Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
William Macdonald observed well, “In verses 7–10, Paul teaches the subordination of the woman to the man by going back to creation. This should forever lay to rest any idea that his teaching about women’s covering was what was culturally suitable in his day but not applicable to us today. The headship of man and the subjection of woman have been God’s order from the very beginning.”
It is observed well, “In Paul’s day, a woman should cover her head. If she failed to do this, she dishonoured not only her own head but also showed disrespect to her husband. She ought to have respected her husband by wearing a head covering in public…We must consider these words in the cultural context of first-century Corinth.” [Hendricksen] Amen
William MacDonald observed insightfully, “Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head, that is, Christ. It is saying, in effect, that the man does not acknowledge Christ as his head. Thus it is an act of gross disrespect.”
Acts 17:1-15 (KJV)
1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
John Gill observed well, “Christ is the head of every individual human nature, as he is the Creator and Preserver of all men, and the donor of all the gifts of nature to them; of the light of nature, of reason, and of all the rational powers and faculties; He is the head of nature to all men, as He is of grace to His own people: and so He is as the Governor of all the nations of the earth, who whether they will or no are subject to Him; and one day every knee shall bow to Him, and every tongue confess that He is the Lord of all.”
(1) Webcast and Audio Ministry Update
There were 656 webcast listeners in March 2017 covering 21 countries and 37 states of the USA from Sermon Audio. 218 listeners were from USA, 87 listeners from UK, 62 from Canada, 89 from Singapore, and others. The total MP3 audio and video downloads in February 2017 were 777 and 91 respectively. Since July and August 2016, BHBPC video sermons have been uploaded on You-tube and Facebook respectively under the name “Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church”. This gives greater access and options to viewers and listeners.
Viewers can tune into the live stream via the “Live” tab of BHBPC website www.blessedhope.sg, BHBPC Facebook page and the Church Mobile App. at www.sermonaudio/blessedhope.
“Live” webcast schedule:
Worship Service (every Lord’s Day, 3pm). Adult Sunday School (every Lord’s Day, 5pm) (no class on 5th week).
Bible Study (every Wednesday, 11am). Prayer Meeting (every Wednesday, 8pm).
William MacDonald said well, “Paul now introduces the subject of women’s head coverings. Behind his instruction is the fact that every ordered society is built on two pillars — authority and subjection to that authority. It is impossible to have a well-functioning community where these two principles are not observed.”
Hold fast, he tells them, and not forget the Word of God you have learned. The Apostle Paul commended the church in Corinth for keeping the teachings that he has imparted to them. They were careful to follow his instructions, and he is pleased with their adherence to God’s will which he has painstakingly taken time to teach them.
Why did he have that boldness to set himself as an example? Because he has been one under authority. After he was saved, it was Ananias whom God used to bring him into the fellowship of the church, gave him his sight and baptised him. It was Barnabas who brought him to Antioch where he was sent for the mission work beyond Antioch. He has always subjected himself to the order and discipline of the church of Jesus Christ. His actions were for the welfare and good of the believers in Corinth, not for personal gains. This is his confidence before God and men. Amen.
Hymns: RHC 117 In Tenderness He Sought Me, 56 Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee, 70 Jesus, I am Resting
Overcoming Stress
Psalm 27:1-14
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.