Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. 16 He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. 17 He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak. (Is 59:15 ESV) We live in a world of violence and injustice. Though there may be regional pockets of peace or even decades of stability that tempt us to think that humanity is bettering itself, so long as we refuse to bow the knee to God and confess our sins, we continue in our state of spiritual intoxication, waiting for our world’s next drunken outburst. There is not a day that goes by in which a child is not trafficked, an innocent is not murdered, or a dictator does not persecute his own people. Who will avenge their blood? Who can pursue the criminals who have defrauded others and vanished into the shadows of corrupt governments and systems? How can we stand against the power and principalities that rule over this present darkness? God’s Word answers the question for us—only by equipping ourselves with the armour of God. The famous passage in Ephesians 6 commonly referred to as the “Armour of God” does not find its origins primarily in the combat gear of the Roman military, but rather in the Old Testament imagery of God as the divine warrior. Here in Isaiah 59, we see the divine anger of God against the evils of this world. Seeing none who will set things right, the God of heaven prepares himself to wage war and execute his perfect justice. He dons the breastplate of his perfectly, righteous conduct and straps the helmet of immortal salvation around his head. He clothes himself with a uniform of vengeance so that all who gaze on him will know that there is no escape from the divine warrior and his supreme justice. Furthermore, Isaiah 11:5 tells us that the divine warrior will wear faithfulness around his waist as a belt. Revelation 19 tells us that he is called the “Word of God,” and that the very words of his mouth will be a sharp two-edged sword that will strike down the nations. Who is this divine warrior? None other than the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One—our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And on that last day, the Messiah who is Christ will return in full battle gear and all that is wrong with this world will be righted. Now although our Lord Jesus in the days of his flesh veiled his glorious appearance with human flesh and chose to ride a donkey rather than a white warhorse, he nevertheless wore the divine panoply. All of his words and deeds hung off his belt of truth. His breastplate of righteousness gleamed for those with eyes to see in his perfect and holy conduct. His mud-caked feet were beautifully adorned with Good News of peace that he preached in all the towns of Israel. His head was protected by the might of his Father’s salvation, and his unwavering faith in God shielded him from all the flaming darts of temptation that were launched at him by the devil and the evil men of his generation. Each time he was attacked, he struck back with not with his fists, but with the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God as he declared, “It is written…” What wondrous armour this is! Strong enough for the Holy One of heaven to wear! And though the forces of hell unleashed the full weight of their wrath on him from every conceivable angle, not once did the heavenly armour fail! And this armour—this divine armour—is the very armour our God offers to his children who are good soldiers of Christ Jesus. The armour that our loving Master offers is not just the Father’s gift to his people, but the very armour his one and only Son, our brother in redemption, invisibly wore as he faced his earthly trials in the days of his flesh, and that one day, all the earth will see him displaying when he returns in glory. Believer, do you realize that the very armour God offers you is the same armour that the precious Son of God wore as he ran his race on this earth? It is not an untested piece of equipment but one which has been lovingly crafted, tested, and tried. The God who purchased us out of the slave market of sin has not left us as orphans in this world to fend for ourselves but has clothed us in the beautiful righteousness of Christ and also equipped us with divine armour that is strong enough to last the war. It will never wear out, nor will it ever break. And though our battle against our flesh and trials may seem long and wearisome, the armour that our Christ wore is now ours and will never fail us as it never failed Christ. Even though Roman soldiers stripped our Lord of all his clothing, the Son of God was never completely naked or defenseless on that cross, for no amount of human cunning or demonic strength can remove or shatter the divine armour that guards the souls of God’s beloved. Christian, as you wage spiritual war against your disappointments, trials, afflictions, and difficulties in your pilgrimage to your heavenly home, rest in the unparalleled protection that the armour of Christ grants you. Remember that it is not only God’s gift to you, but that the Captain of your salvation proved its matchless strength and power through his life, death and resurrection. Therefore, put on our Lord’s armour, dear Christian—the full of armour of Christ. Article by: Samuel Chua

14 And Elisha said, "As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would neither look at you nor see you. 15 But now bring me a musician." And when the musician played, the hand of the LORD came upon him. 16 And he said, "Thus says the LORD, 'I will make this dry streambed full of pools.' 17 For thus says the LORD, 'You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.' (2 Kings 3:14-17 ESV) In the beginning—God created music. Now, although Genesis does not document the creation of music, it also does not detail for us the creation of angels nor Satan’s fall into sin. Yet, we read that when God created the earth, all “the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy…” (Job 38:7) In other words, when the angels saw God’s immense creative power, calling into existence out of nothing the earth, sea, and the sky—they shouted for joy! As the mighty mountains and dry land burst out from the depths of the sea and God sank the foundations of the earth into place, anchoring the continents of our planet into the earth’s mantle, the angels were absolutely awestruck and these “sons of God” burst out into songs of praise though they had never attended a school of music! Now if music is rightly defined as sound ordered in time, it is understandable why music should be a medium for praise to God. Notes in harmony, not dissonance, organized in a rhythmic fashion to create a sense of melody and counterpoint, transcend human language and speak directly to our souls that were made to worship our Creator at the very core of our being. Music by its very nature lifts our spirits and evokes in us a sense of utter wonder that reflects the fact that our God is not a God of confusion but a God of peace and order. Just as the Garden of Eden was meant to be cultivated by man to declare the brilliance and orderliness of God to our eyes, so also is the careful cultivation and arrangement of musical tones meant to declare the brilliance and orderliness of God to our ears. It is no wonder then that the Lord has chosen on a number of occasions to use moments of musical worship for the revelation of his perfectly harmonious and good plans. Here, a curious scene unfolds as Elisha the prophet advises the Israelite king with a word from the Lord—but not before calling for a musician. Now, the Israelites were in serious trouble. They had no water for their army and their very existence as a nation hung by a thread as a Moabite army threatened to obliterate them. But in spite of this very immediate danger, the prophet reacts, not by calling for a counsel of war, nor by offering a sacrifice, but by calling for a song. And although not explicitly stated, given the miraculous response, what was played could only have been a song of worship to God. Now if music is a medium by which the heart pours out its worship and draws near to God, is it not then fitting that the hand of the Lord would reveal God’s merciful plan in response? The Israelites had no hope whatsoever, but God in his mercy observed their deferential posture and chose not to just give life through the water that miraculously appeared, but also used the very same water to bring death to the enemies of Israel. All this because one man prioritized the worship of God. There is a lesson for us here. Believer, in life’s most difficult circumstances, have you ever thought to face your difficulties with a song on your lips? Not just a merry tune to please your ears, but a new song of praise from your heart to God? Even though your circumstances might be dire and you are overwhelmed by grief, the greatness of God, his beauty and his splendor, and his sheer mercy in saving an undeserving sinner like you will never change. Christ died under God’s wrath, so that all that we might face in this life is but a light momentary affliction compared to the cross. Therefore, never forget that crisis is not a time to stop and sit in despondency, but rather, a time to stand and sing to your God and king. And as you make music to the Lord with your heart and lips, may you have the joy at seeing his mercy as he fights for you. He who did not spare his own Son for you will surely do it. Article by: Samuel Chua

[2] It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. [3] Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. [4] The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 ESV) We live in a culture that is terrified of death, for death represents the utter termination of everything that our carpe diem (seize the day) culture urges us to do. The life of wine and cheese dining, relaxation on white sand beaches, and riveting entertainment at the click of a button has no ability to grapple with death and therefore denies its existence. What we cannot handle, we abstract from our lives to nursing homes and hospices, impoverishing ourselves of biblical wisdom in the process. Death is truly “the end of all mankind,” and we would be fools not to heed God speaking to our hearts through our own mortality. But it is not to say that feasting of any sort is inherently bad. The birth of a child, the marriage of a man and woman, the beginning of a new year of life—these are all causes for celebration! Our Lord himself made wine at Cana and ate with tax collectors and sinners (Matt 11:19). There is a time and place for the festivals of God’s people, for indeed there is a time for every matter under heaven (Ecc 3:1). There is also a time to die, and greater wisdom to be gained at the graveside. The joy of a wedding feast lasts only a moment, but sober reflections at the funeral of a dying saint who has run their race well for the Lord has the silent ability to preach with overwhelming compulsion to those who would never listen to a living voice. The reason that the sadness of a funeral can gladden the Christian heart is because the sorrow of the grave frees the heart from the daily chains of worldly cares. When faced with death, we are reminded that our days are not our own, but written for us in His book. When we see the final rest of a valiant saint who has fought the good fight, we are reminded of the brevity of life and that we should cast our daily burdens upon the Lord who cares for us! And if we are to live a God-honoring life in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for us (Phil 1:22). In the house of feasting, we delight in hearing the laughter of the voices of others. But in the house of mourning, we delight in hearing the voice of God who alone can comfort us in our pain, and reminds us that to live is Christ and to die gain. Therefore, the heart is gladdened in the house of mourning not by ignoring death but by gaining a heavenly perspective. Believer, do you realize that because of your Christ the sting of death has been swallowed up in victory? Do you think daily about how you are running your Christian race? Is your life characterized by a striving to do God’s will each day from the moment you rise in the morning? Is it your joy to pour out your very life as a drink offering in service to your Master? Do you fear death? Or, when you are faced with the end that comes to all mankind, do you hear the voice of Jesus who speaks wisdom to your heart about how to redeem the time, knowing that the days are evil? No runner can run well to win the prize without studying where the finish line is. And no Christian can run well to win the ultimate prize without studying the finish line of death. In the words of C.T. Studd, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” “Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way; Bringing conviction to my heart, and from my mind would not depart; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last. Only one life, yes only one, soon will its fleeting hours be done; Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, and stand before His Judgment seat; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last. …Only one life, yes only one, now let me say, “Thy will be done”; And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” C.T. Studd (1860-1931)

Check out what's happening this Sunday! Find out who is preaching, sermon topic, and any special events after service. This Sunday Sundays at 10 am 1 341 27th St E, No rth Vancouver, BC Request Livestream Sunday, June 7, 2026. Speaker & Topic. Pastor Sam Chua Sermon title: Glorifying Our Three-in-One God (Part 2) During Service. If you're a Christian and have been baptized, join us for a Communion (Lord's Supper) to remember Jesus' death on the cross. Children's Ministry is cancelled due to Communion. Unstaffed nursery for ages 0-5 is open at the start of the service. For more info on what we do during our Sunday services, check out our Sunday Worship page and how to find us . After Service. Russian-language service is held at 12:30. Last updated: Sat, Jun 6, 2026

Westlynn Baptist Church in North Vancouver seeks to glorify Jesus Christ and live in accordance with His Word. Join us Sundays 10 am. We exist to glorify Jesus Christ. Join us Sundays at 10 am 1341 27th St E, North Vancouver, BC This Sunday فارسی Farsi по-русски Russian Upcoming Events. More Events Multiple Dates Care Centre Seniors' Service Sun, Jun 14 Details Multiple Dates Westlynn Evangelism Walk Sat, Jun 20 Details Princess Park Picnic Sun, Jul 05 Details Latest Sermons. Request Livestream Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Ambassadors of Christ | 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 | Samuel Chua 46:15 Play Video Now Playing Of First Importance | Easter Message | 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 | Samuel Chua 43:31 Play Video Now Playing It is Finished | Good Friday | John 19:28-30 | Samuel Chua 23:23 Play Video Now Playing Under the Influence | 2 Corinthians 5:11-15 | Samuel Chua 51:23 Play Video God has a purpose for you . What We Believe Learn More Our Story Learn More Sunday Worship Learn More Latest Blogs. Music and the Mercy of God (2 Kings 3:14-17) 2 days ago 3 min read Why Funerals Are Better Than Weddings (Ecc. 7:2) May 21 3 min read The Weaver May 14 1 min read Read More We want to help you take your next step with God. Contact Us First name Last name Email Write a message Thank you for submitting a message! Submit

ESL Classes ESL Classes All welcome, in-person only Wednesdays, 5:30 pm The ESL Conversation Club of Westlynn Baptist Church seeks to honour our Lord Jesus by being a blessing to newcomers, refugees, and immigrants; Offering a warm and welcoming environment where they can learn and practice English. Our aim is to help our students adjust more quickly to life in their new home and to prepare them for a great future by focusing on improving their English language skills. Our lessons are topical and do not require a curriculum, so a student can join in at any time of the year. Our lessons are taught fully in English which will require some knowledge of the English language to get the most out of the class. Most of our students are Novice-High to Intermediate-Low (ACTFL) level English language speakers. A typical lesson would be the following plan: Introduction: A brief introduction of the night's topic from the Bible. (5 minutes) Grammar/New Vocabulary: A presentation of the topic's grammar or new vocabulary. (20 minutes) Practice: The bulk of every lesson is practicing grammar and new vocabulary. This is done by a variety of methods such as discussion, small group activities, block stories, songs, debates, etc. (1 hour) Idioms: A fun way to close each lesson by discussing a couple of idioms related to the night's topic. (5 minutes) You can find out more about our ESL Conversation Club by texting by joining our Telegram Group , or by using the QR code below. Those who would like to join the ESL Conversation Club are required to join the Telegram group in order to receive the latest information in schedule changes or cancellations.