| Editorial Archives 2003 and Earlier |
Past articles from the Editor's Desk
(2003 and earlier) are archived in this
section:
| 2003 | 2001 |
FOR A PURPOSE (17
December 2003)
Many of us have yet to come to grips with the sudden demise of Ven Gerald Khoo. I have seen expressions of shock, dismay and some disorientation in response to the news. More than one have questioned (perhaps in resignation) why this has to happen.
Yet his wife, Dorothy's email to the church bears no evidence of defeat or despair. Indeed, it carries a strong message of purpose. Purpose in Gerry's life, in his family and in his work. All of us experienced a big loss. But that loss has to be measured against the tremendous gain the church and her mission have enjoyed while Gerry was still with us. Gerry lived for a purpose and fulfilled that with focus and drive.
Christmas is round the corner. While many of us celebrate the birth of Christ with joy and all things nice, have we pondered how difficult and painful a time it is for God to send His Son into this world? For a purpose that required His death?
Like Christ, we are in this world for a purpose. We do not know how much time each of us have, but like the saints before us, we must all strive to fulfil that purpose. If, like Gerry, we have not wasted our days on idle pursuits, then surely, there is cause for celebration - this Christmas....and always!
I wish you a most blessed Christmas and a purpose driven new year ahead.
STIRRED, NOT SHAKEN (18 November 2003)
My limited experience shows me that preceding almost every spiritual breakthrough is a period of trial. Many of us preparing for the Northern Thailand trip due next week have gone through (or are going through) just such a trial.
So many hurdles, unexpected events and difficulties seem to be hurled at us. Not just directly concerning the trip, but in our own work-place, homes and school. And they almost always involve the things that are most precious to us. Our unity, resolve and trust in God were tested to the limit. How did we cope?
I shared with my team members how the young children pushed on in prayer for their badly needed air-tickets even as hopes dimmed. I tried to mentally prepare them for disappointment but against all odds, their prayers were answered. When I asked my 10-year-old daughter how she felt, she cheekily quoted James Bond, "Martini on the rocks - stirred, not shaken."
Certainly God grants wisdom to little children. Like the "Martini", do we get shaken as we are splashed on the "rocks" that confront us? Or does adversity "stir" us to greater height in faith and trust in God?
If you are shaken, be encouraged. God cares! And He's right there! Push on with God's strength and when you emerge from the storm, you will enjoy that "breakthrough" that the devil wants to deny you.
Ask to be stirred, not spared. If you face no difficulties, you may slip into slumber. That would be so much more hazardous. And sad.
SHIFTING THE BOUNDARIES (9 September 2003)
Popular pressure is a powerful mover of change, respecting nothing in its path. Culture, tradition, social etiquette, law, dictators and even mindsets have all been casualty (for good or for bad) to popular power. What the people want, the people get.
What has always been regarded as right is constantly challenged in this world. The yardstick seems to be "acceptability". If a significant number of people accepts something, it has to be considered correct and appropriate. The natural tendency is towards ever greater permissiveness and away from the concept of "good or bad".
How can the church meet the challenges ahead? How do we stand firm on God's standards without distancing ourselves from the popular masses we seek to reach?
In principle, there is a clear line between accepting the "sinner" and rejecting the "sin". In practice, however, there will be many situations where we encounter tremendous difficulties - both perceived and real. It is not easy being sheep among the wolves.
We need to start preparing ourselves to meet a new world in order for us not to be swallowed by it.
AND THE CLOCK STRIKES TWELVE (6 August 2003)
Spiritual highs are so exhilarating! We see so many people glow with passion and excitement at church camps, rallies, mission trips and even some Sunday Services. We see it also when something wonderful happens in our lives and when we witness a miracle of God.
We'd shout praises to the Lord and sing out loud with utmost passion. We'd bare our souls in fervent prayer and testify unashamedly of God's grace.
Alas, all too often the magic fades.....and at the last stroke of twelve, our beautiful carriage turns back into a pumpkin and we return home to a sooty, mundane tomorrow. Was it all just an illusion? A fantasy that cannot last?
Why are our "spiritual highs" so often short lived? Why are so many of us prisoners to the "return to normal life" syndrome? Why can't the fire of today burn on till tomorrow? Why?
Why too, are there exceptions? People who are touched by a moment and changed forever. For them, the clock never strikes twelve and the joy lasts all eternity.
We often put in a lot of effort planning and preparing for big occasions but often ignore the day after. We'd like the "highs" to continue but deep in our hearts, we don't really expect them to. However, life-changing experiences do not often happen just by accident. It starts from within us...a yearning, a desire....and a concerted effort to see it through. If we are not prepared for after twelve, it's pumpkin time for us - minus both glass slippers.
How prepared are you for Christ's second coming? We were told that one way to check our readiness is to ask ourselves, "If we know that Christ is coming back tomorrow, what will we need to do today?" If there is a long, impossible list - then we are certainly not ready.
Being ready or prepared is a vital aspiration of every Christian and every church. Not just for His second coming but also to be called to service. Have you found yourself in a predicament of not knowing the right words to share when asked about Christ? Or not having the "required" skills or confidence when invited to serve in church or missions? How many opportunities have you missed?
It is heartening to see so many Ascensionaires signing up for the Missions Preparation Programme. We need to be ready. If we wait till the need arise, then it is too late to prepare. Much too late.
CLICHÉS AND JARGON (14 June 2003)
Singaporeans are often noticed by our "Singlish". Our unique brand of "English" includes many unusual words and strange sentence structure, often making it incomprehensible to a foreigner.
Have you noticed that we Christians, too have our own brand of language? Noticed most often in prayer (and sermons), our cliché-ridden phrases can be quite perplexing to the non-Christian. Sometimes we invent new use for existing words. We may not realise it, but there is often a difference between the way we Christians speak and the way the rest of the world speak. And that may well get in the way of our attempts to "reach-out" to others.
A non-Christian may feel more inhibited to attend an unfamiliar "fellowship gathering" but may be quite comfortable to attend a "party". A highly eloquent bible-quoting, cliché-rich prayer may frighten off new believers from public prayer. A newcomer to our small group gatherings may feel left out at his "inability" to engage in similar jargon.
I feel that there is a case for simple language to be used - not only when we relate to others but also in our own circles and in our prayers to God. Do you think so?
"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" John 6:9
While it is easy to marvel at the miracle of that day, one should not miss on a couple of very important lessons.
Firstly, there was this boy who was willing to give ALL he had even though what he had seemed so insignificant. As the disciples of Jesus lamented..."how far will they go?" That boy did not offer say, half of his planned meal. He did not even hold back one bit.
Secondly, Jesus did not focus on what was lacking but on what they had. Little though the simple "meal" seemed, He gave thanks for it and the Lord multiplied it till it more than met the needs of everybody.
All too often, we have used the excuse, "I am not cut-out to do that. I'm not good enough. Let someone more experienced do it." Or we may say, "I can't possibly make a difference. The problem is so big and I can do so little. I might as well not bother." These are words of defeat and an insult to our Almighty God.
The whole history of mankind has always proven that big things start off as little things. God's kingdom works like that. He wants us to use the little that we have and let Him do His miracle with it....and us. Don't hold back.
WHAT A PRIVILEGE (20 April 2003)
As I pondered the last moments of the two criminals crucified next to Christ, it struck me how privileged they were.
Thousands must have been crucified before that day. What were their last moments like? Rejected completely. Condemned totally. With their spirit shattered, they really had nothing left. Nothing at all. I thought about the many who died, having led pious lives. Revered by man but in the end....as they drew their last breath, did they have more?
But these two had it different. As their last rays of worldly hope diminished, they were given the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only life...but paradise. One of the two recognised that. Asking Jesus to remember him, his every emptiness was suddenly filled with a fresh hope.
I wonder how often we realised what a privilege we enjoy as Christians. In our darkest moments, do we gripe and lament? Or do we recognise that Jesus is right there with us?
How special Easter is! What a privilege it is to be able to celebrate it! How special it is to have Jesus by our side - all the time.
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FEAR, FAITH AND FALLACY (31 March 2003)
Is there no safe haven? With the war in Iraq, demonstrations and riots in many countries and now the outbreak of disease here, there are plenty of reasons to be fearful. How helpless we seem to be.
What would Christ want of us? Certainly not to live in fear. After all, our God is Lord over all - omnipotent and omnipresent. And in Matthew 6: 25-34, Christ assured us that God will take care of us and that worrying will get us nowhere!
Does that then mean that we should just go on with our lives as though nothing has happened? Is that faith? Or is that foolish?
I think it is as much a fallacy to assume that we can just sit back and let God take care of everything as it is to think that God will leave us to fend for ourselves.
Time and time again, scripture has warned us to be watchful and alert to what is going on around us and to pray (see Ephesians 6:18). Our prayers make a big difference. Our prayers are victorious prayers, not mutterings of fear or lamentations of defeat.
Let's get to work.
40 Days and 40 Nights (13 March 2003)
How many of us would like to run a marathon physically tired, aching and mentally spent at the start point? Yet I am sure, there are many of us who start the period of Lent already exhausted and burnt-out. How are we do endure 40 days of disciplined bible study, prayer and (shudder) self-denial.
But wait....while some do give up, many end the 40-day experience feeling refreshed and spiritually stronger. What is their "secret"? How did Jesus resist the devil and his temptations and come out victor at the end?
The key lies in where we draw strength from - physically, mentally and spiritually. Self-denial is really tough but once we get past the initial hurdle, and move from self-propulsion to God-propulsion, we will be able to enjoy something truly unique and special.
I wish you that special experience this Lent....and always. Especially those of you who are feeling down or burnt out.
[Find out more about the season of Lent]
When Opportunity Knocks (19 February 2003)
Almost everyone remembers a time when they wished that they have acted on an opportunity. But alas, a moment of procrastination or indecision has left nought but a sense of dismay and perhaps....regret.
Why are opportunities missed? Failure to recognise it? Lack of faith? Lethargy?
Many years ago, I had participated in a small discipleship group with two seekers of the Lord. But being busy with my own struggles in University life, I did not seize the opportunity to witness more strongly for the Lord. Sadly, one of them died in a car accident. He had yet to make his decision to turn to Christ when he took his last breath.
Recently, in preparation for a mission trip, I had enlisted the help of some people. One of them was a Christian had turned her back to God because she could not see the reality of His Kingdom. As I shared with her how her assistance had helped God's people make a difference to the disadvantaged and the dying, she became more aware of God's loving-presence and felt the need to place Christ back in her life. She died not long after that, but perhaps with a renewed peace.
Opportunities. Life is full of them. How many have we missed? How many have we seized?
The Challenge Ahead (17 January 2003)
With our Sunday Services, Ministry activities and Church Office all at different locations, one of the challenges confronting our church in 2003 is how to maintain close contact with one another and to function effectively as one entity.
With modern-day electronic communications like SMS, Email and our Website, dissemination of information is not a problem. However, it is a different matter when it comes to service - ministry and outreach cannot be done through a "virtual" environment. Physical presence matters.
Apart from the once-a-week Sunday Service, we need to meet. To go out. Perhaps the challenge of not having a centralised physical church building helps us to break a restrictive mindset. After all, we do acknowledge that the church consist of people and not bricks and stones.
I believe that at such a time, the vitality of the cell groups will very much determine the health of the church. Cell groups are well positioned to respond quickly in a very focused manner whenever a need arises. Minimum fuss. No drain on centralised administrative resources.
We need praying, ministering and outward looking cells. Our cell groups also need a good "game-plan" for this two years - directed, motivated and empowered by our Lord.
The Celebration Goes On (10 December 2002)
2002 has certainly been a most eventful year for our congregation. We celebrated one event after another, culminating in a most memorable 50th Anniversary Dinner where we enjoyed the presence of many people who had helped build up our church to what it is today. I am sure the 50th Anniversary Committee members and their helpers certainly deserve not only accolades but a good rest as well.
What happens next? After our Watchnight service on 31 Dec 02, we will walk out of our present church building for the last time. The end of a chapter. And the beginning of the next.
We have always been a church that celebrates. We have an excellent reason to celebrate - Jesus is Alive! We are the testimony of that. So let the celebration continue...in our lives, witness, service and our very existence. Praise the Lord!
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Mind Your Language (17 October 2002)
I remember watching a British comedy series on TV many years ago entitled "Mind Your Language". Set in an English Language classroom, it plays on how words and actions can be misused or misinterpreted by people of different race and culture, resulting in hilarious outcomes.
I wonder how often, cliché-ridden Christian phrases and less-than-thoughtful remarks can be interpreted quite differently from our intended message by our non-Christian neighbours? How would someone react to being labelled a "pre-believer" or to be classified as "unsaved"? The effect can be quite varied but certainly not funny.
I have heard non-Christians accuse us of being haughty, arrogant, judgemental, close-minded, intolerant etc. from the way we speak and from what they read in our newsletters, publications and even prayer requests. A friend of mine was so upset with a preacher at a funeral service that he wanted to punch him in the nose because of the "insensitive" remarks he made.
Insensitive words hurt Christians too. An unemployed Christian lady was hurt bitterly when a minister laid his hands on her and prayed for God to make her less choosy in her job-hunting.
Careful words do not come naturally or easily, especially when one is under pressure. But being sensitive in how we communicate can be nurtured. It must also start from the heart.
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Winds of Change (16 September 2002)
I have heard many times over that the only thing that will not change in today's society is the presence of change itself. We know that God and His Word will not change, but can the Church change?
When I first started attending Sunday Services, just about the only musical accompaniment was the organ. There were no drums, electric guitars etc. There was no clapping, jumping or dancing. All these have changed.
What happens when we move? Will our worship be adversely affected by a new environment? Will our ministries and outreach be compromised? Will our spirit be dampened when plans get frustrated?
One of the major causes of stress is change. One of the major preventers of that stress is preparation. It starts with the mind. We need to be mentally prepared to do the same thing in a different way. Just as we have adapted to new forms of worship and outreach, we need to adopt new ways to keep our work going. The preparation for change starts now - with each ministry and each person.
Let us not be frighten or resentful of change. Christ changed everything with his coming. Those who were alert and recognised the change were rewarded. Change also offers fresh opportunities with new challenges that can strengthen our abilities and build our faith.
Can we recognise that? Are we willing to embrace change?
What are you doing to prepare for the coming changes? How about sharing with us your concerns and how you plan to cope? Send us an email with your ideas.
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Seeing is Believing (14 August 2002)
In his sermon last Sunday (11 Aug 02), David Teo described faith as trusting and believing in the unseen based on what we can see. By looking at the works of His hands, we can acknowledge quite confidently that God not only exists, but is very much involved in the world today. Sounds logical. Seems so obvious!
Yet many of us struggle from time to time (if not everyday) in simple matters of faith. I have heard pastors wondering out loud if God exists at all, lamenting that if He did, he certainly was unwilling or incapable of doing anything in this world.
We are often so consumed with our frustrations and doubts and made cynical by the hypocrisy of daily life that we fail to see the overwhelming evidence of His active involvement in our lives. Can you remember a time when in the depth of your misery, you had held doubt to God's existence only to realise later on after your crisis has been resolved that He was there all along? And that He was instrumental to your recovery? And that all the signs were there but you did not see them?
In Mark 8:17-19, Jesus chided His disciples, "Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?.." when they worried over their next meal even though they had just witnessed Christ twice feeding thousands of followers.
How true that still holds today.
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40-Day Fast - What If? (9 July 2002)
The authors of this year's 40-Day Fast Guide, Window in Time, described this year's series of lessons as "the greatest story never told..." Unlike previous years' studies which applied biblical truths to modern Singapore, Window in Time showed how these principles were applied in the lives of Missionary greats, challenging individuals and our church today to re-look our commitment to missions and outreach.
The little glimpses into the lives of Nocolaus von Zinzendorf, William Carey, Hudson Taylor and others excited me enough to find out more about them (which thanks to the Internet, is a breeze). These big names belonged to men who sacrificed all in order to follow Christ - men of tremendous faith, undying perseverance, huge hearts and so on. Qualities anyone would expect to read about in such biggies.
The biggest discovery however, is that none of them was very different than any one of us - before they took that first step of faith. Zinzendorf was rich, comfortable and had a secure life. Carey was poor, uneducated and not particularly respected. Hudson Taylor was a worldly young man, busy with his career. What would have been their outcome if they kept to the path destined for them by this world? What would have been the outcome for the world had they not made the choices they did?
What if God challenged you today? What if...
Our 40-Day Fast Webpages carry links to articles on the people you will encounter in the Window in Time Guide.
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In the Thick of Action (14 June 2002)
The Children's Carnival is just around the corner. Many of us are busy preparing for that big day of fun and excitement with the community of Potong Pasir. Are you excited? Or is it a non-event for you?
It is hard work and a great deal of commitment is required to be involved in an occasion like this. For that matter, it is demanding to be active in any church ministry or outreach. If we count the cost of involvement, many of us will back out. It is certainly easier to sit back and be a spectator. The excuses are all there. All valid too.
However, for those who take the plunge (eyes closed or open), the rewards are gratifying. Indeed, some may say that the only way to enjoy anything is to participate in it.
So....again I ask. Are you excited about the coming Carnival? There is only one way to be. In the thick of action.
Final question. Are you excited about Jesus? Same principle.
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Artillery and the Frontline Troops (6 May 2002)
In a movie that I recently watched, I saw how vital the artillery was in supporting the soldiers in a war. Whenever the troops encountered enemy fire or detected enemy positions, they'd call for the long-distance guns. Those guys in the artillery may not witness the effect of their efforts. They do not know for sure what their troops are doing at the moment. But whenever a request came, they obeyed and played their role without question.
I wonder how often we liken our missionaries to the front-line troops. They certainly would not be engaged in physical battle but the spiritual fight is for real. Who covers them? Who forms the artillery? What "shells" do we fire?
This Friday is Ascension's "Special Night of Prayer". Our "front-line troops" will be back to report to us what is happening on the ground. They will tell us their needs and the needs of the people they serve.
All of us who form the church have a long-distance role. We are the artillery for our ground workers. Our prayers provide them the fire cover they need. We need to pray for them. We need to pray for the people they serve. How else can they survive?
Don't you agree?
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Prime Time (17 Apr 2002)
Television channels often fight the popularity war with their best programmes scheduled for the best time slots. Then there are the re-runs and the second rate programmes pushed to the witches' hour watched only by the bleary eyed insomniacs. Prime time matters much more than extra-time.
The same principle applies universally. All formulas for success requires allocation of the best where it matters and when it matters.
Do we apply the same principle in our spiritual walk? Are requirements of our Lord allocated the top hour of the day? Or do we relegate our spiritual duties to our free time (if any) and when we feel like it (nothing more exciting to do)?
Yet how often we wonder (lament perhaps?) at the mediocrity of our spiritual fruit. I am not suggesting that the quality or quantity of our fruit lies in the effort of our hands. Fruit comes as a gift from God. But the investment we place in God reflects the position He holds in our hearts.
Prime Time or Free Time? We have a choice.
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Sunday Best (13 Mar 2002)
One of the things that strike me is that people in "Western" countries tend to dress-up for church service. In fact, I knew an American who brought all his suits when he first moved to Singapore, expecting that he'd need them in church. To his surprise, people here dress quite informally on Sundays!
I remember years (decades, rather) ago, many perceived that Christianity was for the better-off, namely, the well-dressed English educated middle to upper class. There followed a time of back-lash, when the church tried desperately to shed this unwanted image.
I remember someone emphasizing that it is more important that we be appropriately "dressed" spiritually rather than physically. In fact, there was so much effort to prevent judging anyone based on his appearance, that it became "politically incorrect" to comment on one's dressing unless it borders on the outlandish.
Yes, the church is for the poor as well as the rich and God welcomes everyone regardless of his standing and appearance. However, I wonder if it is getting a bit ridiculous when we dress most smartly to work on weekdays and turn up to worship God in sandals and shorts (what's the difference between shorts and bermudas?). Have we gone too far?
At many establishments - notably clubs, hotels and even restaurants, a dress code is enforced. Yet, the House of God has none. Are we so scared that we'd offend anyone and send them packing off, and earning a "snobbish" image for ourselves?
I personally feel that a line has to be drawn, arbitrary though it may be. A limit must be set. It is a matter of discipline. Of respect. Which brings up the next matter....latecomers...
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Downscaling (7 Feb 2002)
Singaporeans are so used to the word "upgrading". We are always looking towards something better - whether it is our careers, home or car. However, the recession has caused many of us to shift to the other direction for a change.
Quite a few have had to think the unthinkable - downsizing our business or perhaps change to a lower pay job. It is a most bitter pill to swallow. But is there a lesson here for us? Can we find joy in downscaling?
Someone I met told me that since he changed his career, he has met a new group of people with a background different from what he is used to. Their "unusual" aspiration and outlook forced him to re-look his own values . He found that they have different needs and as a Christian, he has now found a new ministry reaching out to them.
Is that downshifting? From a world point of view, yes. But from a spiritual point of view, definitely not. The bottom line is "attitude" - do we bemoan what we lose or do we look forward to what we can learn from the new?
If we allow God to teach us a new lesson, that "bad turn" may well be the best thing that happens in our lives! It may well be the breakthrough we need.
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That Plank! (23 Jan 2002)
In his sermon last Sunday entitled, "Fuzzy or Focussed?", Rev Kingsley used the analogy of walking across a plank. While anyone can confidently cross that plank on the ground, fear sets in when one has to walk across that same plank when it straddles two points at great height.
The overcoming factor is to be focused on the plank and not let the surrounding overwhelm us.
The truth is that how high the plank is raised, or what lies below has no true bearing on one's journey across that plank. What matters more is the sturdiness of the plank. In the same way, our walk of faith should be based firmly on the Word of God and NOT on what happens around us.
While we may learn many, many lessons by observing and participating in the matters of this world (including our church life), none of these should be the basis of our faith. Knowledge and experience may uphold and enrich our spiritual lives, but they are shaky grounds on which to base our faith. How often we hear the sad news that one of our brothers or sisters have fallen away because of a broken relationship, disagreement or hurt.
Rev Tony Tan in his sermon a fortnight ago (6 Jan 02) told us of two powerful evangelists - Billy Graham and Charles Templeton. Just over fifty years back, Templeton looked painfully at the cover of "Life" magazine which showed a picture of a starving mother holding a dead child in drought-stricken Ethiopia and questioned how a loving God can allow such suffering to exist. Unable to reconcile that with his faith, he turned away from God and never returned.
Templeton challenged and questioned Billy Graham, his close companion and preaching partner on his doubts. But Graham held his focus and kept his faith. He did not have all the answers, but he trusted God and held on to His Word.
We all know Billy Graham and what God is doing through his life today. Very few know of the fate of Charles Templeton. One kept his focus. The other allowed the surrounding to break his balance.
Don't let that happen to you. Check your focus today.
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The
Jubilee - Year of Release (8 Jan 2002)
[See
also our Webpage on the Jubilee]
Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. ...For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you... (Lev 25:10,12)
Ascension is 50! We are going to celebrate our Jubilee this year with a series of events to mark this very milestone. But just what is the "Jubilee"?
In this special year, the Pentateuchal law requires the resting of soil, reversion of land to those who had to sell out of poverty and the freeing of those enslaved by contract. Ezekiel describes this as a year of release.
As we enter this special year, I wonder how many of us are in some form of bondage - enslaved to hurt, anger, mediocrity, habits or traditions that hold us to the past and refuses to free us to move forward in our spiritual walk?
Just as the Hebrew law offers release from the captivity of circumstances, we too have Christ who releases us from captivity of the world and sin. Shall we therefore start this year by "releasing our old baggage" and take up the offer of Jubilee? As free people, there will be so much more reason to rejoice.
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Go...and surely I am with you, always (14 December 2001)
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28: 18-20
Contrary to human logic, the Christian faith requires one to step out in service before the provision from God comes. The person who waits for the empowerment before he steps out will never understand the meaning of "faith" and may wait in vain.
That of course does not mean that we do not need to prepare ourselves. We certainly need to be knowledgeable of God's word and be covered in prayer in all we do. But there is always that uncontrollable, unpredictable and hidden component against which we can only fight with the power from above.
All so often, our best preparations falter and our Father steps in to turn things around. The outcome may not be what we expect, but it always comes out more Kingdom focused and glorifying to God. When we go out for the Lord, we are never left alone.
I am very heartened to see so many Ascensionaires stepping out of their comfort zones this year and experiencing the wonderful provision of Christ. So many have grown and through their exercise of faith, others have been blessed.
Indeed, Christ has been given all authority. He has certainly been with us always. And He will continue to be with us till to very end of age.
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Growing Well? (22 November 2001)
December is round the corner and soon we will be celebrating Christmas and the New Year. Seems like the year sped past for many of us (pant, pant). And as always, it would be time to take stock of what we have done and what we have left undone this year.
Apart from our career, family and personal pursuits - I wonder how many of us take stock of our spiritual investments? Have our "investments" taken off? Or have we yet to invest what God has left in our care? Is our service to God improving - or has it hit a stagnant point?
A very Singaporean word is "upgrading" (though it is so overused, I hate to use it) - we apply it to our skills, homes, neighbourhood etc. Do we apply it to our spiritual condition and service to God? Is it time to do some "upgrading" of our service to the Lord?
Reflections often leads to sighs and regrets. Most of all, reflections with no projection for the future and no action is absolutely self-defeating an exercise. May I urge one and all to complement any reflection with suitable action (or correction).
If you feel you have not given your best in service to God this year.....there is still time for one last burst of life. The Grand Harvest is here. We need people to hand out invitations, pray and counsel. The harvest is ripe. It is plentiful. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get down to some solid work?
If you have done well this year, perhaps it is a good time to give thanks. And maybe still put in that last burst of effort as well. Let us all end this year with a big bang!
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The Father as Navigator (7 November 2001)
"They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son." Jeremiah 31:9
I once read about a rally driver who lost his race because he took a wrong turning. By the time his navigator realised the error, the race was long lost.
That is why good navigation is so essential in any journey. We can have the most skilful driver, sailor or pilot but if our navigation is poor, the journey goes awry. We must know where we are headed and monitor our progress diligently. We have to check our compass, maps and correlate these with what we see en-route - the stars, landmarks etc.
In Jeremiah 31:9, one of the first promises God made for a repentant Israel is that He will lead them on a level path...because He is the Father.
Similarly, it is one of the most important task of the father of any family to chart the spiritual course for his family. His wife, his children and himself may exercise their spiritual gifts faithfully but without good navigation, the family may still be wandering aimlessly.
As the spiritual leader and navigator for his family, the father needs to know God's Will. He must humbly seek and submit to God the Father. This is necessary to know where the family is headed and to plan for it. Along the way, the father will have to check regularly if they are on the correct path, looking out for "milestones" and "landmarks". With insight from the Lord, he will anticipate obstacles along the way and prepare his family for any difficult times that they may need to encounter.
A watchful, careful and wise navigator will lead the family "beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble". That is the responsibility of every father.
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Hearing from God (24 October 01)
Very often, we forget that prayer is two-way communication. We pray like sending a "fax" of our list of requests to God and wait (sometimes anxiously) for the results, not really knowing if the message got through. One-way prayer is also boring, because it is really no fun talking to a "blank wall". Daily prayer can become a real chore. We try to get it done quickly, so that it is out of the way of our day's more pleasurable activities.
How sad - because the most exciting experience of the day becomes the most tiresome.
Sometimes, we do not hear because we won't give God a chance to speak - busily rushing through our wish list. Very often we don't expect to hear (only the crazy would hear voices, you know). Occasionally, we may even be fearful of hearing something we don't want to.
But hearing from God is a privilege every Christian should enjoy! Yes, it is sometimes frightening because God is awesome. Yes, hearing often requires responses that bring us out of our comfort zone. But hearing and being with our Lord is always special. Mary (Luke 10:39) knew that, listening intently at Jesus' feet. Thousands knew that, and followed Jesus just to hear Him (Matthew 14:13-21).
It would be so wonderful if once in a while, at least, we would just quieten ourselves, sit by His feet and enjoy hearing our Lord speak to us. Prayer would never be the same again.
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Saturation Point! (11 October 01)
Oftentimes, I hear parents lament that they are losing control over their children. They would reminisce of the days when the young listened and obeyed. Alas, today's parents have no such control - or influence. What happened?
One big difference between the days of old and today (which we all agree) is exposure. Like us, our kids are very exposed to the media throughout the day (TV, Internet etc). We indulge them with the best and the latest of toys, music and storybooks. Unfortunately, all these comes packaged with influences well beyond the control of their parents.
Some parents try to encourage the young to take up "healthier" pursuits - piano, drama, dance. But in the end, it is just adding more of the world - the best and the ugly - into the jammed minds of today's people.
How many of us deliberately replace "world" with "God" in our pursuits, activities and focus. And to what extent? What is available? Can what the Church offer attract our young (and old) as much as the world?
Paul advised the Colossians (Col 3:2), "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This is over and above his call to "set your hearts on things above". We need to guard our minds (and that of our young) to preserve our hearts!
[Read comments from Phua Kia Wang]
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Facing Prophecies (27 September 01)
Following the terrorist attacks in the US, we have been inundated (especially through the internet) with a deluge of "prophetic predictions". Many of these prophecies predict upcoming catastrophes of far more frightening magnitudes that what has just happened in America.
Many of us, unaccustomed and no longer familiar to the gift and interpretation of prophecies, may be stricken first with awe, then disbelief and finally sink into anxiety and fear.
Almost twenty-five percent of the Bible deal with prophecies. Prophecies therefore constitute an important aspect of God's interaction with man and the world. Scripture makes it very clear that prophecies will continue to hold importance even to the last days...but it also warns of the false prophets!
How are we to tell one from the other? What are we to do?
It has been and will always be God's intention for believers to seek to prophesy (see 1Corinthians 14). Prophecies reveal God's power and wisdom, declare His purpose and bring us His assurance and promise.
Prophesies, when properly interpreted, speak to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort (1 Cor 14:3). It edifies the church (1 Cor 14:4).
But those who prophesy out of their own imagination "ensnare people's lives" (Ezekiel 13:17) and "profane the Lord" (Eze 13:19). Their lies "kill those who should not have died" (Eze 13:19). Scripture says that those who mislead intentionally will be severely punished (2 Peter 2: 1-3).
We need to put every "prophecy" to test (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22). Is it consistent with Scripture? Does it have the characteristics described above (comforting, edifying, strengthening, encouraging)? Does it draw us closer to God or do we get distracted from Him and end up being focused on the "prediction" itself?
Even good prophecies need proper interpretation and wise application.
Given the warnings and the numerous pitfalls, it is not surprising that many disregard and shun prophecies. That should not be the case. We should instead make greater efforts to learn how to approach this very important gift of the Spirit. Otherwise, the devil would have won - one way or the other.
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Making Mistakes (18 September 01)
In her sermon to us on Sunday, Daphne used the example of Moses to show us how we can make "the right decision". Certainly, we need to be study the scripture, pray and focus on God for all our decision making - for wisdom and foresight comes best from the eyes of God.
Nonetheless, there are many occasions where we still make a "wrong decision". The problem is that we come to realise our error only on hindsight. Action taken. Words spoken. Damage done. And so often, the mistake is made with the best intentions, believing we are doing God's service.
We can respond in two ways. Demoralised and filled with regret, we may pull back from further service. Or we may learn from it and try even harder to make a better decision in future (of course much easier said than done!)
Looking at Scripture, we see no shortage of people whom God used for critical events but who also have made horrendous errors of judgment and really bad decisions in their lifetime. But God still considers it fit to use them. And they move on - usually to far greater heights. Look at Abraham. Look at David.
The fact is that we are almost certain to make some mistakes along the way if we are to get anywhere. But if we are humble enough to admit our errors, God will pick us up each time we fall and provides us the grace to recover. Mistakes also humble us and refocus our lives to God.
If you are holding back because of the fear of making a mistake - that is a mistake in itself. Let God hold you by your hand. Now.
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At the Threshold (29 August 01)
In his message to us last Sunday (26 Aug 01), our guest preacher Rev Dennis Lee once again reminded us that Ascension is at the "Threshold of something big". Something much bigger than what we expect. Some of us may remember a similar vision given to our previous Chinese pastor, Rev Huang Ao-You - that we were reaching a cross-road. God has also revealed to us that He will open the "flood-gates" of heaven soon. What God is telling us is obvious - the Harvest is ready.
So how should we react? Sit back and wait? Certainly not!
God's revelations are a calling for us to BE READY. Are we prepared to receive the thousands upon thousands He wants to pour into His Church? Is each one of us clear of his own role and doing all he can to be prepared to be used by God according to His Will?
Preparation requires a change of MIND and HEART. Scripture challenges the mindset. The Holy Spirit changes the heart. Digging deeply into God's Word and praying unceasingly are crucial preparatory steps we need to urgently take.
God will not send His precious flock to be tended to by irresponsible and untrained shepherds. He will send us a trickle if we are prepared for minnows. God will open up the heavens if we are ready to give our lives.
When the glory of God comes in all it's splendour, don't we want to be right in the centre of it all? Who wants to be sidelined? Not me.
[See Sermon Notes for 2 September 2001 - Faith Stepping]
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Perhaps it is our Asian culture. Perhaps shyness. Or maybe, that we want our lives kept private. Whatever the reason - we are often inhibited about sharing our testimonies to others.
However, scripture states quite clearly that we should speak up.
In Ephesians 5: 15-20, we are told to live wisely and make use of every opportunity, seeking the Will of God and being filled with the Holy Spirit. But it doesn't end there. We are told to speak (vs 19) to one another and give thanks (vs 20) to God.
2 Cor 4: 13-15 emphasises the reason (I believe, therefore I spoke) and the importance (that the grace may spread to more and more people and cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God).
Speaking up releases the power of the Holy Spirit on those who hear. Look at what happened when Peter spoke in Acts 11:15-16, "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: `John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit'." My brothers and sisters - when we bear testimony of God's goodness to us, we can expect the same for our listeners!
Everyday, we are bombarded with secular news - proclaiming the matters of the world. We are exposed to endless advertisements. The world speaks and it speaks loudly! Our minds get saturated and our spirit numbed.
Christians need to speak up. That is what Paul emphasised to the Ephesians. Don't be "drunk" with matters of the world, but be aware of God's Will. Be filled with the Holy Spirit and encourage each other by testifying what God is doing for you and in you. Speak up! And impart the grace of God to others that their lives may be empowered and blessed too.
I am sure many, many of us were blessed during the 40-Day Fast. It is now time for us to share our lessons with one another and spread the grace! Send in your testimonies by email or contact Daphne at church (Tel: 2833988). Don't hold back. God didn't hold back His blessings from you. Share it with others.
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Prayer - Excuse for Inaction? (2 August 01)
Occasionally, we may hear someone say, "I would rather not take any medication. I prefer to go by faith and trust God to heal me. I'll just pray about it." Is that really "faith"? Or "neglect"?
While it is true that God does not want us to suffer, I don't think He has an obligation to provide us the easiest way out of any situation - whether it is sickness or any other problems we face. Yes, there are instances where God specifically instructs us to "hold back and wait". But the decision to "act" or to "wait" should be made by God and God alone.
How do we know God's decision? Prayer, of course. In our prayer, we need to seek and not instruct God.
In most instances, I believe God wants us to do whatever we can to deal with the situation. He provides the empowerment. Take the example of David's battle with Goliath. David did not just pray. He availed himself in service. God provided and Goliath was defeated. David glorified God.
Prayer should always go hand-in-hand with action. Prayer without action begs the question, "Who's boss?".
We are coming to the last segment of our 40-Day Fast. Prayer is vital for the Harvest, but the labour that follows is absolutely crucial.
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The Painter - or the Brush? (18 July 01)
As I presented myself to God in prayer during this period (40-Day Fast), my weakness and failures were revealed most vividly and painfully. What little I have in my life that could count as righteousness is so overwhelmed by selfishness and sin. The first few days were a real struggle - coming to terms with my blemished life and unable to reconcile how I could ever hope to serve or glorify a perfect God.
But in His mercy, God gave me a vision. I saw a brush, frayed and worn from neglect. Hardly a utensil of worth. Being one who enjoys painting, I would not dream of using this brush for any useful work. Yet, I see this sorry instrument being picked up and with it the master painter started to paint. And in defiance of all logic, a beautiful work of art soon emerged, filled with life, brilliance and fine details. Lovingly the painter then cleaned the brush, trimmed the bristles and kept it with the best he had.
I was amazed at the sight. I was also humbled and touched deeply. Why did the painter choose to use or keep that brush? Why did God still choose to keep me? Or use me at all?
God is so merciful. He could have denied me and had every right to reject me. But He chose to use me. What an honour! What a privilege!
I will continue to struggle against sin. But I know that my God cares for me and His Spirit will be with me. And I know that glory belongs to God himself. It is not the brush that matters. It is the painter.
Do you feel inadequate? Or worthless? God still treasures you. He is willing to use you. Will you be His brush?
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Don't Get Trapped - Plan Ahead (5 July 01)
Have you wondered why it is always so difficult to fulfil that commitment to serve God? All so often, I had desired to do something more for God or to attend a special event in church. Or even just to attend the regular Prayer Meetings and Home cell Meetings. But often, something crops up and I get stuck. Bottom-line is...can't do it or can't go.
It took me years to find out why and how to tackle that problem. The first issue is the "heart". Did I truly yearn to do it - or hoping for an excuse not to. Almost always, if I desire an excuse - I most certainly will get it! Our heart determines our priorities.
The second issue is "action". In today's busy society, it is impossible to hope that we'd be free to do anything. We have to actively create that time-slot. Whenever someone tells me, "I'd like to come if I am free that night", I am almost certain that he'd not come.
We have to plan ahead. We have to put God's plan FIRST. Then plan the rest of our schedule around it. It doesn't work the other way around. And I wonder how God would appreciate being relegated to our left-over time? How can we attend home cell or prayer meeting if we schedule our children's tuition on the same night?
The devil will do everything he can to put obstacles in our path. If we don't plan ahead, we'll be trapped in a no-win situation. If we anticipate the obstacles and tackle them ahead, we'll succeed.
Impossible? No, not at all. God is with us. Let Him take control. It worked for my family and me. It'll work for you. And I can assure you that it'll do wonders for your faith!
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Are you hungry? (6 June 01)
"In their hunger you gave them bread from heaven and in their thirst you brought them water from the rock;..."Nehemiah 9:15a
In his message last Sunday, Rev Philip Soh identified for us a good thermometer of our spiritual health - "How hungry are we for the Word of God". Hunger is good, he says, as a sick person often loses his appetite. And of course a dead person knows no hunger. But a healthy growing person needs lots of food and water.
Do you remember when Christ first came into your life? Weren't you hungry - wanting to find out as much and as fast as you can about the new relationship you now have with God Almighty?
Where are we now? Do we still thirst and hunger for the Word of God, or do we yearn for the wisdom and charms of this world?
"...when a hungry man dreams that he is eating, but he awakens, and his hunger remains; as when a thirsty man dreams that he is drinking, but he awakens faint, with his thirst unquenched..." Isaiah 29:8
Beware, for like a dream, heaven and earth will pass away. But the Word of God endures forever (Luke 21:33).How tragic it would be for a child of God to satisfy his hunger with earthly manna and drinks from wells of this world, only to find at long last that he awakens faint and parched before God on the day of reckoning!
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For Where Your Treasure Is (21 May 01)
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
In his brief message on Sunday 20 May, Dennis Tan (Youth Pastor) gave us once again this poignant reminder to "seek the right stars" in our lives. We understand the wisdom of these verses, but because most of us continue to chase after "worldly stars", we also continue to struggle with hearts that stray from God.
The fact is that we need to change more than our minds - we need to live it out. How many of us devote only our spare time to God? Should it not be the other way around? Is that not "Self" before "God"?
Read also Ecclesiastes 2:4-16. Even as King of Israel, with all possessions and wisdom of man, the author found no joy in life...his ramblings go on about the "meaninglessness" of life. Depressed and defeated, he acknowledged in verse 25 that "without Him, who can eat and drink and find satisfaction..."
The sad fact is that like the King, so many of us spend the bulk of our time chasing "treasures of this world" only to find no satisfaction in the end.
We don't need to. God gave us this fresh new day. Let it be a new beginning.
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Beware: Harmful Books and Toys (3 May 01)
Last Sunday's Sermon by our guest preacher Mrs Patricia Aw entitled "Occultic Influences on our Children" must have opened a few eyes. Certainly none of us would knowingly expose our children to the risk of the occult...but where do we draw the line between healthy stimulation of imagination and deadly infiltration of evil?
To make matters worse, many of today's story-tellers and toy-makers exploit the fascination of the supernatural in their creations. Why not? The bottom line is sales and such do sell - very well. Even seemingly child-friendly names like "Disney" are not so safe nowadays.
Will the day come when it is "hazardous" to bring our children to the cinema, bookshop and toy store? Or has it arrived already?
We can lament about it. We can ignore or downplay the effects. Or we can do something about it.
How about sharing with us your opinion of the situation and how you are tackling it?
[Read
Response from Betty and Article on Harry Potter]
[Read
Response from Bill Whitcomb on the articles on Harry Potter]
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He's
not here; He has risen...and is going ahead (16 Apr 01)
See Matthew 28: 5-7
As the two women walked to the grave where Christ was buried, I wonder how they felt. Surely, on their minds must be memories of when Christ was around - teaching them and ministering to them. How they must have wished that those days would never end.
What a shock it must have been for them to be met by an angel. What a bigger shock to hear those words, "He's not here". What a tragedy - even the body of their most endeared is gone? But then, there was such good reason for his absence, wasn't there? Why would a risen Christ hang around the tomb?
How often have we hung around the "empty tombs" in our lives - still seeking for Christ's presence to fuel works that are long past their relevance? Frustrated that we are getting nowhere, we may even lose faith in God. Maybe we should open our eyes a little wider, and listen a little more attentively to our Father - perhaps we can find Christ further ahead. He may have moved on and we need to move on too. But we can't do that unless we let go of the past...
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The accounts of Passion Week or Holy Week (the week from Palm Sunday to Easter) in the Gospels certainly describe some of the most dramatic events that has ever occurred in this world. While there was no world-wide spectacle like the Great Flood, there was nonetheless a major spiritual clash bringing the passionate love of God on a head-on collision with the grasp of death and the devil.
Christ, painfully aware of short time He has left, prepares His Disciples and followers for what is to come in His final lessons. He also offers us a glimpse of the end-times, urging us to be watchful and prepared. And in the celebration of the Passover, He brought to us the sacrament of the bread and wine that we may always remember the penalty God has to pay to redeem us from the clutch of death.
Christ demonstrated passion to the absolute extent. In total submission, He humbly gave His all. We are the benefactors of that passion.
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Anglicanism
- What's That? (26 Mar 01)
The AGM last Sunday (25 Mar 01) threw up a most interesting discussion - What is "Anglicanism"? Just how much "Anglicanism" is being imbibed in our young at Sunday School or in our worship and ministries? Interestingly, nobody came up with a clear definition of "Anglicanism".
Pastor Kingsley pointed out the various aspects of Anglicanism - e.g. the Sacraments, Culture, Clergy and assured us that they are alive and well. However, what must be of utmost importance is really that the Anglican Church is founded on God's Word, headed by Christ and led by the Holy Spirit.
Anglicanism as a practise cannot be more than a "frame". The "picture" within is what we have to focus our eyes upon. That picture is painted only by God.
If you'd like to
find out more about the Anglican Church, The Anglican Communion and the 39
Articles of Religion, pay a visit to the Information Booth of the St
Andrew's Cathedral Website through our WebWatch
Section. Email us with your
comments!
Anglicanism
and the Church of the Ascension - A Church Member's Comments
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Statues and Monuments (14 Mar 01)
I wonder how you feel about the destruction of the historical monuments in Afghanistan? Mixed feelings? Or perhaps you are disinterested - since they are not Christian monuments?
What the outcry from the rest of the world shows is how much mankind treasure the "works of art" and items of "historical value" that exemplifies the civilisation of man. The most beautiful, the biggest or the oldest - we don't want to let go of them.
We, too have "monuments" in our hearts that we hold dear to. Our achievements, position, wealth and even fond memories may take prominent position in our lives. Not that such are bad - but what if these are treasured above our relationship with God? Are we prepared to let go of them so that we can focus more clearly on God?
I always believe that we should learn from what we see around us - not to pass judgement on the action of others, but to find in them lessons for ourselves.
In this episode, before we condemn or praise the action of the Afghans - perhaps we should take a look at our own lives. And ponder the position of the trophies and monuments of our lives. And where God stands...
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Changing the World (20 Feb 01)
"We may not be able to change the world, but we can change the world for somebody." The inspiring sermon by Dr Tan Kim Huat from Trinity Theological College last Sunday taught me a number of lessons on community outreach. But this reality really hit home - that we can change the world for somebody.
The truth is that each of us live in a "world of our own" - what our eyes show us, what our ears hear and what our minds think. Our world is how we experience it. Our world is our life.
The world is a miserable place if we are miserable. Conversely, life is worth living if our world is worth living in. For those of us who know God, His presence in our world makes all the difference - life is worth living and there is purpose to it.
Making an impact on the world starts by making an impact on somebody's life. A small step - but it may mean the whole world to somebody!
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If But Only One (7 Feb 01)
Is it all worth the effort? Sometimes we ask ourselves this question - especially when so many people put in so much effort for so very long just to put up a major evangelical event.... and so few turn up, or are "saved" as a result of the meeting.
Such discouragement comes not with such major events but often in our life experiences as we seek to do God's will. Perhaps we have been putting in so much effort to bring the Gospel to a loved one...only to be snubbed at. Or struggle to get our ministry going with little signs of result.
RESULTS. There must be results. We have been conditioned to expect more results for more effort put in. More returns for bigger investments. And we want it FAST.
After telling us the parable of the shepherd who leaves his ninety-nine sheep to go after ONE LOST SHEEP, Jesus reveals that there is great rejoicing in heaven when just one single sinner receives salvation (Luke 15:7). "Numbers" is not His game.
Even if we do want to dwell on numbers - Let each bring just one person to God in our life time. Would we not have doubled the investment?
I am also reminded of the words of my old School Hymn (which I shared about in our January Prayer Meeting).
They
reaped not where they laboured,
We reap what they have sown;
Our harvest may be garnered,
By ages yet unknown.
Teachers know that the real results of their labour is not visible at the end of each school term. The real results are seen only in the life and character of the student long after he/she has left school.
In Revelations 19, we read of the "great multitude". Perhaps we should find joy in contributing what little we can towards that wonderful harvest. We may not see results now, but we know that everything counts. Is that not enough reason to push on?
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A New Website (7 Feb 01)
Our new website team is pleased to present to you this new look website which we believe has better navigation features that allow you rapid access to the pages and information that you want. We have also added a special WebWatch page that gives you links to some useful and interesting websites.
We also hope to have a steady stream of articles and features from our regular writers as well as invited guests and especially from you, the reader.
Upcoming events will be highlighted on our Notice Board as well as news of the latest happenings!
Write in and tell us anything that is in your heart about life in Ascension - present, past or future. Share with us a testimony of God's touch in your life. This website is for you.
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