Tag: September 2019

Baptism of Mr Tang Kok Kwan

Thank God for the baptism of Mr Tang Kok Kwan (husband of Mdm Peh Choo Pun and father of Jonathan Tang Meng Wei) on 26 September 2019. He suffered a haemorrhage stroke on Friday – 13 September and was sent to the Sengkang General Hospital for treatment. Under normal circumstances he would require three operations to treat his condition. Due to his health condition and age, there was no operation.

Our brother Jonathan himself suffered a haemorrhage stroke five years ago and underwent these operations. I recalled a portion of his skull was removed for the operation and later he had to bear the pain of putting a metal cap to replace that portion of skull removed, in a painful process of stapling. Thank God he has recovered well enough to continue normal work and driving. As a result of his stroke, by the providence of God, Jonathan’s family consisting of his wife, Jacqueline, and two children Jovan and Janelle and mother Mdm. Peh came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Tang family were baptised by our late Pastoral Advisor Rev Dr Tow Siang Hwa in 2014.

Jonathan’s father, Mr Tang Kok Kwan, however, did not follow the family to come to church although he had been to church in his younger days. I recall there was a visitation made to Jonathan’s home where my wife and I had the opportunity to witness to Mr Tang, before he had to stay in a nursing home due to his medical condition about 3 years ago.

The World that Chokes the Word

– Mark 4:19, cf. Matthew 13:22

Jesus gave insight into how a man’s heart responds to the Word of God through the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-9; 14-20). Jesus likened God’s Word to seeds that a farmer scatters on the ground. Seeds that fell on good ground brought forth fruit in its season—“some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred” (Mark 4:20). The seeds of God’s Word sown either thrive and bear fruit or wither and die without fruit.

Jesus explained that the world, ruled by Satan—the prince of this world, competes to nullify God’s Word in the hearts of the hearers. Some seeds fell by the wayside and were devoured by the birds—there was no opportunity for them to germinate (Mark 4:15). Some fell on stony ground. The seeds grew into young plants but having no depth of root and not being able to withstand the scorching sun, they died. These hearers may have a semblance of spiritual life but when affliction or persecution arises, they choose to reject the Word, having no true faith. The Bible says, “they are offended” (Mark 4:17).

Fear Not

Luke 12:4-9.4And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

Our Lord Jesus taught His disciples to fear God and to trust God to take care of them as they entrust their lives to His care.

God is to be feared because He has the power to cast a soul to hell after death. He brought before them the prospect of eternal judgment in hellfire. That is most fearsome for mankind, Jesus truthfully explains, for our understanding and eternal benefit. He tells us that a man escapes this eternal judgment when he confess that Jesus is his Saviour and Lord.

Read The Bible in One Year

John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

There is yet 4 months in the year of grace 2019. We began the year with the re-launching the Read the Bible in One Year with “The One Year Bible”, with the entire King James Bible arranged in 365 daily readings. There were 15 copies of the “The One Year Bible” distributed amongst members and friends at the beginning of the year.

Recall the 17 February 2019 Weekly Newsletter:

“Begin your unforgettable journey today! Take the first step by reading The One Year Bible from cover to cover and see how God’s Word comes alive in your life. You’ll never be the same.”

Convenience: The One Year Bible is unique. No other “through the Bible” plan presents the entire Bible in a user-friendly format.

Unique Design: Each 15 minutes daily reading includes a portion from the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. This arrangement of Scripture brings variety and fresh approach to each day’s reading while providing a clear understanding of the Bible’s larger message.