, asking, “Where is he that is born king of the Jews?” (Matt. 2:2). God used these wise men to proclaim the Messiah’s birth even to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Imagine the whole city was abuzz with the news of a newborn King.

Eventually, the wise men were led to Bethlehem, the place of Christ’s birth. The wise men fell down and worshipped Christ and presented their gifts to Him. Note the biblical description of the emotion of the wise men when they found Christ, “they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” (Matt. 2:10). It is an emphatic double superlative. Indeed, all those who seek Christ will rejoice and be glad. For all those seek God, God will in no wise turn them away but will fill their heart with an unspeakable joy.

Christmas is not merely about the birthday of Christ. It is not the celebration of that day. Rather, it is about God giving His only-begotten Son for us. Jesus Christ left His throne of glory around 2,000 years ago and condescended to earth in the form of man for one sole purpose – to reconcile us back to God. Our sin had enslaved us and brought upon us eternal separation from God. Jesus Christ came into this world to live so that He may die for us. He paid the ransom for our sin by dying on the cross for us. He died so that we may live. And to those who seek Him, He will bestow joy and peace. Do you have the joy and peace of God? Be a wise man, and seek Jesus: “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee” (Ps. 40:16). Seek Jesus today and you shall find peace and joy in your heart. This will be the best gift that you can have for this Christmas.

 

Missions Trip to Bangalore

A few days before leaving for Bangalore, I caught a flu and was advised by my family physician to get as much rest as possible in order to recover sufficiently well to travel. I thanked God for His healing upon me.

On 7 December, 4.50am, Aileen and I took a cab to the airport. Shortly after, Dn. Peter Ong from Maranatha BPC arrived. The 4 ½ hours flight was smooth and all too soon the plane landed at Bengaluru International airport. As Rev. George Skariah drove us to the hotel, we saw piles of uncollected waste lie unattended at every corner of the road. Bangalore is a city where world-class IT companies have set up their businesses. For a city so steeped in technology and communications, it’s an irony that many of the side roads are not paved and the traffic situation is chaotic. Walking on the dusty road during the heat of the afternoon sun presented us a challenge.

On 8th December, 26 students under the ministry of Elim Melody had a Piano Recital in the church. Nirmala, a young lady from USA who came to know of Covenant BPCI from the internet is presently giving piano lessons to a number of children. Rev. Skarian’s daughter, Abigail and his wife Bessy are assisting in this ministry. Rev. Skarian introduced me to the audience who were mainly the students’ parents and church members by asking me to give an opening prayer. Although some of the students were nervous, they gave a good performance under the guidance and direction of Nirmala.

On the Lord’s Day 9th December, I was invited to baptize Manoj Kumar Verma and his two children, Vaibhav Verma and Vincent Aryan Verma. Manoj was working in Johore, Malaysia. He came to know about Covenant BPCI through Kulai BPC and was introduced to Rev. Skarian by Rev.David Wong. Manoj’s wife, Relda Emilin is an Indonesian. She is a strong believer who brought Manoji to know the Lord.

I was given the honour to dedicate Belin into the Committee member of Covenant BPCI. I was able to ascertain from Belin his calling, willingness and faithfulness to undertake this ministry by asking him two questions before the congregation. After the dedicatory prayer, Rev. Skarian and his committee came forward to receive him into the church leadership. Dn. Peter Ong on behalf of Maranatha BPC session witnessed this blessed occasion. Towards the end of the worship service I was invited to conduct the Holy Communion Service.

Immediately after the worship service, we proceeded to New Covenant BPCI which was about 25 minutes drive for the dedication of the new church building. The new 3 storey church building looks outstanding in this farming village. When additional funding comes in, Pastor Babu would engage contractors to work on the tiling of the floors, plumbing and wiring.

Pastor Babu was born in 1978 in Andhra Pradesh, South India. When he was five, his mother came to know Jesus and his father also embraced faith in Christ after much questioning. In 1990, at the age of 12, Pastor Babu accepted the Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour. In 1997, when he was 19 years old, he received a specific call to serve the Lord. After much struggling, he surrendered his life to the sovereign will of God. Subsequently he studied in Bible college under the “Gospel for Asia” missionary organization. In 1999 he joined the same organization to pioneer the gospel outreach in Varthur village. In 2001 he got married and was blessed with a son in 2002 and a daughter in 2005. In 2002 the Lord provided him a piece of land which was registered under an Episcopalian (Anglican) Church and Pastor Babu was ordained as a Baptist preacher by Bethel Baptist Church in Andhra Pradesh. Since 2007, he decided that his mission work in Varthur village should be self – supporting and governing.

By the providence of God, he met Rev. Skarian and Rev. Jack Sin in 2008. He was much persuaded by the reformed teaching while he was translating the Shorter Catechism and other reformed articles into Kannada and Telugu. In order to conform to the covenantal teaching, he had his two children baptized by Rev. Jack Sin. In 2011, he had expressed the need to further his theological understanding of the Reformed faith at ERBL in Singapore and be a witness in India and beyond. He had persuaded his leaders to rename the church as New Covenant BPCI.

In 2010, he prayed about the rebuilding of the church and on 12 of March 2012 the work commenced. His own church members have given liberally despite of their deep poverty. He thanked Maranatha, Sharon and Covenant churches for their support. New Covenant BPC’s monthly expenditure is around 12,000 – 15,000 RP per month. He is currently helping Covenant BPCI in the Kannada Service on Sunday afternoons.

In the evening, a fellowship dinner was planned by Rev. Skarian for the new members to get to know the leaders of Covenant BPCI. We learnt that the local leadership together with Rev. Skarian is preparing towards self – support. Together with Praveen helping in the Kannada ministry, they can look forward to greater challenges ahead.

On 10th December, we visited Dr. Krishnan and his wife Mary. Although he is not a believer, Dr. Krishnan had no objections to the preaching of the Word and prayers said in his home. Dn. Peter Ong gave a devotion on 1 Cor. 15:58. We prayed together before saying goodbye to them.

On 11th December a meeting was convened with Rev. George, Pastor Babu, Dn. Peter Ong and Rev. Chua to discuss about the organizational relationship among Maranatha, Covenant and New Covenant churches This will be resolved internally between the pastors and sessions of these churches. Rev. Skariah conveyed his appreciation to Sharon BPC session members and the Missions Committee for the love gift and releasing Rev Chua to be in their midst for the last 5 days.

On December 12, Rev. Skarian came early at 6.20 a.m. to fetch us to the airport. The foggy weather cleared before the plane took off and we thanked God for a safe touchdown at 5.25p.m.

 

Year End Plan

How time flies! With a wink of the eye, we are coming to the end of yet another year. There are only three more Sundays to the end of the year. In fact, to be exact, there are only twenty two more days before the New Year ushers in. Are you ready for the ending of this year? How are you going to spend the remaining days of this year? Many people of the world are actually looking forward to the end of the year because to them, it is yet another occasion where they could spend in partying, revelry and drunkenness. What about you?

There is nothing more meaningful than to end the year with the Lord – a time spent on reflecting upon the events of the year that have past, and to give thanks to God for the many blessings which God has bestowed upon us. As we meditate upon the Lord’s goodness and count our blessings, we must also remember our sorrows and how the Lord had delivered us in times of affliction. In times of despair, did you manage to see the smiling face of God behind His seemingly frowning providence? As Moses saw the bush which was burnt with fire but not consumed, we can truly say that it is by God’s mercy that though we are burnt and yet we are not consumed. The psalmist declares, “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever” (Ps. 107:1).

The end of the year also denotes a time to plan for the coming New Year. It is a time to take stock of our lives and to mark our own progress report. Will the coming year be a better one that we have this year? Some may be planning an ambitious strategy for their businesses. Others may be planning their career moves, be it horizontal or vertical. Still others will be planning for their academic pursuit. Whatever plans you may have, are you planning it right?

The apostle James warns against presumptuous planning based on a self-confidence on the continuity of life: “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (Jas. 4:13-14). The apostle is not against planning per se. In fact, it is prudent for the child of God to plan. However, the apostle does warn us against extrapolating our present to the future in a continuum, with the false confidence that all things will fall into our plans by themselves. Why? Simply because of the uncertainties in life, and the frailty that comes with it.

Some of us have never given a scant thought that our life may be easily taken away from us, like what James wrote concerning the rich man in this analogy. As an illustration, our life is likened to a seven-inch candle with each inch representing ten years. Some of our candles are barely burnt, some nearly burnt. Mine is more than half burnt. But regardless of how much candle is there left to burn, when the wind blows the light on the candle will go out. Such is the frailty of life! We cannot assume that we will live tomorrow simply because our candle still has many more inches to burn.

And because of this, we can never place our confidence in the flesh. Rather, we have to put our utmost confidence and trust in the Lord. As one says, “We may not know what tomorrow brings, but we know who brings tomorrow.” In like manner, the apostle closes his thought on this matter with the exhortation, “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (Jas. 4:15). Hence, in all your planning, the words D.V. (Deo Volente – God willing) must be always added to it.

Often, many people do not plan their lives in the right manner. They will centre all their plans upon themselves and then circumvent it by asking for God’s blessings. This is not the way it should go. Instead, we should make God as the centre of our plan, and then to plan ourselves around His will. We submit ourselves unto Him and depend upon His strength and grace to work out His will for our lives.

In today’s economy, the bread and butter issue is at stake. It is not about wine and diamonds, but about rice and garments. The sociologists will tell you that these are the basic needs of mankind. And because of the instinct to fulfill our basic needs, sometimes inevitably, we have left God far behind in our endeavour. This is precisely what our Lord warns us against. In Matthew 6, the Lord Jesus says, “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” (Matt. 6:25). Although food and clothing are our basic needs, we ought to take care that they do not become more important than God. These are things that the world constantly seeks after.

But as Christians, we have to be careful not to let our basic needs overwhelm us. Rather, we have to depend on God to provide for us. Our eye must be focused on our great Provider. We have to live by our faith in God. Even as God cares for the sparrow, He will definitely care for us, who are of more worth than the sparrows. Jesus knows our frame and our needs. He promises us, “(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:32-33). Jesus is not saying that the basic needs are unimportant. Rather, we are urged against placing these needs as being more important than the kingdom of God. Thus, we are to seek the kingdom of God “first,” and then God promises that He shall supply your needs according to the riches of His grace. Would supplying us our basic needs be too difficult for Him who owns the cattle of a thousand hills and the wealth in every mine?

Thus, when you plan for the year ahead, put God in the centre of your life and work your plan around it. Do not forget about the kingdom of God. Plan how you can build up your spiritual life. Plan how you may serve in the church. Plan how you can help edify others also. Then submit the plans you have into the hands of our loving God. For those who truly seek the kingdom of God, they shall be blessed. May I leave you to meditate upon the words of the psalmist as he declared: “1Blessed 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. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And 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” (Ps 1:1-3). May the Lord bless you as you plan your year with Him in the centre of your plans!

 

Letter of Invitation from Pastor Babu

Dear Pastor,

Let me take the privilege to invite you, your dear wife and all your team; on behalf of my family and the congregation of New Covenant BPC,Bangalore, India. We are so glad to give you the honour to dedicate the Church building for the glory of God and the blessing of the believers here. I will keep on touch with you as we are doing necessary arrangements for the scheduled programme.

With regards
Pastor Babu
New Covenant BPC
(Vathur Village)

“Expect great things; attempt great things” – William Carey.“We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love” “Never measure God’s unlimited power by your limited expectation” “The best place to witness is where God has placed you”

The Dedication of New Covenant BPC on December 9 20012 marks the completion of Church renovation and extension where Pastor Babu is serving in Vathur village. The church is ½ hour drive from Covenant Bible Presbyterian Church India where Rev. George Skariah is pastoring.

The new church building now has a second storey with a sanctuary capacity for 150, a new office, a room for the ministry and a kitchen too. Plans to evangelise to the Varthur village of 10,000 people and beyond of which less than 2% are Christians. Fifty members are in full support of this work and gave sacrificially to the building project. In June this year, Irene Tan handed a love gift of S$1000 from our Church Missions fund to Rev. George Skarian for Covenant BPCI.

Elim Child Care, a ministry of Covenant BPCI, began in Feb/March this year for kids around the age from 2 to 4 years old. Bessy Skariah is in charge together with Praven, Rani and Relad with another helper. This is an indirect way to reach out to the community. Irene Tan taught a Bible lesson & Angie Sin shared & took care of the little ones. Another arm of the child care is the Elim Melody for sacred music. There will be a children’s piano recital on 8 Dec this year.

William Carey says, “Expect great things; attempt great things”, but we do not expect to attempt great things. We can only do small things with great love. Our aim in India is to serve in fellowship with the Covenant BP Churches in that spirit. There is a need for prayer in this area. Paul’s letter to Timothy taught that the first active duty of the Church was not evangelism or witness but prayer. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all me. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour”.(1 Tim. 2:1,4).

The Programme for the Mission trip is as follows:

On 7 Dec : Leaving at 7.15 a.m. from Changi Airport.

On 8 Dec : 3 – 4.30 p.m. Elim Melody Piano children’s Piano Recital : Opening Prayer by Rev. Peter Chua.

On 9 Dec : 8.30 – 9.30 am. Baptism of Manoj and two children by Rev. Peter Chua.
Greetings from Maranatha by Dn. Peter Ong.
Dedicatory Prayer for Bro. Belin as Protem Committee Member by Rev. Chua.
Message by Rev. George Skariah.
Holy Communion by Rev. Peter Chua.

10.30 -12 noon – Dedication Service & Prayer at New CBPI by Rev. Peter Chua.
Greetings and Testimony by Dn. Peter Ong.
Message by Rev. Peter Chua.

5.- 6 p.m – Meeting & Fellowship dinner with new members of Covenant BPCI.

On 10 Dec: 3 – 4 p.m. Family visit to Dr. & Mrs Krishnan. Message by Dn. Ong.

The Ancient Church in India

Christianity in India may be traced back to a trip by the apostle Thomas, first to Punjab in AD 48-49, and then south to the Malabar coast around AD 51-52. Thomas is thought to have taken the gospel first to the city synagogues on the Roman trade routes. The traditions talk of his martyrdom, at Chennai (formerly Madras), but not before churches were established in half a dozen towns. Similar stories suggest the apostle Bartholomew followed Thomas in AD 55.

Around AD 186, Pantanus, a Christian leader from Alexandria was sent to South India in response to a request from fellowships there. An Indian bishop may have been present at a conference in Egypt, AD 250. One was certainly present at the council of Nicea in AD 325 AD.

As early as AD 354, the Indian Church is recorded as sending out its own missionaries and working on Bible translation. In AD 528, the traveller Cosmos reported Christian presence along the Ganges, and in Central, South and West India. Several small waves of immigration by Syrian Christians, fleeing persecution in their own country, added to the Church in the following centuries. In the thirteenth century Marco Polo claimed that out of six great kings in Central India, three were Christians.

 

Seeking Direct Divine Guidance

⁴Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
⁵Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day” (Ps. 25:4-5).

Darkness had already filled the sky. As you shone the car’s headlights ahead, you realized that you had reached a T-junction. Your mind was racing very fast just as your car came to a halt. “Left or right?” You searched earnestly for a signboard but in vain. You were in a foreign country and you were lost. Your child was hungry and howling in her seat. Your eyes could hardly see through the dense darkness in front of you. You really needed to get to a place of civilization fast. You prayed a quick prayer and took the right turn, hoping that turn would turn out right. How you wished that God would appear and tell you exactly what to do, don’t you?

Daily, we need to make decisions in life. Most of the time, we make decisions without a flutter of thought. Where to eat, what to eat, what to do, and where to go – we often made these decisions daily with ease. However, at times, decision making can be quite stressful. It could mean capturing a business deal worth millions of dollars. At times, it could be a decision between life and death …

Quite some time back, I read the sad news of how a man who was torn in making a right decision. This man had taken his family on a boat ride. However, the boat was hit by another and sank. The man managed to cling on to his wife on one hand and his seven-month baby on the other. The burden of both wearied him tremendously. He knew it was a matter of time before all of them would perish together in the sea. His wife, sensing his fatigue, requested him to let go of her so as to save himself and the baby. That man had to make a very difficult decision. In the end, he managed to get on shore with the baby. His wife’s body was found a few hours later …

We need to make decisions in life, and sometimes, these are very painful decision. As Christians, we desire to make the right decisions to the glory of God. But when you make a decision, have you ever wondered if that decision of yours is pleasing unto the Lord? Sometimes, I cannot help but wish that if only God had spoken to me directly and clearly … then, I would have zero error in making the right decisions in life. But does God speak to us directly and clearly to guide us today?

Various people claim to hear God speaking to them directly today. Some of these people are crazy. They would attempt to assassinate a political leader because they believed God told them so. Others seem sincere but misguided. They would propose to a girl because they felt that God had directed them in a dream to do so. Still others claim that they were carrying on the tradition of the prophets and apostles and have received the word directly from God to deliver to the people. How can we know whether what we have heard is truly a word from God?

When you study the Old Testament, you would realize that the Israelites of old did not have such a problem. During then, God simplified matters of guidance. In their wilderness journeying, when the Israelites need to decide whether they should pack up the tent and to move or to stay put, the solution was easy.

All they had to do was to see the pillar of cloud over the tabernacle. If the cloud moved, it meant that God wanted His people to move. If it stayed, they stayed. Answers were direct and clear from God. And to find God’s voice on other issues, they could cast lots or used the Urim and Thummin to seek God’s will. Moreover, God had spoken His will to the Israelites through His own voice and codified into a book of the laws. The Law covers a complete range of judgment and behaviour, from how to discern and judge a rape case to that of stolen properties, and even on how to make the priestly garments. During then, you could hardly find people complained about God not speaking to them directly. On the contrary, the people were fearful to hear God’s voice speaking to them directly. When God pronounced the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, they trembled at the vision and noise such that they requested Moses to speak to them instead of God (Exod. 20:18-19)!

But did the clear voice of God help them to make the right decisions to glorify God? Apparently not. When God told the Israelites not to go and fight the Amalekites and the Canaanites after they had failed in their test of obedience to claim the land, the Israelites marched against the order of God and was duly defeated by their enemies (Num. 14:43-45). You would see this pattern repeating – the violation of God’s clear and direct commands by the Israelites throughout their colourful history. The clear and direct voice of God’s guidance became as much of an affront to that generation as the silent and unclear guidance is to us today. Clear and direct guidance from God does not guarantee anyone to make a right decision to the glory of God. Did not Adam sin against God even though God had told him directly and clearly, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Gen. 2:17)?

Another point I would like to bring up is that the clarity of God’s guidance seemed to have a stunting effect on the Israelites’ faith. Why pursue God when He had already revealed Himself so clearly? Why step out in faith when God had already guaranteed the results? Why wrestle with the dilemma of conflicting choices when God would resolve it? In short, why should the Israelites act like adults when they could act like children? And act like children they did – grumbling against their leaders, cheating on the rules of God, and yes, whining about their food. When God manifested His power through the ten plagues poured out on the Egyptians and the parting of the Red Sea, did the Israelites increase their faith in God? Maybe, temporarily. When God Himself led them clearly and unmistakably through the wilderness by His own hands, providing them meat and manna and water, did the Israelites demonstrate a faith in God? Hardly. Instead, the Bible says that they rebelled against God more than ten times. And sadly, none of that generation of survived, except Caleb and Joshua, for they were consumed because they lacked faith in God despite the clear and direct guidance from God (Num. 32:10-13).

As I ponder over this, I had second thoughts about seeking crystal-clear, direct guidance. If God were to speak to us directly and clearly, it may not be good for our spiritual development. We may not be any more obedient than we think. We may not exercise our faith as we should. It is only when God seems silent to our pleading that we have to draw upon our faith the most, trusting God that He will lead and guide us as we yield ourselves unto Him, and put our trust upon Him (Prov. 3:5-6). Brethren, seek the Lord, strengthen your faith by trusting in Him. He will guide you as you wait upon Him (Ps. 25:4-5).

 

God’s Provision found in 2 Kings 4:38- 44

In Gilgal there was a  theological college run by a Principal named Elisha, who is described as “the man of God”. The student population of 100 was known as “the sons of the prophets”. These one hundred students were in danger of starving as there was famine in the country. Then, a very wonderful thing happened. An anonymous man arrived on the scene quite unexpectedly with a sack of fresh grain and 20 loaves of barley for Elisha. Elisha asked his servant to distribute the food to the students. His servant exclaimed, “Feed 100 people with only this is not enough.” Elisha repeated, “Give it to the students so they can eat, for the Lord says there will be plenty for all.” And sure enough, there was plenty for all and some left over, just as the Lord had promised. In this episode we learn the following lessons.

God provides for His people in accordance with His Promise.
Notice in verses 43-44,  “…thus saith the Lord”, and “… according to the word of the Lord”. Over and over again in the Bible God has promised to provide for His children, and every promise is valid. Not one of His promises has ever failed or ever will fail. Our Lord Jesusassured us that our Heavenly Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him (Matt. 6:8). He is constantly caring for and seeking the best for us – a reminder that in times of hardship, need and fear, we are assured of Someone who will take care of us. We can turn to Him in our times of need. What God promises, He will provide according to His promise. Charles Spurgeon said, “The Creator will not cheat the creature who depends upon His truth; and far more, the heavenly Father will not break His word to His own child”.

The original owners of the fabulous Mt. Morgan gold mine in Queensland, Australia, toiled for many years on its barren slopes, eking out a frugal living, unaware that beneath their feet lay one of the richest mountains of gold the world has ever known. Their potential wealth was incalculable, but they lived on the bread line – all because they were ignorant of the wealth they possessed. The same is true of many Christians.  We fail to appropriate them – the many wonderful promises of God.

God provides for His people in answer to our Prayers.
There is no doubt that Elisha and the students at the college prayed to God in their extremity. It was because Elisha had been in prayer about the matter that he was able to say, “Thus saith the Lord…” (verse 43); so let us notice that although God promises to supply our needs, He waits for us to pray that He will do so.

Why is this so? One reason is to keep us dependent upon Him. If we find our supplies running short, it is in order to cast our needs to Him. God always gives to us in answer to prayer – either our own prayer or that of someone else. This is very much illustrated in the lives of Elijah and Elisha. Peterwrote that we can cast all our cares upon Jesus, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We pray; quietly sometimes and aloud other times.  We are to pray always all the time.

Dr. Leon Morris noted, “It is not possible for us to spend all our time with the words of prayer on our lips, but it is possible for us to be all our days in the spirit of prayer, realizing our dependence upon God for all that we have and are, realizing something of His presence with us wherever we may be, and yielding ourselves continually to Him for the doing of His will. Where there is such an inward state, it will find outward expression in verbal prayer, and in this connection we should notice the frequent ejaculatory prayers throughout Paul’s letters. Prayer was so natural and so continual with the great Apostle that it found its way inevitably into his correspondence.”

God provides for His people according to His Providence.
The students may have waited patiently and the food arrived to them at the right moment. Waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled is part of trusting Him. No matter how long the delay, we must wait for Him. God always performs what He promises. His help and promises never come too late. Verse 42 tells us that “there came a man from Baal-shalisha…” The man’s name is not mentioned, nor are any details given about  him. This reminds us of the fact that frequently God does not provide for our needs in the way that we expect or think probable. In our times of extremity we say, “So-and-so could help” and yet how often the help comes not from “So-and-so” at all but from “Baal-shalisha.

Who would have thought that Elijah would have been fed by ravens and sustained by a poor widow. But such was the case. God’s resources never run dry. His giving never impoverishes Him. He is never at a loss to know of some method for supplying your need and mine, and frequently His method is quite different from what we expect. The Lord Jesus fed five thousand, but He did it through the disciples. On the Day of Pentecost, the Lord saved 3,000 souls through the preaching of Peter and others. Paul’s needs were constantly met through the sacrificial giving of the Christians in the early church.

God provides for His people according to His Power.
If Jesus had fed five thousand with five loaves and two fishes, there was no problem for Elisha to multiply twenty loaves to feed one hundred men, for the same power that multiplied a mountain of food was there to help Elisha furnish a table for a College of young people.

As we rely on the Lord on the same principles of “trust and obey”, we have seen God’s Almighty Hand supplying the needs of our church through 41 years, without fail. We have never been driven to that tight spot of writing “prayer” letters to beg for funds. In the words of Hudson Taylor, “God’s work, done in God’s way, shall not lack God’s support”. But “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 33).  The supply for Elisha and the students was more then enough. It is vital to take time today to connect with the Lord. He will show us what He can do through His strength. Those who let God provide will be satisfied.
 
You will also be creating precious memories that will last a lifetime.

Realize that becoming a grandparent isn’t just another phrase of your life. It is a God-given calling. Take full advantage of the great opportunity to influence another generation of children in your family. View your investment in your grandchildren as one of the best investments opportunities you’ll ever have.

 

Grandparents’ Day

“Grandparents’ Day” in the United States was instituted by presidential proclamation on September 6, 1979, and occurs each September on the first Sunday. In Singapore it is celebrated on every fourth Sunday of November. It is for the families to take the time to acknowledge the grandparents’ contribution to the families, and to honour them in big and small ways. This event has been celebrated in Singapore for the last 12 years. While this special tribute to our parents’ parents may not be familiar to many, one must admit it’s a well-thought of idea.

What the Bible says about grandparents?

The words “grandparent” and “grandfather” do not appear in the King James Version of the Bible. Young’s Analytical Concordance lists the word “grandmother” only once (2 Timothy 1:5). The Bible does recognise the role play by the grandparents in the family. There are numerous references to “children’s children” (Joel 1:2, 3; Psalm 78:5,6). “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children…” (Proverb 13:22). The value of godly grandparents is seen in the life of Timothy, Paul’s son in the gospel. While Timothy was responsible for his conversion, the seed of faith was first sown in his heart by his grandmother, Lois and his mother, Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5). When we have more grandmothers like Lois, there will be more young men like Timothy.

The need for godly grandparents

The need for godly grandparents has never been greater. We live in a society filled with electronic devices that tend to destroy our children physically, morally and spiritually. There are children often left unattended with only the television and the computer serving as babysitters. Hours of violence, sex, profanity and immorality can have a devastating effect upon these impressionable minds.

Child abuse is also a major problem. I have read of maids torturing and abusing young children when their parents are not at home. Here is where grandparents can step in and create opportunities to meet this need. Now we have grandparents bringing their grandchildren to the services of the church. Their desire has been to supply that which is not given by the parents. Surely God does not overlook the loving care and concern shown by these godly grandparents.

In Singapore and around the world, grandparents play many roles, from caregiver, chauffeur and disciplinarian, to counsellor, storyteller and family historian to their grandchildren. They fill the parenting gap in ways we cannot enumerate, and play a vital part in the health of the economy by enabling parents to go to work every day with peace of mind. Many studies show that involved grandparents positively impact the development of grandchildren.

The role of grandparents

Grandparenting gives older people the opportunity to stay active and involved in the family, which gives an added sense of purpose to their lives. Grandchildren who stay connected with grandparents in a wholesome relationship have great advantages over those who do not. The grandchildren learn about their roots. They discover that the retired grandparents have all the time to listen with interest than their busy working parents. In quite unhurried moments, questions about faith and life are answered from the knowledge of experience. In these ways, grandparents pass on their faith while helping build confidence and self-worth. What the grandchildren learnt from the grandparents will help them to develop lasting relationships with people of different age groups in their adulthood years.

The major role of grandparents is to live a godly life; and through this means reinforce what is verbally taught about purity, honesty, truthfulness, modesty and proper language. The fundamentals of Christianity, of which so many young people are ignorant today, can be implanted also by godly grandparents.

Another key role is to set a standard of moral living in an immoral world. They are moral compass.

Here’s how you can help build character in the next generation:

• Contagious faith – Show them how to trust in God and make Him the focus of their life.
• Consistent integrity – Show them how to do the right thing even when no one is looking.
• Practical poise – Show them how to maintain balance in their relationships, passions and principles.
• Personal discipline – Show them the power of self-denial and self-control to achieve what they want.
• Steadfast endurance – Show them how to keep going when everyone is telling them to give up.
• Inspirational courage – Show them how to face down their fears and do the right thing regardless of the price.

All grandparents should resolve to spend more quality time with their grandchildren. You need them and they need you. Do this before it is too late. You will be helping to shape and mould their lives into what God would have them to be. You will also be creating precious memories that will last a lifetime.

Realize that becoming a grandparent isn’t just another phrase of your life. It is a God-given calling. Take full advantage of the great opportunity to influence another generation of children in your family. View your investment in your grandchildren as one of the best investments opportunities you’ll ever have.

 

The Lord’s Supper

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1Cor. 11:26).

Our church adheres to the Westminster Standards in having only two sacraments in the practices of the church, namely, Water Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. What is a sacrament? “A Sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ and the benefits of the new covenant are represented, sealed, and applied to believers” (WSC#92). A sacrament is not something to be taken lightly. It is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ. Through the sacraments, we derive the spiritual benefits of the new covenant.

Water Baptism is performed with the washing with water and in the name of God the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. It signifies and seals our ingrafting into Christ and as a partaker of the benefits of the covenant of grace and with the Lord. Those who have been baptized are welcomed to partake the Lord’s Supper, which we held every first Lord’s Day of the month. The Lord’s Supper is performed by the giving and receiving bread and wine (fruit of the vine), showing forth the death of Christ with the receivers being partakers of His body and blood in a spiritual manner, for their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace.

The instructions concerning the Lord’s Supper is written for us in 1Corinthians 11:17-34. The Corinthians seemed to have forgotten the significance of the Lord’s Supper. Instead, they partook the Lord’s Supper with the wrong approach and attitude. Some came solely for the “makan”. In those days, the Lord’s Supper was held with a big feast. Those wealthy Corinthians seemed to have taken liberty at the Lord’s table, like the heathens who drank plentifully at their feasts upon their sacrifices. They would spread their feast, ate and drank their fill, despising the poor by not sharing their food. Thus, the rich had turned the Lord’s Supper into a contemptuous and disorderly scandal. How should one approach the Lord’s Supper? Allow me to list three practical aspects for your consideration as you come before the Lord to partake the Lord’s Supper.

 

REMEMBERING THE SAVIOUR

First, one of the chief reasons why we have the Lord’s Supper is to remember the Saviour. Jesus said, “Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me” (1Cor. 11:24) and again, “This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me” (1Cor. 11:25). When we partake the Lord’s Supper, we are called to remember the Saviour. We are reminded of the perfect sacrifice our Lord Jesus had offered upon the cross – His own body for our sins. The Lord’s Supper is a time for us to meditate upon our Saviour. Remember that He is the Son of God, who has condescended in the form of a lowly servant. Remember that He lived so that He might die, and He died so that we may live. Remember, also that He has shed his blood for you – a reminder of the severity of our sins, which had nailed Him on the cross. Thus, as long as we partake the Lord’s Supper, we are actually bearing a testimony of the Lord’s death.

The apostle Paul declared, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1Cor. 11:26). Look upwardly unto Christ.

EXAMINING YOUR SELF

Second, in order to partake the Lord’s Supper, the apostle Paul also gave us this grave warning: “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup” (1Cor. 11:28). Here, we are called to examine our own self before partaking the Lord’s Supper. Those who partake the Lord’s Supper unworthily would bring forth damnation upon themselves (1Cor. 11:29). Thus, it is a serious matter for us to approach the Lord’s Supper in the right manner. As you approach the Lord’s Supper, examine your own selves before the Lord. If there is any unconfessed sins, bare it before the Lord. Be specific in your examination, and whatever sins that come to your mind, confess them unto the Lord, with repentance; and seek the Lord for forgiveness and cleansing. Also take this opportunity to acknowledge even your secret faults, and sins that you have committed unknowingly. The psalmist cried, “12Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (Ps. 19:12-14). Look inwardly in self-examination.

Also, ensure that you are reconciled with one another before you approach the Lord’s Supper. Paul strongly rebuked the Corinthians because they were profaning the Lord’s Supper – there was a great schism (division) among them, and yet they professed to be “one” in the partaking the Lord’s Supper. Examine your own heart – have you been reconciled with one who has wronged you? If not, how can you take the Lord’s Supper testifying of the unity of the body of Christ but in reality there is a great division? Therefore, we ought to reconcile with one another even as we are reconciled with God. Profane not the Lord’s Supper. God is not mocked. Heap not damnation upon your own self. Heed the warning of the apostle Paul. Turn not the blessings of the Lord’s Supper into our own sorrow and grief.

 

DEDICATION UNTO GOD

Third, we must rededicate our lives unto God, in renewed obedience and faith, as part of self-examination: “It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord’s Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body, of their faith, to feed upon him, of their repentance, love and new obedience; lets, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves” (WSC#97). After having remembered the Saviour’s sacrifice for you, what can you offer to the Lord as the fruit of your repentance? Are you living a life with faith and new obedience unto God? Are you negligent in your service unto the Lord? Spend the time of partaking the Lord’s Supper to dedicate yourself unto the Lord. Find new commitment to live to extend the kingdom of God on earth and to glorify the name of our Lord. Look forwardly to live a life worthy of God’s calling.

May this short article help you find the right approach to the Lord’s Supper. Look upward to remember the Saviour. Look inward to examine your self. And finally, look forward to dedicate yourself to the service of the Lord. The Lord’s Supper is not just a remembrance feast but it also comes with spiritual blessings and grace. May you be blessed as you partake the Lord’s Supper worthily.

 

Halloween

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph 5:11).

Halloween is celebrated in the Western world (and in Singapore too) as a fun time for kids to put on costumes and go door-to-door to get candy with their “trick-or-treat” call. Christians may be so caught up with this so-called fun-filled program that they may not even be aware of what they are actually involving themselves in.

Halloween can be traced back to the ancient religion of the Celtics in Ireland. One of their main feasts was Samhain (pronounced “Sow-ane”) which was held at the end of summer, Nov 1. They believed Samhain was a period when the division between the natural world and supernatural world became very thin, and ghosts and spirits were free to wander as they wished. According to Celtic Mythology, “During this interval, the normal order of the universe is suspended; the barriers between the natural and the supernatural are temporarily removed, the sidh (“fairy mound”) lies open and all divine beings and the spirits of the dead move freely among men and interfere, sometimes violently, in their affairs.” [Halloween was also a prominent celebration in the witches’ calendar. It is their festival of the dead and represents the end and the beginning of the witches’ year. They also believed that at this time the power of the underworld would be unleashed and the spirits were freed to roam about the earth.

The Druids (Celtic priests) generally performed their rituals by offering sacrifices, usually crops and animals, but sometimes of humans, in order to placate the “gods” so as to ensure that the sun would return after the winter, and also to frighten away the evil spirits. During this festival of Samhain, fires would be lit and would burn throughout the winter and sacrifices would be offered to the gods of the fires.

By A.D. 43, the Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. During their rule of the Celtic lands, the Romans assimilated the festival of Samhain into one of their own festivals, where rest and peace were given to the departed. As the Roman Church spread to parts of Europe, instead of trying to abolish these pagan customs, the Romanists began introducing this pagan culture into the church traditions. In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV introduced “All Saints’ Day” as a time to honour saints and martyrs, to replace the pagan festival of the dead. Initially, it was observed on May 13 but the festival was eventually moved to Nov 1 by Gregory III. Thus, Oct 31, being the eve of the All Saints’ Day is called “All Hallows’ Eve” (“Hallow” means “Saints”). Today, it is commonly known as Halloween.

During Halloween, the people would dress themselves up in ghoulish costumes. People believed that during this period, the spirits of the dead would rise out of their graves and wander the countryside, trying to return to the homes where they formerly lived. Frightened villagers tried to appease these wandering spirits by offering them gifts of fruit and nuts. If not placated, villagers feared that the spirits would kill their flocks or destroy their property. The people also believed that in order to protect themselves, they had to masquerade as one of the demonic hoard, and hopefully blend in unnoticed among them. This is the origin of Halloween masquerading as devils, imps, ogres, and other demonic creatures.

During Halloween, it is common to see people hanging the Jack-O-Lantern in their homes. Do not be deceived thinking that this is merely a Lantern Festival! The Jack-O-Lantern apparently comes from Irish folklore about a man named Jack who made a deal with the devil that he would not be sent to hell after he died. [Note: The devil is never in-charge of hell, but rather hell was created by God to punish the devil and all those who follow him.] According to the folklore, when Jack died, he was stranded because he could neither go to heaven nor hell. He was forced to wander around the earth with a single candle to light his way. The Irish placed a candle in a turnip to keep it burning longer. When they went to America in the 1800’s, they could not find turnips in abundance, but there was plenty of pumpkin. Thus, they used the pumpkin instead. Thus, Jack-O-Lantern is the ancient symbol of a damned soul and becomes an essential part of Halloween celebration today. Pumpkins were cut with faces representing demons and were originally intended to frightened away evil spirits. It was said that if a demon were to encounter something as fiendish-looking as themselves, they would run away in terror.

With Halloween having all these associations with the nether world, should the Christian then be involved in Halloween celebration? Some Christians justify their participation in Halloween parties as merely harmless fun. Is Halloween just another party that doesn’t harm anyone and just childish fun? On closer inspection, we can see that Halloween is no different from the Chinese “Hungry Ghost Festival” which is usually held from the month of August to September. Whereas, many of us would definitely not get ourselves involved in the “parties” held during the Hungry Ghost Festival, then why should we get involve in Halloween parties? Would you want your child to celebrate the “powers of darkness”? Would you want your child to dress up as hideous demons or witches for “the fun” of it? Would you want to inculcate a “trick-or-treat” philosophy into the minds of your children, where they have the liberty to destructive behaviour if they are not given rewards?

On examination, Halloween does not even have one single redeeming virtue. The Bible reminds us that we are to “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1Thes. 5:22). Dressing up as evil spirits and witches would definitely be a violation of this command. The Bible warns us not to associate ourselves with works of darkness: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11). All these are abominations unto the Lord, which Lord gravely warned the Israelites not to follow after the practices of the nations around them (read Deut. 18:9-12). Likewise too, today we are called: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:2). As children of light, let us walk in the light and not follow the works of darkness.

In 1517, an obscure monk by the name of Martin Luther started the spark in the reformation of the Roman Church. He chose Oct 31 (Halloween Day), to nail his 95 theses on the Wittenberg Church’s door to call for a debate on the erroneous practice of purgatory. The call was for the church to purge herself from unbiblical practices and to return to the fidelity of the Word of God. Today is Reformation Sunday. The church today must continue to reform and to keep herself pure, and not let unbiblical practices be assimilated into her fold as she prepares herself as the bride of Christ in waiting for the return of Christ. For a certainty, Christ would not want His bride to be in ghoulish attire when He returns!