This Lord’s Prayer is composed of six petitions. The first three petitions are devoted
particularly to the glory of God. The remaining three petitions concern ourselves.
The first petition, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” is that God’s
Name may be hallowed or revered. By this we wish God to receive all the honour and glory that
He deserves to which is opposed that profanation (disrespect) which has become too common
in the world.
The second petition, “Thy kingdom come” is that the kingdom of heaven may come. The
kingdom consists of two parts. The first: God correcting all our carnal desires. The other: His
making all our powers to obedience to His commands. We are commanded to pray that He will
subdue the hearts and minds of all men to a voluntary obedience to it.
The third petition, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” is that the will of God may
be done on earth as it is in heaven. In praying for this, we renounce again our carnal desires
that God may rule according to His pleasure. There is a verse in Isa. 42:8 which says, “I am the
LORD: and my glory will I not give to another.”
Now follows the next part of our prayer in which we descend to ourselves. The fourth
petition is, “Give us this day our daily bread.” This is a general request to supply our physical
2005 FCM Newsletter, Apr – Jun 2
needs. The _expression “this day” restrains the desire for more. We must realise what we have
is not our own. We must learn that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4; Deu. 8:3). It teaches us to earn an honest living.
In fact God gives us plentifully and we must return one-tenth to Him, which is tithing. This we
bring to God’s storehouse the Church. “And prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if
I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be
room enough to receive it (Mal. 3:10).”
The next and fifth petition is conditional. “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive
those that trespass against us.” This is different from the Bible text which says “debts” because
we are influenced by “trespasses” in the Common Prayer Book of the Anglican Church for
Singapore was a British Colony. Mission Schools, like ACS followed the Common Prayer Book.
Here Jesus impresses on us further that if we don’t forgive others, God will not forgive us either.
And how many times are we to forgive those who have hurt us? Peter asked the Lord, “Seven
times?” Jesus said unto him, “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times
seven.” For that is how God deals with us. Read Matt. 18:21, 22.
The sixth petition is “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” The forms of
temptation are many. Satan is very cunning. He uses adverse and prosperous events at the
same time. From prosperous events such as riches and power, from adverse events such as
poverty and afflictions, Satan is the enemy and sin is his weapon. Our petition is that we may
not be conquered by any temptations but in the power of the Lord be superior to sin and the
whole kingdom of Satan. This is deliverance from evil. Will we submit to God?
Whatever we seek from God is stated in the Lord’s Prayer taught by our Lord Jesus
Himself. To assist our weakness we should appoint regular hours for prayer such as when we
rise up early in the morning before leaving our room.
(Lord’s Day Message delivered by Rev (Dr) Timothy Tow at True Life Church, Mar 6, 2005)
Rev Timothy (Dr) Tow is pastor of True Life BP Church and principal of Far Eastern Bible
College.
2005 FCM Newsletter, Apr – Jun 3
“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth”
Proverbs 27:1
I wonder what passes through your mind when you read Proverbs 27: 1 or similar
verses. Most of us will probably dismiss it as something irrelevant. After all, I have never
boasted of anything, least of all concerning tomorrow or, for that matter, things of the future.
Only God knows and He holds the future. So this kind of vain boasting does not apply to me. Is
that sound reasoning? Pause for a moment and search your heart. Are we not guilty of
boasting when we try to direct our own lives without regard for God and His will? We believe
ourselves sufficient and able to know what is good for us. When we are in the mode of running
our future without God, that, in a way, is boasting ‘of tomorrow.’
The apostle James issues a similar rebuke – “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to
morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow... For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will,
we shall live, and do this, or that” (Jas 4:13-15). Someone commented, “He who makes
confident plans for the future, forgets his dependence on Divine Providence, and prepares
himself for bitter disappointment.”
But will there be a ‘tomorrow’? Consider the times of Noah. What were the people of
Noah’s day doing when the flood came? “They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they
2005 FCM Newsletter, Apr – Jun 4
were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and
destroyed them all.” (Lk. 17: 27). Wicked Haman was enjoying Queen Esther’s banquet when
he was condemned and hung on the gallows (he had built for Mordecai) that very night (Est. 7:
9-10). The fool’s soul was required of him the same night he boasted of his “much goods” that
he had laid up “for many years” to come (Lk.12: 16-21). Truly, we know not what a day may
bring forth.
Life and death are in the hands of our sovereign God. Our
life begins and ends as ordained by Him. In his recent weekly, Dr
Tow recounted this sobering story: “But I don’t want to think of
death! That’s true, but death may be thinking of you. Years ago,
my former student, also a gynaecologist, said to me, ‘Dr Tow, I
have learnt a lesson from my late father. He worked himself to
death, at fifty-seven, delivering babies day in day out – what’s the
point? I am going to go slow, take it easy, enjoy life.’
So he joined the famous Singapore Island Country Club. One day, taking it easy, he
went for a jog in the early morning dew. After that a hot shower, then off to office, he thought.
Stepping out of the shower, he collapsed with a massive heart attack, at thirty-six. That’s life.
In life think death: be prepared!”
Conclusion
Brethren, let us not defer the things of eternity to a more ‘convenient’ time.
‘Tomorrow’ may not be at our disposal. Let us, with urgency, devote our lives
to love the Lord and do His will. God’s commands to repent and turn to Him
are for today, not tomorrow: “… To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not
your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness”
(Heb. 3: 7-8). “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the
judgment” (Heb. 9: 27). How shall we account before God? Let us not wait but
turn to the Lord today!
Rev Wee Eng Moh is pastor of Berith BP Church and Bible study leader of NTU/NIE FCM.
2005 FCM Newsletter, Apr – Jun 5
The planning started at a co-ordinator’s meeting at Elder Boon’s home, when it was
suggested that we could go to Dr Tow’s home for the next combined meeting, and request him
to speak. Traditionally, FCM combined meetings were held in Calvary Pandan BP Church, but
this year it was not possible due to the renovations. Since I joined FCM in 2001, it was the first
time the combined meeting was held in a home. Indeed, it would be a Combined Meeting with a
difference!
On the 30th of Jan, FCMers from the NUS Arts, Science, NTU/NIE and Polytechnics
gathered at Calvary Pandan BP Church to practice and record some songs as a love gift for Dr
and Mrs Tow to thank them for opening their home to us. This was also another first for FCM.
We sang a total of three songs, namely, ‘Maybe Today’, ‘My Wonderful Shepherd’ and ‘O
2005 FCM Newsletter, Apr – Jun 6
Rejoice in the LORD’. The recording went smoothly, and the result was excellent. Though we
were amateurs, without vocal training or rigorous practice, we sang from our hearts.
While publicity flyers were distributed, the most frequently asked question was how to
get to Dr Tow’s home. It was evident that not many people were familiar with the way, and so
we decided to gather at Orchard MRT station and make our way there together. What a
gathering it was! As the Israelites of old came out of Egypt,
likewise we FCMers as a people made our exodus out of
Orchard Road–a rather fitting symbol of worldliness. The
tribes that gathered were four; the NUS Arts/ Engine/ SMU
tribe, the NUS Science tribe, the NIE/NTU tribe and the
Poly tribe. And there went up numbering two score and ten
of the FCMers and friends. Unlike the Israelites, we were a
happy bunch, not murmuring or complaining to our leaders,
neither were we pursued by enemies, nor were we
travelling through a wilderness, but along pleasant tree-
lined streets to our promised place—a lovely apartment at
18 Anderson Road.
Once settled in Dr and Mrs Tow’s charming home, after a word of prayer, we sang songs
of Jesus’ Second Coming. “Will Jesus Find Us Watching?” reminded us to be watchful and
vigilant, not to be in spiritual slumber but to be good stewards till he comes. “When we see
Christ” was an encouraging song of hope to lift our hearts and remind us that the trials we face
will be ‘worth it all, when we see Christ’. Of course, we had to sing the favourite ‘Maybe Today’
to remind us that His Coming is imminent, and while singing “When we all get to Heaven”, I was
reminded that the sweet fellowship we were having is but a foretaste of what is to come.
Dr Tow read from Matthew 24:37-44, a description of how the last days are as the days
of Noah. Truly, the signs show we are living in the last of the last days, for example, the rise of
homosexuality, even in conservative Singapore. And as the days of Noah, people are behaving
as if business would be as usual, giving no thought to spiritual matters. ‘For what shall it profit a
man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?’ Mark 8:36. Dr Tow emphasised
the need for receiving Christ as our Saviour and LORD. He concluded by the leading and
singing of the song, ‘His Very Own’ again.
The CD that the FCM recorded was presented to Dr Tow, complete with a uniquely
designed sleeve with photographs of FCMers incorporated. Dr Tow played it on the Hi-fi, and he
sang along for some parts, and before long, others started joining in. Thank God that the “CD
release” was met with a warm reception.
2005 FCM Newsletter, Apr – Jun 7
A sumptuous spread of refreshments and sweets awaited us, including the authentic
Teochew lek tau suan which was the first dish to be snapped up, and assortments of kuehs,
finger food and chocolates. FCMers, friends, Bible study leaders and the hosts intermingled,
making new friends, catching up with old ones.
Tang Li Jin
FCM Science (NUS)
Calvary BP Church
Thank God that FCM NTU/NIE was able to hold a Gospel rally on the 16th of February
2005 with the theme of “Where was God when the tsunami came?” This theme was pertinent as
just months ago the world was grieving for the thousands engulfed by the monstrous waves
when the tsunami hit the unsuspecting Aceh. Before the tsunami struck, rumours of the
possibility of such a disaster occurring in the Asian region was ridiculed and scoffed at. But it
was too late. When Aceh and her neighbouring countries met the tsunami face-to-face, the
world had lost many of its people. In the confusion, anger and grief of the aftermath of the
tsunami, the world finally sat up straight and confronted the real issues of life — people were
2005 FCM Newsletter, Apr – Jun 8
seeking answers to why such a disastrous event could happen. Why were so many precious
lives taken away? What is the meaning of life? Is there a God? If there is, where was He when it
happened? The tsunami had jolted the world out of its comfort zone and complacent ways. But
we who have the answers must make it known.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may
be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the
invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood
by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are
without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was
darkened.”
They know God, but they chose not to believe. Instead they have found further reasons
to question the character of God—that He was uninterested in the affairs of men, that He did not
love mankind enough to stop the tsunami, etc. Rev Quek aptly explains that such a response is
reflective of men’s false construction of God. He said “We have made God into our own image.
When things are well, we do not think of God but when calamities come we ask “where is God?”
We want God to be what we desire. When things do not come our way, we ask “where is God?”
We have put Him into a box. We want to control God! He questioned us if the tsunami
happened for some other reason. Rev Quek led us to the root of the problem—the fall of Adam,
the sin of mankind. God is not to be blamed for these disasters, but it is the sin of man that
resulted in it. He reminded us that God did far greater than prevented the tsunami. God could,
but He didn’t. If God really did stop the tsunami, man will carry on their day-to day-life without
much thought about their lives and their after-life. Man will still die and end up in hell. Indeed,
many are confronted with the question of what happens after they die after viewing piles of
corpses lying on the tsunami-struck beaches.
However God is gracious as He sent Jesus to die for our sins that we may have life after
our journey on earth ends. We who are sinful cannot be redeemed without the death of our
sinless perfect Saviour, Jesus Christ. It was a reminder that God in His higher wisdom had dealt
with the more important issue—our sin and hence our everlasting life which is beyond this
earthly journey. For those who are still hesitant about believing in Christ who has died on the
cross to give us eternal life, consider the tsunami—how many tsunamis do you need for God to
show you that He desires you to repent and to know Him? Beloved brethren, tarry no longer.
2005 FCM Newsletter, Apr – Jun 9
Romans 10:9 says: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe
in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
13th February (Sunday evening): An unexpected call to hold a tracting session the next day
(3 days before Gospel rally)
God arranged Bro. Herbert to meet Elder Sim after Sunset Gospel Bible Fellowship and
the conversation led to the idea to evangelize to the Chinese-national students in Hall 11 where
Elder Sim resides as a Hall Residential Councilor. Although only few responded and even fewer
could confirm their availability, by faith the tracting session was scheduled to be carried out the
next day.
the meeting could start promptly at 5.30pm with more of our NTU/NIE FCM members,
colleagues of Elder Sim and new friends streaming in steadily. By 6pm, almost three-quarters of
the tutorial room were filled, all by the providence of God. Thank God for a good turnout!
The meeting started with singspiration led by Bro. Samuel where both English and
Chinese songs were sung before Rev. Quek brought us the Gospel message set in the
phenomenal catastrophe of the Asian tsunami, interpreted by Bro. Jialiang in Mandarin. The
message was followed by personal testimonies shared by Sis. Serene and Bro. Yaoling. The
entire event finally ended off with a fellowship dinner where we could share the Good News
more in detail with our new friends.
We urge that you will continue to pray with us that we may be effective for God in the
expansion of God’s kingdom in where God has placed us in NTU and NIE. We also hope you
will pray with us for our new friends who have joined us at the gospel rally.
All glory be to God who has made this Gospel rally possible!
Serene Lee
NTU/NIE FCM
True Life BP Church
Quiz yourself!!
1. Before the fall of man, every tree was good for food. (True/False)
2. How long did the children of Israel sojourn in the land of Egypt?
(a) 350 years (b) 430 years (c) 510 years
3. Who was known as “a man greatly beloved”?
4. What are the Hebrew names of Daniel’s three friends?
5. According the Solomon, what is the “whole duty of man”?
6. Fill in the blanks.
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is .”
(Rom 8:6)
7. Who was struck dumb because of his unbelief that his wife Elisabeth shall conceive in her
old age?
8. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to “Pray ” (1 Thess 5:17).
9. Which of the seven churches in Asia received no commendation from the Lord Jesus Christ?
10. What was the name of the angel of the bottomless pit?
Li Jin
Thank God for His great gift of salvation. Having the privilege of
being brought up in a Christian family, I was exposed to the gospel at a
very young age, and attended church with my family as early as I can
recall. I can’t pinpoint the exact year that I was saved, though I remember
first saying the sinner’s prayer at the age of seven, but uncertainty and a
lack of assurance has made me repeat that prayer on numerous
occasions. My life had not changed significantly and I had the
misconception that it was all right to partake in worldly activities as long as
I went to church for a few hours on Sunday, and did the daily routine of
reading some Bible stories and saying my prayers. As such, I remained as
a nominal Christian. In Secondary 3, I attended the Basic Bible Knowledge
Class and received re-affirmation. It was around that time that the full
impact of Matthew 6:24 hit me. ‘No man can serve two masters: for either
he will hate the one and serve the other; or else he will hold to the one and
despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon’. I realized that Christianity is a lifestyle and
not some ritualistic practice. To understand something cognitively is totally different from
experiencing it and living it. Though I had known what sin is since
kindergarten, my knowledge was only superficial. Gradually, I became
more aware of the weight of my sin, and the utter sinfulness of my being
such that even my good works are as filthy rags. By God’s help, I have
grown spiritually since then, and Church, YF and FCM have been means
of His grace in instructing me in His Word, and encouraging me to abide
in Him. ‘I am the Vine and ye are the branches: he that abideth in me and
I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do
nothing.’ John 15:5
Li Jin
Daniel Tee
My first encounter with FCM was at the start of 2002. Back then, I was
still the backsliding, self-willed Christian who is more interested in the opposite
sex, booze and discos than walking with Jesus. However, at that point in time,
God mercifully allowed me to undergo a tremendous trial, pertaining to
“matters of the heart”. Heart broken and having lost all confidence in myself, Li
2005 FCM Newsletter, Apr – Jun 12
Jin (from Science FCM) introduced me to Grace Lim and Grace Yong from Arts FCM. In His divine
will, the LORD used the “Graces” to become His means of grace to me. With their encouragement, I
attended FCM on Friday and Sunset Gospel Hour on Sunday.
It was in FCM that I finally tasted the sweet fellowship of Christian brethren, heard the faithful
teaching and preaching of Rev. Ronny Khoo and witnessed sincere prayer. All these were mind-
boggling to the back-sliding Christian that I was. However, having been wandering in the wilderness
for so long, FCM was like an oasis in a barren land, filled with water that tasted as sweet as honey.
Through the ministry of FCM, God re-started His work of sanctification in me; moulding me
according to His divine will. Through FCM, God also challenged my priorities in life; what was more
important to me? God or self? It was also in FCM that I finally took my first step towards service.
Even though, there were times of immense trial, God remained faithful to His Word, in that He never
left me nor forsook me.
So what’s the conclusion to this little testimony? Well simply, I thank God for FCM! One final
thing, if you are thinking about attending FCM, I would discourage you. Instead, I would strongly
encourage you to join FCM and be part of it!
Gal 2:20,
Daniel Tee
Randy
At home, mom would lead the prayer sessions and we would chant
the scriptures (I think they are in Japanese and I have never got to
understand what I have been chanting for a good portion of my life)
together for hours, at times. If you are thinking that I am the only son, you are wrong. I have a
younger brother but he is not as obedient as me. He is not so active in the activities organized by
Soka. Probably what could be said about him is that he is not as blindly obedient as I am.
I got to know Christ through a schoolmate in my secondary school who was very persistent
and patient with me. She invited me for fellowships and worship services on numerous occasions
and I always turn them down week after week. Eventually, just as the godless judge gave in to the
pleas of the widow seeking to be avenged, I gave in to her request. Surprisingly, I was able to go to
church with my mom’s approval. What she said to me was, “Go there to have a look.”
I looked, I saw and I believed. My conversion was not immediate but ever since my first
meeting, I have been attending services regularly to know more about the Christian faith. It was only
after some time that I came to accept the Lord as my Saviour. Looking back, I am not sure of the
exact date and time when I came to the faith or even what prompted me to accept Jesus Christ.
2005 FCM Newsletter, Apr – Jun 13
What I could say about myself at that point of my conversion was that I was not desirous for the
hope of going to heaven (carrot) nor was I afraid of the torment in hell (stick) that was to come. But I
thank God that it was Him who gave me faith to believe in what He has revealed to me in the bible,
that He is the true and living God and that He is a faithful God.
“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know
whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto
him against that day.” (2 Tim1:12)
Randy
Answers:
1. True (Gen 2:9)
2. (b) 430 years (Ex 12:40)
3. Daniel (Dan 10:11, 19; 9:23)
4. Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (Dan 1:6)
5. “Fear God, and keep His commandments” (Eccl 12:13)
6. “life and peace” (Rom 8:6). May we be spiritually minded too!
7. Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:18 – 20)
8. “without ceasing” (1 Thess 5:17). Are we doing so?
9. Laodicea (Rev 3:14 – 22)
10. Abaddon in Hebrew (Destruction); Apollyon in Greek (Destroyer) (Rev 9:11)
2005 FCM Newsletter, Apr – Jun 14
SMS broadcast is a service provided by MyTengah IT ministry to enable members and friends to
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For Fundamental Christian Ministry News, type "FCM" and send to 96341214.
It is FREE OF CHARGE.
Bible Study Leader : Rev Wee Eng Moh (Pastor of Berith B-P Church)
E-mail: emwee@pacific.net.sg
Student Coordinator : Herbert Goh [9437 7715 (HP)]
E-mail: mail_mrgoh@yahoo.com.sg
Meeting Place : Hall 11, Block 54, #04-1049
Meeting Time : Every Wednesday, 6.30pm
Dinner : Canteen 11, 5.30pm
2005 FCM Newsletter, Apr – Jun 15
2. Science Group
Comprising students of the Science, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Information & Computer Science
Faculties
Polytechnics
4. Comprising students from Ngee Ann, Singapore, Nanyang and Temasek Polytechnics
Bible Study Leaders : Pr. Ho Chee Lai (Gospel Light B-P Church)
E-mail: cheelai@starhub.net.sg
Dn Peter Phoa (Calvary Tengah B-P Church)
E-mail: Peter_PHOA@NYP.gov.sg
Student Coordinator : Clarice Lim [9363 6276 (HP)]
E-mail: mon_amie1986@hotmail.com
Meeting Place : Life B-P Church
Meeting Time : Every Friday, 7.00pm
Dinner : 6.30pm
Bible Study Leaders : Bro. Wee Hian Kok (Berean B-P Church)
E-mail: wee8k@yahoo.com.sg
Student Coordinator : Esther Huang [92383015 (HP)]
E-mail: esther.huang.2003@business.smu.edu.sg
Lee Yu Wei [98370607 (HP)]
E-mail: yuwei.lee.2003@acccountancy.smu.edu.sg
Meeting Place : SMU Accountancy Blk, GSR10, Level 6
Meeting Time : Every Friday 6.30-8.30pm, Supper thereafter
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that
believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from
faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
Romans 1:16-17