Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
Thank God for every care taken to foster Christian unity. It is so needful and glorying to God as the church presents a concerted effort to reach the lost, those who are outside Christ and looking to see true peace and joy on earth through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God’s people. Amen.
The believer is called to be vigilant to guard against yielding to sin. The Apostle Paul is exhorting the believer by a command from God to personally take charge of his life that it be guided by God’s Word and His Spirit. He makes a contrast that the believer cast off every work of darkness and walk in the light, in holiness.
The word “strife” speaks of contention and quarrels and “envy” speaks of a discontented and resentful spirit aroused by someone’s quality and possessions. The believer is to be contented with his lot in life trusting his all-wise and all-powerful to bestow what is best for him. These are sins of the flesh.
The believer is to cherish the freedom that he has received being freed from the bondage of sin through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ and to keep himself pure for he has been redeemed by a great price paid as the Apostle Paul explains in Ephesians 2:1-5 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;).
Acts 5:1-14 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
Let your life not be filled with riotous conduct and drunkenness. Rather, be sober! Do not be engaged in nightlife, partying through the night in a drunken stupor. To be addicted to the consumption of alcohol. The Lord’s return draws near and be careful not caught off-guard, suffering obvious loss. Be warned.
1) How Great Thou Art
– Inspired by a Thunder and Lightning Storm
Carl Boberg, a Swedish pastor, editor of a Christian newspaper, and member of the Swedish Parliament was suddenly caught in a midday thunderstorm in 1886 while visiting a beautiful part of the coast of Sweden. The rolling thunder and flashing lightning filled him with awe.
Following the violent storm, Boberg was inspired by the calm water, clear, brilliant sunlight and sweet songs of the birds. The experience caused him to fall on his knees in humble adoration of his mighty God. He penned his exaltation in a poem that later was translated into German and then from that into Russian.
To be honest is to reject that which is false. The LORD hates falsehood and delights in truthfulness for the God of the Bible is a God of Truth, in Him is no lie (Hebrews 6:18). Truthfulness is the manifestation of God’s character. An honest Christian is a true reflection of the God he/she professes to follow. An honest man exemplifies human nature in its highest forms, for men of character are the conscience of the society to which they belong. Men of genuine excellence in every station of life, are men of industry, of integrity, of godly principle, of sterling honesty of purpose. Although genius always commands admiration, but character most secures respect. [Character Sketches for Boys and Girls by Henry Davenport Northrop]
A serious indictment is given here for the believers to repent of their sins. This is a call to self-examination and confession of sins. Let sin be rid of and let holiness be our portion. The Bible character Lot, the nephew of Abraham, was vexed by the immorality and sin-sickened of the inhabitants of Sodom. Yet, he tarried there hoping to make an earthly gain by his association with the men of Sodom. He suffered great loss. His wife was judged by God. She turned into a pillar of salt. His daughters were so plagued by the ill-moral standards of the city, they committed incest with their father.
The Apostle Paul warns the believers against spiritual slumber and tardiness. He exhorts the church to spiritual alertness and vigilance. Our Lord Jesus is returning soon to take the church to glory. When Jesus comes, He will reward His faithful servants. We are to make sure that when the trumpet call comes, we will be caught up to heaven just like the godly Enoch who was taken to heaven physically without seeing death.