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…

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 may be conditioned…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

By Not Known Our culture is fascinated with appearances. Our media is saturated with images of outwardly beautifully people. Advertisers urge great attention to all aspects of physical beauty and promise the world to us if only we use their products or services. The Bible speaks much about beauty but has little concern for physical…