FAMILY BIBLE CAMP 2023 (GALATIANS 4:28)

Dear Members in Christ,                                                                                                                   

Family Bible Camp 2023 -

“Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise” (Galatians 4:28).

It was a blessed time when brethren gathered together as a body of Christ with the sole purpose of 1) learning and meditating on God’s Word 2) rejoicing and praising God in singing hymns, psalms and spiritual songs and 3) fellowship, caring and sharing. The cares and distractions of the world were shut away. There was much to rejoice as “it was like heaven on earth”. A glimpse of heaven when saints would be gathered together to rejoice in the presence of God at the end of times on earth.

The Family Bible Camp 2023 was held from 29^th May to 2^nd June 2023 in Ipoh, Perak. It was a lapse of 3 years since the last Camp due to the Government imposed restricted movement because of the Covid-19 pandemic. There were 62 brethren with the youngest at 2 months and the eldest at 70+ years old. Yes, as the name implied, the Family Camp was for the young and old. There was no lack of love and care for one another during the few days of living together. In fact, if there were any previous “old emotional misgiving and misunderstanding” they were cast away and healed. Brethren were renewed in spirit for the love of Christ and for one another. We thank God for the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. It was a blessed time in the Camp. In fact, the days passed so quickly that, before the campers realised, “it was time to pack and go home”!

Camp Message: Inheritor of God’s Promise - Isaac:

As Isaac inherited the Promise of God made to Abraham, we who are believers are also the inheritors of the same Promise. The lessons learnt:

(1) “Is any thing too hard for the LORD?” He is the God of the “impossible”. Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah when they were past their child-bearing age. Abraham was 100 and Sarah 90 years old. As the children of God, we need to take God at His Word. What He says, He will do. His promises are true. We are assured of God’s faithfulness to His people. We, in return, must be faithful and obedient to God. God keeps His promises. He is able to do all things for His own glory. There is “nothing too hard for God”.

(2) “Never try to bypass God’s will” as there will be adverse consequences. Sarah was impatient as she waited for the birth of Isaac. While the LORD tarried, she gave her maid servant, Hagar to Abraham, to wed and bear him a son. Sarah was using human wisdom. Little did she realise that Ishmael was not the child of promise. From history, we learn that the descendants of Ishmael brought much chaos and trouble to God’s people even until now (cf. Galatians 4:29)! In God’s own wise counsel and timing, Isaac, the child of promise, was born 14 years after Ishmael (cf. Isaiah 55:8-9). From here, we learnt to be patient and not to bypass God’s will. We must draw nigh unto God and be right with Him. Believe in God’s Word. Be consistent in prayer and wait upon Him!

(3) “Test of obedience to God”. Faith in God is important in the life of a believer. Do note that knowing the Word of God does not necessarily indicate that the person loves, trusts, obeys and have faith in God. It is just head knowledge. To love God is to have faith, keep and do His commandments (cf. John 14:15). Abraham’s faith was truly tested when he obeyed God to offer his only son, Isaac as a “burnt offering” (cf. Genesis 22: 1-19, Hebrews 11:17). Abraham passed with “flying colours”. God provided a lamb in place of Isaac. Abraham was called the “father of faith”. When we are tested in life, are we prepared, to be like Abraham, to give God the things that are of most value e.g. resources like the things that we love like time, career, work, money etc.. Through time, let us grow in maturity to have the great faith of Abraham as we continue our journey of faith to give God the glory.

(4) “God’s providence”. God had demanded that His people be holy and be a godly witness to the Canaanites. “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6). They were not to return to idolatry from which they came from. Thus, Abraham honoured God in desiring that Isaac should not be unequally yoke in marriage. “Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly” (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). God in His decretive and cooperative will, provided Rebekah as a wife to Isaac. God is in control. Nothing happened by chance! Today, we know that the biblical Doctrine of Separation is not a new doctrine as it has been practised since the time of Abraham. We are to propagate the things of eternal value to the future generations for they are the leaders of tomorrow.

(5) “Grace to help in time of need”. Rebekah was barren and Isaac intreated the LORD for her to conceive. The LORD answered and the twins were born when Isaac was 60 years old (cf. Genesis 25:21,26). God had chosen Jacob and not Esau to be the inheritor of His promise (cf. Romans 9: 10-14).

Esau was the elder brother but God chose the younger Jacob. We learnt of God’s sovereign will and to accept His will. We are to exercise our faith and be strengthened in Him. For God is all-knowing and perfect. He knows what is best for His people. The grace of God will help us to make decisions according to His will.

Conclusion: Christians are the inheritors of God’s covenant promise made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We learnt God had kept His promise and today we enjoy this similar salvation grace in Christ. We also learnt that God can do the impossible when man is not able to. The Bible had recorded many events when God made the impossible possible like Sarah giving birth to Isaac in her old age. Even today, God answers the cries and prayers of His people. God’s people “see and experience” the hands of God leading them out of dire straits. God loves and cares for each one of us. We should all do the same for one another. God’s people must reinforce and be strengthened in the bond of love and care for one another.

The campers indeed were all spiritually refreshed after the camp. The bond of love and care must continue to be manifested in the Church. For those who had missed the camp, we truly encourage and urge that you will join the next camp to learn the precious and wonderful truth of God’s Word and experience “heaven on earth”. God bless.

In Christ,
Eld. Choe Tong Seng