My dear readers,

Answering Remaining Questions from Calvary Pandan Church Camp 2023 (15)

Question 1: If the most spiritual men in our VPP churches find it difficult to work together because of differences (not doctrinal, but personal or interpersonal), where else can we find good leadership examples for our members and their families? Do they not sometimes over-represent God?

Answer 1: The above conclusion and reasoning are faulty. The "most spiritual men in our VPP churches find it difficult to work together because of differences (not doctrinal, but personal or interpersonal)" is a contradictory statement. The fact that they cannot get along due to personal or interpersonal differences indicates that they are not spiritual, definitely not "most spiritual". If they are most spiritual, they will get along because Christian fellowship and the ability to reconcile for Christ's sake is from God and the yardstick of holiness. If both parties are "most spiritual," then reconciliation will ensue.

Additionally, if we think that because they’ve been preaching or teaching the Bible, they know it in their heads, or are good at writing theological papers on VPP or other doctrines they are deemed spiritual, then we are wrong. Obedience to the Word of God is the measure of spirituality, not talking or writing about the Bible or even studying the Bible and earning theological degrees.

Good church leaders are godly leaders who obey the Word of God. They are godly leaders at home to their families first. Evaluate this truth by looking at the godliness of their wives and children (if they were married as believers). If the husband, as the head of his house, is godly, then his family will be godly. Therefore, the measure and evidence of his godliness is his family's godliness. If the wife or the children are not godly, then the head of the house cannot be godly even though he may know the Bible or may appear godly in church via his outward behaviour. He may be deemed a godly husband if his wife is godly, but if his children are carnal, then he has been a bad father to them. Can he still be called godly if his children are carnal? He cannot be. All areas of his life must glorify God. If one area of his life brings shame to the Name of Christ, his whole testimony will bring shame to Christ! A godly believer is godly in all areas of his life, inward and outward! This is God's only holy standard.

The example for believers to follow must be Christ alone, before any man. To follow a man without first following Christ is fraught with many dangers. To follow Christ is to study the Bible and obey the Bible continuously. Believers need to know what to follow and not to follow, as God has taught us to follow man only when that man follows Christ. (cf. 1 Cor 11:1) No believer should follow any man without discernment. If there is no man to follow (especially in these last days), believers must follow Christ first and last and always! Mark 8:34: "And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." As long as the believer follows Christ diligently, i.e. to obey the Word of God, he is safe. His witness is holy in Christ. It is a bonus if there is a godly man in his life for him to follow. If there isn’t, he needs to know that he will be fine spiritually because he is obeying Christ in his life. He has learned the precious lesson of following Christ under all circumstances. In time, he might be the one that others will follow even as he follows Christ!

To over-represent God means to represent Him outside of the Holy Scriptures, including teaching doctrines based on silence. As long as a doctrine taught is based upon God's holy and perfect Word, one cannot over-represent Him.

Question 2: When was the last time our pastors “nim kopi” share burdens of ministry? Would Philippians 2:4 apply?

Answer 2: Philippians 2:3-4: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." The burdens of a pastor are usually shared with his church fellow elders on the Board of Elders when necessary. A pastor often carries the burden of the congregation alone before God's throne of grace and mercies. He must be very discerning and careful with what he can and cannot share with others. A pastor’s life is meant to be lonely with Christ as his best Friend.

I am afraid Philippians 2:4 does not apply here as the text teaches believers to be considerate and not do anything that brings strife. Paul was correcting the sinful motives of the ones who preached the gospel of Christ to be famous, who thought to add affliction to Paul who was in prison for Christ's sake. Paul mentioned these in Philippians 1

Question 3: “Love is not envious” but VPP pastors also seem to have the problem of a competitive spirit, though some of them have the same gift and ability and studied together under the same teachers. After 30 years, when they have built up their ministries, they are now seen as not as warm or close towards each other as when they were younger. No?

Answer 3: The problem of a competitive spirit is real and must be consciously stopped. When it happens, it is a sin. It must be repented of. All born-again believers must help one another by provoking one another unto love and good works. The apostle Paul dealt with this sin in Philippians 1 and 2. The way to overcome this sin is to follow the teaching of God in Philippians 1:21: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." When we serve the LORD with Christ's mind, i.e., one of humility, this sin of pride and jealousy will have no room in our hearts as servants of God. When comparison begins, the sin of envy will creep in. We must not compare, but be faithful to the LORD in all we do, and then the sin of envy will be driven away.

The closeness between friends is based upon fruitful time spent together. Fruitful time is a time of genuine and sincere fellowship where Christ is honoured and brethren genuinely care for each other's spiritual well-being. In the busyness of each other's ministry, the closeness that was present when time was spent together in classrooms, libraries and other activities will be sacrificed. Inevitably, people will drift apart. Furthermore, people change. Sadly, sometimes, not for the better. We see this in the lives of the kings of the Old Testament, especially those who began well but ended badly because of sin and pride. King Solomon was a king who started very well but ended badly because of the lusts of the flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life. He knew the Holy Scriptures, but he did not obey the Holy Scriptures.

Brethren who can be trusted, and godly co-labourers who mutually care for each other's spiritual well-being are precious, life-saving and life-sustaining. David experienced this in his relationship with Jonathan. Perhaps he penned Psalm 133 from his heart with his blessed relationship with Jonathan in mind. Psalm 133:1-3: "A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore."