Since scripture memorization became a regular part of our church’s programme in September 2004, many Lifers have benefited from participating in it. Last year, 44 have done well enough to receive awards for their review exercises in the series of 28 Scripture verses on the theme, "O For a Closer Walk with God." The testimonies of some of them are printed below.

Let us not miss out on the blessings of participating in memorizing the present series of 28 Scripture verses on the theme, "The Growing Christian." Take the challenge of attempting the review exercise of the first 7 verses that will come at the end of this month! —Pastor

"AS CHRISTIANS, we are instructed to hide God’s word in our hearts that we may not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11) and to delight ourselves in His statutes and not forget His word. (Psalm 119:16). What better way to do this than to memorise His word!

Thus, when the church stopped reciting the memory verses corporately, we decided to incorporate it into our weekly family devotions. Initially, we found it challenging to commit the verses to memory. It was even more daunting to associate them with their references. We made it easier for Daniel by letting him recite it daily after his personal devotions instead of once a week. However, as the year progressed, he did not have to do it daily to remember it. We found that setting up a routine was important. Learning it as a family also helped, as we took turns reciting the verses and each person would hear it thrice. We would then review the previous week’s verse as well. When the written review was due, we would do all seven verses that week. Daniel would review the seven verses daily and write them out at the end of the week. This may sound tedious but we found that the more we memorised, the easier it got and the time taken was also shortened.

We started each verse by discussing the meaning. Then Leslie and Claire would learn the verse by visualising it. Angela remembered the verses by testing Daniel. For Daniel, it was a combination of techniques (visual, audio and kinesthetic) that got him going. This year, we also occasionally listen to the audio CD given by the church when commuting in the car. We believe that even if we forget the verses in time to come, they remain somewhere in our minds, and we will recall them more readily when we encounter them at a later date, than if we had not committed them to memory at all.

We have definitely benefited greatly from participating in this memory verse programme. It has not only helped us to bond as a family (doing a common activity) but also to recall the verses when the occasion called for them. In short, there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain!

We hope that all of you will challenge yourselves to participate in this year’s Scripture Memory Program, and see how God uses these verses to bless your life and the lives of others."
- The Tan Family: Leslie, Angela, Claire (JC1), Daniel (P5)

"THE CHURCH started the memory verse programme in September 2004. At that time my in-laws were suffering from cancer and were in the last days of their lives. They had just accepted the Lord then but were unable to read His word because of their illnesses and physical inadequacies (for one was almost deaf and the other almost blind). Seeing that, I was determined to commit bible verses to memory while I was still young and my faculties still intact, however premature this frame of mind might be. That was my initial motivation.

Three years have just gone by. Much happened during this time. An ear infection resulted in some hearing loss in my right ear. My eyesight is rapidly deteriorating, making reading a struggle. And my memory seems to fail more often. Suddenly the prospect of being blind, deaf and senile seems real enough - my own frailty hits home!

I am not content with just learning the six or seven verses just so as to participate in the quarterly Memory Verse Review. I want badly to able to remember all the verses that I have learnt so far since 2004. So everyday while performing some "brain-less" activities such as doing household chores, driving or waiting for a parking lot, on my royal flush or taking my beauty shower, I recite all the verses. It is getting increasingly tough. My brain screams for a break! I need a new motivation to press on and persevere. And I found one good one.

In Hebrews 9:9-14, it is written that gifts and sacrifices cannot make a person perfect with regard to the conscience. But Christ through His death purges our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Most of my battles take place in my mind. I may be able to tame my tongue because I am slow in speech. I may be able to refrain from doing evil because hey, I am a civilized person. But I have the greatest difficulty stopping evil or negative thoughts from bombarding my mind. I sin in my mind.

Jesus said it plainly in Mark 7:21-23 – "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts…all these evil things come from within, and defile the man." We have been instructed to meditate on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, with virtue and worthy of praise (Phil 4:8). So what should I do with my mind? Psalm 119:11 says "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." And in John 15:3 Jesus said, "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you."

So everyday when I go through my verses a spiritual battle is taking place in my mind. When I refuse to let go of my anger, I struggle with those verses on love. When I fear about the uncertainty ahead, verses on God’s Comfort touch me. His Word chastises me for my sins, gives me hope and confidence, and assures me of His guidance. Going through these verses while doing household chores make the most laborious task seems a breeze and the longest wait only a blink of an eye. They put me wings on my feet and I am ready to face my day. Because I have already met my Lord in my mind and heart." - Leong Li Peng

"HOW I HAVE BENEFITED from participating in this memory verse programme: I feel that I have benefited spiritually from this memory verse programme. It has helped me to not only learn more about God’s Word but also to understand it better. It has also allowed me to spiritually bond with my mother better, as she was the one who motivated me to memorise the verses together with her.

Personal tips on how to memorise verses: My personal tip is to do it with someone and to understand the meaning of the verses. When I suggest you to do it with someone it can be anybody, ranging from your brother to your friends. As for me, I partnered with my mother. She guided me along the way, and was the one who taught me to understand the verses first. She said that it would be easier to memorise the verses once you have understood the meaning of the verse. I tried it out and it turned out to be much easier. Another tip would be to break the verses into smaller parts (how small depending on how much you can memorise at one go). This can help you to memorise the verses more efficiently as the verses would be easier to manage."
- Nathaniel Goh

"THE SCRIPTURE MEMORY PROGRAMME helps me to be consistent in memorising God’s Word. The little booklet of Scripture Memory verses provided by the church is very useful too. I put it in my bag and can memorise and review the verses wherever and whenever I can. When I face temptations and trials, God’s word will come to my mind. I can claim God’s promises through His Word and be strengthened and comforted.

I also find it very helpful when the messages on Sunday are taken from the memory verses. Then I can understand the verses better and can remember them easily." - Phei Hong

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9-13 June 2008, Awana Resort

Professor William Harding is a distinguished servant of the Lord, with a primary passion for teaching and preaching of God’s Word. His love for God and experience in God’s work have prompted him to publish numerous books.

• Discipleship by Dn John Ching

Submit one camp registration form and one photocopy of passport details per person to Mr Roger Kok at the Camp Registration Office (between Kindergarten Room 4 and the Cry Room) 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on Sundays, or 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday. Registration will close on 25 May 08, which is only 8 weeks away.

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1) Nominations for General Elections 2008. Nomination forms are available from the Reception Counter and the Church Office on weekdays. The closing date for nomination is 16 Mar 08.

2) VBS 2008 (28-30 May). Teachers and helpers needed. Please register now. Drop the form at front entrance or register online www.lifebpc.com/vbs. Contact: Keng Khwang @ 98293292 or vbs at lifebpc dot com.

3) "Enriching Our Marriages" Seminar organised by MF/LF on 29 Mar 08 (Sat) from 2 to 9.30 pm. Open to couples who are married for 10 years and above. Look out for further details.

4) Infant Baptism on Easter Sunday, 23 Mar 08. Parents who intend to have their infants baptised must register by 2 Mar 08. Please call the Church office (6254-5433) or email Yin Chan giving child’s name, date of birth and parents’ names.

5) ASM: Modular Class on Leader’s Formation: 10-11 Mar 08 (Mon-Tue). Venue: Conference Room. Topics: On Spiritual Formation, Skill Formation, Strategic Formation. Facilitator: Rev Goh Seng Fong. Please register with Rev Goh at gohsengfong@hotmail.com.

6) Our condolences to Sim Soon Kiat and family on the demise of his father, Sim Kok Pan, on 22 Feb 08.

Preaching appointment: Rev Seet at Thai Service 8th Anniversary, 4.00 pm.

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Date: 30 March 2008

Time: 10.45 am

Topic: Why was the Resurrection Necessary?

Dr Steve Reynolds (English Service)

Rev Teo Kiak Hock (Mandarin Service)

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by Rev Charles Seet

commencing 5 March 08 (for 4 weeks)

7.30 - 9.30 pm, Chinese Service Hall

THE 4 SESSIONS are designed to equip participants with biblical principles of evangelism, as well as tools and methods of evangelism which can be used at home, at school or workplace and in outdoor witnessing situations.

There will be a lesson on handling frequently-asked questions and excuses, and opportunities will be provided to practice in class, and also in an outdoor session. May the Lord help us to be "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." (1 Peter 3:15)