GREETINGS FROM OUR OBSERVER
BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES
at the Inauguration of the
Bible-Presbyterian Church in Singapore on 8th October, 2011
Mt Carmel B-P Church
The Pastors and Elders of Mt Carmel B-P Church welcome the move to form a B-P Presbytery. We are encouraged by the atmosphere of congeniality, humility and like-mindedness in the deliberations that led to this happy occasion. We also appreciate the Zion pastors for exercising leadership, patience and perseverance in persuading B-P churches to emerge from their immediate congregational pre-occupations and work towards renewal of fellowship and ties. It is an integral part of our Presbyterian heritage that autonomous congregations unite as an ecclesiastical federal assembly for mutual edification, witness and support. At the same time, let us re-discover the Bible-Presbyterian ethos of biblical soundness and separation to maintain organizational purity, but in a ministerial and declarative manner that respects and edifies our churches. Mt Carmel hopes to play its part in a B-P Presbytery that glorifies God and extends His Kingdom.
Faith B-P Church
The inauguration tonight of the Presbytery of the "BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SINGAPORE" is in keeping with the worldwide system of Presbyterianism. May it be our prayer that in due course as the Lord tarries, our B-P Churches will develop more presbyteries to form a "Synod" again.
Galilee B-P Church
Thank God for moving the hearts of the leaders of Zion Serangoon, Zion Bishan, Herald B-P Church and Emmanuel B-P Church to come together to form the new Presbytery of the Bible-Presbyterian Church of Singapore. We had been saddened over the closure of the old Presbytery and Synod in 1988. We thank God for this resurrection and renewal. We pray God that the new Presbytery would be a source of great blessing as it seeks to bring together brethren of like-precious faith under the same umbrella to serve as a united witness in Singapore and to advance God's Kingdom. In these last and darkening days prior to our Lord's return, how necessary it is to have a united body to stand for the truth of God's Word and to speak out against unbelief. May the Lord be pleased to bless the new Presbytery and may more B-P churches be minded to stand unitedly against the inroads of ecumenism, charismatism, unbelief and moral degradation. May God help us. Jude 1:3 "…earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints".
Grace B-P Church
Praise the Lord for the formation of the new Presbytery of the B-P Church in Singapore. We pray that the Lord will bless and prosper the Presbytery. May we see the Lord moving the hearts of all like-minded B-P Churches coming again together one day. It is not impossible. This is only the beginning. (Prov. 3: 5-6)
Hebron B-P Church
Congratulations to the member churches of: Zion Serangoon B-P Church, Zion Bishan B-P Church, Herald B-P Church, and Emmanuel B-P Church, who form the new Presbytery of the BPCS. After 23 years of separated independence, this is a good start for the B-P churches to re-unite together under the banner of the BPCS. Hebron B-P Church supports this Presbytery as an observer church and, we hope that as time goes on, the investment placed into the Presbytery by each B-P church would further unite and strengthen the bonds of friendship and shared common values that will lead to the expansion and growth of the Presbytery for the glory of God. "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
Mt Hermon B-P Church
The prayers of Mount Hermon are with the churches inaugurating the Presbytery today. May love and unity like the dew of Hermon fall on the BP churches in Singapore, drawing us all closer to the Lord and to one another (Psalm 133).
Mt Horeb B-P Church
Thanks be to God for the Inaugural Meeting of the Presbytery. We wish to thank Pastor Quek and Pastor David Wong especially for their faithfulness and endurance throughout the process. The Word of the Lord in Ephesians 4:11-16 reminds us of our role as Pastors and Elders. We are to prepare God's people for ministry and to build up the church in unity of faith in Christ Jesus. We will then not be tossed about by every wind of false teachings. May the Lord bless and keep the Presbytery united in love and in truth to the glory of God.
Olivet B-P Church
Greetings in the Precious Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It is a joy to see fellow pastors coming together to form the new Presbytery. Once again, we are reminded that we are part of a bigger family, where we can fellowship, share, exchange ideas, support and encourage one another. We thank the members of the organizing committee for their perseverance and hard work in laying the groundwork for its formation. The formation of the Presbytery looked dim initially, but the Lord graciously opens the pathway and now, praise the Lord, the Presbytery is being formed. It is my prayer that the Presbytery will be conducted in a better, more effective and biblical manner than the old Synod, upholding both grace and truth which are exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:18). May the Presbytery serve as a common platform for church leaders to come together with the purpose of seeking partnership and discovering efficacious ways to minister to our congregations in this new, challenging and fast changing era. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil 1:6).
Shalom B-P Church
Today marks a new chapter and milestone of the B-P Church with the inaugural meeting of the Presbytery of the B-P Church in Singapore. We congratulate the four pioneer member churches - Zion Bishan, Zion Serangoon, Emmanuel and Herald - for taking the lead in this initiative, and, by God's grace, be instrumental in the strengthening and unifying of the B-P Church, for the glory of God and the advancement of the gospel ministry. Our prayers and well wishes are with you all. May the Lord's blessing and enabling rest upon each of you - individually and collectively - and may you prosper in all your endeavours. "Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it" (Psalm 90:16-17).
THIS BLOG HAS STRONG LANGUAGE. READER DISCRETION IS ADVICED.
19.1.17
The list of heretical Bible Presbyterian Churches in Australia
These are the Bible Presbyterian Churches and ministers who are preaching Verbal Plenary Preservation in their churches, as we know Verbal Plenary Preservation is a heresy. These are heretical churches:
Dr S H Tow is proponent of Verbal Plenary Preservation, he is the author of Beyond Versions and the contributing editor of the Defined King James Bible. He serves as advisory/supervisory pastor of Ebenezer Bible-Presbyterian Church (Melbourne), Sydney Bible-Presbyterian Church.
Dr S H Tow is proponent of Verbal Plenary Preservation, he is the author of Beyond Versions and the contributing editor of the Defined King James Bible. He serves as advisory/supervisory pastor of Ebenezer Bible-Presbyterian Church (Melbourne), Sydney Bible-Presbyterian Church.
Bethel Bible-Presbyterian Church
10 Downing Street, Oakleigh, Victoria 3166, Australia
Tel: +61 3-9568-4526 / Fax: +61 3-9568-2217
Email: bethelbpc@gmail.com/
Website: http://www.bethelbpc.com.au/
Pastor: Rev Paul Cheng
Associate Pastor: Rev Stephen Khoo
10 Downing Street, Oakleigh, Victoria 3166, Australia
Tel: +61 3-9568-4526 / Fax: +61 3-9568-2217
Email: bethelbpc@gmail.com/
Website: http://www.bethelbpc.com.au/
Pastor: Rev Paul Cheng
Associate Pastor: Rev Stephen Khoo
Bible-Presbyterian Church of Western Australia (BPCWA)
27 Ullapool Road, Mount Pleasant, Western Australia 6153, Australia
Tel: +61 8-9364-9898 / Fax: +61 8-9316-3033
Email: bpcwa@bpcwa.org.au
Website: http://www.bpcwa.org.au/
Supervisory Pastor: Rev (Dr) Tow Siang Hwa
27 Ullapool Road, Mount Pleasant, Western Australia 6153, Australia
Tel: +61 8-9364-9898 / Fax: +61 8-9316-3033
Email: bpcwa@bpcwa.org.au
Website: http://www.bpcwa.org.au/
Supervisory Pastor: Rev (Dr) Tow Siang Hwa
Brisbane Bible-Presbyterian Church
23 King St, Annerley, QLD 4103, Australia
Tel: +61 7-3844-1264
Email: brisbanebpc@yahoo.com.au
Website: http://www.brisbanebpc.org.au/
Pastor: Rev Hien Nguyen
23 King St, Annerley, QLD 4103, Australia
Tel: +61 7-3844-1264
Email: brisbanebpc@yahoo.com.au
Website: http://www.brisbanebpc.org.au/
Pastor: Rev Hien Nguyen
Ebenezer Bible-Presbyterian Church
606-662 Mount Dandenong Road, Kilsyth, Victoria 3137, Australia
Tel: +61 3-9890-4488 / Fax: +61 3-9890-4166
Email: contact@ebenezerbpc.org
Website: http://www.ebenezerbpc.org/
Supervisory Pastor: Rev (Dr) Tow Siang Hwa
Pastor: Rev (Dr) Patrick Tan
Preacher: Pr Lim Hai Seng, Pr Damien Choong
Tel: +61 3-9890-4488 / Fax: +61 3-9890-4166
Email: contact@ebenezerbpc.org
Website: http://www.ebenezerbpc.org/
Supervisory Pastor: Rev (Dr) Tow Siang Hwa
Pastor: Rev (Dr) Patrick Tan
Preacher: Pr Lim Hai Seng, Pr Damien Choong
Faith Presbyterian Church–Perth
18 Kerry St. Dianella, Western Australia 6059, Australia
Mailing Address: PO Box 151, Innaloo City 6915, Australia
Tel: +61 8-9345-4446 / Fax: +61 8-9344-4129
Email: edstone@space.net.au
Website: http://www.faithpc.com.au/
Pastor: Rev Errol Stone
18 Kerry St. Dianella, Western Australia 6059, Australia
Mailing Address: PO Box 151, Innaloo City 6915, Australia
Tel: +61 8-9345-4446 / Fax: +61 8-9344-4129
Email: edstone@space.net.au
Website: http://www.faithpc.com.au/
Pastor: Rev Errol Stone
Sydney Bible-Presbyterian Church
40 Stanbury Street, Gladesville, New South Wales 2111, Australia
Mailing Address: PO Box 3303, Putney, New South Wales 2111, Australia
Tel: +61 2-9817-4295 / Fax: +61 2-9807-9217
Email: sydneybp@ihug.com.au
Website: http://www.sydneybp.com.au/
Supervisory Pastor: Rev (Dr) Tow Siang Hwa
Pastor: Eld Koh Kim Hiang
Mailing Address: PO Box 3303, Putney, New South Wales 2111, Australia
Tel: +61 2-9817-4295 / Fax: +61 2-9807-9217
Email: sydneybp@ihug.com.au
Website: http://www.sydneybp.com.au/
Supervisory Pastor: Rev (Dr) Tow Siang Hwa
Pastor: Eld Koh Kim Hiang
The list of heretical Bible Presbyterian Churches in Malaysia
These are the Bible Presbyterian Churches and ministers who are preaching Verbal Plenary Preservation in their churches, as we know Verbal Plenary Preservation is a heresy. These are heretical churches:
Bukit Gambir Bible-Presbyterian Church
111 Jalan Sungai Bilah, Taman Desa Besar, 84800 Bukit Gambir, Muar, Johore, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6 9762-984 / Fax: +60 6 9762-984
Email: kwkoa@yahoo.com
Supervisory Pastor: Rev Koa Keng Woo
Preacher: Pr Teo Siew Bee
Calvary Bible-Presbyterian Church, Sibu
1B Rejang Park, Lorong 17, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +60 8 4332-768
Email: sooning@pd.jaring.my
Pastor: Pr Ling Soon Ing
Calvary Jaya Bible-Presbyterian Fellowship
7 Jalan 17/1, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 7958-2185 / Fax: +60 3 7956-7134
Email: calvary@tm.net.my
Website: http://www.calvaryjaya.org/
Pastor: Rev Lee Kim Shong
Calvary Puchong Bible-Presbyterian Church
21 A&B Jalan Puchong Permai 2, Taman Puchong Permai, 47100 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 5882-3381 / Fax: +60 3 7956-7134
Email: calvary@tm.net.my
Website: http://www.calvaryjaya.org/
Pastor: Rev Lee Kim Shong
Calvary Miri Bible-Presbyterian Church
Lot 6780 & 6781, 2nd Floor, Taman Tunku Shopping Centre, Jalan Kuching, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +60 8 561-5524 / Fax: +60 8 561-5524
Email: harrison025@yahoo.com
Pastor: Pr Harrison Kasip Wan
Impian Bible-Presbyterian Church
62-1A, Jalan PDR 5, Kawasan Perniagaan Desa Ria 2, 43300 Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia
Mailing Address: No 47, Jalan Taming Sari 2, Taman Taming Jaya, 43300 Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 1 2790-9954 / Fax: +60 1 2510 9954
Email: limrenmuh@yahoo.com
Pastor: Pr Lim Ren Muh
Kemaman Life Bible-Presbyterian Church
Lot 573 Jalan Che Teng, 24000 Chukai, Kemaman, Trengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia
Mailing Address: 5 KCP Jalan Lebai Saras, 24000 Chukai, Kemaman, Trengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia
Tel: +60 9 859-1913 / Fax: +60 9 859-1086
Email: tswee@streamyx.com
Contact: Dn (Dr) Wee Tiong Soon
Muar Bible-Presbyterian Church
30-1, Jalan Junid, 84000 Muar, Johore, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6 9510-175
Email: kwkoa@yahoo.com
Pastor: Rev Koa Keng Woo
Rawang Bible-Presbyterian Church
Batu 4 1/2, Jalan Sungai Mati, 84000 Muar, Johore, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6 9534-634
Email: kwkoa@yahoo.com
Pastor: Rev Koa Keng Woo
Preacher: Pr Sim Yong Chang
Tangkak Bible-Presbyterian Fellowship
3 Jalan Sialang, Taman Sri Tangkak, 84900 Tangkak, Johore, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6 979-1162
Email: kcyap19@hotmail.com
Pastor: Pr Yap Kim Chuan
Bukit Gambir Bible-Presbyterian Church
111 Jalan Sungai Bilah, Taman Desa Besar, 84800 Bukit Gambir, Muar, Johore, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6 9762-984 / Fax: +60 6 9762-984
Email: kwkoa@yahoo.com
Supervisory Pastor: Rev Koa Keng Woo
Preacher: Pr Teo Siew Bee
Calvary Bible-Presbyterian Church, Sibu
1B Rejang Park, Lorong 17, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +60 8 4332-768
Email: sooning@pd.jaring.my
Pastor: Pr Ling Soon Ing
Calvary Jaya Bible-Presbyterian Fellowship
7 Jalan 17/1, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 7958-2185 / Fax: +60 3 7956-7134
Email: calvary@tm.net.my
Website: http://www.calvaryjaya.org/
Pastor: Rev Lee Kim Shong
Calvary Puchong Bible-Presbyterian Church
21 A&B Jalan Puchong Permai 2, Taman Puchong Permai, 47100 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 5882-3381 / Fax: +60 3 7956-7134
Email: calvary@tm.net.my
Website: http://www.calvaryjaya.org/
Pastor: Rev Lee Kim Shong
Calvary Miri Bible-Presbyterian Church
Lot 6780 & 6781, 2nd Floor, Taman Tunku Shopping Centre, Jalan Kuching, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tel: +60 8 561-5524 / Fax: +60 8 561-5524
Email: harrison025@yahoo.com
Pastor: Pr Harrison Kasip Wan
Impian Bible-Presbyterian Church
62-1A, Jalan PDR 5, Kawasan Perniagaan Desa Ria 2, 43300 Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia
Mailing Address: No 47, Jalan Taming Sari 2, Taman Taming Jaya, 43300 Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 1 2790-9954 / Fax: +60 1 2510 9954
Email: limrenmuh@yahoo.com
Pastor: Pr Lim Ren Muh
Kemaman Life Bible-Presbyterian Church
Lot 573 Jalan Che Teng, 24000 Chukai, Kemaman, Trengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia
Mailing Address: 5 KCP Jalan Lebai Saras, 24000 Chukai, Kemaman, Trengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia
Tel: +60 9 859-1913 / Fax: +60 9 859-1086
Email: tswee@streamyx.com
Contact: Dn (Dr) Wee Tiong Soon
Muar Bible-Presbyterian Church
30-1, Jalan Junid, 84000 Muar, Johore, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6 9510-175
Email: kwkoa@yahoo.com
Pastor: Rev Koa Keng Woo
Rawang Bible-Presbyterian Church
Batu 4 1/2, Jalan Sungai Mati, 84000 Muar, Johore, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6 9534-634
Email: kwkoa@yahoo.com
Pastor: Rev Koa Keng Woo
Preacher: Pr Sim Yong Chang
Tangkak Bible-Presbyterian Fellowship
3 Jalan Sialang, Taman Sri Tangkak, 84900 Tangkak, Johore, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6 979-1162
Email: kcyap19@hotmail.com
Pastor: Pr Yap Kim Chuan
The list of heretical Bible Presbyterian Churches in Singapore
The list of heretical Bible Presbyterian Churches in Singapore
Berean Bible-Presbyterian Church
48A Foch Road, Singapore 209272
Tel: 6744-3566
Email: contact@bereanbpc.com
Website: http://www.bereanbpc.com/
Pastor: Rev Tan Kian Sing
Berith Bible-Presbyterian Church
5 Jalan Haji Salam, Singapore 468745
Tel: 6445-5220 / Fax: 6441-2757
Email: pastor@berithbpc.com
Website: http://www.berithbpc.com/
Pastor: Rev Wee Eng Moh
Calvary Pandan Bible-Presbyterian Church
201 Pandan Gardens, Singapore 609337
Tel: 6560-3885 / Fax: 6566-3806
Email: calbp@pacific.net.sg
Website: http://www.calvarypandan.org/
Senior Pastor: Rev (Dr) Tow Siang Hwa
Pastor: Rev (Dr) Quek Suan Yew
Preachers: Pr Lek Aik Wee, Pr Ko Lingkang
Calvary Tengah Bible-Presbyterian Church
345 Choa Chu Kang Road, Singapore 689485
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 057, Clementi Central Post Office, Singapore 911202
Tel: 6560-3885 / Fax: 6566-3806
Email: church@mytengah.com
Website: http://www.mytengah.com/
Advisory Pastor: Rev (Dr) Quek Suan Yew
Pastor Designate: Dr Paul Ferguson
Preachers: Pr James Tan, Pr Kelvin Wong
Elim Bible-Presbyterian Church
30 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258352
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 141, Newton Post Office, Singapore 912205
Tel: 9633-0570
Email: fireinbone@hanmail.net
Website: http://elimbp.onmam.com/
Pastor: Rev Park Seung Kyu
Preacher: Pr Kim Hak Soo
Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church
10 Eunos Road 8, #05-31 Singapore Post Centre, Singapore 408600
Mailing Address: 510 Geylang Road, #02 - 06, Singapore 389466
Tel: 6741-1910 / Fax: 6741-1016
Email: gethsemane@pacific.net.sg
Website: http://www.gethsemanebpc.com/
Pastor: Rev (Dr) Prabhudas Koshy
Preacher: Pr Dennis Kabingue
True Life Bible-Presbyterian Church
30 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258352
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 141, Newton Post Office, Singapore 912205
Tel: 6254-1287, 6250-2138
Email: febc@pacific.net.sg
Website: http://www.truelifebpc.org.sg/
Truth Bible-Presbyterian Church
201 Pandan Gardens, Level 3, Singapore 609337
Tel: 6566-5519 / Fax: 6566-5509
Email: admin@truthbpc.com
Website: http://www.truthbpc.com/
Advisory Pastor: Rev (Dr) Quek Suan Yew
Pastor: Rev Dennis Kwok
Preachers: Pr John Loo, Pr Joshua Yong
Urgent email to heaven
God, this email is for You,
and there are people watching.... when I am typing this email to You.
You knew when we are poor and needy...., we had been oppressed, even by our own people....You knew everything...
the Chinese pagan and temples send someone as a trojan to come to attack us within, and they nearly destroy our business and works, they are still trying until today....mocking us days and nights
the Chinese and his political parties had been involved in attacking us behind, and continue until today...I cannot write everything in this email, but You know every thing...even until Xi chuan they still do not repent.....
the Indian had been attacking us....until the Bombay event..... they had been a little quite down...until today they did not repent...continue to start another wave of attack, the evil man is coming with authority behind...
and the Malay authority had sent a lot people, and using a lot of ways to disturb us, they continue to attack me until today, I cannot report to any one, accept to God, because they will not see our reports, and there is no record even after we report to them, unless through this email to You, please intervene, help us...You know how.
and continue the terrorist had hijacked our churches in the south east, by controlling the kitchen, using charm and evil power to take over the churches building even the whole churches are under their control, this is what I see in these 6 years...they used the church to launch the political and evil influences onto the people here, please come and interfere these churches...the Chinese here are fighting among ourselves.....and there is no end, we are weaken by these fights and quarrels.
We had been oppressed and strike by a strong dark force in this area, the churches are barren Spiritually, the evil power is in the air and space over us, please come to break this evil power...even until today the churches are under the siege from this force, the leadership are in need...In Jesus Name I sent this email to You,....
Send some angels with power here for us...
Thanks a lot....
Thank God for reading the email...
In Jesus Christ's Name,
Sending to God the Father.
and there are people watching.... when I am typing this email to You.
You knew when we are poor and needy...., we had been oppressed, even by our own people....You knew everything...
the Chinese pagan and temples send someone as a trojan to come to attack us within, and they nearly destroy our business and works, they are still trying until today....mocking us days and nights
the Chinese and his political parties had been involved in attacking us behind, and continue until today...I cannot write everything in this email, but You know every thing...even until Xi chuan they still do not repent.....
the Indian had been attacking us....until the Bombay event..... they had been a little quite down...until today they did not repent...continue to start another wave of attack, the evil man is coming with authority behind...
and the Malay authority had sent a lot people, and using a lot of ways to disturb us, they continue to attack me until today, I cannot report to any one, accept to God, because they will not see our reports, and there is no record even after we report to them, unless through this email to You, please intervene, help us...You know how.
and continue the terrorist had hijacked our churches in the south east, by controlling the kitchen, using charm and evil power to take over the churches building even the whole churches are under their control, this is what I see in these 6 years...they used the church to launch the political and evil influences onto the people here, please come and interfere these churches...the Chinese here are fighting among ourselves.....and there is no end, we are weaken by these fights and quarrels.
We had been oppressed and strike by a strong dark force in this area, the churches are barren Spiritually, the evil power is in the air and space over us, please come to break this evil power...even until today the churches are under the siege from this force, the leadership are in need...In Jesus Name I sent this email to You,....
Send some angels with power here for us...
Thanks a lot....
Thank God for reading the email...
In Jesus Christ's Name,
Sending to God the Father.
If you do not like to stay, go out!
You hear this solemnly in the Parliament,
You hear this being preached in some churches,
You hear this sometimes in ICCC,
You hear this a few times in a day...in our country!
Do not surprise...just stay put
One day, I met a church leader, telling me about a pastor,
this pastor said to his church, if he heard anyone who is gossiping about him, gossip behind him.
He will excommunicate that member from the church! Serious!
You hear this being preached in some churches,
You hear this sometimes in ICCC,
You hear this a few times in a day...in our country!
Do not surprise...just stay put
One day, I met a church leader, telling me about a pastor,
this pastor said to his church, if he heard anyone who is gossiping about him, gossip behind him.
He will excommunicate that member from the church! Serious!
Institutes of the Christian Religion
John Calvin wrote in his Institutes of the Christian Religion.
“First, then, the signs are bread and wine, which represent the invisible food which we receive from the body and blood of Christ.”[1]He used wine in the Holy Communion.
“Were it not so, the Prophet would not enumerate among the mercies of God “wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine,” (Ps. 104:15.) The Scriptures would not everywhere mention, in commendation of his benignity, that he had given such things to men. The natural qualities of things themselves demonstrate to what end, and how far, they may be lawfully enjoyed.”[2]He said wine can make people happy.
“Melchizedek, as he is said to have “brought forth (obtulisse) bread and wine,” (Gen. 14:18,) they infer that it was a prelude to their mass, as if there was any resemblance between him and Christ in the offering of bread and wine. This is too silly and frivolous to need refutation. Melchizedek gave bread and wine to Abraham and his companions, that he might refresh them when worn out with the march and the battle.”[3] He said even Melchizedek gave wine to Abraham.
“If you vow abstinence from wine, as if there were any holiness in so doing, you are superstitious; but if you have some end in view which is not perverse, no one can disapprove.”[4]Calvin said total abstinence from wine is superstitious.
“For though Christ says, “Unto every one that hath shall be given;” “thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things,” (Matth. 25:29, 21,) he, at the same time, shows that all additional gifts to believers are of his free benignity: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ye, buy, and eat: yea, come, buy wine and milk, without money and without price,” (Isaiah 55:1.) Therefore, every help to salvation bestowed upon believers, and blessedness itself, are entirely the gift of God, and yet in both the Lord testifies that he takes account of works, since to manifest the greatness of his love toward us, he thus highly honours not ourselves only, but the gifts which he has bestowed upon us.”[5] Calvin said wine is a blessing from God.
[1] John Calvin and Henry Beveridge, Institutes of the Christian Religion, vol. 3 (Edinburgh: The Calvin Translation Society, 1845), 389.
[2] John Calvin and Henry Beveridge, Institutes of the Christian Religion, vol. 2, 295.
[3] John Calvin and Henry Beveridge, Institutes of the Christian Religion, vol. 3, 460.
[4] John Calvin and Henry Beveridge, Institutes of the Christian Religion, vol. 3, 278–279.
Downgrade of FEBC after Rev. Timothy Tow

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John Calvin drinks 7 barrels of wine in a year, marvelous.....
Calvin's annual salary in Geneva included seven barrels of wine.
Guess what?
Did he receive them, all 7 barrels as his salary?
Did he reject those 7 barrels?
Did he drink them all in a year?
Did he keep them in the his store room?
Did he give some of them to his friends and family?
He did not dispose them...he drunk them, while he was writing...
For John Calvin, wine was actually like the engine oil in the engine, keeping the engine running...that is why he managed to write and write....
Did he give some of them to his friends and family?
He did not dispose them...he drunk them, while he was writing...
.....Institutes of the Christian Religion
For John Calvin, wine was actually like the engine oil in the engine, keeping the engine running...that is why he managed to write and write....
Woe to the false teachers...........
A VERY SAD STATE
OF THE
BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IN SINGAPORE TODAY
OF THE
BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IN SINGAPORE TODAY
A warning from Pastor
I was raised a B-P Church member since 1960 when I first attended Galilee B-P Church in Pasir Panjang. I got to know Rev Timothy Tow at a very young age. I remembered Rev Tow visiting our family when we were living in No. 5 Pasir Panjang Road.
In 1974 the Lord called me into the full-time Christian ministry and I began my theological education in the Far Eastern Bible College (FEBC). I graduated in 1977 and served in Grace B-P Church. I have been in the B-P Church ever since.
I have seen the many good sides of the B-P Church. I have been blessed by her strong doctrinal teachings. FEBC was once a strong school of theology, producing many Bible believing pastors and full-time workers for the church. I am thankful to the Lord for FEBC and her fundamental teachings in those days.
The changes today in the B-P Church
Something has gone terribly wrong with the B-P denomination today. Just about six years ago, a new teaching was introduced into FEBC by some young lecturers. The Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP) teaches that God has preserved certain Greek and Hebrew manuscripts which underline the King James Version (KJV). So these people say that God has given the English speaking world only one Bible, the KJV. To them, the KJV is the "inspired" Bible for the English speaking church. All other versions namely NKJV, NASB, NIV, ESV, etc, are corrupt versions. They will condemn anyone or any church that uses a version other than the KJV. They have even gone to the extreme to say that other Bible versions present a different Jesus from the KJV.
I have never, in all my life, in the B-P Church seen such extreme teaching which had led to church splits, name calling, and the soon to be, public court battle between FEBC and Life B-P Church.
This VPP teaching has been a curse in the B-P Church. Once upon a time, we were all united and growing strong together as a denomination. Today it is a laughing stock to the Christian community in Singapore.
This year especially is bad for the B-P Church as news of both FEBC and Life B-P Church's public court case have been announced in the papers. This is against God's Word. See what the apostle Paul has to say about this matter in 1 Cor. 6: 1- 6
"Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers!"
(NKJV)
How could believers who know God's Word do such a thing?
The VPP teaching has not been a blessing to the B-P denomination. Instead it has caused trouble and disunity.
For your information, a large majority of B-P Pastors are not supporting this teaching. We strongly oppose it. Very few B-P Pastors and B-P Churches are for this teaching. They should rightly call themselves the VPP B-P Church and not be confused with those of us who are the original B-P Church.
Churches which are for VPP:" Calvary-Pandan BPC, Calvary Tengah BPC, Gethsemane BPC, True Life BPC, Truth BPC, Berean BPC
B-P Churches that are not for VPP:" Life BPC, Olivet BPC, Grace BPC, Shalom BPC, Nazareth BPC, Galilee BPC, Maranatha BPC, Sharon BPC, Gospel Light BPC, Moriah BPC, Emmanuel BPC, Herald BPC, Calvary-Jurong BPC, Eden BPC, Jireh BPC, Macedonia BPC, Sembawang BPC, Zion BPC (Serangoon Gardens and Bishan), Faith BPC, All the Tamil B-P Churches, All the Mountain B-P Churches (i.e., Hebron, Herman, Mt. Carmel BPCs etc).
Be watchful
We live in the last days. The Bible warned of many false teachers coming into the church who will deceive even the elect. And sad to say, many will follow their pernicious way (2 Peter 2: 1-2).
The VPP Traits
We should know that these people are a very combative group.
One of the traits in this group of VPPers is to fight anyone who disagrees with them. The recent and earlier editions of "The Burning Bush", a publication of FEBC, and the writings and the correspondences of some of these advocates of VPPs resonate their argumentative attitude. "The Burning Bush" is targetted to combat non-VPPs. It was once an edifying magazine, but today, it is used to put down B-P pastors and elders who are not supportive of their cause. There is nothing edifying in this magazine which publishes only about VPP.
"The Burning Bush" has also been blasting the newly setup "Asia Seminary for Ministry" (ASM), in which Rev. Goh Seng Fong, Rev. Tan Choon Seng, Rev. Yap Beng Shin, Dn. John Chin and myself are the founding members. "ASM" has been accused of being neo-evangelical and ecumenical.
The aggressive nature of their correspondences in the many emails I have read is unbecoming of a Christian leader.
Split Churches
The issue of VPP creates a huge problem and results in split of Churches. This is witnessed in the States as well as on our own shores. Since the day VPP came to the B-P Church in Singapore, we had seen with our own eyes the problems encountered by Life B-P Church, Calvary-Jurong B-P Church and Calvary-Pandan B-P Church.
A Lack of Love
Another of their trait is the lack of love in dealing with fellow B-P pastors and elders over this issue. To them, this matter of VPP is life and death. If the B-P Pastor or Elder is not supporting them, they are swiftly condemned as neo-evangelicals or neo-fundamentalists. Their names are highlighted in their magazines and church weekly, etc. There is no personal and friendly conversation over how to solve this issue in a loving manner.
Name Calling
They are quick to call anyone who are not for their cause, neo-evangelicals, neo-fundamentalists, ecumenical, etc. They have also labelled fellow B-P pastors as liars. They have published openly the names of Bible colleges, seminaries and gave them such names.
Claim to possess the truth
They claim to have the perfect Bible. They have the "inspired" KJV with them. So long as other Christians do not use the KJV, they do not have the truth. To these people, all other Bible versions are corrupt and don't have the the Word of God. They are the only ones who have it because they use the KJV. So they have the truth. Is that so?
Martin Luther, the reformer, did not use the KJV. Did he have the truth of God's Word? What about Christians of other races, like the Indonesians, for example, whose Bibles are in the Indonesian language, do they have the truth of God's Word? What about Christian leaders like John MacArthur who uses ESV or NASB? Is he teaching the truth from God's Word?
Do not fear at all, my brethren! We have the truth of God's Word in other Bible versions and diverse languages. God did not give us one Bible version only, i.e., the KJV, even though we may love this version.
"In the first place, then, let it be said that we believers in the plenary inspiration of the Bible do not hold that the Authorized Version or any other form of the English Bible is inspired. I beg your pardon for saying anything so obvious as that, but, do you know, my friends, it is necessary to say it. There are scarcely any limits to the ignorance which is attributed to us today by people who have never given themselves the trouble to discover what our view really is. Let it be said then very plainly that we do not hold that the Authorized Version or any other form of the English Bible is inspired. We are really quite well aware of the fact that the Bible was written in Hebrew and in Greek. The Authorized Version is a translation from the Hebrew and the Greek. It is a marvelously good translation, but it is not a perfect translation. There are errors in it. The translators were not supernaturally preserved from making mistakes. It is not inspired."
"Is the Bible the Word of God?"Claim to defend the truth?VPPers like to see themselves as defenders of the truth. It seems that they see themselves as the only ones who have the perfect and "inspired" Bible (the KJV) and they are defending this Bible version. Anyone who speak against this version is immediately taken to task.
(A quote by J. Gresham Machen taken "The Christian Faith in the Modern World" 1936)
Conclusion
Has not the original B-P Church been defending the truth since the days of Rev. Timothy Tow? We have been taught and we will continue to teach our B-P Church members that God has given to us the inspired, inerrant Word of God in the original autographs. This is VPI (Verbal Plenary Inspiration). We have never heard of VPP which is a new and strange teaching that has infiltrated the B-P Church some years ago. We have defended the truth of God's Word and we will continue to do so. We will defend our flock against this teaching of VPP. That is what the original B-P Church is doing today. So who is the original B-P Church? Are we not the ones?
Rev Tan Eng Boo
Pastor, Grace B-P Church
January 2009
Pastor, Grace B-P Church
January 2009
Scandals in Singapore churches
Though they are BP .. I think their theology not strong one. From the ST article .. you can see how childish is the pastor's "written defence". Either that or the leadership trying to find excuses to "silence" an intellectual from their church. Maybe they exasperated 'cos the businessman learn theology from bible college .. so in the end they resorted to ad hominem attacks.
Pathetic.
I believe if they try to preach to SIS . .they are in for a rude shock.
http://sgforums.com/forums/1381/topics/206157?page=3
Pathetic.
I believe if they try to preach to SIS . .they are in for a rude shock.

http://sgforums.com/forums/1381/topics/206157?page=3
Question: "Does the inerrancy of the Bible only apply to the original manuscripts?"
Answer: This is truly a difficult issue to grasp. Only the original autographs (original manuscripts written by the apostles, prophets, etc.) are under the divine promise of inspiration and inerrancy. The books of the Bible, as they were originally written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21), were 100% inerrant, accurate, authoritative, and true. There is no Biblical promise that copies of the original manuscripts would equally be inerrant or free from copyist errors. As the Bible has been copied thousands of times over thousands of years, some copyist errors have likely occurred.
How do we deal with this? First, it is important to remember that the biblical manuscripts we have today are in 99% agreement with one another. Yes, there are some minor differences, but the vast majority of the biblical text is identical from one manuscript to another. Most of the differences are in punctuation, word endings, minor grammatical issues, word order, etc. – issues easily explainable as scribal mistakes. No important theological or biblical issue is thrown into doubt by any supposed error or contradiction. Biblical manuscripts from the 15th century agree completely with manuscripts from the 3rd century. We can have absolute confidence that the Bible we have today is almost exactly identical to what the apostles and prophets wrote 2000+ years ago.
Second, we should not be quick to say “Oh, that is just a scribal error.” The vast majority, if not all, of Bible “errors” can be explained in a logical and believable manner. Those that cannot by explained, or are very difficult to explain – could very well have an answer that we simply do not know at this point. Just because we cannot find a solution does not mean that a solution doesn’t exist. Believing there to be a scribal error must be the absolute last resort in any supposed Bible “error.”
Ultimately, though, it is possible that errors have crept into our modern manuscripts and translations of the Bible. Copyists and translators are human beings and they make mistakes. The fact that the Bible is incredibly accurate is a testimony to its inspiration and preservation by God.
Can we still trust the Bible? Absolutely! The Bible translations we have today are God’s Word. The Bible today is just as authoritative as it was in the 1st century A.D. We can completely trust the Bible as being God’s message to us today. Yes, the biblical promises of inspiration and inerrancy only apply directly to the original manuscripts. That does not impact, though, whether our modern Bibles are accurate and authoritative. God’s Word endures forever, despite the occasional failings and mistakes of copyists and translators.
Recommended Resources: The Big Book of Bible Difficulties by Geisler & Howe and Logos Bible Software.
How do we deal with this? First, it is important to remember that the biblical manuscripts we have today are in 99% agreement with one another. Yes, there are some minor differences, but the vast majority of the biblical text is identical from one manuscript to another. Most of the differences are in punctuation, word endings, minor grammatical issues, word order, etc. – issues easily explainable as scribal mistakes. No important theological or biblical issue is thrown into doubt by any supposed error or contradiction. Biblical manuscripts from the 15th century agree completely with manuscripts from the 3rd century. We can have absolute confidence that the Bible we have today is almost exactly identical to what the apostles and prophets wrote 2000+ years ago.
Second, we should not be quick to say “Oh, that is just a scribal error.” The vast majority, if not all, of Bible “errors” can be explained in a logical and believable manner. Those that cannot by explained, or are very difficult to explain – could very well have an answer that we simply do not know at this point. Just because we cannot find a solution does not mean that a solution doesn’t exist. Believing there to be a scribal error must be the absolute last resort in any supposed Bible “error.”
Ultimately, though, it is possible that errors have crept into our modern manuscripts and translations of the Bible. Copyists and translators are human beings and they make mistakes. The fact that the Bible is incredibly accurate is a testimony to its inspiration and preservation by God.
Can we still trust the Bible? Absolutely! The Bible translations we have today are God’s Word. The Bible today is just as authoritative as it was in the 1st century A.D. We can completely trust the Bible as being God’s message to us today. Yes, the biblical promises of inspiration and inerrancy only apply directly to the original manuscripts. That does not impact, though, whether our modern Bibles are accurate and authoritative. God’s Word endures forever, despite the occasional failings and mistakes of copyists and translators.
Recommended Resources: The Big Book of Bible Difficulties by Geisler & Howe and Logos Bible Software.
Question: "What is the KJV Only movement? Is the King James Version the only Bible we should use?"
Answer: Many people have strong and serious objections to the translation methods and textual basis for the new translations and therefore take a strong stance in favor of the King James Version. Others are equally convinced that the newer translations are an improvement over the KJV in their textual basis and translation methodology. GotQuestions.org does not want to limit its ministry to those of the "KJV Only" persuasion. Nor do we want to limit ourselves to those who prefer the NIV, NAS, NKJV, etc. Note - the purpose of this article is not to argue against the use of the King James Version. Rather, the focus of this article is to contend with the idea that the King James Version is the only Bible English speakers should use.
The KJV Only movement claims its loyalty to be to the Textus Receptus, a Greek New Testament manuscript compilation completed in the 1500s. To varying degrees, KJV Only advocates argue that God guided Erasmus (the compiler of the Textus Receptus) to come up with a Greek text that is perfectly identical to what was originally written by the biblical authors. However, upon further examination, it can be seen that KJV Only advocates are not loyal to the Textus Receptus, but rather only to the KJV itself. The New Testament of the New King James Version is based on the Textus Receptus, just as the KJV is. Yet, KJV Only advocates label the NKJV just as heretical as they do the NIV, NAS, etc.
Beyond the NKJV, other attempts (such as the KJ21 and MEV) have been made to make minimal updates to the KJV, only "modernizing" the archaic language, while using the exact same Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. These attempts are rejected nearly as strongly as the NKJV and the other newer Bible translations. This proves that KJV Only advocates are loyal to the King James Version itself, not to the Textus Receptus. KJV Only advocates have no desire or plan to update the KJV in any way. The KJV certainly contains English that is outdated, archaic, and sometimes confusing to modern English speakers and readers. It would be fairly simple to publish an updated KJV with the archaic words and phrases updated into modern 21st century English. However, any attempt to edit the KJV in any way results in accusations from KJV Only advocates of heresy and perversion of the Word of God.
When the Bible is translated for the first time into a new language today, it is translated into the language that culture speaks and writes today, not the way they spoke and wrote 400 years ago. The same should be true in English. The Bible was written in the common, ordinary language of the people at that time. Bible translations today should be the same. That is why Bible translations must be updated and revised as languages develop and change. The KJV Only movement is very English-focused in its thinking. Why should people who read English be forced to read the Bible in outdated/archaic English, while people of all other languages can read the Bible in modern/current forms of their languages?
Our loyalties are to the original manuscripts of the Old and New Testaments, written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Only the original languages are the Word of God as He inspired it. A translation is only an attempt to take what is said in one language and communicate it in another. The modern translations are superb in taking the meaning of the original languages and communicating it in a way that we can understand in English. However, none of the modern translations are perfect. Every one contains verses that are at least somewhat mistranslated. By comparing and contrasting several different translations, it is often easier to get a good grasp on what the verse is saying than by only using one translation. Our loyalty should not be to any one English translation, but to the inspired, inerrant Word of God that is communicated by the Holy Spirit through the translations (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Recommended Resources: The King James Only Controversy by James White and Logos Bible Software.
The KJV Only movement claims its loyalty to be to the Textus Receptus, a Greek New Testament manuscript compilation completed in the 1500s. To varying degrees, KJV Only advocates argue that God guided Erasmus (the compiler of the Textus Receptus) to come up with a Greek text that is perfectly identical to what was originally written by the biblical authors. However, upon further examination, it can be seen that KJV Only advocates are not loyal to the Textus Receptus, but rather only to the KJV itself. The New Testament of the New King James Version is based on the Textus Receptus, just as the KJV is. Yet, KJV Only advocates label the NKJV just as heretical as they do the NIV, NAS, etc.
Beyond the NKJV, other attempts (such as the KJ21 and MEV) have been made to make minimal updates to the KJV, only "modernizing" the archaic language, while using the exact same Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. These attempts are rejected nearly as strongly as the NKJV and the other newer Bible translations. This proves that KJV Only advocates are loyal to the King James Version itself, not to the Textus Receptus. KJV Only advocates have no desire or plan to update the KJV in any way. The KJV certainly contains English that is outdated, archaic, and sometimes confusing to modern English speakers and readers. It would be fairly simple to publish an updated KJV with the archaic words and phrases updated into modern 21st century English. However, any attempt to edit the KJV in any way results in accusations from KJV Only advocates of heresy and perversion of the Word of God.
When the Bible is translated for the first time into a new language today, it is translated into the language that culture speaks and writes today, not the way they spoke and wrote 400 years ago. The same should be true in English. The Bible was written in the common, ordinary language of the people at that time. Bible translations today should be the same. That is why Bible translations must be updated and revised as languages develop and change. The KJV Only movement is very English-focused in its thinking. Why should people who read English be forced to read the Bible in outdated/archaic English, while people of all other languages can read the Bible in modern/current forms of their languages?
Our loyalties are to the original manuscripts of the Old and New Testaments, written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Only the original languages are the Word of God as He inspired it. A translation is only an attempt to take what is said in one language and communicate it in another. The modern translations are superb in taking the meaning of the original languages and communicating it in a way that we can understand in English. However, none of the modern translations are perfect. Every one contains verses that are at least somewhat mistranslated. By comparing and contrasting several different translations, it is often easier to get a good grasp on what the verse is saying than by only using one translation. Our loyalty should not be to any one English translation, but to the inspired, inerrant Word of God that is communicated by the Holy Spirit through the translations (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Recommended Resources: The King James Only Controversy by James White and Logos Bible Software.
Timothy Tow was an old fox...............
Here is a story from Far Eastern Bible College, when Timothy Tow became old, he became cruel, that is why we called him, "An old fox!"
Are you one of his small little foxes, repent!
And he had so many small little foxes, like his son in law Jeffrey Khoo, and his students like Quek Suan Yew, Prabhudas Koshy...
Are you one of his small little foxes, repent!
Fox
And He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Lk 13:32.
O Israel, your prophets are like foxes in the deserts.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Eze 13:4.
Catch us the foxes,
The little foxes that spoil the vines,
For our vines have tender grapes.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), So 2:15–16.
Then Samson went and caught three hundred foxes; and he took torches, turned the foxes tail to tail, and put a torch between each pair of tails.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Jdg 15:4.
Because of Mount Zion which is desolate,
With foxes walking about on it.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), La 5:18.
Commentary:
[2] John Calvin and William Pringle, Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, and Luke, vol. 2 (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2010), 158.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Lk 13:32.
O Israel, your prophets are like foxes in the deserts.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Eze 13:4.
Catch us the foxes,
The little foxes that spoil the vines,
For our vines have tender grapes.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), So 2:15–16.
Then Samson went and caught three hundred foxes; and he took torches, turned the foxes tail to tail, and put a torch between each pair of tails.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Jdg 15:4.
Because of Mount Zion which is desolate,
With foxes walking about on it.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), La 5:18.
Commentary:
Tell that fox (32). The fox was considered a crafty animal, but without the power of the lion. Jesus chose a fitting figure to describe Herod—sly, but secondary in a Roman world.[1]
Go, tell that fox. It is certain, that the person here spoken of is Herod Antipas. Though he had throughout the character of a fox, and was as remarkable for servility as for cunning, I do not think that the term, fox, is intended to refer generally to the cunning of his whole life, but rather to the insidious methods by which he laboured to undermine the doctrine of the Gospel, when he did not venture to attack it openly. Christ tells him that, with all his craftiness, he will gain nothing by his schemes. “Whatever artifices he may devise,” says Christ, “to-day and to-morrow I will discharge the office which God has enjoined upon me; and when I shall have reached the end of my course, I shall then be offered in sacrifice.”[2]
[1]Lewis Foster, Luke: Unlocking the Scriptures for You, Standard Bible Studies (Cincinnati, OH: Standard, 1986), 201.
Fox hunting season begins
We are not to hunt these spiritual foxes with real bullets, but with the spiritual bullets, pursuing them to repent and return to the right path, and by pointing them to their false, and leading them to the right way...The Living Word, Our Lord and God Jesus Christ.
My letter to the students in Far Eastern Bible College, Singapore.
To the students in Far Eastern Bible College in Singapore,
For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.[1] Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”[2] …..Then they understood that He did not tell themto beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrineof the Pharisees and Sadducees.[3]
Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. [4] |
The Lecturers in Far Eastern Bible College…..many of them were bad examples. They were like a well-known Bible professor of a generation or two ago. In the classroom, he was a brilliant interpreter of the Bible. His influence over his students was almost hypnotic. Few could sit at his feet for long without being inspired by his insights into God’s Word and being persuaded to his point of view. But off campus, he often destroyed what he accomplished in class sessions. His rudeness, especially to persons he perceived to be his social inferiors, embarrassed everyone with him. After a few hours in his company on such occasions, many former disciples could not listen to his Biblical expositions again. He was a good teacher, but such a bad example that he canceled his words by his actions.
This is Jesus’ opinion of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who “sit in Moses’ seat” (as professors authorized to explain the correct meaning and application of Moses’ laws). Jesus’ disciples do well to obey their teaching, but would be ill advised to follow their example. Jesus knows them well. They have already made themselves His enemies. They have sought every opening to criticize and heckle Him. In the end, they look for a way to kill Him.
Yet they seem so respectable. Of course they do, because that is one of their chief goals. Jesus castigates them on at least these counts:
(1) You don’t practice what you preach (3).
(2) Your rules are a burden to sincere people (4).
(3) You put on a good show to win men’s applause (5–7).
(4) You glory in titles and honors (8–12). Jesus’ disciples, on the other hand, are not to seek to be honored with titles like “rabbi” or “father” or even “teacher.” They are to take nothing away from the Father or the Son. They are to remember they are servants, not masters. If there is to be any exalting, God is to do it!
(5) You are keeping people out of the kingdom of God (13). You are hypocrites, pretending to be serving God but really just using your religious role to puff yourselves up. You won’t heed My teaching about the kingdom of God, and you do everything you can to keep others from hearing and obeying. You won’t repent and you won’t let anyone else repent, if you can help it. (Verse 14 is reduced to a footnote in recent versions of the Bible, since it is not found in the most reliable early manuscripts. It is quite in keeping with the rest of Jesus’ denunciations, however. His heart always goes out to widows, who are often helpless to prevent themselves from being taken by unscrupulous profiteers.)
(6) Your converts are worse, not better, than before their conversion (15). As students often surpass the fanaticism of their teachers, so yours invite an even more disastrous judgment than you do.
(7) You complicate even such matters as oath-taking (16–21). We already know Jesus’ opinion concerning oaths: Matthew 5:33–37. The prevailing principle seems to have been to swear by the greater, so the Pharisees thought an oath “by the gold in the temple” would be more binding than swearing by the temple (made of stone) itself. All this does not matter to Jesus, who would do away with the whole system of swearing oaths.
(8) You commendably practice some doctrines—like tithing—while completely ignoring weightier matters like justice, mercy, and faithfulness (22–24). Mint and anise and cummin were garden herbs used in cooking and for certain medicinal purposes. The tithing of herbs was considered the ultimate in religious piety.
(9) You scrupulously observe the external niceties of religion while leaving the inner person unreformed (25–28).
(10) You honor dead prophets but, like true descendants of their murderers, you do as your forefathers did (29–32).
(11) When I send “prophets and wise men and teachers” to you, you will prove yourselves to be as quick to kill as your forefathers killed the prophets who came to them (33–36). The first reference is to Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, who was slain in the court of the temple—2 Chronicles 24:20f. The second is to Abel, son of Adam, who was slain by his brother Cain, the first of a long and inglorious line of murderers—Genesis 4:10.[5]
Beloved students in Far Eastern Bible College,
Remember this, you may have learned a lot from those lecturers, but do not follow their bad example…..!!!
Harsh-sounding language was not unusual in religious debates in first-century Judaism. Words and phrases like blind guides, twice the sons of hell, hypocrites, and brood of vipers were typical expressions in such debates between Jewish religious groups at Jesus’ time. This kind of language was the way a person or a group staked out territory. Ancient listeners would not have heard these words and thought how much the speaker hated the other people. Rather, ancient listeners would have concluded that the speaker firmly believed the other party was wrong, and his or her party was right.[6]
Yours sincerely,
.......................................
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