STEPPING UP AND COMING FORWARD TO SERVE

From the Board of Elders

Dear Members in Christ,

Stepping Up and Coming Forward to Serve

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Calvary Jaya Bible Presbyterian Fellowship (CJBPF) has been praying unceasingly for more of her members to step up or come forward to serve in the various ministries of the church. We praise and thank God that many have been moved by the Holy Spirit to step up (for those who are already serving) and coming forward (for those who have yet to offer their respective service) to serve. If you are still hesitating, do come forward. God is faithful and He will enable you.

When Joshua took over the leadership from Moses, God enabled Joshua to lead His people successfully into the Promised Land. Like Joshua, by stepping up in faith to serve, God will enable you to play a role in His plan. You will also experience a growth and stronger faith.

I am reproducing herewith a testimony by our Sister Ying Yu who has offered to step up to serve in the Session, God willing. Just like I am being encouraged, I pray that you will too:

 

Sister Lee Ying Yu: Testimony

“I thank God for the opportunity to serve Him in the music ministry. It is my prayer that I remain faithful and true to my service. Pray for wisdom and guidance to do my best in this ministry and may the Word of God be the focus. I pray that the playing of music is not for self-glory but all for the glory of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As I offer my life as a living sacrifice for the Lord, may the Lord mould me fit for His service. I pray that I will learn the Word of God and bind it in my heart.

I thank God for the opportunity to pick up the FEBC online course that helped me grow in His word. I pray that I will not be conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of my mind, that I may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (cf. Romans 12:2).

I stand by the Statement of Faith of CJBPF and would like to share my conviction on the following topics that I embrace and hold fast.

1. Why KJV Bible - Many people do not like the King James Version (KJV) because they claim that the KJV is old English and difficult to understand. They prefer the newer versions that are written in easy to understand language. Sadly, they do not know that the new versions are based on the corrupted and rejected text of Westcott and Hort. As such, there should be no argument on which is the right version to use. Since God is perfect, His word is also perfect. God will surely preserve His Word for us. The KJV is the most accurate English translation from the original Hebrew and Greek text. KJV is not difficult to understand. All we need to do is to seek His Word earnestly. The Lord will surely grant understanding. I thank God for the perfect bible that CJBPF holds on to. I pray that God will teach me to be His faithful servant and grant me a teachable and submissive heart to His Word. May we magnify the Word of God.

2. Doctrines of VPP and VPI  – a. Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP) means every word of God is preserved. Matthew 5:18 “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” b. Verbal Plenary Inspiration (VPI) means every word of God is inspired by God. 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”. I value the VPP and VPI that CJBPF upholds. There is no mistake in the Bible because God can never make mistakes. Every word in the bible is true, and we are to follow every word, and not pick and choose what we like to hear and ignore the words of rebuke by the Lord. As a believer, I submit to all the teachings in the Bible without question or doubt, as we are to obey His commandment. We are to trust in the Lord during good times or bad times. Our life is in God’s hand and as we walk in the will of God, we need His Word to direct our path.

3. False Churches and Preachers - During this end time, the Lord has warned us that many will fall away. We have seen many biblical churches fall away because the younger generations no longer hold fast to God’s word. On the contrary, we see false churches and preachers growing at an alarming rate. If we are not careful to search for the Truth and hold fast to the Word of God, we too will become apostate. Some of the traits of false churches and preachers are the following: a. The preacher preaches what the congregation likes to hear i.e. God is love and forgive all your sins; God will bless you with good health and material wealth. b. They use the worldly way to attract worshippers i.e. attractive dressing is adorned, preacher speaks with charisma, exciting and sensual music is played etc. These churches draw attention to man instead of God. Besides, the Truth is not preached. We should stay away and not be associated with false doctrines. May the Lord grant us discernment so that we can differentiate our Shepherd and the false prophets.

4. Bible Presbyterian Church – Calvary Jaya Bible Presbyterian Fellowship (CJBPF) is one of the few BP churches that is true to its governance. Our BP founding pastor is the late Rev Timothy Tow who founded Life Church in Singapore. The BP church separated from the Presbyterian Church because of its stand not to join the ecumenical movement and also on its firm stand on VPP and VPI. One of the doctrines that we embrace is biblical separation. This means that we are not to have partnership with a non-believer lest we be influenced and fall away. Also, it means that we do not marry a non-believer because God calls us out from darkness to be His children. We read of obedience in 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” Many people criticize our church for being too strict and they feel offended when being rebuked. However, they failed to understand that these are the very word of Christ that is preached from the Bible. Among the controversial issues are why can’t women lead in church. In our church, we do not have lady preacher and only men lead in worship services. This is in accordance to God’s word, “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” 1 Timothy 2:12.”

Amen.

 

In Christ,

Eld. Choe Tong Seng