O Worship the LORD in the Beauty of Holiness

AFFLUENCE – A THREAT TO THE CHURCH

One of the greatest dangers for the church is AFFLUENCE.

Too often, we follow the crowd and accept a life of indulgence as normal especially in post-modern Singapore. Our focus on worldly goods and success dulls our perception of God’s direction and purpose for our lives. God is displaced and He no longer has preeminence in our lives. We adopt an attitude of superiority and grow indifferent toward the needs of those around us. Beware and take heed of Moses’ warning to the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 8:11-14,

^“Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;  Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.”

TRUE ABUNDANCE

True abundance is found in having the right relationship with God, a harmonious fellowship with God’s people, family, and friends. Sadly, the love of money has caused many to err from the faith and pierce themselves through with many sorrows (1 Tim 6:10). Do not let money blind our eyes and walk down the slippery road of destruction. “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Pro 16:25). “Take heed and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Lk 12:15). The world also knows that money and worldly goods are not the main determinant factors for a happy and satisfied life.

“To determine the world's happiest country, researchers analyzed comprehensive Gallup polling data from 149 countries for the past three years, specifically monitoring performance in six particular categories: gross domestic product per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make your own life choices, generosity of the general population, and perceptions of internal and external corruption levels” – extract from the source “World Happiness Report for 2021”

In the latest report Happiest Countries in the World 2023, the world’s biggest economy, USA was ranked 19th while Singapore was ranked 32^nd. Finland, Denmark & Switzerland took the top 3 spots. Interestingly, Israel (constantly harassed by neighboring nations) was ranked 12^th. Bhutan was excluded due to technicality but was singled out as an inspiring example for the world about how to combine health and happiness. They made explicit use of the principles of Gross National Happiness in mobilizing the whole population in collaborative efforts to avoid even a single COVID-19 death in 2020.

TRUE HAPPINESS

Of course, what was clearly missing in the Gallup polling categories is the right relationship with God, our Creator. God’s Word is the sole authority to determine man’s true happiness as stated in Psalm 1:1-3 –

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Real life experience tells us that a believer who truly trusts and obeys God’s Word is the blessed one. He is watched and guarded by the Saviour 24/7. He enjoys forgiveness and is at peace in God and with God. He grows in favour with God and man. Whatsoever he does will prosper and wherever he goes, he will be a beacon of light and a source of encouragement. He is truly a channel of blessings to those around him and the love of God touches lives through his witness. Dearly beloved, are we that man?

We can if we lift our eyes to God and denounce the world of affluence. God’s Word clearly tells us, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1 John 2:15-17).

Love for God is diametrically opposite to love for the world. They cannot co-exist; you either love one or love the other. Love for God will set our affection on things not seen, things of eternal value - His kingdom, His people and His business. Let us not love in word but in deed and in truth. We cannot profess to love God and live a worldly life. Plead for God’s mercy and grace to be rich in faith, to die more and more unto sin; and to live more and more unto righteousness.

James told his listeners, “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him. But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors” (Jas 2:5-7, 9).

God’s Word is crystal clear, affluent people are self-centered and they will despise the poor, oppress others, bring them to court, have no regard for our Almighty God, and be men-pleasers rather than God-pleasers. These are clearly not the traits and character of believers in Christ. For our Lord was meek and lowly in heart, and though He was rich, yet for our sake, He became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich (2 Cor 8:9).

TRUE FAITH

Let us therefore not let affluence of the present day derail us from following the Lord. If money, or the pursuit of it, controls our lives, repent and make God our only reason to live for. Choose rather to be a bond servant of God than a slave of affluence. Live a life of faith like Moses, who “when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” (Heb 11:24-26).

CH Spurgeon once said, “Fulness of bread has often made fulness of blood, and that has brought on wantonness of spirit. When we have much of God’s providential mercies, it often happens that we have but little of God’s grace, and little gratitude for the bounties we have received. We are full and we forget God: satisfied with earth, we are content to do without heaven.” 

Dearly beloved, let us humble ourselves and remember the Lord our God: for it is He who gives us the power to get wealth. Be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy (1 Tim 6:17). Pray for abundant grace to bear abundant prosperity. Indeed, the crucible of adversity is a less severe trial to the Christian than the refining pot of prosperity. May God help us to be godly and contented children in an affluent society.

– Eld Chia Ah Lak

Appointments for the Week

Monday, February 27

        7.30 pm     ERBL: OT Historical Books (Rev Charles Seet)

Tuesday, February 28

        8.00 pm     Prayer Meeting (Dn Mark Heah)

Thursday, March 2

      10.00 am     Ladies’ Prayer Group

        7.30 pm     ERBL: History of Presbyterian & B-P Churches (Rev Lee Hock Chin)

Saturday, March 4

        3.00 pm     LTF / YAF

        4.00 pm     GAF 23rd Anniversary (MPH)

Sunday, March 5

  8.00 am We Must Obey God Rather than Men Acts 5:12-42 (Rev Quek Keng Khwang)

  8.00 am Choir Practice

  9.15 am Library (Sanctuary Balcony)

  9.40 am Sunday School / Catechism Class

10.15 am Coffee Corner

11.00 am We Must Obey God Rather than Men Acts 5:12-42 (Rev Quek Keng Khwang,

with Holy Communion)

11.00 am Children’s Ministry

11.00 am Chinese Service

12.15 pm Library (Sanctuary Balcony)

  2.30 pm Thai Service (LMH)

  4.00 pm Indonesian Service (Rm 1-6)

Announcements

Church Camp 2023

13-16 June 2023

Anchoring Our Faith In A Postmodern World

Speaker: Pastor Tan Soon Yong

Radisson Golf & Convention Center, Batam

Registration for church camp 2023 is now open. You may go to the church's website at www.lifebpc.com/church-camp-2023 to register online. Please register early!

Infant Baptism on Easter

Sunday, 9 Apr 2023. Parents, please email the church office,  with your full names, contact numbers, and your child's name and date of birth by 26 Mar 2023.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is back!

Theme: Mission Himpossible.

Date: 31 May-2 Jun 2023.

Lifers needed for the available areas of service: teaching, logistics, craft, games, F&B and photography.  To register, visit lifebpc.com/vbs
Note: Children’s registration (4-12 years old

Job Vacancies

Life B-P Church

a) Assistant Finance Officer (AFO)

Assists in the finance operations of the organization, and HR administrative/operational functions of the Church. https://www.lifebpc.com/index.php/component/k2/job-opportunities-afo

b) Assistant Media & Technology Officer (AMTO)

Assists in the Audio-Visual (AV) functions of the church. https://www.lifebpc.com/index.php/component/k2/job-opportunities-amto

Candidates with relevant qualifications and experience may submit your application and CV to the Church Operations Manager at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

Emmanuel Reformed Bible College (ERBC) is looking to hire the following:

1. College Administrator: The candidate will have the oversight of the administrative duties in managing staff, resources and facilities of the College.  The candidate must be a Christian and needs to work closely with the faculty, and reports directly to the principal.  Working experience in a similar position in an academic institution and good communication skills, both spoken and written will be added advantages.

2. College Assistant Administrator: The candidate will be supporting the College Administrator in the administrative duties in the operation of the College including helping students in their application, entry into Singapore, and all incidentals relating to their studies in the College.  The candidate must be a Christian proficient in using word processing software and spreadsheets dealing with database, basic book-keeping and communication skills, both spoken and written.

Interested parties can enquire at the ERBC Office for detailed job descriptions.

1 Tao Ching Road, Singapore 618720

Tel: (+65) 6594-9397 | Fax: 6250-6955 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.erbc.sg

GAF 23^rd Anniversary

4 Mar 2023, 4pm, Beulah MPH

“Old is Gold” by Eld Chia Ah Lak

Buffet dinner provided. 

Exploring Christianity

What is the meaning of life? Why am I here? If there is a good and powerful God, why do we have global pandemics and unrest in this world?  The answers can be found in the Bible, which is God's word to man.

Exploring Christianity is a course that looks at how the Bible addresses these pertinent questions about life. It is a 5-part series and is suitable for (1) Non-Christians searching to know who God is (2) Christians who would like to understand the basics of what it means to be a Christian.

The seminar will be held on 1 May 2023, from 9am-12.30pm at Beulah Centre. Lunch will be provided. All Lifers are encouraged to bring their non-Christian friends and family members to this introductory course on the Christian faith.

To register, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/ExpChr2023

Door to Door Evangelism

5 March 2023 (Next Sunday)

Meet in Beulah Room 2-11, 12.30 pm

Traffic Wardens

Lifers are invited to serve our Lord as Traffic Wardens on Sunday. 

Participating in upcoming Mission Trips in 2023 

We would like to encourage Life B-P Church members to participate actively in missions both in support and involvement (short-term or otherwise), including medical and dental (MaD) missions, with the hope that some may be called to be full-time missionaries. If you are interested to participate in the upcoming mission trips being planned for 2023, please register your interest by filling in this form: undefined

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