Does God have a mission, a plan, or a purpose that he himself is working toward? The Bible says he does. In Ephesians 1:9-10, one of the most succinct definitions of mission, Paul says: “(God has) made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfilment — to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” God is in the business of bringing all of creation — all things in heaven and on earth — into a healed, reconciled, and restored unity in Christ and through Christ and for Christ. And that is the mission of God. It is cosmic and creational. It begins with creation and ends with new creation, all focused on Jesus Christ. This talk helps us to get a better grip on the whole teaching of the Bible on the mission that God has entrusted to us.

This class examines one of the more, if not the most, difficult challenge facing evangelical Christianity today. David Hume, the 18th century Scottish philosopher and sceptic once lamented, “Is he willing to prevent evil, but not able? then he is impotent. Is he able, but not willing? then is he malevolent. Is he both able and willing: whence then is evil?” (Hume, Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, part 10). This talk focuses on how Christians can hold simultaneously three concepts: God’s power, God’s goodness, and the presence of evil in the world. It will also offer guidelines on how we can strengthen our faith in Christ, in spite of this vexing intellectual challenge.

Many today, both lay and professional theologians, have criticized the traditional formulations of the doctrine of the Trinity (e.g., Nicaea, 325) as too Western and irrelevant for Asian societies. The Bible does not explicitly teach the doctrine of the Trinity. Rather, the doctrine of the Trinity is a theological construct. It does teach, however, that God is one, yet the Father is God, Jesus Christ is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. This talk examines the biblical teachings, which imply the doctrine of the Trinity, and their importance to Christian faith and living. It will also consider alternative approaches proposed by Asian church leaders and theologians in recent years.

Today, there is much confusion about what it means to know God. Proponents of world religions take issue with the exclusivism of evangelical Christianity, particularly with Jesus’ assertion that he is “the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). Then there are those Christians, who insist that God speaks to them directly through miraculous signs that go beyond scriptural teachings. This talk focuses specifically on what it means to know God, as he is revealed in the Bible. It will, thus, differentiate the all-important distinction between the fact of divine revelation (the act of God whereby he discloses himself to us through general and special revelation), illumination (the act of the Spirit, whereby he grants spiritual insight and the truthful perception regarding the Bible), and biblical interpretation (the act of God whereby he breathed his word and guided biblical writers to write his word without errors in the original manuscripts).

Jesus’ form of discipleship included a complex balance of individuality and community. Yet the concept of community is everywhere apparent, whether it is the solidarity of the Twelve, the spiritual family emphasis (Matt 12:46-50), the promise of the church (Matt 16:18; 18:17) , or the relational responsibilities within the community (Matt 18). This talk focuses on the suggestion that Jesus’ treatment of the family is a key to understanding his form of discipleship. From the OT to the NT, the earthly family plays a major role in God’s plan for humanity. The family was established by God, it was protected by the Law, and it was an illustration of God’s relationship with his people. The family was the means through which succeeding generations of individuals were assured of being raised to know the will of God and importance of community life.

Jesus’ teachings created the basis for an ethic that would sustain the disciples during his earthly ministry as well as beyond it. This talk focuses on Jesus’ teachings that form the heart of the disciple’s ethical life. First, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount describes the ideals and goals of Christian living (Matt 5:21-47). Second, Jesus examines one’s thought, motive, just as important as actions (Matt 5:21-30). Since the new life begins with a work of the Spirit in the heart, one’s righteousness reflects the depths of the human heart. Thirdly, love is the central theme of the disciple’s life, which include loving one’s enemies and praying for those who persecute him or her (Matt 5:43-45).

Rev Clive Chin did an overview  of the book of Exodus for small group leaders as the church starts a sermon series on this book. A video recording of the session is available at https://youtu.be/d62Ppf0GYRo

Christian growth is a multi-dimensional endeavour which addresses the whole person. This talk focuses on the spiritual life or the spiritual disciplines as a key to spiritual growth. As a foundation for growth as a disciple, Jesus emphasised that a person must be born again by the Spirit of God (Jn 3:1-15). In other words, growth is dependent upon internal regeneration through the Spirit. This stands in contrast to the teachings of the Pharisees, who focused on external appearances (Matt 23:25-28). Jesus emphasised that the heart is the source of what we are on the outside (Matt 12:33-37). Hence, change needs to occur from the inside-out. This talk addresses key themes, including self-denial, cross-bearing, and costly life-long discipleship.

To be a follower of Jesus literally means to “imitate” or to be like him (Matt 10:24-25). The transformation process begins with a change in personal identity, whereby one adopts the teachings, lifestyle, and values of Jesus. The spiritual relationship between believers and Jesus is unique in that he or she is committed to and rooted in Christ (Jn 15:1-8; 17:13-26). Such a bond looks forward to the kind of “likeness” that Paul talks about, where the ultimate goal of the believer’s life is to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). This talk will identify the key stages of Christian growth and the key marks of discipleship.

We will explore God’s intended design and purpose for the church. Does our church understand its DNA to be missional? Christians have different understandings of the mission of the church, ranging from evangelism, social justice, and creation care. What is God’s mission? What is the mission of God’s people? We will examine Matthew 28:18-20, concerning Christ’s Great Commission and its application to the various challenges facing the church today.