KNOWING FOR SURE

The theme of this year’s church camp is “Knowing for Sure,” based on Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” The camp will feature seven messages: (1) The Basis of Knowledge, (2) The Sources of Knowledge, (3) Knowing that God Exists, (4) Knowing that Jesus Is God, (5) Knowing that the Bible Is God’s Word, (6) Knowing that I Am Saved, (7) Knowing God’s Will for My Life.

Certainty—or knowing for sure—is vital, especially in life’s journey. For example, if you’re travelling in a foreign country and have rented a car to drive yourself around, you want to be sure of your directions so that you can reach your destination safely. That requires an up-to-date and accurate map or GPS, so you can navigate the terrain, roads, highways, landmarks, and destinations with confidence. If you’re unsure, you may take a wrong turn, get lost, or even meet with an accident because your mind is distracted by confusion and doubt.

Likewise, you do not want to be uncertain about life—where you came from, why you are here, and where you are going. You want to have clarity and confidence about your existence and your purpose. Yet such certainty does not come from within yourself, nor from the philosophies of this world—for the world is full of uncertainties. During the recent Singapore elections, we were reminded again and again that the world is changing, the future is unpredictable, and we need capable leaders who can discern the times and steer the nation wisely.

Spiritually speaking, this is what we need even more. And the good news is, we have something far more trustworthy—something foolproof and 100% certain. It is God and His Word—not any prime minister, political party, or government manifesto. Man can fail. God cannot!

We must know God. But not just any “god”—we must know the right God, the living and true God. And more than just knowing about Him, we must know Him personally and have a living relationship with Him. God has made this possible through His Son—the Lord Jesus Christ. We must know Jesus Christ as our Saviour. We must know His Word—the Holy Scriptures. Then we will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Tim 1:12)

As we head up to Penang for our church camp this week, may we learn much from Rev Samuel Joseph (English) and Rev Lee Kim Shong (Chinese) as they teach from God’s Word on how we can know for sure. Have a safe and pleasant journey. See you there! JK

BASIC THEOLOGY FOR EVERYONE

Sixteen courses will be offered on campus and/or online to the laity and general public in the new semester beginning 21 July 2025.

Both day and night classes will be conducted at 9A Gilstead Road, Singapore 309063. Students are encouraged to attend classes on campus if they are able. All classes will be livestreamed, and video recordings will remain available online for those who are unable to attend in person or at the scheduled time.

Courses Offered: Calvin’s Institutes I, Contemporary Theology III, Roman Catholicism, Cults III, Old Testament Survey I (Chinese), Deuteronomy, Esther, Isaiah II, Minor Prophets II, 2 Thessalonians, Titus, Jude, Revelation, Youth Christian Education, Teaching Methods, Jesus the Master Teacher.

All who wish to take the courses—whether for credit or audit—must register online at www.febc.edu.sg. Registration opens today, 15 June 2025, and closes on 10 August 2025 at 11:59 pm. For enquiries, please email: it-helpdesk@febc.edu.sg.

Work towards your certificate: The Certificate of Religious Knowledge (CertRK) is awarded upon successful completion of 20 credits; the Certificate of Biblical Studies (CertBS) after 40 credits; and the Diploma in Theology (DipTh) upon completion of 96 credits. For more details, please visit the FEBC website at www.febc.edu.sg. JK

THE TIME IS NEAR

According to the Bible, the time is near,
The signs of the end are becoming clear.
As Jesus taught and prophets foretold,
These warnings of old are now taking hold.

There are floods and fires, droughts and despair,
Calamities striking from here to there.
Storms are stronger, disasters grow,
The earth groans deeply, and still we sow.

Nations rise in ruthless strife,
With war and terror claiming life.
Earthquakes rumble beneath the land,
Bringing ruin none can withstand.

Morals crumble in broad daylight,
Wrong is called good, and dark is called light.
Men with men, and women too,
Forsake God’s plan for what is new.

False Christs appear with words so sly,
Deceiving hearts that know not why.
They gather crowds who do not see,
They follow lies, and think they’re free.

The climate shifts, the heat won’t cease,
The world now pleads for calm and peace.
But sin still reigns, and hearts grow cold,
Though prophets’ warnings have been told.

Tech explodes with rapid pace,
While truth is lost without a trace.
Lies and rumours cloud the sky,
And justice falters, passing by.

Trade wars stir and nations reel,
The pain is sharp, the wounds are real.
Greed and pride bring misery,
While few will turn and bend the knee.

Lovers of self and money rise,
Ignoring truth and feeding lies.
Rejecting God, they scoff His might,
And stumble blindly through the night.

Apostasy spreads like deadly flame,
While scoffers mock the Saviour’s name.
They dream of peace and soul’s reprieve,
Yet in their hearts, they don’t believe.

But Christ will come, the time is short,
His people wait at heaven’s port.
O turn to Him and heed His call,
Before the judgement starts to fall.

No man knows the day or hour,
But we must live by grace and power.
So come to Jesus, now don’t delay—
Be ready for that final day.

Study the book of Revelation with me, chapter by chapter, verse by verse, at FEBC, July 24-October 30, Thursday nights, 7.30-9.30 pm. JK

GAPPI GETSEMANI, BATAM

John Calvin taught that the pastor ought to live near the church. Our late pastor—Rev Dr Timothy Tow—went further to say that the pastor should live in the church. The pastor must always be readily accessible to his members, and to anyone who comes to the church seeking counsel or prayer. A lost soul may walk in at any moment seeking salvation, and the pastor must be present to share the Gospel and lead the seeker to faith in Christ.

For this reason, now that Rev Shobastian has been ordained as the pastor of GAPPI Getsemani, having a parsonage on the church premises would greatly enhance his pastoral ministry. True Life BPC has been supporting him by covering the rental of a house at $200 per month. By building a parsonage, rental costs will be saved. In addition to being available to receive members and strangers who seek spiritual help, he will also serve as a caretaker of the church premises.

It costs $10,000 to construct a parsonage on the church grounds, with a planned size equivalent to a 3-room HDB flat (6 x 12 m, totalling 72 sqm), which has been approved by the Session.

The groundbreaking service was held on the Lord’s Day, April 27 presided over by Revs Kiantoro and Shobastian. Construction commenced shortly thereafter. JK

Getsemani Batam Parsonage – Construction Progress as of 13 May 2025