MCI (P) 049 /04/2021 | ISSN: 0219-5364 | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 4 (JULY–AUGUST 2021) WITNESS UNWAVERING! (COMMEMORATIVE SPECIAL) | JULY–AUGUST 2021
WITNESS UNWAVERING! COMMEMORATIVE SPECIAL 20TH YEAR OF BIBLE WITNESS | THE 100TH ISSUE
Volume 21 Issue 4 | July–August 2021
The editorial and articles are written by Prabhudas Koshy, Pastor of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church and Editor of the Bible Witness Magazine. On the Cover With Christ at the centre of 4 6 our work, as an unwavering witness, we have been Editorial Every Christan, spreading God’s Word A Witness of Christ! through the printed page for the last 20 years. 10 13 My Soul’s Delight Vol. 2 & 3 Let Us Be A Soul- Unashamed of Winning Church! “My Soul’s Delight” is a devotional series written mainly for the Gospel! children.
Each book contains devotionals expounding Bible verses 16 19 and practical applications for the reader. Each devotion is accompanied by full-colour illustrations. Be Extroverts, Not Offering Up Introverts in Gospel Spiritual Sacrifices Volume 2 contains 30 devotional passages, while Volume 3 Scan Me! contains 35 devotional passages. Advancement! Acceptable to God! Past issues of Get yours today at biblewitness.com/shop. Bible Witness magazine are available online at biblewitness.com/ TESTIMONIAL SPECIAL CHILDREN’S PAGE magazine
24 “Pen Mightier Than Sword!” 49 Bible Trivia—Numbers 26 A Contemplative Word Sarah Yong Editor Prabhudas Koshy Assistant Editor Ho Kee How Publishing & Circulation Co-ordinator Lok Kwok Wah from the Assistant Editor Technical Editors Jenny Lok, Lok Kwok Wah, Mah Lean Choo Layout & Illustrations Matthew Peh Children’s Story Ho Kee How 50 Hudson Taylor (1832–1905) Illustration Andronicus Koshy Publisher Bible Witness Media Ministry of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church, —Part VIII Singapore Printer Ee Tai Press Pte Ltd Mailing Address Bible Witness Media Ministry, 33 Ubi Crescent, Singapore 408584 Telephone (65) 6741 1910 E-mail [email protected] Website www.biblewitness.com 26 Reflecting on God’s Goodness Jenny Lok and Direction—Testimony by SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). This magazine is distributed free First Bible Witness Staff from 2006 onwards. Postage and handling charges still apply. 2 years (12 issues): S$10.00 Singapore/Malaysia surface Lok Kwok Wah mail delivery, S$14.00 international surface mail delivery; S$26.00 Asia air mail, S$34.00 for air mail to all other countries. BIBLE WITNESS MAGAZINE LOVE-GIFT Bible Witness Media Ministry welcomes love-gifts from readers to meet the cost of publishing and distribution. 31 Felicitations The Ministry also sends the magazine freely to churches in poorer countries. Hence your generous support is much From Church Leaders, DESIGN HISTORY needed and greatly appreciated. Love-gifts may be sent via bank transfer (DBS Bank a/c no. 025-011173-7; swift code: DBSSSGSG), PayPal (an additional S$2.00 charge will be incurred) or Singapore currency cheque made payable to Missionaries & Associates “Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church”. Read about the history of the design USE OF ARTICLES The articles may be freely used for non-commercial purposes, so long as they are quoted verbatim, 43 Thanksgiving Testimonies changes of Bible Witness Magazine on and the writer as well as the source identified. From Bible Witness Magazine Readers pages 15, 33, 38, 44, and 47. EDITORIAL
Soon after the first issue (July–September 2001) of Bible Witness was published, many brethren, in response to having tasted the blessings of the publication, started to support this endeavour cheerfully with their prayers and love gifts. From time to time over the ensuing years, brothers and sisters have EDITORIAL come forward to offer their time and energies to serve as proofreaders, layout artists, illustrators, content providers, etc. We trust that the LORD will have richly rewarded them for their labour of love.
Beloved readers, Notwithstanding the initial enthusiastic response, severe testing soon fell upon our efforts to publish and distribute the magazine. In standing unashamedly All praise, honour and glory be to God now and forever! and firmly for the doctrine of God’s inspired, infallible, preserved Word and its faithful English Authorised Version (KJV), we drew the ire of those who rejected With this 100th issue, Bible Witness commemorates 20 years of publishing the doctrine of perfect preservation of God’s Word in the original language texts God’s truths through the printed page. underlying the Authorised Version. Not surprisingly, those Bible-Presbyterian churches that rejected the doctrine of perfect preservation of God’s Word—which It all started with a long-felt burden is a clear and repeated promise of God (cf. Psalm 12:6-7; 119:89-90, 152; Isaiah 40:8; that the LORD had placed in my heart Matthew 5:18; 24:35; 1 Peter 1:25)—also rejected the Bible Witness Magazine with to publish biblically sound literature. contempt. In the face of such distressing circumstances, we trusted the LORD Before the magazine could go into print, to strengthen our hearts and we persevered in publishing the magazine. It has I had to wait and pray for the LORD’s pleased the LORD to bless us—“The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ provision of resources, support from the sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable” (Isaiah 42:21). Bible church (Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Witness continues till this day in its publication, only because the LORD has the Church), and a co-labourer to coordinate pleasure to raise it as a standard for the propagation and defence of His Word and the publishing. While waiting on the all its wonderful doctrines. LORD for all the needed provisions, a humble preparatory effort was made— Over the past 20 years, God has sustained Bible Witness Literature Ministry, with the help of youths in the church— though there were many fears and tears. He even enabled this ministry to spread to publish a quarterly magazine by the its wings to catch the “rising wind” of modern digital and internet media facilities, name, “Witness” (see pages 40 and 41 for that it may “soar high” and reach the farthest ends of the world with the truths of other issues of “Witness”). Photocopies God’s Word. Hence, today, the ministry is known as Bible Witness Media Ministry. of these were distributed among the members of the church and their friends. We may not have the fame and fortunes of great Christian media enterprises. But with the strength that God has been pleased to endue us, we have climbed and In the year 1999, the LORD moved conquered the “hills” of challenges God has set before us. While we thank God for “Witness”, the predecessor to the leaders and congregation of the contributions of all His servants in the past 20 years, we look forward to doing the Bible Witness Magazine Gethsemane BPC to overcome whatever more to spread His glorious truths everywhere with the present Bible Witness apprehension they had felt earlier, and publication team whom God has assembled—Pr Ho Kee How (Assistant Editor), support the publication of the magazine. The small congregation of Gethsemane Dn Lok Kwok Wah (Publishing Coordinator), Matthew Peh (Design & Layout), and set aside S$10,000/- to begin the publication of the magazine. At about this all brethren who avail themselves regularly. time, the LORD’s good providence led me to Bro. Lok Kwok Wah, who had a keen interest in Christian literature ministry. I asked him to join me to set up the Please pray that the LORD will direct brethren of His choice to come forward Bible Witness Literature Ministry whereby we can publish a magazine that will to co-labour with the present team to achieve greater things for His kingdom. We faithfully disseminate the truths of God’s Word. After prayerful consideration, he covet your prayers and continued support for this ministry. soon returned and expressed his preparedness to co-labour with me to start the literature ministry. Bro. Lok joined Gethsemane as a church staff in January 2001, Heartily in His service, and has tirelessly served the LORD in this ministry since then. Prabhudas Koshy
4 BIBLE WITNESS | Editorial Editorial | BIBLE WITNESS 5 EVERY CHRISTIAN, A WITNESS OF CHRIST!
put their faith in Him as their Saviour How We Can Be and Lord, that they too become partakers of the eternal life He gives. Witnesses of Christ
Christian witnessing includes Jesus said, “…ye shall receive power, bearing testimony about Christ, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon our submission to and partaking you: and ye shall be witnesses unto of all things Christ has instituted. me…”. The assurance of our Saviour Witnessing to others about Christ to all His servants is that in the new is done verbally and visibly to all dispensation of the Holy Spirit’s work who have not heard, understood, that would follow the ascension of or experienced His greatness and Christ, all of them will receive the goodness. Not only our words, but our power to be His witnesses. It is to actions also, must manifest Christ enable all His people to be witnesses EVERY CHRISTIAN, and His truths to all around us. That’s that He has sent His Spirit into us. why those who defy Christ and live a disobedient life will fail to be faithful The word “power” translates the A WITNESS OF CHRIST! witnesses of Christ. The apostle Peter Greek word (dunamis), from which is urged, “But sanctify the Lord God in derived the English word “dynamite”. your hearts: and be ready always to give All genuine believers have the prabhudas koshy an answer to every man that asketh “spiritual dynamite” (the Holy Spirit’s you a reason of the hope that is in you power) to enable them to be witnesses ut ye shall receive power, out, the apostles “were eyewitnesses with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). of Christ. No believer is denied the after that the Holy Ghost of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). Jesus’ The manner of Christians’ living and power of the Holy Spirit, hence every “Bis come upon you: and ye own words in Matthew 28:19-20a service should lay a solid and sound believer who yields to the Holy Spirit shall be witnesses unto me both in tell us what it is to be witnesses for platform of charity, integrity and would be thus activated by His power Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Him—“Go ye therefore, and teach purity, on which they can stand boldly to be witnesses of Christ. Believers Samaria, and unto the uttermost part all nations, baptizing them in the and preach Christ and His truths! must be careful not to grieve the Holy of the earth” (Acts 1:8). name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them Jesus Christ unequivocally to observe all things whatsoever I stated, concerning His servants, have commanded you”. that “ye shall be witnesses unto me”. It is every Christian’s lifelong In recording his witness of Christ spiritual responsibility. Witnessing in 1 John 1:1-2, the apostle John wrote, Christ to others is inherent in a “That which was from the beginning, Christian’s make-up. which we have heard, which we have WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT INCREASINGLY seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have STRENGTHENS THE CHURCH, What It Is to handled, of the Word of life; (For the ITS LIFE AND MINISTRY WILL BE RADIANT life was manifested, and we have seen Witness Christ it, and bear witness, and shew unto WITH THE GLORY OF CHRIST. you that eternal life, which was with The task of witnessing is to make the Father, and was manifested unto Christ and His truths known to those us;)”. Our witnessing should bear who know Him not. As Peter points testimony to Christ and urge others to
6 BIBLE WITNESS | every christian, a witness of christ! every christian, a witness of christ! | BIBLE WITNESS 7 Spirit (cf. Ephesians 4:30), but to be all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto but must be witnessing Christians and preachers, Christians, who had filled with the Spirit [i.e. to be under the uttermost part of the earth.” The in our homes, schools, workplaces, heeded their Master’s calling to be His direction that He gives through Lord’s mandate to the apostles was markets, and journeyings. We must His witnesses—in being informal His Word (Ephesians 5:17-18)]. When a to begin their witnessing in their bring the truths of Christ to every evangelists—had contributed more to believer is under the complete control current locale (“Jerusalem”), then to place—islands, cities, towns, villages, the rapid spread of the Gospel. That of the Holy Spirit who guides him by their neighbourhood (“Judaea”), and camps, resorts, companies, palaces, was the secret of the sudden global His Word, the life of that person will further to the next region (“Samaria”) parliaments, etc.—where the Lord expansion of Christianity in the first be an amazing witness to Christ. and distant lands (“unto the uttermost will direct our paths. century, as well as other flourishing part of the earth”). The Book of Acts times in church history. Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 shows shows how the apostles executed their The history of the church tells the power of the Spirit-filled church. Gospel mission from Jerusalem unto us the story of Christians who, for And that secret is also our spiritual He prayed “that [God] would grant you, the earth’s remotest parts. the most part, were unlearned men responsibility today. The Lord Jesus according to the and women, propagating the Gospel Christ demands that every Christian riches of his glory, As witnesses of rapidly through their witnessing of fulfil his or her obligation—to bear to be strengthened Christ, we must Christ. More so than missionaries witness to the Saviour everywhere! with might by his first declare Christ Spirit in the inner CHRISTIANS ARE to those who are man; …. Now unto close by—to our him that is able THE LORD’S AGENTS relatives, friends, to do exceeding colleagues, abundantly above OF A WORLDWIDE neighbours, etc. all that we ask or We also have the think, according GEOGRAPHICAL responsibility to the power that to spread the worketh in us, unto EXPANSION OF truths of Christ FOLLOW him be glory in the CHRISTIANITY. throughout this church by Christ world. Near and US ON Jesus throughout far, we must go all ages, world as witnesses of INSTAGRAM without end. Christ. While Jesus Amen” (vv. 16, 20-21). When the Holy prayed, He said, “As thou hast sent me Search for us @biblewitness Spirit increasingly strengthens the into the world, even so have I also sent and stay updated with the church, its life and ministry will be them into the world” (John 17:18). latest offerings from radiant with the glory of Christ. A Bible Witness Media Ministry. people yielded to the Holy Spirit will Christians are the Lord’s agents of be a powerful witness to Christ! a worldwide geographical expansion We also upload Christian of Christianity. With the direction music and other videos and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, pertaining to our Christian Where We Should witnesses of Christ will reach people faith on YouTube at near and far with the Gospel. Like https://www.youtube.com/ Bear Witness of ripples in a pond, their witnessing will user/biblewitnessmedia spread outwards even to the farthest Christ place where the Lord may send them. Wherever the Spirit leads us, we must Jesus said, “…ye shall be witnesses speak a word in praise of our wonderful unto me both in Jerusalem, and in Saviour and Lord. We cannot be silent,
8 BIBLE WITNESS | every christian, a witness of christ! every christian, a witness of christ! | BIBLE WITNESS 9 LET US BE A SOUL-WINNING CHURCH!
and is one of the major reasons for and programmes, but it seems that which it exists. God’s work in this day evangelism is still one of our neglected and age centres in the local church, areas of ministry. There are two and God’s concern has always been to basic principles that should give us a reach out in love to a lost and dying starting point for an understanding world with the good news of eternal of evangelism. First, the local church life. Evangelism should be at the top is central to God’s plan for ministry of the list of our church’s ministries. in this age. This means that biblical All our leaders and members must be evangelism centres in the local church, involved in evangelism. Evangelism and the ministry of the local church is not an option for the local church; must focus on evangelism. Second, it it is a command. Jesus has said, “… is the responsibility of all leaders to be ye shall be witnesses unto me both in involved in training others in ministry Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in and leadership. This would place great LET US BE Samaria, and unto the uttermost part emphasis on the responsibility of the of the earth” (Acts 1:8)! church and its leaders to train and equip its members to do the work of the ministry (cf. Ephesians 4:11-13). A SOUL-WINNING CHURCH! Soul-Winning Let all of us in the church make prabhudas koshy Requires Personal special efforts to be ready to do the work of evangelism. I urge you in the church’s God-given mission on disciples that “as my Father hath sent Involvement Lord, dear reader, to dedicate yourself earth is to preach the Gospel me, even so send I you” (John 20:21b). with all your heart, that you may be Aof Christ, that sinners may be Hence every faithful church member, Evangelism is not a system or a joyful soul-winner for our glorious saved and brought to the church for who goes about doing the will of his a programme, but a personal Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. their spiritual growth. A church that Saviour and Lord, must be mindful involvement in the lives of people to is not committed to doing the Gospel- to do the work of soul-winning which help them know the things they need work has no right to exist, and it shall Christ has given to us to fulfil. to know and believe on Christ in order Church’s Glory soon weaken and die off. to be saved. Evangelism involves the The apostle Paul is a fine example message, as well as the presence and and Joy to all of us in the work of the Gospel. conduct of the messenger. “Only let Church’s Primary While writing to Timothy, he wrote your conversation be as it becometh A church that is dedicated to the how he had dedicated himself to be a the gospel of Christ” (Philippians work of evangelism will bring Task soul-winner for the Lord—“Therefore 1:27a). Scripture insists “that ye may unbounded joy to its leaders and I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, be blameless and harmless, the sons Christians everywhere. As a result, an Preaching Christ is particularly that they may also obtain the salvation of God, without rebuke, in the midst evangelistic church will bring glory important to the church that seeks which is in Christ Jesus with eternal of a crooked and perverse nation, to the Lord. “We give thanks to God true biblical growth. All its members glory” (2 Timothy 2:10). He then urged among whom ye shine as lights in the always for you all, making mention must engage in soul-winning ministry, Timothy, “But watch thou in all things, world; holding forth the word of life…” of you in our prayers; remembering because it is the work that the Head of endure afflictions, do the work of (Philippians 2:15-16a). without ceasing your work of faith, the church, the Lord Jesus, has given an evangelist, make full proof of thy and labour of love, and patience of them to do. Jesus defined His work ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). As the saying goes, many people hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the thus: “For the Son of man is come talk a lot about evangelism, but not sight of God and our Father … For to seek and to save that which was Evangelism must then be the many are doing it. Much time and from you sounded out the word of lost” (Luke 19:10). Then, He told His primary purpose of the local church, effort are put into many different plans the Lord not only in Macedonia and
10 BIBLE WITNESS | let us be a soul-winning church! let us be a soul-winning church! | BIBLE WITNESS 11 UNASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL!
the Lord’s judgment be upon us for wasting the opportunities and resources (which He has so graciously afforded us) for selfish and worldly purposes. Beware of being accursed for wilful barrenness; may we be warned: if we are found to be like the fruitless fig tree, God will pronounce His curse upon us (cf. Matthew 21:19)! Such a curse was an allusion to the THE LOCAL CHURCH unfruitful and disobedient Jews, whom Jesus decried, “Therefore IS CENTRAL TO GOD’S say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given PLAN FOR MINISTRY to a nation bringing forth the fruits UNASHAMED IN THIS AGE. thereof” (Matthew 21:43). Rather, as we yield our all to serve OF THE GOSPEL! Him and be fruitful, we may expect His blessing. We must be ready to thrust prabhudas koshy forward when God opens the doors of the Gospel for us, and prepares us with convictions and capabilities to hristianity has spread all over Sadly, the unpopularity of the Gospel do whatever He would lead us for the the world because of men who has compelled many Christians and extension of His kingdom. We must Chave unashamedly gone forth preachers to compromise the content believe that His purposes shall not to preach the Gospel everywhere. and delivery of the Gospel. They try to fail. And when He bids us do His will, Hence, we can say that the history of make the Gospel inoffensive. But such we must count it a great privilege and the church is the history of valiant a gospel is not the Gospel of God (cf. honour to give all that He requires men of faith. Chief among those men Romans 1:1) or the Gospel of Christ (cf. Achaia, but also in every place your of us, knowing that we are given the is certainly the apostle Paul, who said Romans 1:9, 16), but the gospel of man, faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so honour to be part of His great plan in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed which cannot save sinners! that we need not to speak any thing” (1 for the redemption of a people whom of the gospel of Christ: for it is the Thessalonians 1:2-3, 8). He wants us to reach for His name’s power of God unto salvation to every What are your personal feelings sake. A sacred compulsion is laid upon one that believeth; to the Jew first, concerning the Gospel? Would you Beloved, our initial enthusiasm our hearts by our great Saviour and and also to the Greek.” say, "I am not ashamed"? Without to spread the Gospel should not die Lord. May the persistent love of our a bold determination, we cannot off. We should always be committed Lord work through us to call sinners make progress in the Gospel work— to do the work of evangelism. Let from eternal damnation, and out of Be Not Ashamed! in the face of extreme ridicule and us not allow difficulties or lethargy their guilt, shame, misery into His opposition. In the past, men and hinder our involvement in this God- kingdom of light. One day soon, “The Feelings of shame and fear are not women suffered much to hand given duty. How wonderful it will kingdoms of this world are become helpful at all in the work of the Gospel. down to us the Gospel of salvation. be if our church receives from the the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Those who are ashamed of the Gospel Today, it is our duty to preach the Lord a similar commendation as the Christ; and he shall reign for ever and are a hindrance to the work of the Gospel. We cannot fail. So, let us church in Thessalonica had received ever” (Revelation 11:15)! Lord. Dear brethren, in these days we not cower and falter in our duty from the apostle Paul! May we never are witnessing an increasing aversion to preach the Word of salvation. If be a spiritually barren people, lest Let us be a soul-winning church! to the Gospel of Christ everywhere. the people in the church would fail
12 BIBLE WITNESS | let us be a soul-winning church! unashamed of the gospel! | BIBLE WITNESS 13 to preach the Gospel, there will be and by which all the obstacles to man's Nothing can make the Gospel void The phrase “to the Jew first” does none other to do it. redemption are taken away. from saving God’s elect. not suggest that Jews are better or that they have preference over the Greeks We who have received the salvific In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul said, when it comes to salvation. It simply blessings of the Gospel have a great “For the preaching of the cross is to Gospel Saves! indicates that the Gospel came to the responsibility to declare it. We are them that perish foolishness; but unto Jews before the Greeks, through the entrusted with the Gospel, that it may us which are saved it is the power of The Gospel guarantees complete ministry of Jesus Christ (cf. Matthew be preached. Let our resolve be clear God.” Again, he wrote in the same deliverance from sin and hell, for it 10:5-7) and the apostles (cf. Acts 3:26). and well expressed, like Paul who said, chapter in 1 Corinthians, “But unto is “unto salvation”. By the power of “For there is no difference between “for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe them which are called, both Jews God in the Gospel, those who trust in the Jew and the Greek: for the same is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” and Greeks, Christ the power of God, it shall be saved to the uttermost (cf. Lord over all is rich unto all that call (1 Corinthians 9:16). and the wisdom of God. Because the Hebrew 7:25). The Gospel also offers upon him. For whosoever shall call foolishness of God is wiser than men; salvation to everyone who believes— upon the name of the Lord shall be and the weakness of God is stronger “to every one that believeth; to the Jew saved” (Romans 10:12-13). Gospel Has Power! than men” (vv. 24-25). first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16c). Salvation is offered to everyone So dear brethren, since the Our motivation to preach the Gospel The fact that the Gospel is the who believes in the Gospel of Christ. Gospel has the (divine) power to save in all circumstances is its power to power of God implies some profound Those who reject the Gospel will sinners from eternal damnation, let save sinners. Paul said about the truths about the Gospel. Firstly, the not be saved, for it is the only way of us never, for a moment, be ashamed Gospel that “it is the power of God Gospel is completely God's plan, and salvation. But salvation is conferred of the Gospel—but “Only let your unto salvation” (Romans 1:16b). The not a device of man. Secondly, it is on all who receive it by faith. One’s conversation be as it becometh the power of the Gospel is “the power the perfect and effectual means to racial or social background would not gospel of Christ … that ye stand fast of God”. Through the Gospel, the the salvation of sinners. Thirdly, the prevent one from being saved upon in one spirit, with one mind striving resources of God’s infinite power work Gospel is mighty; hence it is called faith in Christ. Jews and Gentiles together for the faith of the gospel” to save sinners from the bondage of “power”—“the power of God”. The alike can receive salvation by faith in (Philippians 1:27). sin. The Gospel is the way through Gospel is not at all feeble or ineffectual, the Gospel of Christ. which God exerts His omnipotent but it is "mighty … to the pulling power for the quickening of souls that down of strong holds" (2 Corinthians are dead in trespasses and sins. It is 10:4b). It has shown its power to be the efficacious or mighty plan of God, applicable to every degree of sin and by which His power goes forth to save, every combination of wickedness. Bible Witness Magazine Design History
THE FIRST ISSUE OF BIBLE WITNESS
The first issue of Bible Witness was printed in July 2001. We printed the magazine with woodfree paper, in duotone colour printing. IF THE PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH WOULD With only two colours, our illustration choices were limited. Due to cost-saving measures, we also had to layout the text in a tight manner, squeezing all the text into as few pages as FAIL TO PREACH THE GOSPEL, possible. THERE WILL BE NONE OTHER TO DO IT. (Read more about the history of the Bible Witness Magazine on page 33.)
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away, we must resist the temptation to become introverts.
Outward-Bound for the Lord!
We must be thankful that by His good providence, we have many ways to reach others these days (live- streaming, interactive platforms like OUR METHODS Zoom, Facebook, etc.), to encourage them and to spread the Gospel OF REACHING PEOPLE blessings, even to people farthest from us. Do not the experiences of the last 16 FOR THE GOSPEL’S months prove to us that the church is presented with more opportunities to SAKE MAY CHANGE, make the Gospel known to our friends BUT WE MUST NOT BE EXTROVERTS, and relatives in our communities and afar off? After all, the mandate WAVER IN OUR of our Lord—“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every COMMITMENT NOT INTROVERTS creature” (Mark 16:15)—challenges us to be always outward-bound for the TO BEING Gospel’s sake. Not even this time of IN GOSPEL ADVANCEMENT! pandemic should negate this mandate. OUTWARD-BOUND Though many of the evangelistic FOR THE LORD. prabhudas koshy methods we had used in pre-COVID-19 days are not practicable due to the are no more. The recent surge in government-mandated restrictions Homebound by COVID-19 infections once again upon us, let us not assume that the stopped us from meeting together for Great Commission is rescinded! Our Pandemic! our usual spiritual activities. methods of reaching people for the Gospel’s sake may change, but we For more than a year, many However, the enforced restrictions must not waver in our commitment to globetrotting people have become to our social gatherings and travelling, being outward-bound for the Lord. homebound people. Worse still, though necessary, should not make all have become homebound, us spiritual “introverts”. We cannot Christ’s commission to His apostles leaving home only for essential become negligent of our Lord’s gives the Gospel work a global scope. matters. That is what the COVID-19 mandate to reach out to others, with The Gospel of Jesus Christ is to be the Gospel. When it comes to our pandemic has done to us all. love and compassion, to care for offered to the whole world. It is His commitment to spreading the Gospel, them and spread the Gospel. Even will concerning us that we make every it should not be subject to limitations Christians have lost their though we have many constraints effort to extend the Gospel beyond of country, or distinctions of culture, opportunities to worship and serve today in physically meeting with all boundaries, divisions and classes. or barriers of ethnicity, or restraints together. The fellowship gatherings others, especially those who are far The whole world is to be reached with of language. We are commissioned
16 BIBLE WITNESS | be extroverts, not introverts! be extroverts, not introverts! | BIBLE WITNESS 17 OFFERING UP SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES!
to preach the Gospel to “every shall they call on him in whom they creature”. Wherever there is man, have not believed? and how shall they Christians should attempt to bring believe in him of whom they have the Gospel. Our Lord has commanded not heard? and how shall they hear us to expand our vision for the Gospel without a preacher? And how shall outreach constantly. It is gross they preach, except they be sent? as disobedience to limit our attempt to it is written, How beautiful are the spread the Gospel beyond our region. feet of them that preach the gospel of We must be ever ready to forward the peace, and bring glad tidings of good Gospel to new frontiers. things!” (Romans 10:14-15).
No one who takes the words of the Without a doubt, in every age, the Lord seriously can remain passive church has flourished through the about the global advancement of the efforts of men and women who have Gospel. Christians must know that heeded God’s call to spread the Gospel. they are commissioned by their Lord Christians who have sacrificially and and Saviour to be wholly involved in unselfishly given themselves for the the global movement for the Gospel. Gospel’s sake have been instrumental They must join forces, as God has in the church’s triumphing over severe enabled them to send forth the Gospel challenges and advancing the kingdom OFFERING UP everywhere, with the rest of the of God. Even in this pandemic period, church. Not every Christian is called if the church would reach out to the to be an evangelist or missionary or community, if church members act preacher. However, every church and with love and compassion towards SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES every Christian must joyfully yield to the needy or sick, the Lord will use advancing the Gospel across the world. them to win and establish many souls in the Gospel. ACCEPTABLE TO GOD!
Gospel Our Lord says to us, “Go”. Will we prabhudas koshy then answer Him, “No, we will stay Advancement back or hold back”? Our Lord’s charge is that we must always be committed Serve in the Church a thankful child of God despise or Unbounded! to spreading the Gospel. Let us arise forsake the role(s) which God expects then and go to preach the Gospel to the Readily him to undertake in His church? The preaching of the Gospel is uttermost part of the world. Let us do Undoubtedly, the one who is genuinely the greatest work that Christ has our part to joyfully partake in fulfilling The church is a spiritual house, where committed to the Lord Jesus Christ entrusted to Christians. Therefore, all our Lord’s mandate concerning global every believer is called "to offer up will also be committed to doing all true Christians must enthusiastically Gospel dissemination. May none of spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to that Christ has required of him in His give themselves to make Gospel- us turn his or her back on serving our God by Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5). church. In doing so, his life of godly preaching a worldwide movement. King in His kingdom expansion on Every Christian, who is thankful to service becomes a living witness to It must be their joy to be part of the earth. Let us all seek to know God’s will be forgiven and received by the Lord God’s marvellous enabling grace! Lord’s grand plan for redeeming and do His pleasure with a renewed into His kingdom, will count it a high sinners and gathering them as His zeal, that the love and truth of Christ honour to have a part in God's glorious Though the Lord expects all His saints for the eternal celestial home may be effectively proclaimed through purposes for this age—which God people to serve in the church, it is a which He is preparing. The apostle us. Be extroverts, not introverts when is accomplishing through faithful sad reality that some have chosen to Paul asks rhetorically, “How then it comes to Gospel advancement! local assemblies of believers. Would remain as mere spectators and avoid
18 BIBLE WITNESS | be extroverts, not introverts! offering up spiritual sacrifices! | BIBLE WITNESS 19 serving in the church dutifully and sustain services, resolve problems, continuously maintain attitudes that in every aspect of service in the humbly. In a growing local church, as well as improve efficiency of will foster harmonious co-labouring, church. 1 Corinthians 4:2 reminds us, there are various areas of service. the church ministries. "for we are labourers together with "Moreover it is required in stewards, Brethren can serve in multiple areas God" (1 Corinthians 3:9). "Giving that a man be found faithful." Along in the church. Serving the Lord Consider the apostolic exhortation no offence in any thing," said Paul with it, 1 Peter 4:10 says, "As every does not necessarily mean rising in Romans 12:4-8: "For as we have concerning his cautious attitude in man hath received the gift, even so to leadership roles of the church or many members in one body, and all serving with others, "that the ministry minister the same one to another, entering into full-time service in the members have not the same office: be not blamed" (2 Corinthians 6:3). as good stewards of the manifold church. Without a doubt, God will call so we, being many, are one body in God's Word teaches us not to let our grace of God." The faithfulness of a some to leadership and some others Christ, and every one members one attitudes or actions be a stumbling good steward of God should always to full-time service in the church. Be of another. Having then gifts differing block or an offence to others who characterise every church member. that as it may, God expects all church according to the grace that is given serve fervently. When you join a team God desires that His people be members to serve in the church, to us, whether prophecy, let us that is working together efficiently consistently obedient to His Word, according to their God-given abilities. prophesy according to the proportion in a particular manner, be careful unwavering in their commitment to of faith; or ministry, let us wait on not to stick your oar in a disruptive be faithful to Him and His purposes. our ministering: or he that teacheth, way. If changes are necessary for Faithfulness is paramount in our Service in the on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on improvement, they must be discussed service in the church. Faithfulness exhortation: he that giveth, let him with leaders and fellow team must supersede pragmatism and Church are do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, members, and then implemented efficiency in all our decisions, choices, with diligence; he that sheweth with patience and prudence. Do attitudes, methods and activities. Manifold mercy, with cheerfulness." Indeed, nothing rashly, or else it will hurt a Loyalty to God and trustworthiness manifold are the areas of service well-functioning ministry. are paramount, not cleverness or Areas of service in the church are in the body of Christ! creativity or popularity. God requires many: welcoming the worshippers faithfulness from all who serve Him. and attending to their needs, helping Serve in the Church in ushering duties, preparing the Serve in the Church While the church members serve auditorium for the worship and with Faithfulness diligently and faithfully, they must meetings, setting up and safekeeping Responsibly also be appreciative and encouraging all the equipment before and after Above all else, faithfulness to God's of those who serve faithfully the meetings, fetching the physically Rendering of service must always be Word must always be maintained around them. Such a commendable disabled to church meetings, praying with the following right attitudes: with those who are troubled, helping in gospel outreach programmes, 1. humility before God; visiting the sick and needy to express 2. obedience to His Word; the love and care of the church, hosting 3. meekness, love and patience fellowship groups in one's home, and towards fellow workers and the aiding our global mission outreaches— recipients of the service; MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH SHOULD EXTEND just to mention several general areas 4. willingness, commitment and of service. While many areas of thoroughness; THEIR GOD-GIVEN SPIRITUAL GIFTS service are presently available, more 5. sacrificial and joyous spirit. can be set up when more members TO SUSTAIN SERVICES, RESOLVE PROBLEMS, prayerfully and willingly seek to People who whiz past and thrust be part of the church's ministries. themselves into service in the church AS WELL AS IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OF Members of the church should extend like a “hot shot”, usually end up in THE CHURCH MINISTRIES. their God-given spiritual gifts (which quarrels over petty issues and a include skill, expertise, assistance) to quick exit from serving. We must
20 BIBLE WITNESS | offering up spiritual sacrifices! offering up spiritual sacrifices! | BIBLE WITNESS 21 and beloved brother, who is one of you" (Colossians 4:9). Concerning Timothy, he fondly commended, "Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church" (1 Corinthians 4:17). Paul's generous words about Epaphras were thus: "our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ" EVERY CHURCH (Colossians 1:7). Paul also instructed the Philippian church to receive the MEMBER MUST BE faithful Epaphroditus and hold him in READY TO SERVE high regard—"Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold RESPONSIBLY such in reputation" (Philippians 2:29). AND FAITHFULLY IN THE MANIFOLD Conclusion Every church member must be ready MINISTRIES OF THE to serve responsibly and faithfully in the manifold ministries of the church, CHURCH. so that various ministries for the salvation of souls and the edification of the saints will grow from strength to strength. Dear saint of God, having understood the Lord's expectation of you to be a serving member of the church, can you be unconcerned and apathetic towards serving in the church? Will you continue to be indifferent, saying, "I don't know if I want to get involved in the church ministries; I don't know if I want to disposition is manifested by the work with those fellow Christians"? apostle Paul. While he served the Lord faithfully, he sincerely and Rather, in being willing and joyfully recommended and spurred wholehearted to avail yourself to serve on those who were his faithful fellow- in accordance with biblical guidelines, labourers. He declared of Tychicus, you are, in effect, consecrating "a beloved brother, and a faithful yourself to “offer up spiritual minister and fellowservant in the sacrifices, acceptable to God”. This Lord" (Colossians 4:7; cf. Ephesians is an indispensable part of our being 6:21). Of Onesimus, he said, "a faithful unwavering witnesses for Christ!
22 BIBLE WITNESS | offering up spiritual sacrifices! offering up spiritual sacrifices! | BIBLE WITNESS 23 PEN MIGHTIER THAN SWORD!
are most mindful of the unstinting teaching material, and booklets on and tireless contributions of the contemporary and doctrinal issues. faithful pool of like-minded servants Now, this may seem a tall order but of God and writers whom God has we are not starting from scratch. PEN MIGHTIER blessed us with, and to whom we give There is a ready pool of sound, biblical thanks for “inditing a good matter material waiting to be tapped—in the … (with) the pen of a ready writer” form of Pastor Koshy’s “collections” THAN SWORD! (Psalm 45:1). Not to mention all the of sermons, Bible study notes, invaluable help rendered by brothers theological research material, retreat and sisters working behind the messages, etc. In other words, these A CONTEMPLATIVE WORD scenes as well, who serve voluntarily hoped-for Christian resources for the as proofreaders, layout designers, edification of all believers young and FROM THE ASSISTANT EDITOR illustrators, compilers of children’s old constitute realistic challenges stories and Bible quizzes, etc. Above for the publication arm of the Bible ho kee how all, we thank God for His sustaining Witness Media Ministry. grace in the continued publication of this bimonthly magazine, other things. This is all the more so, for the spiritual edification and Prayer Origin in the face of a proliferation of liberal admonition of God’s people. and ecumenical material flooding the Well, to borrow a phrase from Paul’s The Bible Witness magazine came Christian market through the media words, “What shall we then say to about because of a growing burden, out there. Having good Christian Challenge(s) these things (challenges)?” (Romans which the Lord had laid on Pastor literature is simply not an option but 8:31a). Indeed, who can be sufficient Koshy’s heart (since the turn of this an indispensable avenue for biblical To be sure, there can be no resting for all these? In the King’s service, century), for a literature ministry to teachings to be disseminated. We, on our laurels. God willing, we we have no business to request for reach the world with the Gospel of in the publication team, believe the hope to compile and publish more tasks equal to our puny strength; but Christ. In a sense, this burden grew Bible Witness magazine (just past its material. Thank God for the recent we can ask for strength equal to the out of an acute awareness that in this 20th year) is one such means to this publication of Pastor Koshy’s 365 tasks God has laid upon us in the spiritual battle for men’s hearts and end. Since the publication of the first Daily Exhortations in Mandarin and publication ministry. After all, had not minds, “silent truth is no match for issue in 2001, not a few thanksgiving My Soul’s Delight (Volumes 2 and 3). Christ, in His Olivet discourse to His outspoken error!” What Pastor Koshy testimonies from readers (local and Notwithstanding, Pastor Koshy’s God- disciples, given us the mandate? “And did with this burden is what one would overseas) have been received, telling us given burden is still growing—he is the gospel must first bepublished expect of an earnest contender against how the articles have nourished their envisioning the compilation of Sunday among all nations” (Mark 13:10)— prevalent error, and an indomitable souls and fortified their faith. Such School activity books, children’s before the end comes. Amen. defender of long-held biblical truths. indeed is the power of the printed For out of this burden, was born the page, which vindicates Pastor Koshy’s Bible Witness magazine. foresight, as well as our ministry’s firm belief in the old adage that “the pen is mightier than the sword”! Motivation “AND THE GOSPEL MUST FIRST BE In order for God’s tender and Means PUBLISHED AMONG ALL NATIONS.” vulnerable flock—the church—to be protected and nurtured, there We are grateful for the many who —MARK 13:10 must be constant access to sound, have had a hand in this humble biblical reading material, among but consequential production. We
24 BIBLE WITNESS | pen mightier than sword! pen mightier than sword! | BIBLE WITNESS 25 REFLECTING ON GOD’S GOODNESS & DIRECTION
(that are also uploaded on the Bible and need in His glorious work. Truly, Witness website for Christians who this is cause for great rejoicing and wish to do private or group Bible unceasing praise to the Lord, even as study). Moreover, two “milestones” we expect greater blessings in the days REFLECTING ON GOD’S deserve mention: a special BW issue ahead according to His leading. dedicated to the late Rev Dr Timothy Tow was published in 2009, while in To be sure, while we are grateful to GOODNESS & DIRECTION 2011, a double commemorative BW God for brethren who are presently issue was published in conjunction doing the work involved in the with the 400th anniversary of the production of Bible Witness magazine, TESTIMONY BY FIRST KJV and the 10th anniversary of Bible there is a need for more co-labourers Witness. Praise be to God! to share the burden of the ministry BIBLE WITNESS STAFF as we look forward to producing Over the past 20 years, what is more biblical material beyond the Lok Kwok Wah one challenge or struggle you magazine. This is an ongoing process, have witnessed God helping you and we trust that the Lord will supply or the ministry to overcome, and all our needs (both resources and What were some initial thoughts What are some things about the lesson(s) learnt? personnel) in His good time—“But or apprehension (if any) you had the BW magazine and the work my God shall supply all your need when you were called upon to co- involved that you would like to One struggle we faced was the according to his riches in glory by labour with Pastor Koshy to start a thank and praise God for? dwindling support from many Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). literature ministry (from scratch)? churches due to the Bible preservation I praise God for how the BW magazine controversy. Many churches cancelled What is your prayer or aspiration Certainly, that was a momentous point came into existence because of their subscriptions, drastically for the future of the BW magazine? in time of my life, when my heart was Pastor Koshy’s burden and vision reducing the support for the BW set on any area of work that Christ has for a literature ministry to reach magazine (to no one’s surprise). Praise the Lord that the Bible intended for me. I had no desire to go the world with the Gospel of Christ Nonetheless, we continue to depend Witness magazine is available not back to secular work; I have purposed and the truths of His Word. This on God for provision of funds, and only in printed form, but it can also in my heart to serve the Lord full-time, desire has its foundation in Acts 1:8, for motivation to persevere in this be downloaded digitally from our come what may. So, when Pastor Koshy where the Lord said, “ye shall be work of publishing the magazine. The website. My hope is that there will shared his desire to start a literature witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8). This Lord has never failed to send His help be more channels of distribution ministry and his need for a co-worker theme verse has been the emphasis through like-minded brethren among for the printed copy, especially to (though I knew it would be a daunting of BW magazine in the spreading of His people. Now our principle is to countries which lack access to good task), I was led to say ‘Yes’ (after a God’s Word to all corners of the earth distribute Bible Witness magazines biblical literature. Needless to say, period of prayer) to the literature and in nurturing the faith of saints. free of charge, based on Matthew my constant prayer is that God will ministry. I recall Pastor Koshy saying, Thank the Lord that the publication 10:8—“freely ye have received, continue to sustain the Bible Witness “Do or die!” And it was his determined of spiritual truths and counsels within freely give.” Despite our setback, team of dedicated brethren that they spirit that spurred me on to adhere the magazine has made this possible, several noteworthy “milestones” may sacrificially and diligently serve to what Jesus has said in Luke 9:62— through which I have also been (as mentioned above) have been the Lord, and also for more like- “No man, having put his hand to the personally strengthened. achieved. These accomplishments (in minded ministers, missionaries and plough, and looking back, is fit for the face of potentially disruptive and writers to contribute articles to the the kingdom of God.” Truly, I count it As I recall, I am thankful that this distressing trials) are not the result of Bible Witness magazine on a regular a privilege to serve alongside Pastor magazine has in the past been regularly our superior technical skill or wealth basis. Truly, may the BW magazine Koshy who has always wanted to start used for teaching in the Adults’ of resources, but rather the divine continue being faithful “for the word a literature ministry in Gethsemane. and Youths’ Bible Study on Sunday, working of the Lord who graciously of God, and for the testimony of Jesus All praise be unto the Lord! with the aid of discussion questions provides for our every endeavour Christ” (Revelation 1:9b).
26 BIBLE WITNESS | reflecting on god’s goodness & direction reflecting on god’s goodness & direction | BIBLE WITNESS 27 28 BIBLE WITNESS | reflecting on god’s goodness & direction reflecting on god’s goodness & direction | BIBLE WITNESS 29 FELICITATIONS
FELICITATIONS from Church Leaders, Missionaries & Associates
Elder Mah Chin Kwang, these past 20 years. Despite much Gethsemane B-P Church difficulty in the beginning years, the Lord has blessed us with resources The twofold milestone of the Bible along the way. Today, the magazines Witness magazine in publishing this are printed beautifully in full colours, 100th issue in its 20th year is surely and distributed both to local like- a cause for great joy in the Lord. May minded churches and overseas the Lord be pleased to receive all the mission stations. This 100th issue of glory for the faithful publication of the Bible Witness magazine stands as this magazine, and especially in the a testimony to the Gospel and biblical work of preaching the Gospel and the truths being spread throughout the edification of the saints. world. May many Christian readers be edified. My prayer is that someday At a time of certain dearth in sound, it may be translated into Chinese fundamental biblical magazines, the for readers literate in Chinese. All BW magazine stands as a blessed glory to our mighty God. resource for all believers of the living and true God—to be spiritually nurtured and strengthened. May the Elder Ng Poh Kok, Lord continue to bless and prosper Gethsemane B-P Church this ministry, as He tarries. Praise the Lord for showering His blessings upon the publication of Elder Alan Choy, the BW magazine throughout the Gethsemane B-P Church past 20 years. “The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are We thank our faithful Lord Jesus glad” (Psalm 126:3). The reading of for enabling the Bible Witness this printed material has been a great publication team to labour in the source of help and encouragement dissemination of God’s truth for to me and my family. May the Lord
30 BIBLE WITNESS | reflecting on god’s goodness & direction felicitations | BIBLE WITNESS 31 use this magazine to bring “good programmes, as well as organises the publication of this 100th issue of for Pr Ho Kee How, who labours with tidings, that publisheth peace; that retreats that build up the faith of Bible Witness magazine. Personally, skill and love in editing the Bible bringeth good tidings of good, that believers all around the world. I have benefited tremendously from Witness, since coming on board in publisheth salvation…” (Isaiah 52:7). the published articles, which are the last decade. Thirdly, I thank God Keep up the good work! God has demonstrated His devotionally written with doctrinal for the unceasing prayers and the sovereignty and faithfulness, and precision. As a preacher and student continual provision of funds from like- will surely bring this ministry to of God’s Word, I have often dug minded brethren to print magazines, Elder Francis Lee, greater heights for His own glory. through the archives of Bible Witness devotional books and other material. Gethsemane B-P Church I look forward to many more years magazines to read and learn more May our good Lord sustain this of spiritual nourishment through on a particular topic. ministry, that His Word be well We thank and praise God for His Bible Witness Media Ministry. May expounded to His people worldwide. blessings upon the ministry of the God's name be magnified! As I look back at recent history, Bible Witness magazine for the past I thank God firstly that recent 20 years. From the first issue (of pushbacks against the distribution Rev. Reggor B. Galarpe, Pastor, July-September 2001), the Lord has Pr Samson Hutagalung, of this magazine did not deter its Gethsemane B-P Church, been using this literature ministry Gethsemane B-P Church continual publication. This can only Cebu, the Philippines to bring the Gospel of Christ and the be because the teachings gleaned from truths of His Word to many countries The Bible Witness magazine has been the BW articles are based not on “… The occasion of the 20th anniversary around the world. As we reach the truly a “witness” to many around the the word of men, but as it is in truth, of the Bible Witness magazine calls 100th issue of the BW magazine, let world. It has been God’s instrument the word of God, which effectually for great joy and thanksgiving to the us remember and be thankful for the to open the spiritual understanding of worketh also in you that believe” Lord. This milestone brings to my Lord’s goodness and grace working readers to see the truth and also errors (1 Thessalonians 2:13b). Secondly, memory how Pastor Koshy had been in our midst. “Unto thee, O God, do exposed. Its contents are practical and I thank God for the diligence and burdened by God’s Word to start this we give thanks, unto thee do we give easily understood, yet keeping to the perseverance of the editing team, literature ministry—“…and ye shall thanks: for that thy name is near thy veracity of God's Word. I am thankful toiling tirelessly in the same spirit of be witnesses unto me…” (Acts 1:8). wondrous works declare” (Psalm 75:1). to the Lord for such an important John who testifies, “And these things Hence the name “Bible Witness”—a work in this evil, perverse generation, write we unto you, that your joy may be magazine which, over the ensuing where many are shying away from full” (1 John 1:4). I thank God especially two decades, has proven beneficial Dn Low Boon Siang, the truth and pandering to the Gethsemane B-P Church modernistic liberal expectation. May the Lord raise more faithful writers I thank and praise God for preserving to expound what the Lord says in His the publication of the Bible Witness Word. May the Lord continue to use Bible Witness Magazine Design History magazine for these last 20 years. It this magazine to enlighten believers' is truly by His marvellous grace and hearts (Psalm 119:105). A NEW LOGO sustaining Hand that this ministry The next design milestone for the Bible Witness Magazine is has prospered. The clear exposition marked by a logo refresh for the magazine. This refresh was of God's Word and unwavering stand Pr Cornelius Koshy, seen in Volume 3, Issue 1 of the Magazine. for the Truth have indeed blessed Gethsemane B-P Church countless believers with a greater This logo, used since 2003, has been the logo for the Bible understanding of God's Word and My heart is full of thanksgiving to Witness Magazine since then. a closer walk with the Lord. All God for 20 blessed years of the Bible glory be to God who has increased Witness literature ministry—in this ministry such that it does not particular, for “the 100th time” God only publish Christian magazines, has shown Himself to be faithful in (Read more about the history of the Bible Witness Magazine on page 38.) but also produces audio and video enabling His servants to come up with
32 BIBLE WITNESS | felicitations felicitations | BIBLE WITNESS 33 for the nurture of individual Christian Rev. Ephrem Chiracho, Pastor, young and old. May this significant anniversary—how time passes so life, for every Christian home, and Gethsemane B-P Church of milestone spur you on to continually quickly! I am sure many, like me, are for Bible study groups. Ethiopia, Alem Gena, Ethiopia print more biblical materials, thankful to God for His preservation especially in this age of unbelief and and the progression of Bible Witness As I recall, the maiden issue (July- This publication began amid heated apostasy. “Therefore, my beloved over these two decades. With the September 2001) on the “Holy Bible” controversy over the Bible, and had brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, scarcity of biblically sound material was most appropriate in establishing played an immeasurable role in always abounding in the work of the these days, the BW magazine the fact that this literature ministry presenting biblical and theological Lord, forasmuch as ye know that is certainly of spiritual benefit, stands squarely on the Word of God! proofs of the plenary and verbal your labour is not in vain in the Lord” particularly to those in countries Through the faithful production of preservation of God’s Word in the (1 Corinthians 15:58). with few such material. May our issue after issue, we are witnesses to KJV translation. Thus, it has provided Lord continue to preserve this how the Lord has sustained the work. reassurance for our faith in the work for the Word of God and the Subsequently, with the setting up infallible and inerrant Bible. That’s not Rev. Lee Kim Shong, Calvary Jaya testimony of Jesus Christ! of the Bible Witness Web Radio, the all. The publishing of various themes B-P Fellowship, Malaysia ministry eventually came to be known on practical Christian living, missions, as the “Bible Witness Media Ministry” doctrinal issues, ecclesiastical Literature ministry is an important Elder Eliezer Ortega, Bogo & San which, apart from publishing apostasy and dangers of worldliness work. It has far-reaching influence Antonio, the Philippines magazines and Gospel tracts, grew to in the church have corrected many on the readers, including those include producing CDs and DVDs of erring ones, encouraged the faint- who are unbelievers. While many All glory and honour be unto the animation programmes for children, hearted, instructed and edified Christians have been built up by Lord for His blessings upon the BW hymns and choruses, sermons and many believers’ souls around the reading sound Christian publications, magazine for 20 years of faithful other edifying materials. world, including myself. some people had been led to Christ by publication of godly and biblical Christian reading material. articles—amidst the prevalence of Such work was not without its Heartfelt congratulations to error and falsehood in the modern challenges and difficulties, but the Gethsemane B-P Church for her The Bible Witness magazine has church. This faithful witness reminds Lord is faithful to sustain and prosper relentless work in the publication of been instrumental in imparting faith me of Psalm 11:3—“If the foundations this ministry by raising up committed BW magazine for 20 years! May this to many. Though a largely behind-the- be destroyed, what can the righteous labourers to meet the demands of the good work continue for generations scene ministry, its godly influence do?” May the Lord, whose mercy work. In the Lord’s provision of the to the glory of God. cannot be underestimated. The Lord and grace have sustained the BW Gethsemane Media Centre, we rejoice had been pleased to use it for two magazine for the past 20 years, that the up-to-date facilities and decades—may the gracious Lord continue to use and guide Pastor resources will help cater to the ever- Rev. Paul Cheng, Pastor, Bethel B-P continue to use it for His glory. May Koshy, together with the brethren co- increasing workload of the ministry, Church, Melbourne, Australia He continue to strengthen the hands labouring with him, for more fruitful even in this digital age. May I take this of those who serve in this publication and blessed years ahead! opportunity to thank Pastor Koshy On behalf of Bethel B-P Church in ministry. "The law of the LORD is and all our brethren at Bible Witness Melbourne, we send congratulatory perfect, converting the soul: the Personally, I have derived great Media Ministry for “your work and greetings to the Bible Witness team testimony of the LORD is sure, making spiritual blessings reading through labour of love, which ye have shewed on this special 20th anniversary of wise the simple" (Psalm 19:7). the BW articles. The articles in the toward his name” (Hebrews 6:10). Bible Witness. Praise God for your magazines not only grant me a deeper May you be “stedfast, unmoveable, courageous and uncompromising understanding of the Word of God, always abounding in the work of the stance in the proclamation of the Rev. Joseph Poon, Pastor, they are also very apt and relevant Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your truth, as well as the vigilant exposure BPCWA, Perth, Australia to living a godly life and bearing labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 of errors and faithful defence of a good testimony to the Lord in Corinthians 15:58). All praise and glory God’s perfect Word. Your magazines It was with joyful surprise when these changing and perilous times. be unto God for the 20 fruitful years of have always been a great source of I learned that the Bible Witness Furthermore, the BW magazine has the Bible Witness magazine! encouragement to our members, both magazine is celebrating its 20th also been a great help in the ministry.
34 BIBLE WITNESS | felicitations felicitations | BIBLE WITNESS 35 It is a handy, useful resource material has touched on various topics—which so blessed by the spiritual realities local languages as well. Thank God for for teaching in Sunday School. It rebuked me about sin and worldliness, which I have learned and re-learned, all those who help in the production is a most worthy reference for our encouraged me to be prayerful, and that I am now using the articles in of this magazine, including (editors) teaching of sound and biblical lessons gave me instructions on how to serve some of our weekly Bible studies and Pastor Koshy and Pr Ho Kee How. to the congregation—sparing the and please God. These different topics Home Visitations. I want to teach the May the Lord continue to bless this teacher from worries of teaching or have helped me to be informed about brethren the importance and need of ministry for the publishing of good propagating unbiblical lessons. Having what things I must do in the ministry, heavenly-mindedness. tidings of our Lord Jesus Christ. gone through the study of “Heavenly- and be warned of things I should not Mindedness (Part I & Part II)”, as well do. May the Lord continue to use Bible Praise the Lord for giving as “Hearts Failing Men for Fear”, we Witness magazine for His glory. heavenly wisdom and enablement Rev. Dr Jeffrey Khoo, Pastor, True are currently dwelling on the theme, to the staff and editors of the Bible Life B-P Church; Principal, FEBC “Beware: Spiritual Pitfalls Lurking!”. Witness magazine. Praise the Lord Pr Donald dela Cruz, for the publication team’s tireless Praise the Lord for the 20 years Praise be unto the Lord for Pangasinan, the Philippines labour in preparing a spiritual feast of biblical and spiritual articles blessings both personal and in the (come each issue) for the readers to published in the 100 issues of the ministry, which the Lord has bestowed Praise the Lord for preserving the enjoy. I am looking forward to the Bible Witness magazine. As the through the BW magazine. My Bible Witness magazine for the last next spiritual feast! saying goes, "Publish or perish!" constant prayer is this: “Remember 20 years. Every page of the magazine It goes without saying that Bible the word unto thy servant, upon has brought great encouragement and Witness is published not for self- which thou hast caused me to hope. added spiritual knowledge to readers. Pr Sujith Samuel, Vizag, India promotion but for the salvation of This is my comfort in my affliction: for God knows that His children need the lost and the sanctification of the thy word hath quickened me” (Psalm godly reading material, especially Praise God for sustaining the ministry saints. This is in keeping with the 119:49-50). All glory be unto God! in our present perverse generation. of Bible Witness magazine for the last twofold teaching mandate of the Great One copy of each issue is distributed 20 years. I am most thankful to Bible Commission—"Go ye therefore, and to every family here in the mission Witness Media Ministry for sending teach all nations... Teaching them to Pr Edsel Locot, station. The topics are very well printed copies of the magazines to observe all things whatsoever I have Bohol, the Philippines thought out and tackle the current India. We give it freely to our regular commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). concerns of our time. Thank God for worshippers and also to students of May the Lord continue to bless and Praise God for leading and guiding enabling us to share the wonderful Gethsemane Bible Institute. Many use your magazine to teach His Good Pastor Koshy to start the Bible truths contained in these magazines visitors coming to our bookshop in Word until He returns. Witness magazine 20 years ago. Truly, with some of the Baptist churches the city also get free copies of these it has blessed many Christians in as well, including the kindergarten magazines. Most of the time, those Singapore and around the world. As a school which my son Jesher who take them would usually ask Rev. Tan Kian Sing, missionary preacher in Bohol, I look attends. They have expressed their about the price of the magazine, Pastor, Berean B-P Church forward to constantly receive copies of appreciation of the articles and would considering the high-quality, full- these magazines from Singapore. The like to extend their thanksgiving! colour publication. It’s amazing that We praise our Lord God Almighty for articles contained therein enhance my our God continues to provide for this giving Gethsemane B-P Church the knowledge of the Word of God, greatly Among the countless titles ministry so that it can be freely given, vision to embark on publishing the helping me to grow as a Christian and that I consider as great reading as testified by the publication team’s blessed Bible Witness magazine in as a preacher. The lessons learned material, Volume 19—Issues 1 and oft-quoted tagline: “freely ye have the year 2001. Today we rejoice with from the different articles also help in 2 [on “Heavenly-Mindedness (Part received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). the Bible Witness Media Ministry of my preaching and teaching. I & Part II)”] are the ones which Gethsemane on the 20th Anniversary encourage me most. Reading them God willing, we like to reprint of Bible Witness and the publication Truly, Bible Witness is God-given once is not enough as I need to be some editions as booklets here. If we of the 100th issue of the magazine. material that caters to my spiritual constantly reminded that I should get good translators, we can consider We in Berean B-P Church have been need. Over the years, the magazine possess a heavenly-minded life. I was the translation of these material into greatly edified and blessed exceeding
36 BIBLE WITNESS | felicitations felicitations | BIBLE WITNESS 37 abundantly by your work of faith and preserved Word. God's Word is truly Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in We also thank our God for the labour labour of love, as we use the Bible the spiritual Bread for our souls (cf. Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of love of all the brethren. It is most Witness magazine for our Bible Study. Matthew 4:4) and the Sword of the of the earth” (Acts 1:8). appreciated. May the Lord bless this May the Lord continue to prosper Holy Spirit for our spiritual warfare good work for many more good years Bible Witness, that the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). We are thankful to come. To Him be the glory. and the Gospel of Jesus Christ be to the Lord for guiding and helping Rev Wee Eng Moh, published far and wide, and “that the you and your team to write edifying, Pastor, Berith B-P Church word of the Lord may have free course, challenging and relevant topics for the Rev. Clement Chew, Pastor, and be glorified” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). past 20 years, as well as for recently We greatly rejoice with you on Tabernacle B-P Church May the Lord continue to keep this providing a decent building to house this happy occasion of the 20th ministry going for many more years the BWMM. Praise the Lord for such Anniversary of Bible Witness. By the grace of God, the Lord has for the perfecting of the saints and a faithful ministry in these last days of Truly, the Lord has been faithful sustained the production of Bible for the edifying of the body of Christ doubt, compromise, confusion, false to preserve this media ministry of Witness magazine for 20 years everywhere, as the Lord tarries. teachings, deception and apostasy! the church. We thank God for the until this current 100th issue. Since Bible Witness team’s labour of love. July 2001, when the first issue was The brethren of Brisbane B-P As a church, we have been richly published, the Lord has used the Rev. Hien Nguyen, Pastor, Brisbane Church are grateful to Bible Witness blessed by your publications which Bible Witness magazine to instruct B-P Church, Brisbane, Australia Media Ministry for kindly sending you have sent regularly to us. We and edify readers through the faithful the magazines to us free of charge have found the articles edifying and proclamation of biblical truth. All We thank God for your burden to over the years. May our good and profitable for our souls. praise and glory to the Lord. start publishing the Bible Witness faithful God strengthen, guide, help, magazine 20 years ago to be a witness and richly bless the BWMM team for Without doubt, these past 20 years The Bible says in Hosea 4:6, to God's Word—to "earnestly contend being witnesses unto the Lord, His of treading on the “narrow way” (cf. “My people are destroyed for lack for the faith which was once delivered Word and His Truth around the world. Matthew 7:14) has not been easy. We of knowledge”. The priests failed unto the saints" (Jude 3), to defend “But ye shall receive power, after that praise God for your shining example miserably to teach God’s Word to God's Truth, and to promote God’s the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and of persevering faith and devotion to the people. Instead, they engaged divinely inspired and perfectly ye shall be witnesses unto me both in the ministry the Lord has entrusted in falsehood and deception, leading to you. Keep up the good work of the children of Israel to idolatry grace. May Bible Witness continue to and apostasy. Thus, the children of hold forth the Word of life and abide Israel were destroyed because of a faithful in the service of the Lord. lack of knowledge of the truth due to Wishing you God’s richest blessings in these derelict priests. The literary Bible Witness Magazine Design History all your endeavours for His glory and scene in Christianity is no different the blessing of His people. today. There is much that is false and CHANGES IN PRINTING QUALITY abominable in these published works. The next time the magazine saw some design changes is in May the Bible Witness ministry play a Volume 4 Issue 3, when we started to print in full colour. We Rev. Lek Aik Wee, Pastor, critical role in breaking through this also changed our paper choice, from woodfree paper to matt Blessed Hope B-P Church darkness by shining the light of God’s art paper. Word through its God-honouring Praise the Lord for the milestone of publications—so that Christian men It was also with this issue that we shifted our printing schedule from a quarterly to a bimonthly schedule. the 100th issue of the Bible Witness and women may not be destroyed by magazine. We thank God for the the lack of knowledge of God’s Word. faithful exposition of God’s Word in
(Read more about the history of the Bible Witness Magazine on page 44.) the topical articles written to edify As a reader of the Bible Witness the believers in the church (both magazine in my youth, I have been locally and overseas) over the years. richly instructed in the truths
38 BIBLE WITNESS | felicitations felicitations | BIBLE WITNESS 39 faithfully explained in the articles Christ BPC, Cebu; Trinidad BPC, last days. In an age of apostasy and endeavouring to proclaim it and, published. I know of others who have Bohol; Golgotha BPC, Bukidnon; falsehood, it is so crucial that God’s furthermore, rising up to defend been similarly blessed through this Philippines Missions Bible Center), I people have a resource which they can it. The times (a chaotic mixture of ministry. I thank the Lord for the am grateful to the Lord for the many use to receive the sound and faithful confusion and false dogmatism) loving labour of the editor, writers spiritual blessings received through doctrines of the Word of God. The are such that a ministry like Bible and various team members of the the Bible Witness magazine. It is my various themes covered, especially Witness is sorely needed. May the Bible Witness Media Ministry. “For prayer that this ministry will further those concerning the Word of God, Lord grant strength, courage and God is not unrighteous to forget your reach to the many parts of our country the Church, the Reformation, and wisdom to persevere in the years work and labour of love, which ye for the Lord’s glory and honour! In this the family, are themes which are ahead, even in the face of persecution have shewed toward his name, in age, when we are eagerly anticipating most important today. May the Lord and opposition, "for the word of that ye have ministered to the saints, the return of our Lord and Saviour, continue to sustain and preserve this God, and for the testimony of Jesus and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10). In “… this gospel of the kingdom shall be ministry, that it may continue to be a Christ" (Revelation 1:9). response to the changing media scene, preached in all the world for a witness blessing to God’s people. "Therefore, Bible Witness also has expanded to unto all nations; and then shall the my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, producing audio and video material. end come” (Matthew 24:14). Let the unmoveable, always abounding in the Elder Winston Chew, This commitment to reach out to Bible Witness magazine play a part in work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye Truth B-P Church others with the Scriptures is laudable. this! May God bless Gethsemane BPC know that your labour is not in vain in Continue to press on in this good and all her ministries! the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). All praise and thanksgiving be work, and may the Lord be pleased rendered unto our Lord God for His to bless the ministry’s vision to be a grace and mercy in using the Bible faithful witness for the Lord Jesus Pr Joshua Yong, Pr Samuel Joseph, Witness magazine over the last Christ (cf. Acts 1:8). Calvary Pandan B-P Church True Life B-P Church 20 years. This ministry has been a great blessing to many Christians Praise and thank God for sustaining Praise the Lord for this 20th around the world. The articles Rev. Jose Trinipil Lagapa, the ministry of the Bible Witness anniversary of the Bible Witness covering various aspects of doctrine True Life B-P Church magazine through 20 years of service. ministry! As Christians, we are called and practical Christian living are I rejoice with you on this anniversary. to "earnestly contend for the faith" instructive and edifying. May the Lord On behalf of the True Life BPC Thank God for He has raised His (Jude 3)—which entails not only continue to use this magazine for His ministries in the Philippines (namely own witness for His Word in these studying to know the truth, but also glory for many more years to come.
OTHER ISSUES OF “WITNESS”, THE PREDECESSOR TO “BIBLE WITNESS”
40 BIBLE WITNESS | felicitations felicitations | BIBLE WITNESS 41 THANKSGIVING TESTIMONIES
THANKSGIVING Testimonies from Bible Witness Magazine Readers
Chong Lian Neo, have breath, I must wholeheartedly Gethsemane B-P Church respond to whatever needs there are around me, “for there is no work, nor The sincere seeker of good and sound device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, Christian literature will find the Bible in the grave, whither thou goest” Witness magazine a treasure trove (Ecclesiastes 9:10b). of delights. They cover a plethora of well-expounded articles dealing The children’s segment is a gem. with diverse topics that cater to Carefully selected stories of heroes the individual’s spiritual growth of faith were simply and succinctly and Christian education. I have retold—to draw out themes of faith, been so greatly blessed by such rich obedience, courage, commitment nourishment for the last fifteen years, and sacrifice. It must have been a that I must thank God for enabling painstaking task for the writer. I faithful men to contribute fine and often share these stories with my relevant material for this bimonthly grandsons, hoping to instil in them publication. Great has been my joy of some missionary zeal. reading such works that I decided to distribute copies to my neighbours The publication team and writers and friends, with the aim of pointing will one day receive their rewards them to God and building up their from the Master, who will say to each faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. of them, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). In one of the issues about redeeming the time and living with the end in view, I was particularly Olive Balicao, drawn to King Solomon’s exhortation Pangasinan, the Philippines in Ecclesiastes 9:10a—“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy In this day and age when there is a lack might”. I have decided that while I still of sound, biblical Christian literature,
42 BIBLE WITNESS | felicitations thanksgiving Testimonies | BIBLE WITNESS 43 we thank God for the Bible Witness stirred me to grow in the knowledge of Koshy, Pr Ho Kee How and others to forward to heaven, and not set magazine, which has remained faithful God’s Word, and encouraged me in my stay the course in producing such back to worldly ways. in proclaiming the Word of God. role as a wife, especially now that God biblical material regularly, with has granted us a gift within my womb. themes very relevant to our times. • Reading the articles adapted Looking back, when my husband Allow me to mention a few which have from Pastor Koshy’s sermons was still working in Singapore, the By God's grace, the BW magazine is encouraged me in my Christian walk. preached during the 14th BW Bible Witness magazine was one still in production as it reaches its 20th Retreat (in 2018) was a joy and important resource we had used anniversary. Our heartfelt thanks for 1. Nurturing of Godly Children great spiritual feasting for me. during our online family devotion (as the publication team’s endless effort (Jan–Feb 2018) a couple being physically separated and labour. May God strengthen all 3. Out of Darkness into God’s miles apart). We would sing hymns and His servants (Pastor Koshy and Bible • I learnt that parents are Marvellous Light (May–Jun 2020) then download a certain issue of Bible Witness staff) to publish biblical ultimately responsible for the Witness magazine in the Gethsemane articles for our spiritual nourishment, children’s spiritual lives, rather • Through the articles, the website, from which we would both that our faith be fortified. than the church. While Sunday Gospel is presented in its read simultaneously during video school and fellowship meetings entirety—from the fall of call. We praise God for this avenue are important for children man to the glorious heaven of spreading the Gospel and edifying Isabel Ng, Gethsemane B-P Church to learn how to worship God awaiting all true believers. The the saints through the printed page, in a formal setting, the daily admonitions from the articles both locally and in faraway lands. Regardless of whether one is new family worship is key to prompted me to search my own Incidentally, the first ever Bible or matured in the faith, the Bible nurturing their love for God heart against the Scriptures to Witness magazine I've read was the Witness magazine is easy to read, yet and His truth as they observe see if I am truly reborn in Christ. issue on “Biblical Women of Faith”, rich in soul-nourishing content. Each how God’s Word is really highlighting stories of women from written article is akin to a miniature practised in their homes. • Realising that this issue also the Scriptures who lived and fulfilled sermon, where God’s truth is carefully served as a “Gospel tract”, the their God-given roles with unflinching searched and expounded. I thank the • The Lord welcomes children Lord gave me courage to give faith in God. Their stories have greatly Lord for His special grace on Pastor to worship Him, even though copies to my neighbours and they may not be converted friends, who might need to hear yet. Though young children (or read) the good news of Jesus may lack attentiveness during Christ our Saviour. the worship proceedings, it is biblical to have them join 4. Living with the End in View Bible Witness Magazine Design History their parents in all worship (Jul–Aug 2020) gatherings, wherever the opportunity avails, just like in • Praise God for Pr Ho’s wonderful ARTISTIC CHANGES the Old Testament times. expositions on selected themes The next change to the design of Bible Witness Magazine was from the Book of Ecclesiastes, seen in Volume 12 Issue 4. 2. Heavenly-Mindedness especially considering (Jan–Feb 2019 & Mar–Apr 2019) that we are now living in Prior to this issue, the magazine had a traditional newsletter (Covid-19) pandemic times. layout. Starting with this issue, we started using more innovative layout designs and integrated artworks with the • Considering our heavenly article text. calling after being made a • I find the article, “Finding new man in Christ, everything Meaning amid Life’s we do on this earth ought to Anomalies”, most enlightening. (Read more about the history of the BW Magazine on page 47.) be heavenly-centred. Our By not vexing our spirits in Christian journey should attempting to understand be constantly upward and everything in life that happened
44 BIBLE WITNESS | thanksgiving Testimonies thanksgiving Testimonies | BIBLE WITNESS 45 to us, we must “learn to be and sisters faithfully working behind faced with difficult situations, and Grace Ho, Gethsemane B-P Church content having to live with the scenes in proofreading, layout, keeping the sabbath holy and free life’s paradoxes”, and submit to illustrations and various other areas. from worldly commitments. The I thank the Lord for the Bible Witness God’s sovereignty in “the secret May this reading resource continue stories have been retold in a way that magazine, especially the children's things” (Deuteronomy 29:29) to help and exhort Christians far and is easy for children to understand, segment. Having grown up in pertaining to His workings in wide. All glory be to God! and the illustrations tie in well too. Gethsemane B-P Church, with ready our lives. Such godly submission Praise the Lord for the Bible Witness access to each issue, I would always will stand us in good stead in team, who have persevered for these look forward to flipping through the our Christian walk with God Titus Ho, Gethsemane B-P Church 20 years in publishing godly articles to pages all the way to the “Children’s during difficult times. benefit Christians all over the world! Page”, and get engrossed in reading From a young age, the children’s the various stories and trying out the May the Lord abundantly bless the segment of the Bible Witness magazine Bible Trivia quizzes. publication team’s labour and grant has always held out inspiring lessons Valencia Hutagalung, His servants courage to propagate His for me. One of the most gripping Gethsemane B-P Church The stories were what attracted truth in these last days. stories about faithful men who toiled me the most—from the life of laboriously for the furtherance of I thank the Lord for the inclusion of Jonathan Goforth (the first Canadian the Gospel was the case of Jim Elliot. the children’s segment in the Bible Presbyterian missionary to China) Charlene Mae Abrena, “He is no fool” aptly described him. Witness magazine, where the retelling to those of various missionaries and Gethsemane B-P Church His decision to give up the world’s of missionaries’ lives has helped me church fathers, such as Eric Liddell, desires and opportunities to serve as to better understand the stories and Martin Luther and so on. Through I am greatly thankful to the Lord a missionary in a dangerous, heathen their teachings. This is all the more these condensed life stories, I have for providentially bringing me to land demonstrates unwavering so, since I was quite young when I first learnt many spiritual lessons and Gethsemane B-P Church, where courage and purposefulness in started reading them. I remember values, which have helped to shape there is rich spiritual feeding of God’s following God’s will to the end. reading the stories about the great my spiritual life from young. As a Word. Pastor Koshy’s commitment men of God in the Bible, as well as of teenager, I still enjoy reading the and devotion to spreading the Gospel, The Bible Witness magazine has missionaries in the recent past. Their children’s stories as they teach me teaching the truth and exposing been a means of edification and dedicated work for the Lord had made important spiritual truths. Thank God errors, are not only evident in his empowerment in my life. The biblical me more interested to learn about for all the 100 issues of Bible Witness preachings, but also in his written truths and insights imbibed remind God’s Word. I thank God for all the magazine that have been published articles. This is particularly so of the me of the need to “walk circumspectly, brethren who have contributed to thus far. I pray that this work will Bible Witness magazine. Thank God not as fools, but as wise” (Ephesians the writing and publishing of these continue with much faithfulness and for the burden He had put in Pastor’s 5:15) in fulfilling God’s plan for my life. stories. All glory and praise be to God! prayerfulness. All glory be to God! heart to pen down articles that edify May the Bible Witness continue to readers near and far. be a channel of blessing to others, as it has been for me. This magazine provides immensely helpful material for my spiritual Bible Witness Magazine Design History growth, building me up that I may Parousia Chan, stand firm against every wind of Gethsemane B-P Church A MODERN REFRESH doctrine, especially in these end times. Praise the Lord for all those I have been greatly edified by the The latest change to Bible Witness Magazine’s design took place with Volume 20 Issue 1. With this issue, we redesigned who have contributed in the writing stories on the lives of different the magazine from the ground up. of the articles, which hold out many missionaries in the children's segment valuable lessons (essential to a life of the Bible Witness issues. I’ve The most obvious change is seen in the magazine cover. of faith) gleaned from God’s perfect learned many lessons, such as the Moving away from the ‘letterbox’ design, we have started using Word, as well as for all the brothers importance of trusting God when a full-page cover design. We have also standardised the fonts of the magazine, modified the layout of the internals slightly, and ensured that the magazine has good visual hierarchy throughout.
46 BIBLE WITNESS | thanksgiving Testimonies thanksgiving Testimonies | BIBLE WITNESS 47 BIBLE TRIVIA—NUMBERS 26
BIBLE TRIVIA—NUMBERS 26
sarah yong
After years of wilderness wandering, it was finally time to make preparations to enter the Promised Land. The LORD told Moses and Eleazar the priest to “take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward”, i.e. men “that are able to go to war in Israel” (v. 2).
A. Read the Scripture verses shown on the right column, and then complete the table by filling in the missing tribe or number of men respectively.
Tribe Number of Men ≥20 years Scripture Reference
1) Reuben 43, _ _ _ vv. 5–7
2) S______22,200 vv. 12–14
3) Gad _ _ , _ _ _ vv. 15–18
4) Judah _ _ ,500 vv. 19–22
5) Issachar _ _ ,300 vv. 23–25
6) Z______60,500 vv. 26–27
7) Manasseh _ _ , _ _ _ vv. 28–34
8) E______32,500 vv. 35–37 . 21, Iss. 3, p. 24) 22 (Vol Answers to Bible Trivia—Numbers 9) Benjamin _ _ ,600 vv. 38–41
10) D______64,400 vv. 42–43
11) Asher _ _ , _ _ _ vv. 44–47
12) N______45,400 vv. 48–50 11) eyes, 12) mouth 8) field, 9) foot, 10) staff, 6) night, 7) sword, 1) Moab, 2) afraid, 3) curse, 4) Balaam, 5) honour,
Total in Israel _ _ _ ,730 v. 51
B. Fill in the blanks with suitable vowels (A, E, I, O, U) to reveal the names of only three men who remained since the first census (vv. 63-65).
1) M __ S __ S 2) J __ S H __ __ 3) C __ L __ B
48 CHILDREN'S PAGE | thanksgiving Testimonies bible trivia—numbers 26 | CHILDREN'S PAGE 49 HUDSON TAYLOR (1832-1905)
PART VIII Soon, Edkins and Hudson were back on the streets. They were so surprised to see HUDSON TAYLOR crowds of people waiting for them. As they moved towards their boat, the people swarmed around them. Without delay, both of them reached for their tracts and (1832-1905) started distributing to the curious onlookers. They continued doing so until the crowds began to disperse. Within minutes, silence filled the air. In the distance, PART VIII they could see the sun disappearing amid bold splashes of orange, red and gold.
“A splendid sight indeed!” both young men chorused. In the dim light, they Retold by Jenny Lok could see a pagoda with winding stairs. Very much in need of a break, both Edkins Illustrated by Andronicus Koshy and Hudson made their way to the top. As they gazed at the scene before them, Retold from: Hudson could not help but exclaimed in wonder, “What a vast beautiful land! • “To China With Love” by Hudson Taylor, published by Dimension Books, Bethany Look at the endless number of villages stretched beyond the horizon! See the Fellowship, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, the United States countless little houses with their ancestral tablets, incense sticks, idols and paper • “Hudson Taylor—God’s Man in China” by Dr & Mrs Howard Taylor, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois, the United States gods! So much to be explored and • “Hudson Taylor and Maria, Pioneers in China” by J. C. Pollock, published by Kingsway many souls to be won!” Publications Ltd, the United Kingdom • “God’s Adventurer” by Phyllis Thompson, published by Overseas Missionary Fellowship (IHQ) Ltd, Singapore “Go for me to China”—Hudson understood fully the burden and tremendous task God had placed on him, as he surveyed the miles and miles of inland China in the distance. He thought to himself, “Whatever the price, however tough the way, I am determined that the people of China must hear of the One who can rescue them from eternal hell fire!”
50 CHILDREN'S PAGE | Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) | CHILDREN'S PAGE 51 Come spring in 1855, and Hudson was blessed with yet another evangelistic “Please do not go further. The Tungchow militia are merciless and you would be opportunity. This time, it was to Tungchow, an important city with a teeming sorry for not listening to my advice!” population. Co-labouring with another missionary worker, John Burdon, of the Church Missionary Society, Hudson was looking forward to distributing more tracts Hudson patiently replied, “Sir, thank you for your advice. You are most kind and books to the locals. However, their native teachers, frantic with worry and fear, but we know in our hearts that God has called us to do the work of spreading pulled them aside and whispered, “Did you not hear that it can be dangerous to the Gospel. By the grace of God, we will not leave Tungchow until we have enter the city of Tungchow? We have heard terrifying reports of the local militia. distributed our Scriptures and tracts. Our lives are in God’s hands.” Thereafter, They may arrest you or put you into prison. The worst nightmare is, you may both missionaries continued on their way. even be killed!” Both Burdon and Hudson were stunned by their words and, for a moment, they remained speechless. As they journeyed on, Burdon and Hudson passed by a very small town with a population of about one thousand people. Standing before a group of the locals, Hudson preached in the Mandarin dialect. How thankful he was for the many hours he had spent learning to master the Chinese language. His efforts certainly paid off, for it had come in so handy! Great joy filled his heart as he freely shared about God’s love and how Christ had died on the cross to save mankind from their sins. A while later, Hudson overheard a conversation between two locals. One of them, who had earlier listened to the Gospel message, was speaking to his fellow countryman, “You should have come earlier. I have heard the Good News! God loves us and has sent Jesus Christ, His Son, to die for our sins. Jesus paid the penalty for our guilt. If we believe in Jesus and trust Him as our Lord and Saviour, we will be saved!” The other man, looking amazed, replied, “Really, this is something new to me. I must learn more of this Good News!” Hudson rejoiced to hear of such interest in the Gospel. This is worth all the trials that God’s servants often go through for the Gospel’s sake! Shortly after distributing some books and tracts, both missionaries left the town, their bags visibly lighter.
As they were fast approaching the city of Tungchow, Hudson uttered a silent prayer to the Lord: “Oh Lord, grant Thy servants boldness to speak Thy Word. Let not any threatening cause fear in our hearts that may stop us from reaching out to the people in Tungchow. In Christ’s precious name, Amen!” Immediately after this, they instructed the wheelbarrow men to wait at an agreed place so as to spare them of any possible trouble that might occur in the city. Both Burdon and Hudson then proceeded to the west gate of the city. Finally, Hudson spoke, “We have committed ourselves to our Heavenly Father. His Spirit has guided us to reach out to lost souls in Tungchow. Nothing is going to deter us from our goal. We do take note of your warning and will try to stay out of trouble. Romans 8:31 tells us, ‘If God be for us, who can be against us?’ So, please do not worry, God will take care of us.”
Burdon nodded in agreement and with that, the two missionaries set out, each carrying a bag of books and tracts, to begin their journey of about 7 miles. As wheelbarrows are a cheap source of transport, both decided to engage coolies to transport them in the wheelbarrows to their destination. Along the way, they had to hire new wheelbarrow men because the first two were so frightened by rumours of violent treatment by the Tungchow militia that they refused to go all the way into the city. On top of that, they also met a gentleman who warned them, saying,
52 CHILDREN'S PAGE | Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) | CHILDREN'S PAGE 53 For a while, they walked along the main street, and were taken aback when “Oh, Heavenly Father, our lives are in Thy hands. Surely ‘all things work some locals began nudging one another and pointing at them, calling out “heh- together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to kwei-tsi” (meaning “black devils” in Chinese)! Burdon and Hudson looked at them his purpose’, as Thou has promised in Romans 8:28. Be Thou our present help in trouble, Oh Lord!” Hudson prayed silently in his heart, casting all their troubles at the feet of Christ. Despite the hustling and shouting, Hudson felt a deep peace, and so did Burdon. Undoubtedly, both young men were more determined than ever to give away their books and tracts along the way. They tried their best to do so, but were stopped by their unruly captors.
What a long and weary journey! Hudson found it hard to keep pace with his tormentors and started to slow down again. Then, a sudden thought came to him—“Where is my name card?” He managed to reach into his pocket and pull out a large red paper with his name (in Chinese characters) on it.
“Sir, this is my Chinese card. Please bring us to the chief official of Tungchow.”
“Oh, so you are visitors to our great land! Our apologies. We’ll be arriving soon.” with amusement, not knowing why and what they were saying. Only later did they realise that their clothes were the reason for the name-calling. Undisturbed, both From then on, both missionaries were treated with much courtesy and walked on until they suddenly saw several soldiers ahead of them. With pounding respect. “Praise God for His amazing grace! This is a great relief indeed!” hearts, Burdon and Hudson quickened their pace, hoping that the soldiers would Hudson smiled to himself. leave them alone. To their great joy and relief, they were allowed to progress without any harm. After some time, both young men slowed down and continued Finally, the journey came to an end at the doorway of the mandarin’s residence. at a more leisurely pace. They were chatting happily when, out of the blue, a They were not alone, for there were many of the locals standing around, laughing pair of huge and strong hands gripped Burdon by the shoulders. With all his and gesturing at them. might, Burdon tried to shake off the seemingly drunken man, but without success. Hudson turned swiftly to see what was happening. Just then, many more tough “Sirs, this is where our senior official lives. Please wait while we consult him. and evil-looking men appeared and surrounded both missionaries. Before long, Moving swiftly, representatives from among their captors went in, taking Burdon’s they found themselves being prodded and pushed along as the ruffians hurried and Hudson’s cards, as well as their books, along with them. While waiting, them towards the city! Burdon nodded to Hudson, saying, “See, we have a ready audience here. I shall start preaching to them!” Hudson could not have agreed more to the Poor Hudson! Beads of perspiration began to trickle down the sides of his face. God-given opportunity. He staggered beneath the weight of the bag he was carrying. “How I wish I could ride in a sedan chair! My legs are getting wobbly. Oh, for a cup of tea to quench After some time, the men came out and announced, “We’ve to move on my parched lips!” Pictures of himself sipping fragrant tea from a China teacup and to the magistrate’s office. The mandarin is one of low rank. He cannot help savouring warm sweet buns started to form in his mind. us. Let’s get going!”
“Hey, you dreamer! Do not slow down, or else by the time we reach our “Please pardon us. We simply cannot walk another mile. Do get us chairs, destination, it will be pitch-dark!” otherwise we are not going to follow you,” Burdon tried to reason with the men.
Before he could respond, Hudson felt a sudden jerk of his head. Instantly, he After some hesitation, two chairs were brought, and both missionaries were looked up, only to see the cold, merciless eyes of one of the ruffians glaring at carried off immediately once they were seated. How glad they were for some rest him. The burly man caught hold of Hudson by the collar and spoke menacingly, at last! Along the way, they heard people whispering, “Look, they do not seem like “Move on, brother, we know where to bring you both. Soon, you’ll have your bad men. Poor fellows, to be caught by those militias is most unfortunate for them!” rest!” Hudson was startled by the words and stared across at Burdon. His fellow Such words, unexpectedly, brought a tinge of comfort to their weary hearts… missionary was grim-faced but calm. (To be continued)
54 CHILDREN'S PAGE | Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) | CHILDREN’S PAGE 55