Church Weekly
24 Oct 2021

CHURCH WEEKLY

O DEATH WHERE IS THY STING? (1 COR 15:55)

Dear Members in Christ,

O Death where is thy sting? (1 Cor 15:55)

As we are now into the second year of the pandemic, our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have experienced the loss of loved ones to this pestilent disease. Some of those who have recovered from the Covid infection still experience the lingering affliction of the disease, even months after the infection was diagnosed. Headaches, breathlessness, loss of focus at work, aches, and pains were commonly reported by those who suffer the syndrome called “Long Covid.” Residual symptoms left by the damage done by the virus, a loud reminder of the infirmity and vulnerability of the human body. 

Our earthly bodies are weak vessels indeed. Covid aside, a bout of illness, old age, the trauma of an accident can render a person invalid, and if the condition or injury becomes serious, death ensues. What does that tell us? In this body, if the Lord tarries, death is inevitable. But as believers, we will experience at most one death, the physical. The Bible promises us that those who put their faith and trust in God’s way of salvation cannot be touched by the second death.

Through the Lord Jesus Christ, we have victory over death. Thus, Paul the Apostle wrote about death, saying, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). Let us not be fearful, nor anxious, instead, let us be exhorted by the Apostle Paul’s message to the Corinthians about our victory over death.

A. The issue - Ignorance about the Resurrection

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians to address many issues relating to their ignorance of doctrinal issues. In chapter 15 of his epistle, the Apostle addresses one particular doctrinal error, which is the false belief that there is no resurrection of the dead. He writes,

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15:12)

What a devastating thought to true believers! For if that was true, Paul expresses that it would be such a great disappointment. He says, “then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also in vain.” And to put in perspective our status, “we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19).

It seems that the ignorance of the doctrine of resurrection is quite pervasive in the early church. To the Thessalonian church, Paul had also written to clear up their misunderstanding about the resurrection to come. He writes to them, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” (1 Thessalonian 4:13). Then he follows up with the teaching that “the dead in Christ shall rise first.” (1 Thessalonian 4:16).

Therefore, knowing the full assurance of the resurrection, we sorrow not, neither are we anxious even in the face of impending death. Let us live with the kind of joy and hope befitting those who are children of the promise. Let us live a life of good testimony and tell others of the resurrection, and the wonderful gift of eternal life for all who would submit to God and put their trust in the atonement of the Lord Jesus. 

B. We shall not all sleep  

The Apostle Paul’s method of instruction is very comprehensive. When he teaches a doctrine, he will also cover a range of possible scenarios surrounding the doctrine. So, as the Apostle Paul wrote Chapter 15 to instruct and to teach the Corinthian Christians about resurrection, he also answers an enigmatic question that would arise in their minds. The reasoning is this – since there is the promise to the faithful of resurrection of the dead, and since resurrection must be preceded by death (for how can one be resurrected if he is not first dead?). Does this mean that all the faithful will have to die and experience resurrection? The Apostle Paul’s response is this,

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51).

We know from the reading of 1 Corinthians chapter 15 and 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 that Paul speaks of the rapture. Thus, when the Lord Jesus returns, those believers who are still alive will be raptured! Yes, some believers may have the privilege of not experiencing the pain of death! What a wondrous rapture, to be caught up in the air to meet the Lord Jesus, and the Apostle ends with, “so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1Thessalonians 4:17)  

C. Through Christ we have victory over death

This pandemic has opened our eyes to what a virulent pestilence can do to mankind. The images in the media of crowded ICU rooms in hospitals, mass graves, refrigeration cabins doubling as temporary mortuaries, may instill in some the sense of fear. But we fear not for God’s word has this encouragement for us.  

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Beloved brothers and sisters, knowing the promise of God, let us face life with hope and courage. We must take human responsibility for our well-being, such as seeking medical care when the need arises or getting a vaccination against the Covid infection (if we are not in the exempt category). We can trust God to care and protect us, and even if the Lord's wills and our earthly bodies do succumb, we do not fear. Knowing the sure promise of God, a believer can boldly say, “where is thy sting?” Let us continue to pray that God will protect and keep us. May His name be praised. Amen.

In Christ,

Dn. Lim Seh Beng

 

Baptism of Mr Khoo Khee Leng

On 16th September 2021, Mr Khoo Khee Leng was baptised in Calvary Jaya BP Fellowship by Rev Lee Kim Shong. Baptism is the act of public proclamation of his faith in the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The baptism was witnessed by some of his family members.

The Session and Congregation rejoice and welcome Mr Khoo Khee Leng to CJBPF. The Bible says “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Luke 15:10.

 

Mr Khoo Khee Leng’s Testimony

1) Briefly explain about your family background

In my younger days I did not hear the gospel and considered myself a free thinker. After my marriage I followed my wife’s religion, a mixture of Taoist, ancestor worship, and later Buddhism. For many years I chanted daily but I did not find it meaningful nor did I know who I was chanting to.

2) Share on how you came to know Christ: the knowledge of your sin and the need of salvation.

At the beginning of 2020 I was interested in Christianity and found out more when my children shared the gospel with me. I spent a lot of time reading the Bible. I began to understand that I am a sinner and that I can do nothing to save me from my sin. My son asked me to read the Gospel of John. Gradually I learnt to put my faith in Jesus Christ. I believe that Christ died for my sins and shed His precious blood for me, that Christ was buried and rose again on the third day for my salvation.

3) What change has taken place in your life after conversion.

Sometime in 2020, I stopped chanting and returned the Buddhist religious books, magazines and other religious material to the temple. I now read only the Bible. I told my wife and eldest son before my baptism that I believe in Jesus and is now a Christian. They were very unhappy and asked me to think carefully for myself. But I was determined to stand firm. I just want to obey God and be baptised. I have been attending CJBPF online worship service since the pandemic began. When I face problems now, I understand that God is in control of every situation in my life.

4) What do you have in mind to help you to grow spiritually and further the cause of God’s kingdom.

I will continue to be consistent to worship God. I will read the Bible and listen to other BPC Pastor’s preaching of God’s Word through online sermons beside listening to CJBPC online Sunday Worship. I pray that my wife and other non-believing family members would also come to believe in Jesus for their salvation. Pray that God will soften their hardened heart of unbelief. Pray that I may be a good witness to my wife and my eldest son, Peng Hong and his family members.