APR 30

Philippians 2:12-18
Memorise Philippians 2:16
“Holding forth the word of life”

WHICH WAS THE FIRST BP CHURCH?

Upon his return from the States, Rev. Timothy Tow presented his credentials to an eager congregation from the text, “Holding forth the Word of Life” (Philippians 2: 16). Thus all were called upon to be witnesses for God, to make the gospel known to others and keeping up the knowledge of it in the world. This also includes being salt and light to the world, to defend the Word of God when attacking and rebuking sin. The exemplary and holy lives of the members of a church will be one of the sources of highest joy to a minister in the Day of Judgment.

Timothy Tow himself exemplified a life wholly devoted to the Lord. He served the Lord for over 50 years and was available to his flock 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. He had a burning zeal for souls, for in his early days he energetically travelled to Malaysia’s villages to reach out to the Chinese. Together with Rev. Hsu Chiang Tai, they travelled to 60 new villages to distribute a hundred thousand tracts and thousands of gospel portions.

There was a policy of immediate self-support, according to the biblical principle that “they which preach the Gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14). The pastor was content with whatever free-will offerings each week. There were Family Worship, Prayer Meetings, Church Visitations, Special Gospel Meetings, Youth Fellowship and reorganization of the Sunday School. The Church was busy with work for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.

Dear teen, are you playing your part to hold forth the Word of Life? Do you go beyond attendance at Teens Sunday School lessons on Sunday? Do pray and seek to learn as much as you can during these lessons. It saddens many a teacher’s heart and parents’ too (if they know it) that their teen(s) are passively idling their time away during this precious learning time. Prepare yourself to attend Youth Fellowship (YF) for you need to grow in so many ways. Once you start to attend, be regular and consistent as well as be an active participant. Remember you are in a spiritual battle.

Thought: An inch of time is an inch of gold
Prayer: Lord, grant that we may have eyes to see and hearts to know that time is to be used wisely for Thee.