The many advances in medicine have prolonged the life span of an average Singaporean.  Also, technological inventions have also made our daily life a lot easier.  Overall, the standard of living in Singapore has risen.  Ironically, however, depression is on the rise.  Recent studies say that 1 in 10 persons in Singapore will suffer from a mental illness.

We thank and praise the Lord that God’s children can experience real peace: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  It is no coincidence that even in the midst of the most intense sufferings, many Christians who draw close to the Lord continue to have peace and joy in their hearts.  Furthermore, “in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him” (Rom 8:28).  What a wonderful promise: God will turn around even events that seem unfortunate to our advantage.

More importantly, we are promised eternal life and heaven.  There will come a day when you have to face your most dreaded enemy: death.  But praise the Lord.  Jesus died for your sins and have cleansed you from every single sin.  He also rose from the dead and has conquered death.  The moment you pass away from this world, your Heavenly Father will bring you home to heaven for eternity.  This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  How can we not preach this wonderful news to the world?

The church will be holding the annual gospel rally on 31^st August 2012 (Friday) at 8pm.  Rev Goh Seng Fong will preach the gospel.  Starting today, pray and identify whom you would like to invite to this gospel rally.  You must start praying every day for your loved ones and friends.  Only the Lord can move their hearts to come.  After you have identified whom you wish to invite, give the names to your Adult Sunday School teachers or fellowship committee members and we will pray for them during the weekly Tuesday church prayer meeting: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).  Ask the Lord to help them see that they need Jesus.

Be a good testimony by caring for them and being responsible at work and home.  May you be the light and salt of the world.  Our new church premises can sit up to 120 persons.  Let’s work hard and bring people to hear the Word of Life that can truly satisfy their heart’s desires.  Yes, only the gospel can truly satisfy mankind.

We will also have a choir presentation.  Anyone, young or old, who is a Christian, that is, one who has received Jesus as Lord and Saviour is welcomed to join this choir.  We will be engaging a teacher to teach us.  There will be a total of about 9 practices beginning with next Sunday, 15/7/12.  Each session will be about an hour and will be held after lunch.  Please participate as it is not only an opportunity for you to serve God but you will also enjoy the fellowship.  The bigger the choir group, the better it will sound.  Hence, please come forward to serve.  Please register with Sister Baoli if you wish to sing in the choir.

Jesus says: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt 28:18-20).  When you do gospel work, the Lord will be with you.