The Comfort Of God - Bible Witness

The Comfort of GodCONTENTSThe Comfort of God3 The God of All ComfortEditorPrabhudas KoshyPublishing & CirculationCo-ordinatorLok Kwok WahTechnical EditorsAdrienne Foo, Carolyn Koshy, Jenny LokLok Kwok Wah, Mah Lean ChooCover DesignMelissa NeoLayoutKenneth WongIllustrationsSharon NgPublisherBible Witness Media Ministry ofGethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church,SingaporePrinterChung PrintingContact InformationBy mail:Bible Witness Media Ministry510 Geylang Road, #02-06Singapore 389466Tel: (65) 6741-1910 Fax: (65) 6741-1016Web-site: www.biblewitness.comE-mail: editor@biblewitness.com6 Holy Spirit, the Comforter9 Comforting Nature of God’sWord12 Ministering God’s Comfort toOthers18 Comfort of a WidowChildren’s Page21 A Diligent Christian Boy23 Bible Trivia - Genesis 29 & 30SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATIONThe magazine is distributed free from 2006 onwards. “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).Postage and handling charges for 2 years (12 issues)SURFACE MAILAIR MAILSingapore/MalaysiaS$10.00AsiaS$26.00Other CountriesS$14.00Other CountriesS$34.00International bank draft, money order or postal order drawn on a Singapore bank in Singapore dollars may be madepayable to “Bible Witness.”LOVE-GIFTBible Witness Media Ministry welcomes love-gifts from readers to meet the cost of publishing and distribution. The Ministryalso sends the magazine freely to churches in poorer countries. Hence your generous support is much needed and greatlyappreciated.USE OF ARTICLESThe articles may be freely used for non-commercial purposes, so long as they are quoted verbatim, and the writer as well asthe source identified.2 Bible Witness

The Comfort of GodThe God of All ComfortDennis Kwok“Blessed be God, even the Father of our LordJesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and theGod of all comfort; who comforteth us in allour tribulation, that we may be able to comfortthem which are in any trouble, by the comfortwherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.And whether we be afflicted, it is for yourconsolation and salvation, which is effectualin the enduring of the same sufferings whichwe also suffer: or whether we be comforted,it is for your consolation and salvation” (2Corinthians 1:3-6).IntroductionOut of all the churches which the Apostle Paulhad ever ministered, the Corinthian Churchwas the most problematic one. But Paul didnot give her up. He knew the Corinthianbelievers needed God and it was at such atime they needed to be assured by Him whois the God of all comfort.From these four verses alone, the root word‘comfort’ or ‘consolation’ (Greek: parakaleō)appears 9 times, not to mention the wholebook. This shows the emphasis that indeedour God is the God of all comfort. He assuresus of His comforting promise that He willalways be present to help us whenever weface sufferings, troubles and tribulations. TheGreek word for ‘comfort’ literally means ‘tocall alongside’. It describes the power of Godto strengthen, encourage, and assure you thatyou need not fear at all though you may bewalking through the valley of the shadow ofdeath.Do you know Him who is the Comforter? Doyou know how He comforts you?The Triune God isthe ComforterGod the Father is the ComforterIn verse 4, God the Father is described asthe One ‘who comforteth us’ (ho parakalōn).The word ‘comfort’ here is a participle usedas a substantive. It is written in the presenttense and active voice, indicating an ongoingor characteristic activity. In other words, itsimply means that God continues to care forus and comfort us wherever we may be.He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ andalso the Father of mercies. He is One who hascompassion upon His little children. What isPaul’s secret for victory when he went throughgreat trials and temptations? His secret is Godwho has mercy upon him. Without the mercyof God, he could not have made it to the end.He could not have been faithful and true to hiscalling as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. IsGod your Father? If so, His mercy is upon you!You can be sure He will comfort you beyondwhat you could have asked for.God the Son is the ComforterThis title ‘the God of all comfort’ thoughbelonging to God the Father, also belongsBible Witness 3

The Comfort of GodHow Believers are ComfortedThrough God’s WordWe are comforted by God’s precious Wordin all our tribulations. The Psalmist has thesewords for us, “Remember the word unto thyservant, upon which thou hast caused meto hope. This is my comfort in my affliction:for thy word hath quickened me. The proudhave had me greatly in derision: yet have Inot declined from thy law. I remembered thyjudgments of old, O LORD; and have comfortedmyself” (Psalm 119:49-52). A Christian findsgreat comfort by spending time reading andmeditating God’s Word. God’s Word is thebest cure for our troubled and restless soul.It is through God’s Word that we receive theknowledge of all His precious promises. If weneglect His Word, we are depriving ourselvesof the comfort that God is ever ready to grantunto us.Through God’s WorkSometimes our comfort comes in knowingthat God is at work in our lives. One haswritten, “A saint’s life is in the hands of Godas a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer.God is aiming at something the saint cannotsee; He stretches and strains, and every nowand again the saint says, ‘I cannot stand anymore.’ But God does not heed; He goes onstretching until His purpose is in sight, thenHe lets fly.” Romans 8:28 is the perfect versefor us: “And we know that all things worktogether for good to them that love God,to them who are the called according to hispurpose.” The more we are tried the more weare comforted since we know God has ourbest interests at heart.ConclusionLet me conclude with this hymn of comfortby John Rippon.How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!What more can He say thanto you He hath said –To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled?“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;I’ll strengthen and help thee,and cause thee to standUpheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.”The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,“I will not, I will not desert to its foes;That soul, though all hell shouldendeavour to shake,I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!”May the God of all comfort help us today.Amen.My brethren, count it all joy whenye fall into divers temptations;Knowing this, that the tryingof your faith worketh patience.But let patience have her perfectwork, that ye may be perfectand entire, wanting nothing.James 1:2-4The LORD is nigh unto them thatare of a broken heart; and savethsuch as be of a contrite spirit.Psalm 34:18Bible Witness 5

The Comfort of GodHoly Spirit, the ComforterRichard M. TiuA vital ministry that the Lord Jesus did whileHe was on earth was in the area of providingcomfort to His people. He comforted them byhealing their infirmities. The lame walked; theblind saw; the deaf heard, and the mute spoke.Captive sinners were set free. He comfortedthe bereaved not only by His presence, but alsoby raising their dead. In so doing, not only werethe physically dead raised but the spirituallydead as well. To the poor and hungry, He fedboth body and soul. Indeed,this has brought greatcomfort to lives thathave been touchedby the Master. Butas the Lord set outto fulfil His primarymission as ‘the Lambof God which takethaway the sin of theworld’, He must needbe crucified and to die onthe cross of Calvary. As Hiscrucifixion drew near, Jesus said to Hisdisciples, “And I will pray the Father, andhe shall give you another Comforter, that hemay abide with you for ever” (John 14:16).This is the first reference in the Scripturesthat depicts the Holy Spirit as the Comforter(cf. John 14:26). When Jesus said that Hewould pray for ‘another Comforter’, He didnot mean that the Holy Spirit would come asanother deity to do a totally different kind ofministry from what Jesus had done. There aretwo Greek words that can be translated intothe English ‘another’. One is heteros, whichmeans ‘another of a different or opposite kind’.The other is allos, the meaning of which is‘another of the same kind or genre’. In thisparticular verse in John 14:16, the Greek wordallos is used to give us the idea that this isone and the same Spirit of the Lord that willcome as the Comforter. This means that afterHis crucifixion and ascension to heaven thedisciples will still have access to the samecomfort Jesus bestowed unto them throughthe ministry of the Holy Spirit.The Lord made sure thatthey would not missthis point by addingthe statement, “Iwill not leave youcomfortless: I willcome to you” (John14:18).What then are the benefitsthat Christ’s followers canexpect from the comfort ofthe Holy Spirit? There are severaltruths about the Holy Spirit’s ministrythat Christians should look into. As theirComforter, the believers are assured of thefollowing privileges and benefits from thethird Person of the Trinity.Christians are Assured of theComforter’s ConsolationThe early disciples witnessed how their Lordand Saviour was betrayed into the hands ofmen. He was whipped and tortured, mockedand humiliated, and eventually died a bloody6 Bible Witness

The Comfort of Goddeath as His body was pierced on that cross.This scene undoubtedly had left them cringingin fear, grief, and sorrow. In their distress, theLord provides for them consolation thatcan only come from the divine Comforter.The original word that is translated asComforter (parakletos) literally means ‘tocome alongside with the express purposeof consoling and giving aid and protectionto one in need’. No one can understand oursorrows or disappointments better thanthe divine Comforter and He comes to ourside to comfort us; to sympathize, as wellas to empathize with us in our moments ofdespair.At any funeral wake, friends and relatives whocome to console the bereaved will usually leaveone by one as the night vigil wears on. Butisn’t it wonderful for believers to know thatthere is one Comforter who will remain andcontinue to provide comfort and consolation?As Jesus has said, “…that he may abide withyou for ever.” This guarantees that He will bethere not only in times of sorrows particularlybut throughout life’s ups and downs as well.And the same comfort and consolation of theHoly Spirit is available to the saints on earth inevery generation thereafter as long as the Lordtarries. Now that’s a lot of comfort indeed!Christians are Assured ofthe Comforter’s CounselThe original word for ‘Comforter’ can alsomean ‘an advocate’. In fact, that is how thesame Greek word parakletos is translated in1 John 2:1. It carries the idea of a counselloror teacher. In other words, the Holy Spirit’sministry also involves teaching and counsellingthe believers with the Word of God. That isprecisely what Jesus said in John 14:26, “Butthe Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,whom the Father will send in my name, heshall teach you all things, and bring all thingsto your remembrance, whatsoever I have saidunto you.”The Holy Spirit is the believers’ instructor inthe things of God. He teaches and enablesthem to understand spiritual truths. It is theHoly Spirit who reveals the deep things ofGod and His Word. Paul wrote of this in 1Corinthians 2:12-13, “Now we have received,not the spirit of the world, but the spirit whichis of God; that we might know the things thatare freely given to us of God. Which thingsalso we speak, not in the words which man’swisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghostteacheth; comparing spiritual things withspiritual.” The Christian has a divine instructorin the Holy Spirit who will guide him in theproper understanding of the Word of God.This assurance is based on the fact that thesame Holy Spirit is described as “the spiritof wisdom and understanding, the spirit ofcounsel and might, the spirit of knowledgeand of the fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:2).Christians are Assured of theComforter’s ConfessionWhen a person is born-again as he confessesChrist as his Lord and Saviour, this confessionis actually not his own. It is the confession ofthe holy Comforter. His indwelling presence inthe lives of the believers causes them to utterthat confession of faith in Christ. The ApostlePaul helps us to understand “…that no mancan say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the HolyGhost” (1 Corinthians 12:3).The Scripture tells us that the Comforterwill not only have us to confess our faith; Healso enables us to testify it to others. Again,Jesus tells this truth to His disciples in nouncertain terms in John 15:26-27, “But whenthe Comforter is come, whom I will send untoBible Witness 7

The Comfort of Godyou from the Father, even the Spirit of truth,which proceedeth from the Father, he shalltestify of me: and ye also shall bear witness,because ye have been with me from thebeginning.” Christians should be confidentto go out for evangelism and witness for Christbecause we have a divine Companion to aidus in testifying of our faith in the Lord andSaviour Jesus Christ.ConclusionFor more than three years of ministry onearth, Jesus abided with His disciples untilsuch time when they would see Him no moreafter Calvary. Though the Lord no longerabides with them, He abides in them with thecoming of the Holy Spirit. Hence, Jesus fulfilsHis promise to every child of God that He willnever leave them nor forsake them (Hebrews13:5), and that He will be with them alwayseven unto the end of the world (Matthew28:20). As long as we live this life on earth, wewill always have Christ in our hearts throughthe indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He is everpresent; and He continues to comfort andguide us as we walk through every trial andvicissitudes of life.God is never nearer His churchthan when trouble is near.Richard Sibbes (1577-1635)CONTRIBUTORS OF ARTICLESLeft to Right:Richard M. Tiu (Missionary Lecturer to Bible College of East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya);Nelson Were (Lecturer at Bomet Bible Institute, Kenya);Errol D. Stone (Pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church-Perth, Australia);Dennis Kwok (Pastor of Truth Bible-Presbyterian Church, Singapore).8 Bible Witness

The Comfort of GodComforting Natureof God’s WordNelson WereWhen we think of comfort,we normally would think of“That which gives securityfrom want and furnishesmoderate enjoyment in life.”In a sense, this is how manyof us define comfort. Butwhen we have this in mind,how many would classify theWord of God as “That whichgives security from wantand furnishes moderateenjoyment in life”? In life weexperience pain and physicaldistress or uneasiness ofbody; we go through timeswhen we have distress ofmind, trouble and agitation;there were times when weface danger and calamity aswell as times of weaknessesand infirmity. At all thesetimes we need support,assistance, encouragement,help and comfort. Can weconfidently turn to theWord of God under all thesecircumstances? Can we relyon it to ease our pains, calmour spirits, guide our paths;strengthen, invigorate andencourage us and thusgive security and furnishmoderate enjoyment inlife? Of course everyone whobelieves in the sufficiency ofScripture will be compelledto answer “yes” to thequestions above.The Scripture is indeedsufficient and weacknowledge it. But whyis it that when faced withsituations similar to thosehighlighted above, fewwould turn to the Word?Could it be because we arenot aware of or not assuredof the comforting natureof the Word of God? ThePsalmist in Psalm 119 writeswhat can be termed as “thedirectory of God’s Word” asit goes through the Hebrewalphabet from Aleph to Tau(A to Z) pointing out theimportance of God’s Wordto the believer. In it, hedescribes God’s Word deeplyand variously, and illustrateswith his personal encounterswith the Word. He describesthe value of God’s Word orthe law of God in variousstages and circumstances inlife. Psalm 119:49-56 teachesthe comforting nature ofGod’s Word. Concerningthis section, Spurgeon wrote,“This octrain deals withthe comfort of the word.It begins by seeking themain consolation, namely,the Lord’s fulfilment of hisBible Witness 9

The Comfort of Godpromise, and then it showshow the word sustains usunder affliction, and makesus so impervious to ridiculethat we are moved by theharsh conduct of the wickedrather to horror of their sinthan to any submissionto their temptations. Weare then shown how theScripture furnishes songsfor pilgrims, and memoriesfor night-watchers; and thePsalm concludes by thegeneral statement that thewhole of this happiness andcomfort arises out of keepingthe statutes of the Lord.”We acknowledge that lifeis not without afflictions,yet we desire a life withthe least afflictions and forthis cause different peoplego to different lengthstrying to find a life that isas comfortable as humanlypossible. Few thoughwould turn to the Wordand many would ask “Howcan the Word make my lifecomfortable?” The Psalmist,on the other hand, says inverse 49 that the Wordof God (the most generalterm of all, embracing God’struth in any form, stated,promised or commanded)is the cause of hope in him.By this, he presents God’sWord as effecting a state orbringing out a result in hislife and what the Word ofGod establishes in his lifeis hope. By hope, it bringsexpectation and cultivatespatience and thus throughwhatever he goes through,he can wait for the passageof time being rooted inGod and having comfort inlife. Many times as we gothrough afflictions, distress,dangers, calamities, etc., wefind that when we try toevaluate our circumstances,we cannot understand them,and the many “whys?” leftunanswered discourage,depress and deprive us ofour vigour in life. In viewof this, as we look at Psalm119:49-56 we learn of thecomforting nature of theWord of God.Firstly, the Psalmist affirmsthat the Word of Godquickens him (v. 50), i.e., itis the Word of God thatanimates, enlivens, preserves,refreshes, rebuilds andrecovers him. What canbe noted concerning thenature of God’s Word in itscomforting attribute is thatit relates directly to life’svarious circumstances. ThePsalmist is very personal inthis section. He highlightsthe comfort and hope thatthe Word gives as personal“my comfort” and as relatedspecifically to his condition“in my afflictions”. Secondly,the Psalmist affirms that theword of God fortifies him (vv.51-52), i.e., it is the Word ofGod that keeps him on theright path. In his affliction, ifit were not for the Word ofGod, he would derail becauseof the derision, but the Wordthat comforts also steadieshim. It offers him peace andsafety in that when he recallsits judicial processes and theauthority of God who ordersand determines all things asrecorded in the Word, hisresolve is strengthened andhis feelings and afflictionbecome bearable. Thirdly,the Psalmist affirms that theWord of God inspires him (vv.53-55), i.e., it is the word ofGod that gives him the rightperspective. Many of us getseverely discouraged whenwe look at our circumstancesand find no answers. But tothe Psalmist, through theWord he recognizes that thislife is but a pilgrimage andin the Word he finds songsfor his pilgrimage. In theWord, he finds horror to sin(v. 53) and through the sameword flow melodies thatinspire holiness (v. 54). Histhoughts stay on the Word.This, he describes not in itsprogress but in a summaryform looking at the actionas a whole. The Word whichinspires his pilgrim songs,instructs his pilgrim walkand as such he stays histhoughts on the same Word.Circumstances change, butthe Word remains firm andas he is stayed on the Word,10 Bible Witness

The Comfort of Godhe too remains firm. Finally,the Psalmist reaffirms all inverse 56 and underscoresthe comforting natureof God’s Word. Barnescomments, “This I had,because I kept thy precepts- literally, ‘This was to me’;that is, ‘This has happenedto me; this has occurred.’This joyful remembranceof thy law in the night ofaffliction (Psalm 119:50);this stability and firmnesson my part in keeping thylaw when proud men havederided me (Psalm 119:51);this comfort which I havederived from meditating onthy statutes (Psalm 119:52);this solicitude for the welfareof others (Psalm 119:53); thispeace which I have enjoyedin thy law in the house of mypilgrimage (Psalm 119:54);and this consolation whichI have had in thee in thenight-season (Psalm 119:55)- all these have been grantedto me because I have keptthy statutes; because I havesought to be obedient tofind my happiness in thee.These are the proper fruitsand effects of keeping thelaw of God. Such peace doesit impart; so much does it doto sustain and comfort thesoul.”Thus the Word of God aspresented in its wide rangeof attributes is the believer’spersonal consolation. Thisis so because in its variousattributes, the Wordbuilds up the inner manand strengthens him andgrounds him firmly in thehope he has in God andenables him to grow in graceand in the knowledge of God.When afflictions come, andwhen he goes through darkmoments in life, the sameWord that builds him nowcheers and lights his windingand dark path. This may bebetter illustrated by the storyof the little girl in the train.“Did you ever hear about thelittle girl in the train? Shecouldn’t understand whythe trainman was goingthrough the car lighting thelamps. She said, ‘Mother, itis the middle of the day andthe sun is shining, why ishe turning on those lights?’The mother smiled, andsaid, ‘Wait a bit and you’llsee what the lights are for.’In a moment or two, thetrain plunged into a long,dark tunnel, and then thelittle girl saw the wisdom ofthe lamplighting process.”Maybe that is how manyof us are! Like the little girl,we sometimes do not seethe need of knowing andmeditating on the Word ofGod and to our detriment,it leaves us in darkness andcomfortless when afflictionscome. Dear friend, thatBible of yours containsthousands of verses thatseem very ordinary andunnecessary. You can’t seewhy God has gone to all thetrouble of lighting thoselamps of truth, but someday, you’re going into thetunnel of bereavement, orthe tunnel of temptation,or the tunnel of suffering,and then you will value andappreciate the verses thatappear to be commonplacetoday. Therefore, readit, memorize it, cherishevery word in it, turn to itin every circumstance inlife, let it guide you, directyou, encourage you, rebukeyou, mould you into whatGod would have you be.Let it be your comfort andconsolation, for it has theability to: 1. Strengthen; toinvigorate; to cheer or enliven(vv. 49-50) 2. Strengthenthe mind when depressedor enfeebled (vv. 51-54)3. As law, to relieve, assistor encourage (vv. 55-56).Though we accept that theWord of God is a lamp to ourfeet and a light to our paths,yet many times we do notturn to the light in our timesof darkness. May God grantus grace and understandingto appreciate, know andapprehend the comfortingnature of the Word of God.Bible Witness 11

The Comfort of GodMinistering God’sComfort toOthersErrol D. StoneThe greatest blessing in this transitory life isto know Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (cf.Isaiah 9:6), as personal Lord and Saviour (cf.John 3:3, 5, 7, 16; Romans 3:10, 11, 23; 5:8, 12;6:23; 10:9, 10, 13), and live victoriously in Himeven when trials beset us.Christians have two great sources of help tobring comfort to others. They are God’s Spiritand God’s Word. The Holy Spirit is our divinecomforter (cf. John 14:16,26; 16:26). If we walkin the Spirit, in obedience to Him, He will helpus to teach others from the Scripture, thatthey may be strengthened. Jesus promised,“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,whom the Father will send in my name, heshall teach you all things, and bring all thingsto your remembrance, whatsoever I have saidunto you” (John 14:26).Below, some pertinent passages of theScripture that offer comfort for the repentingbackslidden sinner, the afflicted, bereaved,depressed, etc. are briefly discussed:Comfort for the RepentingBackslidden SinnerGod extends a gracious invitation and promiseto His people who have wandered from Him,that He will heal their backsliding, saying,“Return, ye backsliding children, and I will healyour backslidings” (Jeremiah 3:22; cf. Hosea14:4). In Jeremiah 3:1-23, the Word of Godspeaks of sin in a verystrong language, asHis people wanderedfrom Him, and wereunfaithful, joiningthemselves untoother gods, andcommitting spiritualadultery.The Conditionof BackslidingIt is important thatwe know whatbacksliding is beforewe can ministercomfort to the12 Bible Witness

The Comfort of Godbackslidden. Backsliding can be described asfalling from the standard of faith, morals andethics required by the Lord in His Word, livingin a condition of being often embarrassedat the Gospel of salvation, and adoptingan inferior way of living (cf. Galatians 5:4;Colossians 1:23; 2 Peter 3:17). It can lead tomuch confusion (cf. Hosea 11:7) and sadness(cf. Jeremiah 2:19). It can also lead one to sufferGod’s severe chastisements (cf. Hebrews 12:11-14).Upon reflection, those who have wanderedfrom God often recognize their miserableposition, loss of zeal and fervency, downwardsteps, neglecting God’s grace and rather thanseeking opportunities to serve God, they usedopportunities to sin (cf. Romans 13:14). Theywill often recognize that they were over-criticalof God’s messages and His messengers, findingit easy to avoid prayer meetings, fellowship,and conversation with Christians, and secretlyenjoy seeing others fall, as it justified their ownactions.God does not desire the backslidden to bemiserable and sorrowful, but to have a godlysorrow for their sin, not a sorrow for havingbeen found out. Those who come back toHim, find rest unto their souls (cf. Matthew11:28).The Cure for BackslidingThe Lord wants His people to recoverfrom their wandering and return to Himby submitting unto Him (cf. James 4:7), bywalking in the Spirit and not fulfilling the lustof the flesh (cf. Galatians 5:16), by walking invictory and not being defeated (cf. Romans6:14; 1 John 5:4, 5), by being conquerors inJesus Christ, seeking things above (cf. Romans8:37; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Colossians 3:1-3), bybeing faithful to God (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:2; 1Timothy 1:12), having compassion for soulsin sin (cf. Jude 22, 23), giving thanks untoGod, “And the peace of God, which passethall understanding, shall keep your hearts andminds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).Let us pray for those who have wanderedthrough a gradual spiritual deterioration (cf.2 Thessalonians 2:11), that they be granteddiscernment and return to the graciousLord, who is full of mercy and compassion,remembering His gracious invitation andpromises to those returning to the Lord inHosea 14:4, that He will love them freely andturn away His anger from them, “I will healtheir backsliding, I will love them freely: formine anger is turned away from him” (Hosea14:4). The promise also for those returning tothe Lord is that He will heal their backsliding(cf. Jeremiah 3:22), and they shall find rest fortheir souls (cf. Jeremiah 6:16a).The bountiful mercies of God and Hisforgiveness come by confession andrepentance of sin (1 John 1:7-9). God requiresworship and a communing with Him in spiritand truth. Consequently, there is a pardoninggrace. God invites those who had wanderedfar from Him to return as obedient children,not as bodyguards of the Adversary, but assoldiers of the Cross.Comfort for those inBeds of AfflictionAlthough there are many afflicted, God’sgoodness, compassion and comfort can beexpressed in such trials. God’s Word says,“These things I have spoken unto you, thatin me ye might have peace. In the world yeshall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; Ihave overcome the world” (John 16:33). We,Christians, are still exposed to the sorrows anddisappointments of trials and tribulations; butthrough Jesus Christ, who has overcome theBible Witness 13

The Comfort of Godworld, we can have strength and hope evenin our afflictions.The Confusion about SufferingMisconceptions about suffering have ledmany to blame God for all the disasters,sickness, suffering, death, etc. The Word ofGod is very clear that suffering and deathcame as a result of sin in the world, from theFall which occurred in the Garden of Eden(cf. Genesis 3:16-19), when the harmony withGod was shattered due to man’s sin, resultingin the penalty of death (cf. Romans 6:23).Consequently, sin passed upon all, and manis culpable for his actions, not God.Some maintain that personal sin results insuffering, but this is not always the case. TheBook of Job is a graphic divine teaching of theproblem of suffering, and why God permitseven the righteous to suffer. Job not onlyknew of the Saviour, but also many other Bibledoctrines and Biblical truths. He also lived agodly life that pleased God (cf. Job 1:8). Yethe suffered greatly. Jesus Christ also explainedto His disciples that the blind man in John9:1-7 was not suffering because of his parents’sin, or his own personal sin, but was sufferingso that God could demonstrate His powerthrough the healing that Jesus Christ wouldgrant him.Neither is suffering due to a lack of faith. TheApostle Paul was a man of great faith andyet three times he prayed for God to healhim of his affliction (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:8).The comfort from Jesus Christ to Paul in hissuffering was, “My grace is sufficient for thee:for my strength is made perfect in weakness”(2 Corinthians 12:9). Although Paul was aman with an undeniable, unflinching andunwavering faith, in his infirmity, God kepthim humble.The Christian is Not Alonein His SufferingFirstly, let us encourage suffering brethrento meditate upon our Lord’s great sufferingfor our sake. He suffered as our ultimate sinbearer,for we read “...with his stripes we arehealed” (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus Christ endured thecruel cross and suffered shame (cf. Hebrews12:2), and is preparing us for the glory to come(cf. John 14:1-4).Secondly, let us remind the suffering brethrenthat Jesus Christ is both with them andworking in them even in their darkest hours.When encompassed with prayer, the sufferingChristian is able to draw comfort from God’sWord, as did the Apostle Paul who said, “For Ireckon that the sufferings of this present timeare not worthy to be compared with the glorywhich shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).Paul knew that God was with him and herejoiced in his sufferings, knowing that this lifeis only temporal and that eternity is everlastingand that his glory was to be soon.Thirdly, let us reassure the suffering Christianthat his affliction is used by God for His gloryand to refine His children (cf. 1 Peter 1:6-7;5:10), and thus moulding him to be conformedto the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Romans 8:28-29).Believers share in the suffering of Christ inthe sense that through suffering, they identifywith Jesus Christ. Suffering can perfect aperson in the image of Jesus Christ, whilstit can also help others come to know JesusChrist as their personal Lord and Saviour, asthe suffering Christian remains committed toglorify Christ.Fourthly, let us speak to those who are in theirdeath bed concerning the eternal home thathas been prepared, which is our wonderfulfuture hope (cf. Revelation 21:4).14 Bible Witness

The Comfort of GodFinally, God’s comfortis with those who areafflicted, and theywill be ministeredto by His Spirit andHis Word. Christianscan minister to theafflicted (whetherthey be consciousor unconscious) byprayers, by the readingof His Word, by singingpsalms and hymns.Comfort forthe BereavedThe Word of God comforts Christians intimes of the home-going of a loved one andencourages them saying, “But I would not haveyou to be ignorant, brethren, concerning themwhich are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even asothers which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians4:13). Christians do not have to mutilatethemselves (cf. Deuteronomy 14:1), or mourncontinuously at the home-going of a loved one(cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13), as this is a promotionto glory. The Word of God says, “For we knowthat if our earthly house of this tabernaclewere dissolved, we have a building of God,an house not made with hands, eternal in theheavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1).Firstly, let us remind the bereaved that thosewho die are promoted to glory. The principlelearnt from God’s Word is that the departingof a loved one, who is a believer, is a joyousmatter (although tears will be shed), becausethe loved one has gone to be with the Lordand promoted to glory. They are enjoyingthe blessed presence of the Lord Jesus Christ(having a closer fellowship with Him) and all theother saints who have gone to heaven beforethem. They are not suffering, nor are they in anintermediate state of unconsciousness beforethe appearing of the Lord. On the contrary,they are certainly alive as the Word of Godsays, “…to be absent from the body, and to bepresent with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).Secondly, let us recall that the Apostle Pauldeclared that the home-going of a saint is gain- “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”(Philippians 1:21). He knew of the glory ofGod that existed beyond the grave. He knewthat for the truly born-again Christian, JesusChrist was not only to be magnified in life, butalso magnified in death. Paul understood themeaning of life, and did not fear death, for itis a graduation to fellowship with and in thepresence of the Lord.Thirdly, let us refresh their minds with theScripture that they who die in the Lord areresting in heaven from all their labours (cf.Revelation 14:13). They are removed from theearthly sufferings, cares of life, temptation tosin and from the evils of sin.Fourthly, as Jesus Christ is resurrected fromthe dead, so are true believers promised toBible Witness 15

The Comfort of Godbe resurrected (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:20-24; 1Thessalonians 4:13-18).God’s Word says, “Blessed be God, even theFather of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Fatherof mercies, and the God of all comfort; whocomforteth us in all our tribulation, that wemay be able to comfort them which are inany trouble, by the comfort wherewith weourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians1:3, 4).God is a God of comfort, and has given usHis Word that we may be comforted andstrengthened in our hour of grief. In the OldTestament, we are given the words of comfortfrom Psalm 23; Isaiah 40:1-8, 28-31; 55:1-3, 6-13and, in the New Testament, some include 1Corinthians 15:1-58; Revelation 21:1-7. May weencourage one another continually with theWord of God, especially in times of need. Letus not isolate ourselves or feel that way, forGod is our strength and comfort in times ofgrief.Comfort for the DepressedThe Causes of DepressionThe causes of depression could be due to any ofthe following: a recent illness in which one getsbehind in work, hormonal changes, a reversalof circumstances, the consequences of simplenegligence, guilt over a particular sin, self-pityarising from jealousy or disadvantageousturn of events, bad feeling resulting fromresentment, worry, etc.The Word of God declares that certain peoplesuffered depression because of concealingtheir sin and subsequent guilt, “He thatcovereth his sins shall not prosper: butwhoso confesseth and forsaketh them shallhave mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Cain’s so-calleddepression was due to disobeying God andconcealing his sin, “And the LORD said untoCain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thycountenance fallen? If thou doest well, shaltthou not be accepted? and if thou doest notwell, sin lieth at the door” (Genesis 4:6,7). Cain’ssinful offering was rejected by God and hefurther complicated his position, by becomingangry and jealous. Subsequent repentanceand change of behaviour would have reversedhis situation, but Cain failed to heed God’swarnings. Harbouring a grudge, self-pity,jealousy and anger led him deeper into hissinful dealings (Genesis 4:5) and he killed hisown brother. Failing to identify sin initially, anddeal with it correctly, complicated matters,leading to guilt, and further failures.The Cure for DepressionWhen David concealed his sin, he suffered,but he repented and said, “When I keptsilence, my bones waxed old through myroaring all the day long. For day and nightthy hand was heavy upon me” (Psalm 32:3,4). The remedy for restoration of depressioncaused by sin, is described by David as he said,“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mineiniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confessmy transgressions unto the LORD; and thouforgavest the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).Although he made a mistake, he confessedhis sin before God and forsook it, never togo back to it again and said, “Be glad in theLORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shoutfor joy, all ye that are upright in heart” (Psalm32:11). On three occasions during his trials,when feeling downcast, David said, “Why artthou cast down, O my soul?” (Psalm 42:5, 11;43:5), but he never lost sight of the solution tohis depression. David had never been forsaken(cf. 2 Samuel 19:9-40; Hebrews 13:5), though it16 Bible Witness

The Comfort of Godjust appeared humanly that he had (cf. Psalm9:12; 37:28), as God never forsakes His own.When trials beset us, God’s Word says, “We aretroubled on every side, yet not distressed; weare perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted,but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed”(2 Corinthians 4:8, 9). Likewise, the ApostlePaul had the blessed hope of the resurrectionand knew that although his outer man waswearing away, he had a daily renewing of theinner man because of salvation (2 Corinthians4:16-18). Although the Apostle Paul sufferedmuch (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), he continuedto trust in the Lord and was sustained byGod’s grace.Christians are to base the trials of life on truth,not on feelings (Philippians 4:1). Whether thetrials be from the world, Satan (the defeatedfoe) or God, Christians are to count it all joybecause of what God can accomplish, notbecause of the trials itself (James 1:2).Caution should be exercised with medications,because of the side effects and the maskingof the symptoms, allowing the root causes tobe ignored. During his depression, King Saulwas uplifted by music (1 Samuel 16:14-23).A spirit of praise and thanksgiving oftenenables a man to rise above the infirmities ofthe flesh (Proverbs 18:14). The Word of Godsays, “In every thing give thanks: for this is thewill of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20).ConclusionWe have a God who cares and comforts us.1 Peter 5:7 exhorts us, “Casting all your careupon him; for he careth for you.” Troubledhearts can find peace in Jesus Christ today, asHe begins a new work in a person at conversion(cf. Philippians 1:6), becoming new creatures(cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17), when the Holy Spirittakes up residence (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:19), andGod’s great plan is embarked upon, finding joyin a troubled world. As believers are redeemedthrough Jesus Christ’s blood (Colossians 1:14;Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1:18,19), so they canrecognize that the present sufferings can beturned to His glory and the believers’ goodas they develop a stronger dependence uponGod and become more Christ-like (Hebrews12:11).Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that theeverlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of theearth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching ofhis understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to themthat have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youthsshall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterlyfall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew theirstrength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shallrun, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.Isaiah 40:28-31Bible Witness 17

The Comfort of GodComfort of a WidowLee Kim LeiMy name is Kim Lei. In November 2004, myhusband, Chin, was deceased due to bloodcancer (Acute Lymphoblast Leukaemia) afternine months of struggle in the hospital. He leftbehind three sons: Chin Juo Wi, Chin Jie Wi,Chin Jia Wi. We, as a family, were led to Christthe Saviour three weeks before my husbandpassed away. I want to testify to you how mylove for our great Father has been growingwithin me for the past two and a half years.I thought of writing my testimony to glorifythe Lord for the salvation and many blessings,which I have received from our merciful Lordthrough the difficult experiences of my life. Iwanted to shout from my heart to praise theLord whenever I tasted the goodness from ourLord. However, nothing was done. I had noconfidence to do it. Our Almighty God knewmy weaknesses. During the last church camp,God granted methe encouragementthrough the loveand fellowship ofthe brethren. I waswarmed by “thesisterhood” in thechurch camp; and Iam thankful for sisterswho encouraged andhelped me to writethis testimony. Ithelped me to focuson Christ. He filledme with His spiritand granted me thecourage. I was able towrite this testimony and also read it in frontof the congregation with the help of the HolySpirit in me. I was full of joy.Our Lord Jesus is OurGreat SaviourMy late husband sighed and mentioned to meduring the suffering of leukaemia treatmentthat the purpose of his suffering was for thesalvation of his family. His suffering broughtcare and love as well as unity among his parentsand sibling. It also led to the salvation of ourthree sons and me. He asked me to seek healingof my soul from God two days before he passedaway. I am very sure that he is now with theLord in heaven. Praise the Lord!I was very frightened when my husband passedaway, as I was afraid that my mother-in-law18 Bible Witness

The Comfort of Godwould put the blame of the loss of her belovedson on me. I was even very worried that shewould not agree to a Christian funeral formy husband, as we are the first generationChristians in both of our families. But allpraise and thanks to the Lord who caused a‘miracle’. Upon the death of my husband, Ihad the full support from both of our familymembers to request a Christian funeral for myhusband. Our Almighty God also transformedmy mother-in-law to a caring mother to me.Praise the Lord. I am praying to the Lord for hersalvation as well as other family members asthey occasionally come with me to the churchto hear the Word of God.Our Lord Jesus is aHusband to the WidowOur God is a comforter as well as a patient andcareful husband to me. The Bible tells us thatour Lord Jesus will look after the widow like ahusband, and the fatherless like a father. “TheLORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth thefatherless and widow” (Psalm 146:9). He givesprotection to me (cf. Psalms 23 and 25).He cared for me and helped me in the handlingof my emotions during my most difficult timesas I went through the pain of the loss of myhusband. The loss of my husband makes mefeel very handicapped, with a broken heart andwithout the right arm. Emotionally, I was totallydepressed. The feeling of insecurity made meextremely frightened. I told my sons not to letanyone know that they had lost their father.I was so afraid that people would harm us,disturb us or bully us. I was so nervous whenthe quietness of night came. I became verysensitive over any sound, even the sound ofneighbours walking past my home.I also struggled with the operation of thebusiness that my late husband left behind.Again, the Lord grants me the help I neededand therefore I was able to run it smoothly andthus providing for my family’s financial needs.Frankly, I am not familiar with this business.But the Lord has helped me hitherto.The hymn, “No One Ever Cared for Me LikeJesus” is truly my testimony. This hymn hascomforted me for the past two and a half years.Our patient, caring and careful God comfortsme through the messages and many wonderfulhymns.He walks with me at my pace, one step at a time,day by day, twenty-four hours a day. He makesme know that I have a most powerful Husband;so no one can ever harm me. Everyday, He givesme new assurance. My faith grows by His graceand assurances to me.Our Lord Jesus is a Counsellor,a Father to the FatherlessNurturing three sons is not an easy task. I feltlost because I did not know whether I shouldbe in the role of a father or a mother. I amused to being a mother. The role of a fatheris totally new to me. As I was wondering howto provide fatherly love to my children, Psalm68:5 became a great comfort and assurance- “A father of the fatherless, and a judge of thewidows, is God in his holy habitation.”Therefore, I prayed day and night, even whenI talked and shared my difficulties with mythree sons. When I counselled and disciplinedthem, I prayed to our merciful Father. He ismy God who never failed me. He softened thechildren’s hearts and made it easier for me totalk to them.While I prayed, He sent his servant, our pastor,to enlighten me on my duty as the parent tomy children. Praise the Lord! I go through manyBible Witness 19

The Comfort of Godtroubles as I bring up my children,but I can expect perfect care fromour Father.Our Lord Jesus is theMaster of Our FamilyHe plans and sets the right path formy family in His Word. The Lordgives me much direction throughthe ministry of the Word, andfellowships in Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church. I praise theLord for leading my children andme to Gethsemane B-P Church,and grow spiritually in the last twoand a half years.I was invited to many charismaticchurches by my friends. I wasmoved by their hospitality andwas intending to bring my childrenthere. However, I was lost andfrightened of bringing up mychildren in a wrong church. Godhas done miracles and made thevisits not successful. At the sametime, the Lord led me to visitGethsemane B-P Church through afriend of my husband who attendsthat church. I thank the Lord forthem, the Gan family. Thank God,for He has chosen Gethsemane B-PChurch, a church that preaches thetruth of God’s Word.I yield to my Lord according toHis Word in 1 Timothy 5:5, “Nowshe that is a widow indeed, anddesolate, trusteth in God, andcontinueth in supplications andprayers night and day.” The Lordis truly my God and my comfort!THE COMFORTOF GODI have been through the valley of weeping,The valley of sorrow and pain;But the God of all comfort was with me,At hand to uphold and sustain.As the earth needs the clouds and the sunshineOur souls need both sorrow and joy,So he places us oft in the furnace,The dross from the gold to destroy.When He leads through some valley of troubleHis omnipotent hand we can trace;For the trials and sorrows He sends usAre part of His lessons of Grace.Oft we shrink from the purging and pruning,Forgetting the husbandman knowsThat the deeper the cutting and paringThe richer the cluster that grows.Well He knows that affliction is needed,He has a wise purpose in view;And in the dark valley He whispers,“Hereafter thou shalt know what I do.”As we travel through life’s shadowed valley,Fresh springs of His love ever rise,And we learn that our sorrow and lossesAre blessings just sent in disguise.So we’ll follow wherever He leads us,Let the path be dreary or bright,For we’ve proved that our God can give comfort,Our God can give songs in the night.- Selected20 Bible Witness

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Children’s PageBible Trivia - Genesis 29 & 30Sarah YongRead the relevant chapters from your Bible. For eachstatement below, fill in a number in the blank/s provided.A.B.C.D.E.F.G.Jacob journeyed east and came to a field where he saw __ flocks of sheep.He met Rachel, the younger of Laban’s __ daughters, when she brought herfather’s sheep to the well to get water.Laban promised to give Jacob Rachel’s hand in marriage if he served __ years.However, he was deceived into marrying Leah first, and after __ more yearsthen he was allowed to marry Rachel. In total he served __ years.Each daughter was given ___ handmaid, Zilpah to Leah, and Bilhah to Rachel.The Lord blessed Leah with ___ sons and ___ daughter.The handmaids bore Jacob a total of ____sons.Find and circle the names of Jacob’s offspring in thewordsearch below.I V E L B D H ES L G N J I P ZS J A U A N E EA D D T E A S BC A M B H H O UH N U I N P J LA E R E H S A UR J S I M E O NUse the remaining letters to formthe name of Jacob’s last son whowould be born to Rachel.Answer: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Answers to Vol. 7, Issue 2 - Bible Trivia - Genesis 27 & 28p. 23 - (1) Esau; (2) commanded; (3) raiment; (4) hands; (5) firstborn; (6) Jacob; (7) lord; (8) savoury;(9) sword; (10) slay; (11) Haran; (12) Bethuel; (13) Abraham; (14) Ishmael; (15) Jacob; (16) keep;(17) Luz; (18) tenth.Message: HALLELUJAH, CHRIST AROSE!Bible Witness 23

Objectives••••to encourage and refreshmissionaries of Gethsemane B-P Churchto encourage the mission churches and their believersto foster fellowship among like-minded ministers of the Wordto edify and unite the people of God in the truth of God’s WordOrdination of Our Missionaries••Bro Ephrem Chiracho Ouchula (Ethiopia)Bro Reggor Barazon Galarpe (The Philippines)