PASTORAL MESSAGES (Page 25)

By Dr Agnes Tan Like the human body, plants have the ability to heal themselves. If a tree limb breaks in a storm, or for any other reason, it will stay alive as long as it remains attached to the tree. However, the moment it is disconnected from the tree, it will die. Jesus uses the image of a vine and its branches to describe life in Him. In his seventh “I am”…

By Ps Ho Wei Liang How can Christians uphold the truth of God’s Word without coming across as judgemental and offensive? After all, we are called to live out the truth. How can we approach our broader culture—one which rejects God’s ways—with God’s truth and its implications? And in a manner which seeks to convict rather than antagonise? As the late Christian…

By Rev Dr Clive Chin First Peter was a circular letter sent to multiple churches dispersed in Asia Minor (i.e., Turkey). These churches were comprised mostly of Gentile converts, who were harassed and persecuted by their Roman neighbours for their Christian faith (2:12; 3:16; 4:16). Under pressure, many were tempted to relapse morally and to give up their faith. Peter…

By Pr Herna Kong When He was sent into the world, Jesus was committed to do the will of the Father. Jesus was carrying out His Father’s command based on the mission He had received: Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28). Jesus fulfilled this mission completely, and with unwavering obedience,…

By Rev Dr Edward Goh Why is the resurrection of Christ so central to the Gospel? Consider what Rom. 1:1-4 tells us the Gospel is. Firstly, this Gospel belongs to God. Secondly, it is promised in the Old Testament Scripture. Thirdly, it centres on the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ. V. 3 says He came as a descendant of David, taking on the physical weaknesses of our…

By Ps Ho Wei Liang “Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to…

By Rev Dr Clive Chin I’ve been asking God over the past few months a recurring question—what are you saying to your church during this pandemic? Is this an act of divine judgment? Or, is it something else? The Lord has impressed upon me from his word such warnings as “pruning branches” so we may bear more fruits (John 15), and renewing our “first love” (Rev. 2). I have…

By Rev Dr Edward Goh The string of teachings on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians hinges on Paul’s understanding of what the church is. As Paul says in 1 Cor. 10:17, “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, . . .” The church is the body of Christ, a display of the Gospel. Eph. 3:10 also says God’s intent is to make known through the church His manifold…

By Pr Herna Kong Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way (1 Cor. 12:31). … but do not have love, I am nothing (1 Cor. 13:2). Love is a fruit of the Spirit that every believer must possess. Why? “… for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God,…