Lord’s Day, Vol. 4 No. 38
(1) Updated Church App
On 25 March 2015, BHBPC mobile app went ‘live’ in iTunes and in the Android store. Members and friends can download the app for free. As at 15 Sept 2016, there are 145 downloads, with 79 using IOS and 66 on Androids phones. Do search under “Blessed Hope Church” and locate the icon for download if you have not done so.
The app features include daily KJV Bible Text and Reading Plan, Devotions (currently we are on the book of 1 Corinthians), Weekly Newsletter, Sermons Podcast, Facebook, Website and an instant messaging system for real-time communication with users.
Recently, we have added new features to the app. Prayer requests may now be sent via the “Prayer Request” tab. Camps, events and sermons videos may be accessed through the “Youtube” video channel. We could tune in to live broadcasts of Worship Service (Every Lord’s Day 3pm) and Prayer Meeting (Every Wednesday 8pm) using the “Live” tab. There are also periodic replays. “Sermon Audio” tab provides an entire store of audio and video sermons.
The “Music” tab plays hymns on selection. Do avail yourself to these new features for your spiritual enrichment and edification.
(2) Near to the Heart of God
– A Comfort in Grief
Job, the great sufferer, gave us his famous epigram, “Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Troubles surely come. When it does, we need strength greater than our own to carry us through.
While serving as a pastor in Chicago in 1901, Cleland McAfee was stunned to receive within the space of twenty-four hours the shocking news that his two beloved nieces had both died from diphtheria. Crushed with grief, he turned to God and the Scriptures for comfort. He found that there is a place of comfort, of shelter, of peace in times of deep loss and grief. It is near to the heart of God.
He was led to compose a song for the comfort of his own soul as well as for his family. From his grieving heart flowed the words and tune of “Near to the Heart of God.” On the day of the double funeral, he stood with his choir outside of the quarantined home of his brother, singing the song that God had given him in his night season. The following Sunday, the choir of McAfee’s church sang the hymn. Soon it spread across the nation.
There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God,
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God,
A place where we our Saviour meet,
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God,
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God.
The assurance and prayer of this hymn can be ours in all of life’s testing! There are these seasons of life where God’s people need more grace and strength to endure and live. Jesus gave these last words to His disciples before He went to the cross to prepare them for the sufferings that they are called to endure for the gospel’s sake:
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus encouraged His disciples to courageously look to Him to find peace in their hearts amidst the turmoil in the world. He has, by His life and death and resurrection overcome the world on their behalf. The word “tribulation” means to be pressed to a breakpoint, alluding to severity of the trial. By the unfailing grace of God, Jesus predicted His disciples would be triumphant through the trials to come as they look to Him. May this be so for us too!
Yours lovingly,
Pastor Lek Aik Wee
[Extracted and edited from Songs in the Night by Henry Gariep]