My dear readers,
The Debt We Owe - III
Therefore Tyndale laboured, fully convinced that Scripture alone would do its desired work, for “… the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword …” (Heb 4:12), and that Word “… shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Is 55:11).
William Tyndale’s heart burnt with evangelistic fervour. While in prison, he witnessed to the jailer and his daughter whenever they brought him food. The power of the Gospel, through the lips of the man of God, and by his earnest pleading and manner of life, converted the jailer and members of his household. The love of Jesus in his heart, and the light of God’s Word shining through his testimony won the family to the Lord.
Tyndale demonstrated his faith in Jesus Christ his Saviour by his unshakable confidence in the final victory of that faith, so that he courageously trampled under foot the tribulations, trials and even death itself. Like the Apostle Paul, he was quietly confident, for “… none of those things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy …” (Acts 20:24). Tyndale finished his course in a blaze of glory.
Tyndale’s unwavering faith bore him to his execution on 6 October 1536. He never doubted that the labour of his life would bear fruit, for that labour was founded on the promise of God. Triumphant in death, before his executioner he bore record, “… that I have never altered against the voice of my conscience, one syllable of His Word. Nor would I this day if all the pleasures, honours, and riches of the earth be given me.”
While the executioner was fastening him to the stake, Tyndale exclaimed in a loud and suppliant voice: “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes!” These last words, his dying prayer, were answered. Within two years, the Bible was published in all the realm “by royal authority.” The blood of the martyr had opened the eyes of the King. For the first time, the English people everywhere were reading for themselves in their native tongue the life-giving Word of God: the Reformation in England was secure.
All that has been said of the Tyndale Bible applies to the KJB: with the KJB, the Reformation in England was secure. But the last century saw the end of KJB supremacy: the Reformation has suffered a severe setback by the ascendancy of Modern English Versions, doctored and corrupted in parts to accommodate the advance of ecumenical forces. The adversary is crafty and wily. Working through agents of the Counter Reformation, he has changed Modern English Bibles in vital portions to welcome the world religions, thus paving the way for the eventual formation of the One World Religion. The decline of the KJB is prophetic and no surprise.
What shall we say to all this?
Surely the end time “falling away” of 2 Thess 2:3 has come in the guise of the Modern English Bibles. The “mystery of iniquity” has worked its way into the very repository of Truth, the Bible.
But we thank God, the Word of God is not bound, and while we have days of freedom to own and use the KJB, let us repay our Gospel debt, pressing on with the unfinished Gospel work, looking unto Jesus our coming KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS, Amen. (End of Article)
2. Toronto: “Sow in tears, reap in joy”
It is with greatest joy, and with heart-felt thanks to God that I write of the wonderful blessings of God showered on our daughter; Calvary BP Church in Toronto (Mississauga). Founded in 1994 and sustained mainly by Elder Daniel Chew over these past 13 years, the Church has seen a minor “breakthrough” over the past year-and-a-half in attendance, in spiritual advancement, and in conversions.
Truly, we have witnessed the “reaping in joy” after years of “sowing in tears” (Ps 126:5).
We in Calvary Pandan also have more reason to rejoice over what the Lord is doing half-way around the world. Our member Bro Jimmy Pang is now greatly used by the Lord to be a “right hand man” to Pastor Daniel Chew. He is actively serving in the Church, leading in Worship Services, Prayer Meetings and Family Fellowships. Our YAF members had made great efforts to give Jimmy every opportunity to prepare himself to serve in Canada. Over a 2-year period, Jimmy had received training and encouragement to equip himself for the work awaiting him in Canada. He even followed Elder Chew Chong Kiat on a visit to Sri Lanka, to get a taste of missions.
I have just spoken with Pastor Daniel. He and Mrs Chew (Sylvia) are on the way to Hamilton (another suburban city about an hour’s drive away) to rejoice with a member (Bro Charles) who just found a job today, after a year’s anxious waiting and numerous interviews. Together they will give thanks to God for the wonderful answer to prayer. Remember the verse: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt 6:33)
Once again, I remind readers, “Press on, sowing in tears. The reaping will surely follow, with rejoicing.” Remember Pastor Daniel Chew, who has laboured in God’s vineyard (for most of the time without vacation leave) for all these years. Remember also Mrs Chew (Sylvia) and Bro Jimmy Pang. God bless!
Lovingly in the Lord
Dr SH Tow, Senior Pastor