Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
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.
Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians Knowing Your Privilege in Christ “The Calling of the Christian (2)” (Ephesians 4:1-16) 1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness …
The Apostle Paul’s life was given over to serve his Lord and that is translated to doing good for fellow men. He gave his life to the service of God’s people. He shared concerning the dedication that God placed in his heart in Philippians 2:17 (KJV) 17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
The word “offence” comes from the root verb “to strike at, to trip”. Here, a negative is expressed – Give none offence. Counsel to inculcate such a habit or way of life that does not stumble others, but look to bless others, seek their well-being and welfare is the thrust of this thought. This offence is measured by a God-given cultivated and heightened conscience, that is built strongly upon the foundation of Scripture.
The actions of the Christian, whatever it may be, is to be done to bring honour to God’s Name. This is the guiding principle for God blessed Christian life. And all that brings honour to our God must concur with His revealed Word. The Christian, therefore, is to be a diligent student of His Word to seek to know God’s will and to do it.
Acts 16:16-40 (KJV)
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
Easter Sunrise Service
The most significant day in human history is the day when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, rose from the dead. Harold W. Hoehner in his book “Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ”, gave the date to be 5 April A.D. 33. On that glorious morning, death is conquered, hell is vanquished, and heaven won!
All who confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead shall be saved. Saved from the judgment of hell fire and be given eternal life in heaven. This is the gospel or good news of peace and glad tidings that we proclaim with great rejoicing to a world without hope.
The late Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones articulated it well, “There can be no more urgent question at this present time than just this: What is Christianity? I say that because this gospel is the only hope in the world today. Everything else has been tried and found wanting. Everything else has failed. You will not find hope with the philosophers or with the statesmen, and you will not find it in the so-called religion of the world. Here is hope, and here alone.”