My dear readers,

1. “To walk where Jesus walked” Holy Land Study Tour
November 1-17, 2007

In eight months’ time another opportunity will be made available to our members to “walk where our Lord walked,” where the Son of God lived and died to give us hope and life everlasting. The Land is like no other land. It contains “history in every step” and man’s future destiny. It is the Land that holds the future of the world.

To our overseas BP Churches: several members who had missed our last trip said, “Why didn’t you tell us? Don’t leave us out next time.” So, here we go! Eight months’ notice for everybody’s benefit. It will be a profitable and unforgettable trip.

2. A Voice from the past: on “Membership Vow”

Every new member promises two things: a) to keep the peace and harmony of the Church, and b) to submit to the authority of its leaders. Some, like the unthinking people of the world, say “vows are made for breaking.” But this is not what God’s Word says.

Charles Bridges, in the 19th Century (about 160 years ago) has excellent exposition from Ecclesiastes, especially for those who think nothing of breaking vows, but justify themselves with many words, forgetting that “in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin” (Prov 10:19 ). Here then is godly wisdom from the past by a man of God, Charles Bridges’ commentary on Ecclesiastes.

3. On Making and Breaking of Vows

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?: For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

This subject of vows requires a very careful and delicate treatment. A solemn engagement advisedly made with God is a transaction needing much prayer and consideration. It should rest upon the clear warrant of God’s Word. It should concern a matter really important, suitable, and attainable. It should be so limited, as to open a way for disentanglement under unforeseen contingencies, or altered circumstances. It will be a hindrance or a help, according as it is the result of impulse, or of intelligence. There must be a real conviction of our total weakness, acted out in simple dependence upon Omnipotent grace; else the most sincere vow will be found too feeble an engagement for the hour of temptation, and will issue in discouragement and perplexity. The soul is rather ensnared than helped, and the enemy gains an advantage even in the very posture of resistance. And yet some special season of covenanting with God may be valuable, to strengthen the weakness of the young disciple, to remind him when he is apt to forget, and to humble him in the consciousness of short-coming or fall. Vows however are not like prayers – our daily work, “without ceasing” (1 Thess 5:17 ). We have burdens and infirmities enough pressing upon us. Let us be careful, that we do not rashly or needlessly multiply them. The obligation indeed more fully belongs to the Old dispensation. The “law of liberty” gives no express direction. We might suppose that a clear apprehension of the terms of the Gospel would render vows altogether unnecessary.

Here, however, is not the direction to make a vow, but the obligation – having made it – cheerfully and instantly to pay it. It is an engagement we should be careful to discharge to man; much more to God. The rule is therefore emphatically repeated – Defer not to pay it. Pay that which thou hast vowed. Instant readiness is the best proof of sincerity. Oh! my God, what is there? – Is there anything that withholds my whole heart this moment from thee? Let me live under the awful weight of the words – He hath no pleasure in fools – “who go about, one while to flatter him in making a vow, and afterwards to mock him in refusing or delaying to pay it.” Far better to have refrained from the vow, which was a self-imposed obligation, than from the payment, which is now a bond upon the soul. To refuse to enlist may be guiltless; but to desert the colours is to be guilty of death. We had need be cautious in making vows, that we may be upright in paying them.

“Make a strait path for our feet.” Go onward in singleness and simplicity of heart. There must be a living faith, not only that we may lay hold at the beginning, but hold on to the end. All depends – not only on laying hold, but holding on.

Every member – so active is the principle of sin – stirs the whole body. The rashness of the mouth causes the flesh, - the whole corrupt mass, - to sin. To how many inconsiderate and unwarranted vows does this warning apply! Never suffer thy mouth to promise what thou canst not, and oughtest not to perform. This is to bring sin upon us, by seeking occasion for it, when God has left us free. The vow of celibacy, without the gift of continency – what a torrent of sin has it poured in upon the Church! (End of quote)

4. Keep the Lord’s Day and remember SGBF

Reminder to God’s faithful. There is blessing in keeping the Lord’s Day holy, in service and worship. Your worship is made complete and blessed when you remember the Lord both morning and evening.

SGBF “Sing unto the King Part II” continues our study of Psalms. There is blessed fellowship at sunset in God’s House. Let all of God’s people not neglect this blessed Evening Service, but come, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, so much the more as you see the day approaching.”

Lovingly in the Lord
Dr SH Tow, Senior Pastor