MARANATHA MESSENGER
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CHURCH 9 July 2017 “Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28) Address: 63 Cranwell Road, Singapore 509851 E mail: [email protected] Sunday School: 9.45 am Sunday English / Chinese Worship Service: 10.45 am Sunday Chinese Worship Service: 7 pm Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 8.00 pm
Unforgettable Lessons From The Pilgrim’s Progress
Introduction
This book will make a traveller of thee, If by its counsel thou wilt rule be; It will direct thee to the Holy Land, If thou wilt its directions understand: Yea, it will make the slothful active be; The blind also delightful things to see.
John Bunyan
In 1678, a godly puritan called John Bunyan was jailed for not conforming to the State requirement of only using the Book of Common Prayer in public worship and services (i.e. the Act of Uniformity in 1662) in Bedford. But in his 12 years in prison (in the prison cell, he asked for three books, namely, the Bible, a Concordance, and his much loved copy of the Book of Martyrs), he wrote an allegorical account of the life of a Christian in his quest from spiritual hopelessness to eternal life. He was a tinker and not a learned scholar like the other puritans (i.e. our Chinese version of the ar na gon nee man) but the content is of a excellent quality. The book, Pilgrim’s Progress gives a sound Puritanical view of Christianity. It is a legendary story of a believer’s journey to heaven. It has many different characters whom Christian met on their journey from the City of Destruction, to finally their destination, the Celestial City which is heaven. This allegory reveals many biblical, practical and theological themes, it depicts the arduous path to salvation in Christ and the many impediments that Christians may face on the journey to heaven, yet sustained by his sovereign grace and mercy.
Characters of Interest
When you read the book (and I strongly encourage you to and it is available in our Maranatha Resource Ministry), you will be introduced to some of the most interesting characters in the book including the villains and good men — the characters who will try the Christian travelers or are to help the Christian travelers along. Let us consider some of the characters and learn from them :
• The Interpreter This is the Spiritual guide who shelters Christian. The Interpreter instructs Christian in the art of reading religious meanings hidden in everyday objects and events, which he houses in his Significant Rooms and he will guide Christian on his way later. • Valiant-for-truth – this is a brave, sword wielding pilgrim. Valiant for truth fought three attackers 1
single handedly and joins Christiana’s group at the end of their journey. He is a faithful comrade that we can trust in the walk of faith. • Gaius This is the kind homeowner and host at the end who welcomes Christiana and her group. Two of Gaius’s daughters marry two of Christiana’s sons and later he will make his way to the Celestial City too. • Hopeful – This is the Pilgrim who replaces Faithful as Christian’s travel companion and confidant after leaving Vanity, all the way to the Celestial City. Hopeful saves Christian’s life in the river before the gates to Mount Zion and is an encouraging and needful friend along the way. • Apollyon – This is to symbolise Satan and is a fire breathing beast attacks travelers on the road, trying to distract, destroy or discourage them and is a deadly foe of all believers. We need to put on the whole Armour of God to with stand his wiles. Satan often tries to convince us our faith in Christ or Christ’s love for us is not real. • Giant Despair – This allegorical enemy lives in Doubting Castle, torturing travelers in his dungeon and if possible, put them in bondage of depression. He was slayed by Great Heart and Christiana’s sons. Some Christians are attacked with doubt about their salvation because of sin in their lives, and they can fall into depression and we need to be vigilant against it. • Worldly Wiseman – This false or deceptive teacher tries to lead travelers astray by giving them wrong directions in life leading to the village of Morality instead. Beware of those who give worldly counsel and believe we only need to live a moral life and we will be free of our guilt and be right with God. • Pliable – This weak willed character gets trapped in the Swamp of Despond, gives up, and later he changed his mind and he gave up and went back home and was mocked by his friends. Some are exposed to Christianity and see it only as depressing religion of shame, guilt, and condemnation and did not embrace the true saving faith in Christ. • Talkative – This character seems like a great companion at first, but he is all talk but no action. He or she is just a godless prayerless, hypocrite. There must be real faith and real conversion leads to repentance of sins and action and a changed life. • Flatterer – A "man black of flesh, but covered with a very light robe," who induces the two Pilgrims to follow him, leading them a circular course into a net from which there appears to be no means of escape. But a Shining One appears with a whipcord, cuts the net, and leads them back to the Holy Way. • Ignorance – A lad who comes down from the Country of Conceit and encounters Christian and Hopeful in the Holy Way. They think he is all wrong in his ideas, but he tells them to mind their own business and refuse to learn. Trailing along behind, Ignorance makes it all the way to the gates of the Celestial City. But as he does not have the proper credentials, the "King" (God) has him thrown down a side pit into Hell. • Evangelist – This is the Preacher of the Holy Word, always ready to help those who are seriously concerned about the state of their souls and about finding the way to Heaven. • And there are many others like Prudence, the daughter who is a godly lady and who has a kind and pleasant disposition and Faithful, a friend of Christian who died at vanity fair and not forgetting Christiana who is the wife of Christian and she followed his footsteps bringing her two daughters along and there are others which we will not be able to cover all of them here (i.e. you need to read the book for yourself).
Lessons from Bunyan
Karen Hardison correctly observes “The many morals include being faithful to Christian theology, belief and practice; being hopeful toward the coming resurrection and union with the God of Christianity; aspire toward attaining a place in the "Celestial City" of Heaven; don't be feeble minded
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and blown from your path by every idea that comes along; be valiant in defending the truth of Christianity; don't yield to despondency; be forever honest with persons; be steadfast in pursuing the righteous of those who attain the Celestial City; bear no ill will toward others; don't prejudge persons, places or ideas; don't be ignorant, lacking in knowledge, training and information; don't be obstinate about doing what is good or right; continue progressing on the pilgrim's path to the Celestial City and righteousness.”
Luke Gikerson quoted the famed London preacher Charles Spurgeon as saying, “Next to the Bible, the book I value most is John Bunyan’s ‘Pilgrim’s Progress.’ I believe I have read it through at least a hundred times. It is a volume of which I never seem to tire; and the secret of its freshness is that it is so largely compiled from the Scriptures. ”Literary critic and playwright George Bernard Shaw believed Bunyan was a better character artist than even William Shakespeare.”
The earliest biographer of Bunyan records that “He comforted those that wept about him, exhorting them to trust in God, and pray to Him for mercy and forgiveness of sins, telling them what a glorious exchange it would be to leave their troubles and cares of a wretched mortality to live with Christ for ever, with peace and joy inexpressible, expounding to them the comfortable Scriptures, by which they were to hope and assuredly come into a blessed resurrection in the last day. He desired some to pray with him, and he joined with them in prayer; and his last words, after he had struggled with a languishing disease, were these, ‘Weep not for me, but for yourselves; I go to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will, through the mediation of His blessed Son, receive me, though a sinner, where I hope were long shall meet to sing the new song and remain everlastingly happy, world without end’.”
Conclusion
The Pilgrim’s Progress, The Holy War, Grace Abounding are three books by John Bunyan that I have read earlier in my Christian life and they had a strong impact on my spiritual walk and revived my heart unto greater consecration, perseverance and devotion to God (he has other works as well). It reminded us of the now World famous tinker, John Bunyan who died at sixty years of age. His body was taken to Bunhill Fields in London and placed in a tomb where others like Isaac Watts had been buried. The ever refreshing and insightful Pilgrim’s Progress has been a famous and memorable Christian classic for over 300 years and it has enjoyed a wide readership among young and old. It has been translated into more than 200 languages. It has been claimed that no English Christian book (except the King James Bible), has the greater readership as Pilgrim’s Progress. Have you read it yet? If not, get a copy from the MRM and read it and be richly challenged and inspired by its sound content and let it warn and guide you in the arduous journey of everlasting life towards the Celestial City one day.
(see John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress, Rickfords Hill Publishing, 2013 and edited from https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/p/the pilgrims progress/character listhttp://www.sparknotes.com/lit/pilgrims/characters.html and http://www.intoxicatedonlife.com/2014/11/02/teens adults read pilgrims progress/)
Jack Sin
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Lessons learnt From The English Reformation Tour
Introduction
This Reformation tour was not merely any holiday or taking a break from work. It is also a study tour for myself. The trip testifies to me that the Light, that breaks through the dawn of the 16th century Reformation, continued its work of illumination in the 17th century and goes beyond borders further north into Scotland and England. Many of the people, that will be mentioned, were convicted of the same beliefs, which were adopted and put forth by the 16th century Reformers. Similar events of martyrdom happened during the 17th century Reformation just like what Hebrews 11:35 38 described. The difference between the two centuries and two geographical locations was the extent of political influence in the affairs of the Church much more starkly in Scotland and England. In this trip, we were also introduced to at least two life stories and testimonies of renowned overseas missionaries to Africa and India.
These are some 38 historical names that should ring a bell to many in the Protestant circles, for instance the Puritans (Richard Baxter, John Owen), Covenanters (Samuel Rutherford, Thomas Halyburton, William Annand, George Buchanan, Marquis of Argyle, James Renwick), Martyrs (Patrick Hamilton, George Wishart, Henry Forrest, Walter Myln, John Hooper, Hugh Latimer, Thomas Cranmer, Nicholas Ridley, Lady Jane Grey, Anne Askew), Reformers (John Knox, Andrew Melville, John Wycliffe, Robert Raikes, John Craig), Revivalists (Robert Murray MCheyne, William Chalmers Burns), Missionaries (David Livingstone, William Carey), Preachers (George Whitefield, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Peter Masters), Writer (John Bunyan, C.S. Lewis), Politician (William Wilberforce) and Musicians (John Newton, William Cowper, Isaac Watts).
Puritans held to their convictions to purify the Church. Covenanters bound themselves to maintain the Presbyterian doctrine and policy as the sole form of religion of their country. Martyrs sealed the truth of God with their blood. Reformers challenged the status quo of the state and Church; for more people to have the Bible in their own language and for children to learn about truth in God’s Word. Revivalists testify God’s work in places like Dundee. Missionaries also testify God’s work in faraway from home countries like Africa and India. Preachers proclaim loudly, widely and faithfully of the truth of God’s Word. Writers use their gift of their pen to inspire countless of Christians’ minds through the centuries till date. Politicians weigh in on social issues with Christian ethics to abolish the slavery and slave trade practices of their generation. Musicians use their gift of composing to create classic hymns that people continue to hum today. Sharing the limelight on this trip was the focus on the women such as Marjorie Bowes (Mrs John Knox), and Susanna Wesley (mother of John and Charles Wesley). 4
Although I am not good with history as a student back in school and did not have much interest in the subject, I started to realise that my church life relates so much to this particular event in church history Reformation: why and how did we branch out initially from the Roman Catholic church and why as Protestant Christians we owe so much to the Reformation today and how we might be taking things for granted. On which front would we carry our predecessors’ torch of zeal for the truth?
Reformation : Places Where God Worked
It was a blessing to revisit the places where the Puritans, Covenanters, Martyrs, Reformers, Revivalists, Missionaries, Preachers, Writer, Politician and Musicians who once stayed, worked, studied or contended in. This tour experience allowed me to join the sights and sounds to the names of people and places written in the books about them and Reformation. Reading will only become much more experiential as I know what was it like at some of the places where the events played out.
In Edinburgh , we visited John Knox House and learned that he lived there for 18 months. It was forfeited from a goldsmith, James Mossman, for the treachery and was later assigned to John Knox (1513–1572). Next up, at the National Museum of Scotland we headed straight to the Kingdom of the Scots section that displayed artefacts, for example of the Covenanters a replica of the Covenanter flag. Then we headed to St Giles’ Cathedral, the principal place of worship of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh 1 for approximately 900 years Knox was chosen minister at St Giles by Edinburgh Town Council and installed in 1559. After Knox died, Andrew Melville (1545– 1622) succeeded him in his ministry. At the Edinburgh Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots, gave birth to James VI in 1566, was home to kings and queens and the Stone of Destiny, which was returned to Scotland and is displayed in the Crown Room. Then we walked down to the Grassmarket, renowned for its public executions by hanging 2 which ceased in 1784 3. A memorial was created to commemorate over 100 Covenanters who died on the gallows between 1661 and 1688 during the period known as The Killing Time. A short walk from the market, we reached the Magdalen Chapel used by Knox’s colleague John Craig (1512–1600) to preach and for the first General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in December 1560. It was certainly used for the Assembly of April 1578 at which Andrew Melville was Moderator and at which the Second Book of Discipline was discussed. In Covenanting times, the Chapel was used for conventicles and the bodies of several of the martyrs were taken there after execution to be dressed in their grave clothes. The table on which the bodies were placed is still to be seen in the Chapel. Then we left for the Greyfriars Kirk, an important place in the history of the Scottish Covenanters. In opposition to the Crown, the National Covenant (1638) document was presented and signed in front of the pulpit. 4 This called for all Scots to band together in opposition to the religious and political policies of their king and against Roman Catholicism. Those who supported the National Covenant were
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known as Covenanters. The Greyfriars Kirkyard surrounds the Greyfriars Kirk. In 1679, some 1,200 Covenanters were imprisoned in a field to the south of the churchyard.
In Berwick-upon-Tweed , where Knox, only forty four then, was posted there by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in 1548. 5 His appointment as an itinerant preacher was a new one when Cranmer had been given authority under King Edward VI and his Protector to spread the Reformation throughout England. A mutual attachment sprang up between Knox and Marjorie Bowes, and before he left Berwick he made a faithful promise to her before witnesses. We also visited the Church of the Holy Trinity. In 1641, before the Civil War began, King Charles I gave money to replace the dilapidated old church in Berwick. And also the nearby Elizabethan Town Walls, the second sets of walls, which are still complete and a mile and a quarter in length. 6 It was designed to keep out the marauding Scots who regularly laid claim to the town.
In St Andrews , the bus stopped before the St Salvator's Chapel where we spotted a monogram of Patrick Hamilton’s initials set into the cobblestones of the pavement of North Street.7 Hamilton (1504–1528), twenty four year of age was tried by Archbishop of St Andrews James Beaton and burnt at the stake as a heretic, outside the front entrance to Chapel. His martyrdom is unusual in that he was almost alone in Scotland during the Lutheran stage of the Reformation. We walked the perimeters to the St Andrew's Castle, The underground 16th century siege mine and countermine, and the 'bottle dungeon', one of the most infamous castle prisons in medieval Britain, which was cut out of the solid rock. 8 Knox and George Wishart may have been imprisoned in this dank and airless space, and this is where it is believed Cardinal Beaton’s body was kept when he was murdered in 1546. Following the murder of Cardinal Beaton, the Protestants took refuge in the castle and formed the first Protestant congregation in Scotland. In April 1547, Knox entered the castle and served as the garrison's preacher for the remainder of the siege. Then we braved the rain and found the monogram of George Wishart’s initials set into the cobblestones outside the Castle, and commemorated by a plaque nearby 9. Wishart (1513 1546) was arrested and at his trial, he was found guilty of being a heretic because of what he had been preaching, even though he answered all the accusations against him by quoting from the Bible and prove that what he had been teaching was from God's Word. He was then hanged and burnt at the stake outside the castle. Walking through the cold and wet weather, we head closer to St Andrews Cathedral, a ruined Roman Catholic cathedral built in 1158 10 . It was robbed of its prized possessions, left abandoned and to fall into ruin until preservation started from 1826. At the Cathedral Burial Ground, we found two of Scotland's greatest theologians, Samuel Rutherford (1600–1661) and Thomas Halyburton (1674–1712), buried in St. Andrews side by side. Martyrs’ Monument was erected to commemorate a number of Protestant figures who were martyred: Patrick Hamilton was first to be burnt at the stake, in 1527, after he promoted the doctrines of Martin Luther. Henry Forest was executed in 1533 for owning a copy of the New Testament in English. George Wishart was burnt at the stake for defying the Catholic Church and Walter Myln followed in 1558, having advocated married clergy 11 .
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In Dundee , we visited St. Peter's Free Church on a stormy afternoon. Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1813 1843) was the minister of St Peter's Church Dundee (1836 1843). We see the grave of the twenty nine year old in the churchyard. St Peter’s was built as part of the Church of Scotland extension programme initiated by William Chalmers Burns (1748–1811) and was situated in a rapidly expanding industrial area of Dundee 12 . McCheyne’s success is often attributed to his disciplined devotional life. He felt so strongly about private and family worship that he devised a yearly calendar for his people to enable them to read the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice. This calendar is still available and widely used today. Much of the life of McCheyne and the environment God placed him in can be found in the book Awakening: the life and ministry of Robert Murray McCheyne (2010), a contemporary account of Robert Murray McCheyne's life written St. Peter’s current Minister David Robertson.
In Airdrie , we visited the Airdrie Reformed Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning for worship and fellowship. The group attended the pre worship lesson followed by an open prayer meeting with the early birds. Praises from the Psalms were sung during worship and Rev Andrew Quigley addressed us with the message. Children were called forward to answer the questions for the week. The pastor would ask and get responses from the kids in front of the congregation.
In Blantyre , we visited The David Livingstone Centre, dedicated to the life and work of the explorer and missionary David Livingstone (1813–1873) 13 . Here Livingstone was born and raised. He was the first European to cross southern Africa and filled huge gaps in western knowledge of the continent 14 . He reported on the cruelties of the slave trade in a campaign to end it and died trying to find the source of the Nile. The museum is packed with items relating to Livingstone’s explorations in Africa 15 . His dead body was given a rare treatment which shows the African’s high respect for Livingstone. Right after, we headed to Livingstone Memorial Church for some refreshing afternoon tea! The pastor and sisters were great examples of ‘lovers of hospitality’ described in Titus 1:8. Hebrews 13 reminds us of living in a Christian community with brotherly love and not to neglect hospitality 16 .
In Leicester , we did not get to see the proper William Carey Museum at the Central Baptist Church, which is undergoing major renovations. However, we were given a lecture by a local church deacon. The museum is dedicated to the work of William Carey (1761–1834) who left Leicester to translate the Bible into 5 Indian languages and the New Testament into 20 more 17 . His sermon on Isaiah 54:2 3 led to the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society with the motto to "Attempt great things for God." "Expect great things from God”. Carey hard work of evangelism bears its first convert after 7 years when he was 39 years old 18 !
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In Lutterworth , we visited St Mary’s Church which dates from the late 13th century and is closely associated with John Wycliffe (1330 1384) who was rector of Lutterworth from 1374 84 19 . He was well educated, being at Oxford at least in 1345, and he completed the first translation of the Bible into English in 1382. Wycliffe was accordingly characterised as the evening star of scholasticism and the Morning Star of the English Reformation 20 . He suffered a stroke and died in 1384. The Church never forgave his attack on them, and he was declared a heretic in 1415. In 1428, forty three years after his death, Pope Martin V had the body exhumed. The remains were then burnt, and the ashes were thrown into the nearby river Swift in Lutterworth.
In Kidderminster , we visited the St Mary & All Saints Church to consider the life of Puritan Richard Baxter (1615–1691). He was unanimously elected as the minister of this church and given £60 a year 21 when he was twenty six. His ministry continued for about 19 years which he accomplished many reforms in Kidderminster and the neighbourhood through 2 3 home visitations a day. The Reformed Pastor was a book which Baxter published in relation to the general ministerial efforts he promoted. He also wrote, The Saints' Everlasting Rest (1650) and Christian Directory (1673) which contains the practical part of his system 22 .
In Gloucester , we viewed the Robert Raikes' House from the streets. Raikes (1736–1811) was an English philanthropist and Anglican layman noted for his promotion of Sunday schools. The movement started with a school for boys in the slums. He saw that vice would be better prevented than cured and schooling as the best intervention. The best available time was Sunday as the boys were often working in the factories the other six days. The best available teachers were lay people. The textbook was the Bible, and the originally intended curriculum started with learning to read and then progressed to the catechism. Raikes was born in Gloucester and was baptised in 1736 at St Mary de Crypt Church in Gloucester. In 1811, Robert Raikes was buried beneath the South Chapel. We visited the church which had The Crypt School founded adjacent to it. George Whitefield (1714– 1770), one of the founders of Methodism, was born in Gloucester and later was a pupil at the school. After Whitefield was ordained after receiving his BA, he immediately began preaching and gave his first sermon at this church in 1736 where he was also baptised. He also preached at St Michael's Church down the street. Though Whitefield and John Wesley differed on doctrine, they were reconciled as friends and co workers, each going his own way. Wesley preached at Whitefield’s funeral. And Whitefield answered that Wesley will be so close to the Throne of God and he will be so far away, that he won’t be able to see him 23 . It is a profound lesson on charity and deference. Along the streets, we also spotted John Hooper’s plaque on a building and his monument at St Mary’s Square. Hooper revealed the ignorance among his clergy not able to repeat the Ten Commandments, and could not tell where the Lord’s Prayer was written. Hooper was the first bishop to be attacked and condemned for heresy. He was executed for heresy by burning during a cold morning and he was in torment for a long time. His name remained as a martyr recorded in Foxe's Book of Martyrs , one of the three books all UK homes would have besides the Bible and The Pilgrim’s Progress .
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In Oxford , we entered Christ Church, a college of the University of Oxford. At the Great Hall, which is Christ Church's dining hall, a portrait of John Wesley, notable alumni of Oxford, is spotted on the wall left of the door entrance at eye level. After a long walk, we arrived at Balliol College, another college of the University, where Wycliffe was the Master in 1361 24 . History states that the Oxford Martyrs were tried for heresy then burnt at the stake, where Broad Street is now located, for their religious beliefs and teachings 25 . The three martyrs were the Anglican bishops Hugh Latimer (1487– 1555), Nicholas Ridley (1500–1555) and Thomas Cranmer (1489–1556), the Archbishop of Canterbury. A small area cobbled with stones forming a cross in the centre of the road outside the front of Balliol College marks the site. The Martyrs' Memorial, a stone monument, also commemorates their courageous stand. Thomas Cranmer recanted his Protestant teachings publicly and in writing. Before his execution, Cranmer recanted his recantation and declared himself a Protestant. When he was burned at the stake, on March 21, 1556, he thrust his right hand in the flames first until it burned away, proclaiming: "I have sinned, in that I signed with my hand what I did not believe with my heart. 26 "
In Olney , we visited the St Peter & St Paul Church, where John Newton (1725–1807), former slave trader was curate 27 . Among the churchyard in the south east corner is the grave of John Newton and his wife Mary. Newton grew up without any particular religious conviction until he met a terrible storm and call out to God for mercy. After experiencing a period of Christian conversion, Newton and William Wilberforce become the greatest advocate of the abolition of the slave trade. Then we passed by the Old Vicarage, where Cowper's friend and clergyman John Newton (1725–1807), wrote the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ to illustrate a sermon a message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of the sins people commit and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God. Before lunch we stopped at The Cowper & Newton Museum. Cowper and Newton had a close relationship visiting one another 28 and wrote the Olney Hymns.
In Bedford , we spotted a street statue of John Bunyan in his hometown. Then we visited John Bunyan Museum to learn his life story. Though Bunyan (1628–1688), a tinker, was given some rudimentary schooling, after he came to Christ, his congregation asked Bunyan to preach, both in the church and to groups of people in the surrounding countryside. He was arrested and imprisoned for 12 years for refusing to give up preaching. John Owen, who listen to an illiterate tinker, is recorded to have replied that he would gladly give up all his learning for the tinker's power of reaching the heart 29 . In prison, Bunyan had a copy of the Bible and of John Foxe's Book of Martyrs , as well as writing materials. He also wrote Grace Abounding and The Pilgrim's Progress . We also visited the Bunyan Meeting Place Church which displays 8 beautiful stained glass which illustrates The Pilgrim’s Progress story. We also went on an additional stop at the Houghton House, a 17th century mansion commanding magnificent views, reputedly the inspiration for the ‘House Beautiful’ in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress . Bunyan's army service provided him with a knowledge of the military language which he then used in his book The Holy War .
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In Elstow , we visited the Abbey Church where Bunyan was baptised in the font in 1628 and as a child and young man he played and worshipped regularly in this church 30 . In 1883 and 1885, the John Bunyan stained glass windows were added in the east wall 31 . The glass in the windows of the North and South Chapels depict “ The Holy War ” and “ The Pilgrim’s Progress ”32 . The Tower in the exterior is detached from the church. There are six bells. The fifth is commonly called the Bunyan Bell.
In London , we made the first stop at Westminster Abbey, one of the United Kingdom's most notable religious buildings and the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English and, later, British monarchs 33 . In the afternoon, we bussed to the Tower of London, a historic castle where Thomas Cranmer, Hugh Latimer, Anne Askew were imprisoned 34 . Only seven people were executed within the Tower before the World Wars of the 20th century one of them was Lady Jane Grey. She is a committed Protestant and martyr 35 . The next day, we visited the British Museum in the morning. Pastor and our guide used the Heritage of Evidence in the British Museum book written by Dr Peter Masters to give us an introduction. The British Museum displays a vast collection of treasures. The huge number of major discoveries provide direct corroboration and background confirmation for an immense sweep of Bible history. In the afternoon, we went to John Wesley’s House, spaces that John Wesley (1703–1791) would have considered home when he wasn’t travelling around the UK on horseback or overseas on missionary work 36 . His small Prayer Room is considered by Methodists all over the world to be the Powerhouse of Methodism. Next is Wesley's Chapel, a Methodist church in London that was built under the direction of John Wesley. It is now a place of worship and visitor attraction, incorporating the Museum of Methodism in its crypt and John Wesley's House next to the chapel. A statue of Wesley with the inscription "the world is my parish" stands at the entrance to the courtyard. His tomb is in the garden at the rear of the chapel. The museum contained artefacts such as a charred Bible, that might be the family’s or John’s. Apart from his disciplined upbringing, a rectory fire which occurred on 9 February 1709, when Wesley was five years old, left an indelible impression 37 . Wesley later utilised the phrase, "a brand plucked out of the fire", quoting Zechariah 3:2, to describe the incident. Bunhill Fields is a former burial ground with approximately 123,000 interments and over 2,000 monuments remain. It was particularly favoured by Nonconformists and contains the graves of many notable people including John Bunyan, Susanna Wesley and Isaac Watts. On Sunday morning, we visited New Life Bible Presbyterian Church (London) for worship. It was chaired by Jonathan Kim and ministered by Rev Carl Martin. The Queen’s Park project was a partnership between the New Life and Calvary B P Churches 38 . On Sunday evening, we visited The Metropolitan Tabernacle for worship and book purchase. Formerly the church of Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834–1892) was the largest nonconformist church of its day in 1861 39 . Today The Tabernacle still worships and holds to its Biblical foundations and principles under its present pastor, Rev (Dr) Peter Masters. We were told they are running Sunday Schools for hundreds of children.
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Thoughts on this place. Being in the UK for the first time, I learn about the place, people and culture. Through the short trip and visiting the churches, one could sense the spiritual declining situation in this once upon a Christian nation whether it be Catholic or Protestant. From the trip, we learn that even the popular tourist to go churches do not have many in their congregation. This means some segments of the church might not have a fellowship and fewer things could be done together as a church. We should recognise our blessedness in our local churches for there are opportunities to serve in a group of hundreds and more.
Reformation : Person Whom God Worked On
One of the places I enjoyed visiting was St Peter's at Dundee. It is a church which Robert Murray MCheyne ministered. In David Robertson's book Awakening about MCheyne, MCheyne testified of a young boy James Laing who died full of faith at a young age of 13. He was ill on the sickbed yet his faith was strengthened to encourage visitors and MCheyne gave him a mention which can be found in Appendix D "Another Lily Gathered". The depth of conviction and spiritual insight unfolded in the earthly pilgrimage of this young boy of "Full Stature" should make each and every one of us examine himself, and, especially our dealings with the young 40 .
There was no "holding back" of the sternest of truths in the preaching men like McCheyne, even when preaching to those of tender years. "You are not too young to be converted and brought to Christ. If you die without Christ, you will surely perish. The most of you are wicked, idle, profane, prayerless, ungodly children if you die thus, you will have your part in the lake of fire that burneth with brimstone." And yet, it was such preaching that made the roots of this tender plant, Jamie Laing, sink deeply into those two great prerequisites to any assurance of salvation: "Repentance towards God, and Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ."
James Laing was born in 1828 and while still only a boy of eight years old was bereft of his mother through the fever that was to later lay hold on him, as well, and usher him into Christ's presence. McCheyne tells us "the first time that James showed any concern for his soul was in 1839." Those were the days of Revival at St. Peter's where McCheyne was Pastor. Jamie's elder brother and his sister had both been awakened during those days. On one occasion when James' older sister returns home, she finds her two brothers upon their knees "earnestly crying for mercy." The older boy confides in his sister that “James feels he needs Christ too"; but James’ "need" proved to be like the "morning dew that passeth away."
Yet, the Holy Spirit was working and it became more and more evident in his life. Tears flowed down his cheeks at the reading of God's Word in the Sabbath school, and then the fever taken hold on the young life and there lay before the young boy many months of violent suffering. Out of all the tribulation, God was going to bring glory to His Name and salvation to the soul of the boy in 11
need. In his agony of soul, he asked "Have I only to believe that Jesus died for sinners? Is that all?" How simple the way of salvation seemed to him now. He clearly sees the plain of mercy. That his salvation had been "all of grace", the young lad never doubted. It was Jesus that he had cried for in his time of need, and Jesus only, who had met that need.
How often, in the history of Christ's Church, has the deathbed become the pulpit. Even so, was the death bed of young James Laing. He ministered to all and sundry from his dying pillow – for all came to his bedside to dwell on the words that fell like honey from his lips. But, it was especially on those boys of his own age and interests that his words fell with the most power. "I have sinned with you," he used to tell them as they gathered around his bed when the Sabbath school was ended, "now I would like you to come to Christ with me."
Reformation : People For God
It was a delight and encouragement to meet the people who are interested in the Reformation during this tour. Some of my friends and colleagues asked whether I am going on a ‘pilgrimage’. That is somewhat true. Some years back, when my friend in church heard that I am going for such a trip, he was frank to say “What a waste! I would not go Europe on a pilgrimage.” Could this be a sign that the Reformation is losing its appeal in my generation? The Protestant Reformation still has its relevance in the church today after five centuries. Many thanks go to the labour of love by Pastor Jack and sister Angie, for they see the value of sharing church history for the edifying of the saints.
There are lessons we can learn from the Reformation from the past, to examine the present, and to hold to the future. The medieval church is still the same, the doctrines have not changed but some Protestants have slowly given in to the demands of theological and ecumenical compromise for peace and unity. The true church is still the same, we “look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), Christ is the object of our faith. When we pause to reflect on the stops on this trip, we should wonder strangely why we have visited countless of graves and monuments. I ponder that what really matters when one passes on is that it should be a life that was lived meaningfully for God, burnt out for Christ, used greatly by the Holy Spirit to convert people in their generation. These were the recurring themes of the saints. As followers of Christ, we must keep to the sound biblical doctrines taught by our Lord and walk the “old paths” of His faithful servants (Jeremiah 6:16), who also form “so great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) in the 16th and 17th century. They stood unswervingly, withstanding the tide of the day and fought for the purity of faith in the last days (Jude 3 4) and even being tried by the fire of men. Thank God for the lessons learnt and it was a real delight to know and walk with fellow believers with Christ.
Reformation : God’s Providence then, Now and Forever More
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In the first half of 2017, I studied the Book of Esther and learnt of God’s Providence in the details such as the reversal of the slaying of all Jews through the discovery of Esther and promotion of Mordecai. From the trip, I also learnt of God’s Providence in paving the way for Reformation through Huss and Wycliffe, and His working in men, Reformers and Puritans, who bring light back to Christians, for example, the basic rights of access to the Bible and the right doctrine of salvation. This benefit to spiritual lives over the last five centuries is immeasurable.
In our trip, we should also recount God’s Providence. Similar to our last trip with the Paris terror attack incident on 13 November 2015, we thank God for our peace, safety and journey mercies we had during the trip as another incident happened on 22 May 2017 the Manchester terror attack. We were then residing in Windermere, further south of Manchester. In the times of pre Reformation, because Reformed individuals defended their truths, the religious and political leaders harm them physically. In our times, because radicalised individuals fought for their ‘truths’, they harm others physically. In both situations, our Christian brethren were vulnerable to threats of bodily harm. As we watch the breaking news on 23 May, Prime Minister Theresa May announced that the UK's terror threat level was raised to "critical", its highest level. The threat level remained critical until 27 May, when it was reduced to its previous level of “severe”. In fact, our pilgrimage as an organised group is vulnerable to any kind of attack by going around places of interests and into restaurants. In such reality, many have felt uneasy. We are prompted to think about life and it tested our faith of what happens after unexpected death. May God strengthen our hope after death and remain steadfast with the true faith at the brim of death.
God’s Providence continues to shine in four ways. 1) A fire broke out at Changi Airport Terminal 2 on 16 May, hours before our departure from Singapore. Flights were diverted to Terminal 3, which we will be departing from. Although we were concerned about flight delays the next day, our worries were allayed when Terminal 2 reopened on 17 May. 2) British Airways cancelled all flights from London's Heathrow airports on 27 May, three days before our departure from London. Flights were disrupted and we were concerned about chaos at the airport. Our worries were allayed when flights were resumed on 28 May. 3) A terror attack took place at the London Bridge on 3 June, when a van mounted the pavement and drive into pedestrians. The van crashed, and the three male occupants ran to the nearby Borough Market pub and restaurant area, where they stabbed people with long knives. Thank God the group is safe as we were already out of London and back home. 4) Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, the Kelvin Chin UAE, and the internationally recognised Yemeni government severed their diplomatic relations with Qatar on 5 June, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism. Thank God the group had comfortable Qatar flights back to Singapore and were not affected by grounded flights.
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I do not believe all these happened coincidentally. God’s Providence shines brightly today and will be even so into the future till His Second Coming.
Kelvin Chin
Evangel BP Church
Singapore
(NB. This is an assignment submitted for the Emmanuel Reformed Bible College (ERBC) course.)
Bibliography provided in the assignment.
++++++++++ Thanksgiving from London
Thank you for this most recent edition of the Messenger. Thank you for the helpful information on Missions, not only those you are involved with, but the principles from William Carey. May our Lord use the information to help other ministries that may not have a particular interest in missions.
We have been encouraged by the presence of Fong Jing Heng from Maranatha BPC Singapore. I had opportunity to speak with him this Sunday past and heard his testimony of his family having come to Christ and being pleased to find Maranatha. I look forward to further opportunities to invest in him while he is in London.
May the Lord bless you richly today.
Dr Carl Martin New Life BP Church London
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Theme for the Quarter :
Developing A Biblical World View
English Worship Service
Rev Dr Jack Sin speaks on Power Unto Life And Godliness (Scripture Text : 2 Peter 1:1 4; Responsive Reading : 1 Timothy 4:1 16)
Mission Sunday
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[End of MM]
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