Issues of the Day – The Education of our Children
By Not Known Choosing a school is a nerve-racking task for parents. We typically read media reports, scan the school ranking tables (however they are configured); and talk to other parents – all in an effort to find the 'best' school. This is a hard challenge in the stressed…
Living for our Neighbour
By Not Known Like all churches, the Church at Rome had her fair share of contending issues. However, in order for Christian discipleship to be walk rather than mere talk, Christian consecration (as summarised in Rom. 12: 1-2) must be applied onto these problems. When Paul wrote to Rome, there seemingly were two groups of Christians: The 'strong' and the…
Do not Judge One Another
By Not Known Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgement on disputable matters. (Rom 14:1) Paul is not talking about matters where Scripture has clearly stated its position. He is referring to ‘opinions’ (ESV/NASV) or ‘doubtful points’ (NEB) where Christians need not necessarily agree. While differences in perspective and preference…
A celebration of grace
By Not Known At both services today we share in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Our Confession of Faith defines a sacrament as follows: Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace, immediately institued by God, to represent Christ and his benefits, and to confirm our interest in him… (Westminister Confession 29:1). As our Confession goes…
Live in Harmony with One Another
By Not Known Live in harmony with one another (Rom 12:16). The English word ‘harmony’ has the sense of things being brought into right order or balance. This is true with sounds (music); shape (design); and colours (art). It is also true between people. Harmony between people means a right balance in which we respect and celebrate the distinctiveness of each.…
Being on a Bus and Being at Church
By Not Known Being on a crowded bus is something of an art. There we are, squeezed into the intimate space of another person. Decency and psychological space are maintained by studiously avoiding any word, any eye contact or any other action that acknowledges the other person. Being at church is sometimes like that. There we are, sitting in our pew, all focussed forward…
Trusting Jesus not Ourselves
By Not Known Many years back there was a popular book called: How to be a Christian Without Being Religious. When I first read it, I was religious, with a Christian flavour, but not a Christian. The book's title intregued me. Its contents annoyed me and then changed me. The Apostle Paul describes a similar process in an autobiographical writing: If anyone else thinks…
What If?
By Not Known What if God had given up on humanity and not sent his Son? What if Jesus had turned away from Jerusalem or fled the garden? What if the first disciples had stayed in the upper room? What if Philip never asked the Ethiopian what he was reading? What if Paul said ‘No thanks’ when asked to leave home comforts for the mission field? What if the…
Learning About God(liness) From David
By Not Known Much practical education is now given by case studies, whether training professionals or improving corporate or organisational performance. We also learn much about God and godliness from the case studies presented in the Bible. Our focus this month is on King David. David is a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14). David’s heart is shown to us…
National Day
By Not Known Our celebration of National Day is a good occasion to reflect on civil government through God’s eyes. Singapore is not a Christian country. Our majority population is not Christian. Neither is Christianity our main cultural legacy. Nor is Christianity given a privileged position by legislation. However, this is a country with a significant Christian…