Family Bible Fellowship (FBF) 2012

Psalm 127:1, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

The FBF meet in the homes of our members on the last Saturday of every month. We thank the Lord for Rev Stephen Khoo and the children’s teachers who have faithfully brought us His Word month after month. We are also thankful that God has granted Rev Stephen Khoo the strength to prepare these messages and pen the notes for each lesson diligently. Through the lives of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and the various characters of Genesis, we have taken home many precious lessons in the past year. The Lord has also graciously attended to all our needs—ensuring that there are enough homes for us to hold our meetings every month.

In the month of May, we had our annual outing at West Coast Park. It was a day of fun and good fellowship. The games were organised by Dr Chan and Sister Mabel. Through the activities, we got to know one another better so as to encourage one another in the Lord. After our games, we had a time of fellowship over pot-bless- styled dinner that was contributed by everyone. Needless to say, there was plenty to eat and plenty to share. All in all, we thank the Lord that the day’s activities went well and that we all enjoyed ourselves.

The Lord has blessed us richly and we thank Him for the increase in our numbers. We strongly encourage all to join us, especially those who are just starting out on building a family. The main aims of the FBF are to encourage one another in the Lord and to impart knowledge on how to build a family with Christ as its Head. We meet at 5.30 pm and usually stay for fellowship over dinner after the message. The FBF also aims to educate the children about the salvation of our Lord that they may grow in the Lord and walk close to Him from an early age. Looking forward, we will be having a combined fellowship with the Young People’s Fellowship in September. Message will be brought to us by Rev Stephen Khoo. The Lord tells us in Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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.” (Bernard Tee)

Praise and thank God for the privilege to be part of the Family Bible Fellowship where the main focus is the studying of God’s Word, as with all other fellowship groups of True Life Bible-Presbyterian Church. Thank the Lord for His grace and faithfulness in sustaining the FBF all these many years by providing faithful preachers month after month, teaching and instructing us from the Holy Scriptures.

Steve and I are very much blessed and edified by the Word of God and the fellowship of like-minded brethren. As children of God, we are exhorted to “hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised; And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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” (Heb 10:23-25). We are much encouraged by the many faithful families who continue to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14).

It is our prayer that many more families would set aside one Saturday a month to join us in the study of God’s Word, to have fellowship together, and to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! (Steve and Alice Chng)

Thank God for sustaining FBF for the last eight years. When FBF first started, many of our children were still in primary school and kindergarten. We were anxious about ministering to the children at the appropriate level and being a family-centric fellowship group, we wanted families to be able to come together. God provided abundantly with able FEBC students, God- fearing mothers and spouses of our speakers to teach the Bible to the children so that we, parents, can be instructed in His Word without being distracted. The Bible study meeting each month is interactive. Being in a more casual setting, we could always ask questions. Our pot-bless dinner makes time “slow down”, giving us the perfect opportunity to fellowship, rejoice with one another, share life’s trials and challenges, and encourage one another. Our children grow up in the company of likeminded friends and by God’s grace learn to build up one another as they mature. (Edward and Eunice Wong)

My family and I look forward to the last Saturday of every month when we visit a member’s house where the Family Bible Fellowship is held. After a short “singspiration” with gusto, the children will have their own programme which is taught by faithful and godly teachers while the adults listen to the message uninterrupted.

The messages are based on specific topics or books of the Bible, centred on the theme of the family. Presently, we are studying the book of Genesis, taught by Rev Stephen Khoo. The homely setting encourages interaction between the speaker and the audience. In particular, spontaneous questions asked at the end of the message help towards better understanding of God’s Word and truly, audience participation does make learning interesting!

Sometimes, the discussion on the message continues even into the scrumptious  pot-bless  dinner  lovingly prepared by members. But, most of the time, we catch up with each other over dinner. Laughter, joys, aches and pains, spiritual struggles and cares of the world are shared amongst likeminded brethren who listen with empathy and patience. Comforting Bible verses are gently given to encourage and console; victories big or small are cheered with gladness. Indeed, it’s putting into action Romans 12:15—“rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep”. Such sincere and warm fellowship deepens our bonds in Christ and builds us up as a family of God. The lyrics of the hymn, “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”, most aptly sum up the fellowship I experience in FBF:

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one
Our comforts and our cares.

We share each other’s woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

Unlike being in the company of unbelievers, Christian fellowship never left me feeling empty. It strengthens my faith and motivates me to press on for Christ. FBF is no longer optional but it has become essential to my spiritual well-being until,

When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives,
And longs to see the day.

From sorrow, toil and pain,
And sin, we shall be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity. (Mrs Chan Sok Sin)