Women Of Virtue

For mothers of children and teenagers, this question-and-answer session seeks to address some issues such as methods of physical discipline; managing violent and mentally challenged children; and knowing when to apply verbal vs physical discipline.

This sermon by Rev Dr Jeffrey Khoo is entitled “What is Edifying Speech?”, based on Ephesians 4:25-32. Listeners are taught what godly speech is and what is not. They are also exhorted to watch their own tongue.

Based on Galatians 5:16-24, Rev Dr Jeffrey Khoo preached on the topic “Flesh Versus Spirit”. He shares with his hearers the characteristics of a believer versus that of an unbeliever. They are to examine themselves to see whether they truly live in the Spirit, walk in the Spirit and are led of the Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:18&25).

In this sermon, Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy speaks about Enoch, the man who walked with God. For every believer, to walk with God means to be reconciled to Him, and to commune with Him daily and closely through prayer and the reading of Scripture. This thought-provoking, self-reflective message is based on Genesis 5:21-24.

The devotion in this fourth and last part of the “Proverbs 31 Woman” series is based on Proverbs 31:30 – “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” Christian women are exhorted to be God-fearing, and not chase after the vain things of this world.

Diligence is important in the life of a godly woman. Based on selected verses in Proverbs 31, the devotion aims to instruct women to know the calling, principle and attitude of a diligent worker, that they may be conscientious in the areas of work and service they have been called to fulfil.

Proverbs 31:11&12 says of the trustworthy wife, “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” The devotion and book extracts will deal with this topic of trustworthiness for the learning and self-examination of Christian wives, that they may be faithful and responsible in their home and marital relationship.

This first section of the 4-part series on “The Proverbs 31 Woman” focuses on Proverbs 31:20&26—“She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” Kindness in word and deed is a hallmark of the virtuous woman. She reaches out to the poor and afflicted, and from her mouth proceeds words of graciousness and benevolence.

The discussion is about how the wife and mother ought to manifest wisdom in her dealings at home and in her interactions with her husband and children. She must counsel her children according to Scripture; lead them by example; and always prioritise her husband and home second to God Himself. The woman of wisdom also guards against lies and deception, and weighs all counsel (even from husband and church leaders) in the light of God’s Word.

Isaiah 46:4—“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” In the devotion, those in their evening years are encouraged to keep trusting in God’s grace, and to recollect and share with others His goodness in their lives. Listeners will also hear two testimonies.

Questions pertaining to modesty, dresscode, and hair and accessories will be addressed in this session.

In addition to what was learnt in the first part of the seminar, ladies are taught on knowing their place in their service to God, which includes modesty in dressing and conduct.

In this seminar, sisters are exhorted not to remain ignorant or negligent of their God-given role and position in the church. Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy also speaks on the spiritual status of women.

The sermon “Impossible to Please God” based on Hebrews 11:1-6 was preached by Rev Dr Quek Suan Yew who spoke on living a life of faith, obedience and sacrifice.

Based on Romans 15:1-7, Rev Dr Jeffrey Khoo preached the message, “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?”. He exhorts Christians on their responsibility to bear the burdens of weaker brethren, as well as how they can do so; and why they have to do so.

“How would I know if my interpretation and application of Scriptures is right or wrong?” “Is reading the Bible followed by sound commentaries a correct way of self-study?” “How do we determine the right interpretation of a verse when different commentators or pastors explain it differently?” Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy attempts to answer these questions and more in the discussion.

Women of virtue must be women of the Word. In his sermon entitled “The Word of God in You”, Rev Dr Quek Suan Yew exhorts his hearers to rejoice in spiritual and not carnal things; to have a high view of Scripture; to have a personal experience with it; and to be energized by it.

Questions addressed in this session include: “Is tithe 10% of whatever I receive e.g. gross income, dividends, rental, donations, scholarships, bursaries, love gifts etc.? How about interest earned from the bank?” “If we choose to give monetary gifts to specific Christians or ministries who are in need, do we consider this tithing or free-will offering?”

In his devotion, Pr Richard Tiu makes reference to the widow with two mites to exhort sisters to give more of themselves—their time, talents and treasures—in devoted service to the Lord. They should not be bringing Him leftovers, but that which is generous and sacrificial—even their all.

“Lord, here am I”—this ought to be the prayer of every believing, willing heart to do what the Lord has called her to do. But though not all are called to be missionaries, all are called to be missions-minded. Thus, Rev Dr Jeffrey Khoo’s speaks on “The Church a Missions Society and a Bible Institute”, based on Matthew 28:18-20.