Gospel Light Christian Church

By Pastor Paul ChooGod established the family and appoints fathers to play a vital role in its spiritual direction and well-being. A father’s leadership, however, is not about control or status, but loving sacrifice, faithful example and service modelled after Christ.Drawing from Ephesians 5–6, the presents the memorable formula “GO SLOW” for building a healthy, God-honouring family. Give thanks, practise the biblical “one-anothers,” submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, exercise loving leadership, and obey parents in the Lord.Gratitude can reshape the atmosphere of a home, while mutual submission transforms relationships. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, parents must nurture rather than provoke their children, and children are called to honour and obey their parents.Ultimately, fathers influence their families most powerfully not merely through what they teach, but through what they consistently model.

By Pastor Jason Lim1. THE COMMAND TO LOVELove is self-giving for others, proven in action. We are to love the brotherhood earnestly, constantly, and sincerely, putting away love-killing sins: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, and slander.2. THE CONVERSION TO LOVEWe can love because we’ve been purified and given new hearts. Bor again through God’s eternal Word to a living hope, we need not live self-serving or anxious lives but can give ourselves to serve.3. THE CRAVING THAT FUELS LOVEJust as we have tasted the Word that gives us new birth in Christ, we are now to crave for the same Word that grows us so that we may love.

By Pastor Jason Lim Peter speaks about:1. THE PRIVILEGEFor a long time, the gospel was partially veiled, so much so that prophets & angels have searched to know its full details. But now the gospel is fully revealed. Peter wanted to show how privileged his readers were to have the full gospel message in their day.2. THE PRIORITYBecause salvation is so great and the gospel so fully revealed, Peter urges believers to set their hope entirely on the coming glory, their new birth and their future inheritance. To do this, they must think clearly and soberly, disciplining their minds, replacing lies with gospel truth.In hostility, they are to wipe away their tears to see clearly the hope that is to come. That is how they can have holiness in hostility.

By Pastor Jason Lim These verses reveal more fully how God blesses us in the: 1. PASTGod caused us to be born again to a living hope. God gave us the ability to "see" the future glories of His inheritance. And in this we can rejoice, even in suffering. 2. PRESENTGod’s power guards us through faith, enabling us to endure to the end. Even amid suffering, we rejoice in the sure hope to come—this is the supernatural power of God’s gift of faith.3. PROSPECTGod uses our faithful endurance to bring Him glory, and His gift of faith, love, and hope will one day result in praise and honour to Him. Peter offers no shallow promises, but points us to the gospel—where even amid trials, we rejoice in the sure hope of salvation and keep our eyes on the prize.

By Pastor Jason LimWe embark on a 20 week journey through the book of 1 Peter today.1. THE AUTHORPeter was a most colourful character in the Bible. And he was also an apostle, probably the most prominent amongst the original 12. And so what we will read is deeply interesting.2. THE AUDIENCEThis letter was written to the elect (both Jews and Gentiles) in Asia Minor of ancient Rome (modern day Turkey). They were scattered and were subject to harassment, hostility and persecution. And that is the reason for the letter- to urge the believers to live in holiness in the midst of hostility.3. THE AFFIRMATIONInstead of moping, moaning and groaning, Peter reminds his readers about their blessings in the gospel. He speaks of the Father's sovereign election, the Spirit's sanctifying work in their hearts, and the cleansing by the blood of Jesus. He also speaks of the grace and peace multiplied to God's people. So, instead of a superficial "things will always get better soon", or a superficial "God is here for your comfort", let us learn the profound goal of "holiness in hostility". Jesus came not to live it up, but to give his life up for God's glory. May we follow Him.

By Pastor Jason Lim God commands Israel to make a national pledge when they enter Canaan. They will stand on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim to affirm the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience.1. THE GRAVITY OF SINTrue happiness comes through obedience; unrepentant sin brings God’s judgment, so we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling.2. THE GAP IN SINBecause judgment does not fall immediately, we may take sin lightly; yet this delay is God’s mercy, giving us time to repent - and a call to warn and preach to others.3. THE GRACE DESPITE SINNeither Israel nor we can keep the Law, but God provides forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus, so the blessings of heaven come to all who repent and believe in Him.

By Pastor Jason Lim1. THE PEOPLE Five groups are called to purge evil from Israel by serving with righteousness, justice, and impartiality - not self-interest - fearing God and obeying His Word.2. THE PRINCIPLES Their role is to purge evil and bless Israel, calling God’s people to submit to His appointed authorities. Leaders must serve with integrity, resist temptation, and be grounded in God’s Word.3. THE PINING Israel longed for a day when evil would be fully removed, but never saw it - made worse by corrupt priests, kings, and prophets. So they yearned for a perfect Saviour. 2000 years ago, He came! Jesus is that perfect prophet, priest and king who will purge his people from sin.

By Pastor Jason Lim The 4th commandment is about honouring God via rhythms or periods- not just once a week for the Sabbath, but also in regular tithes, feasts and release in Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17.1. THE CALENDARIsrael observed regular tithes, a third-year tithe for the poor, a seventh-year sabbatical, and three annual pilgrim feasts (Passover, Weeks, Booths) for all males.2. THE CHARACTERThese sabbaths, feasts and releases formed Israel in rest, remembrance and relief. May we also live out rest, remembrance and relief in the year ahead.3. THE CHRISTCol 2:16,17 says that these sabbaths and feasts point ultimately to Jesus. Jesus is our ultimate rest, reality and release.