THE CHRISTIAN CITIZEN

Rev Samuel Joseph

Christians are citizens of God’s heavenly kingdom; we are not, ultimately, citizens of earth, but strangers and pilgrims here (Heb 11:8–16). Yet we are in the world, and called of God not to be absent but to be ambassadors. We are not isolated, but interested: we have an interest in the peace and prosperity of earthly kingdoms, because it is in the context of such stability that the work of the gospel can most effectively be done (1 Tim 2:1–4).

Law and Order

We recognise, indeed, that civil government is instituted by God for the purpose of establishing order, restraining violence, executing justice — this is declared by God after the flood (Gen 9:6), so that the earth will no longer, as before, be so filled with violence. As bad as the world seems now, it would be worse, if there were no governments. It is for this reason that civil authorities are spoken of in scripture as God’s ministers, serving Him (albeit often unwittingly), and endowed by Him with the power of the sword: the authority to execute judgment on evildoers (Rom 13:1–4).

Safety and Stability

In light of this we ought to be grateful for our country, Singapore. We have flourished, as a nation, for many decades. We enjoy relative safety and stability, compared to many other nations. We have freedom enough to serve and to worship the Lord. We are, as yet, spared the worst of the wars and violence, the political upheavals and moral confusions, which are causing havoc in some parts of the world. All of this we should not take for granted: it is God’s blessing.

Good and Grateful

Let us therefore be good and grateful citizens. Let us pray for our government, that God will grant wisdom to a new generation of leaders, to continue in building a society on a moral foundation, on conservative values. Let us pray for continued safety and stability in our land and in the region. Let us call on God, the sovereign Ruler of heaven and earth, who can turn the heart of kings whithersoever He will (Prov 21:1). And let us use this blessing of peace, to be about the Lord’s business — while it is day, while this grace is shining upon us, let us not be slack, but labouring for the Lord!

YOU LOSE OUT BY NOT COMING TO PRAYER MEETING

Rev Dr Timothy Tow

With life becoming more hectic these days, the tendency is to sit at home by the TV after dinner to rest your tired bodies than come to Prayer Meeting. But how about those who are retired, who live quite close to Church, who used to come but now have tapered off?

Some do not come with the excuse that the Prayer Meeting is not ‘hot’ enough. All the more they should come to heat it up. Like burning charcoal. Heaped together, it burns brighter. Scattered, it dies out. Church attendance is the same. Your absence discourages the pastor who watches over your soul. (If you have a good reason the Lord understands.)

You lose out by not coming to Prayer Meeting! “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.” applies not only to attending Church on Sunday but also to the Prayer Meeting, “but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb 10:25).

“Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near” (Isa 55:6). With Singapore so well served by an ever-improving transport system, with Singapore favoured with tranquility away from man-made tribulations and natural disasters, God all the more expects us to come to Church. He delights to see us gather in His Name when “He can be found.” To seek Him only when trouble comes may be too late (read Prov 1:27,28).

Our Prayer Meeting is 1½ hours short! It is divided into three half-hours: (1) Two hymns plus a 20-minute study of the Bible, (2) Testimonies, (3) Prayer led by elders, deacons and fervent members, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matt 7:7).

An old-timer who has returned after many years said to me, “Pastor, I have many burdens on my heart, but after Prayer Meeting I feel so much relieved.” Another chimed, “It is so good to come to Prayer Meeting always!” When the disciples gathered on the first Lord’s Day evening, Jesus came and breathed PEACE into their troubled souls. He does the same to us today. You lose out by not coming to Prayer Meeting.

[Not forgetting the blessed time of fellowship over refreshments after Prayer Meeting. “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” (1 Pet 4:7).]

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2024 REPORT

Rev Samuel Joseph

The Vacation Bible School (VBS) was held this year from 29 to 31 May. By the grace of God, about 70 children attended, spread over four departments (Preschool, Lowers, Uppers, and Teens). A total of about 50 volunteers helped out as HODs, teachers, class assistants, and musicians, as well as planning and coordinating the crafts, registration, logistics, games, and food.

After registration, the children had a time of singspiration followed by lessons, crafts, games, and fellowship over meals.

The theme of the VBS this year was “Marvellous Miracles!” — the focus was on a selection of Jesus’ miracles found in the gospel of John. The children learned how the miracles of Jesus were meant to authenticate Him and underscore His message of salvation. “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:30–31).

On the last day was the VBS night programme, meant to involve the parents of the children as well. The lessons were summarised and the gospel message preached, with the prayer that both children and parents will believe in the Lord Jesus and be saved. The children also presented items in their various departments to show the lessons they had learned. After the VBS night, parents, children, and volunteers enjoyed warm fellowship over refreshments.

Praise God for seeing us through the VBS this year. Please pray for strength and enabling for the VBS next year (planning is set to begin around December), if the Lord tarries!

Vacation Bible School, 29–31 May 2024