Romanizing Moments

 

The book of Roman is a masterfully written exposition on grace. I believe this letter to the believers in Rome has changed our hearts of everyone in the class as we read and understand the wonderful truths nestled inside. Paul wrote this letter to these Christians to explain about the grace of God. What Paul taught was beyond previous comprehension and understanding. Being a student of this letter has brought me into a deeper relationship with the Lord.

I am truly encouraged by Paul’s desire, passion and obligation to preach the gospel. Paul desired to preach the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation and God’s righteousness is revealed. It reinforced what Christ has done for me; out of gratitude I share the gospel. In this regards, I am propelled, empowered to share with the least difficulties and even with joy and expectation. As it was God’s given opportunity, a Young Adult leader asked if I could mentor someone from the air force. It was a challenge as the mentee is currently on a two-year detachment in USA, and the only chat means with immediate response was Whatsapp. From the first chat, I sensed the air of loneliness, discouragement, and backsliding; a silent cry for help. The Lord guided me wonderfully, enabling me to respond gently and work through the concerns together. Coming previously from a similar background, I understood his frustrations and was prompted to make an encouragement card with his name cradled by two hands and a bible verse, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” – Hebrews 13:6 (NIV). Though having a hard time in the Detachment he sent me this in the chat, “Haven’t been doing well for the past two week. But I saw a silver lining after praying to God. Hope it continues to stay... =)”. What a change from our first chat together! Praise the Lord!

 

          

My heart overflows with love and gratitude when I contemplate the marvelous grace of our loving heavenly Father. The book of Romans deeply impressed me with the truth that my good standing before God is not a reason for self-righteous boasting; rather, it is a reason for raising my voice in praise to God; for it is the result of His wonderful grace, and not our own goodness. I learned about sin, righteousness and sanctification and glorification through the book of Romans. God allowed me to open my heart by his word. Romans 8:35, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”  taught me the love of God and no one can separate me from his love because Jesus died for us. While there exist a sinful nature in me but I thank God for an opportunity to return to Him. I want to know more about Jesus and grow more like him. No matter the sufferings, I want obey my God and his word because God has great plans for me, better than I can ever plan for.

 

 

Romans 12:9-13 did wonders in amplifying the love without action is not love.  As believers, we are given the power to love and worship God with pure hearts and without limits.  As I reflect on the interactions in various groups of the class, I daresay I am truly blessed by the team spirit and the willingness to share though our lecturer Rev Casey did comment that we were very subdued at lunches as compared to his previous classes. We probably had a different dimension to eating but we were sure LOUD during the presentations! For a start, our group had a ‘together’ focus; to complete the module together with the best of our abilities. It developed cohesion within the group bringing about an un-coerced element of love, understanding, tolerance and acceptance. Though we started slow, the group continued gelling together with a wonderful team spirit in God’s timing. Practical Christianity comes down to very basic principles of living. I am reminded to be willing to place Jesus Christ as Lord over my life, and I must endeavor to be eager to share my life with the needs, hurts, and joys of others

 

 

Being a practical person, I found the reflection sessions useful and encouraging to me as the study on Romans did get profound at some occasions. I am thankful to everyone for being honest in their sharing. I didn’t expect our lecturer Rev Casey to share a testimony which probably was his and Sis Davina’s most painful yet defining moment in their lives. It left a lasting impression and reminded me that God is never far even in my darkest moment. It encouraged me that my every testimony, big or small, on how the goodness of God has changed my life can be used mightily according to his purposes to those who are still in darkness, unbelief, and rebellion. It reminds me that they are not for my safekeeping but an extension to the whole community. There is an old riddle that asks, "If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" Personal experience logically establishes that the tree made a sound when it fell, whether anyone desires to hear it or not. The choice is ours to share. I am truly honored to be a part of God’s Kingdom and His evangelistic team, and will forever treasure these moments in my heart.

 

 

Blessings....

 

 

 

Pastoral Epistles Adventure...

 

 

What Hit me...

Class Interaction

     It seems clear that "sound doctrine" cannot be simplistically reduced to items regarding church structure or organization. Rather in the context of Pastoral Epistles it refers to teaching that results in a certain kind of healthy behavior and exemplar among the family of God. This spiritually healthy doctrine has to do with a changed lifestyle under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It is life in, and for, the Body. It is caring, watching over and accounting for one another in the body.

     Fundamentally, Christian community means a way that Christians can relate to one another. The Scriptures regard a community relationship of love, commitment, and interdependence among Christians as normative, not optional. I am thankful that despite having different perspectives, that with my fellow students, we are able to overlook such differences and become interdependent. This does not mean becoming weak or less capable of doing things. Becoming interdependent will make us individually and corporately stronger in the faith. That encapsulates the essence of the power of the Word. Acting as a member of an interdependent body does involve unlearning the habits of a lifetime. I learned here that while it is easy to just make our decisions and chart our own course, God's plan for our maturity is not individualistic. I need to be more apt to listening, be open to constructive criticism, flexible and not be quick to react with undesired responses. To function as a body, we must make ourselves subordinate to one another and also able to sense each other’s feelings and needs.

     Alongside the importance of Godly living, the Epistles stress also the importance of corporate prayer and thanksgiving. I enjoyed our small group session where we shared our thanksgiving and prayed together over each individual need highlighted and for those unwell. I learned this as an important requisite as a community and am always reminded to include these wherever I am, alone or with others.

Group Presentations

     Through the group study of Titus 2:1-10, I have also come to see of the importance in Christian unity in both good and bad times. There are always potential ‘threats’ to unity among Christian workers to which we must all be alert. When it does happen, differences arise between Christian workers and unintended partiality may appear. A disunited community will definitely be unable to deal with situations effectively. Holding to opinions beyond prudent limits, I have personally at times been guilty of being ungentle in handling situations.  As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity that God requires of us.

     While there is no way to reverse a poor initial act of rashness, as taught in 1 Tim 6:11, in the face of reactions contrary to my perception of things, I strive to make every effort to respond with a gentle spirit. There must be an awakening in the heart of every believer, a consciousness of the power and influence of Christian unity as a requisite to the success of all our organizational projects. I pray that each day that I will progressively cultivate the great fundamental principles of Christian unity within, and endeavor to teach those principles, both by precept and example. That, when the ex­tent of relations is disturbed by misunderstandings that seemingly cannot be settled, then the atti­tude of forgiveness must be taken up, turning the whole mat­ter over to God in prayer and wisdom required.

Class Lectures

     From the class room lectures, I realized that Christian ministry is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring not just initial enthusiasm and ability, but also staying power. Leadership is one of the most critical issues faced by generation after generation. Everything rises and falls with the kind of leadership that is in place. The Church is called upon to demonstrate the godly leadership that transforms present society and gives hope to the next generation. From a biblical perspective leadership emphasises character more than anything else. Leadership and leadership ability are not primarily questions about skill. They are questions of heart. God wants to equip leaders with skills and give talents for effective leadership. A leader without a character that reflects the values of Christ will certainly fail in the long run. What was entrusted to Paul and is now given to Timothy and Titus is the gospel (1 Tim. 1.11; 6.20; 2 Tim. 1.14; Tit. 1.3). In my mind, the centre of pastoral ministry, Christian discipleship, and evangelism is not primarily a specific view of Scriptural authority or gender but the gospel. The mark of the true leader is how he (or she) articulates, proclaims, guards, lives, and passes on the gospel of God.

     It is said that to be a leader is to be put in a box made of glass where people can see you from all sides. Leaders are to model the lifestyle to which all members should aspire, offering no place for opposition (Ti 2:7-8). There are many leaders today but not role models. As I desire to be a leader who can make a difference and positively influence the next generation for Christ, I want to run the race with passion and perseverance, living and learning in the right manner as a role model that people can emulate. The Pastoral Epistles gives us a good glimpse of this process. The Apostle Paul practiced and emphasized the idea of mentorship by investing in the lives of a young Timothy and Titus. He also exhorted the older men and older women to mentor the younger men and younger women in Titus 2:2-8. And probably the most well known passage regarding mentorship is seen when Paul speaks to a young Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2. My own personal experiences have been wonderful in this particular area of working with good mentors. Since I’ve adopted this value at a very early stage of my ministry, it has become a part of my philosophy of ministry wherever I go. It is my sincere request to God to send more of such exemplary people along my path for there is still so much to learn. I humbly seek to leave a lasting legacy of godliness by constantly maintaining a godly character and conduct that will impact generations to come. At the end of the day, I would love to shout out loud that I have fought a good fight, and kept the faith.

Readings and Research

 

     With Paul’s constant exhortation to individuals with pastoral oversight of churches and discuss issues of Christian living, doctrine and leadership, the statement, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching ...” (1 Tim 4:16, NASB) stood out strong in my thoughts. In view of this, I am prompted to challenge myself with greater efforts in four basic disciplines in adhering to statement.

     First, I would purposefully carve out some dedicated personal time to reflect, think, and just examine my heart. This is just a discipline of silence and solitude that will allow opportunities to search one’s heart. Second, I would dialogue with honest and close people in my life and ask them to evaluate me. I would then compare my perception of myself with what they say. My spouse knows me the best and can certainly give an honest assessment of how I am doing. It would be important to listen to her input! Next, I would be in the process of journaling and recording my thoughts over a period of a year. Then, I would read over my journal logs to see if I have progressed or regressed. This would potentially tell me if I was doing well or if I’m cynical. Checking to see if the journal logs are any indication of my heart and seeing if they offer any clues to the condition of my soul. Finally, I would spend extended times in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to expose any shortcomings or undeveloped parts of my character that needs growth. This is not an easily accepted process but a necessary one if a leader is to have success not only in the eyes of the church but more importantly in view of God’s high calling and standards.

I'm having a great time...

Corinthians Adventures - What HIT me...

Entering into the last stretch of the module, studying the book of Corinthians this semester has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. Aptly named, “Corinthians Adventures”, I found myself exposed to several thought-provoking ideas, concepts, and practices that have given me fresh perspectives to the Bible and challenged me in my walk with God.

Class Lectures

     I consider myself privileged and blessed learning from the lecturing team of Reverend Casey and sister Davina. The friendly atmosphere, though not without its required strictness in discipline, made class participation comfortable and non-threatening. As teachers, the husband and wife team were exemplary role models in their willingness to teach, give advice, and share openly within or outside class timings. It contributed to a lively motivated learning environment[1] which embodied the image of both teacher and student parties being active participants in a learning community.

     This form of classroom teaching contributed to a two-fold purpose that it taught me to respect my lecturers while given a chance to air my opinions in the class. The teaching method taught me the extra qualities of being a teacher; willing to be flexible and apt to changes in teaching style, to listen, to learn, and be teachable as well. Additionally, it helped me to better understand, and value the range of individual perspectives, to create positive human relationships, respect individuals, and strive to create a sense of community.

Class Interaction

         It was encouraging and interesting that our lecture begins with prayer and ends with a thought provoking question. Besides listening to the lecture, I personally found such student participation intriguing and beneficial as there were also several new ‘faces’ in the class. The prayer and discussion among the students helped very much in knowing each other better and class participation respectively. It also produced several interesting plus noteworthy pointers from common and differing views. It fueled my motivation and helped me to see the relevance of the lecture topic not only through my own eyes but as a class too.

         Coupled with knowing and understanding my classmates better, additionally I found myself also developing in the area of critical thinking. I have always been a thinker, instead of focusing on basic requirement of getting work done, I learned to challenge myself to dig into a text as deeply as possible and unpack every detail to develop a satisfying close read.[2]

Managing Expectations and Patience

     The ‘Master’ group interaction left me with the timeless principles of managing expectations and patience. I experienced a whole new level of teamwork in this module. The members of the group came from diverse background and have different commitments and coming from a student’s culture in AGBC, expectations were initially unspoken and assumed. This was a mistake realized as time went on as the outcome of the team’s products was not easy to come by. I was quite disheartened by the outcome and began to lament quite a bit. It was through much prayer, and with honest admission that I shared about it during the ‘Final Group Assessment’ discussion. We realized we had let each other down and decided unanimously that the team must complement each other better with spoken clarify and continual dialogue through emails, text messages or even in short meeting. Exhibiting positive interdependence, the team began to manage the expectations in greater detail.[3]

     An additional outcome was patience which is the easiest to lose in a tense moment. I found this especially challenging after sharing in chapel that patience was what I learned during the college mission trip to Nepal in 2011. I felt tested to maximum upon that declaration! The practice of patience toward one another, the overlooking of weaknesses, and the bearing of burdens was crucial and taught me much about working together. It showed me why we needed each other. With patience, it generated encouragement, love, and support for each other.

Group Presentations

     Group presentations were a welcomed segment in the module requirements as it ushered variety and an opportunity to express what we learned in theory. The presentations on generous giving from 2 Corinthians Chapters eight and nine were both informative and hilarious as I learned about what is an anointed ministry from Paul’s perspective. Reminding the Corinthians of their forgotten or delayed giving was never an easy task but Paul did it with humility, gentleness, and meekness. I am reminded about giving with a cheerful heart knowing that all I have is from God. Being in full-time studies, without paycheck, and a family of five to feed, giving was initially a calculated exercise. However in time, God showed me in many ways that He was never short of meeting my needs. As I watch the message of generous giving during the presentations, my heart was assured and unburdened as I acknowledge God’s grace in all that I have are gifts from Him given to me to share with others in the desire for them to know of His love. 

Readings and Research

     The Pre-module reading assignments and spiritual exercises helped me much in discovering relevant life applications challenging my pre-existing principles. Interestingly the in-depth study of the book of Corinthians reveal many similarities in issues that face Singaporeans in the 21^st Century and ironically, we relentlessly search for answers to our problems in our human understanding not realizing they are in the bible. Coming from a similar background of the establishment of the city, its multi-religious background, and wealth, both face similar problems and challenges for example, morality, divisions in parties, and pride, to name a few. I marvel at the beauty in the Word of God. It made me question my understanding of the word with respect to the amount of time spent reading the bible and my communion time with God. There were promptings for a deeper inner assessment, need for reinforcements in areas of my life and belief as well as alignment of some my principles and values.

     Another area that stood out for me in the readings was in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 where Paul teaches them about true spirituality; it is about love for God and love for others. Fee reiterated Paul’s purpose in re-directing the Corinthians’ idea on the true spirituality toward “edifying the community”.[4] God is love and love is the ultimate principle in which all believers excel and live.[5] During the early stages of group assignments, having other modules to contend with, I was dispirited by the way the group was functioning and dwelled in depression. As I reviewed myself, it caused me to ask, “How am I hindering God from expressing His love through me?”

     It is sometimes a challenge to love everyone around me, but I have learned that I can find something to love about every person if I look hard enough. I have to take expectations and perceptions out of my heart and mind; take myself out of my prides and prejudices to find what God wants me to see. It is not easy, but if God can give that to me unconditionally, greater still I should be following His example and work at it.

It's been and still is an Adventure :)

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               [1] John. C. Maxwell, Developing the Leader within You (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1993), 113-37.

      [2] Karen B. Tye, Basics of Christian Education (St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2000), 50.

      [3]Roger T., and David W. Johnson, Cooperative Learning: Two heads learn better than one, http://www.context.org/ICLIB/IC18/Johnson.htm (accessed March 31, 2012).

               [4] Gordon D. Fee, The First Epistle to the Corinthians. New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1987), 653-60.

      [5]Ibid, 628-52.

Reflection on Education in the Christian Community 2

With the stage set by the introduction of ‘Education in the Christian Community’ (ECC), the lessons following focused on detail the six influencing factors of ECC; purpose, context/environment, curriculum, participants, process/methods, and management. I can say that it has so far been an interesting learning adventure with mind provoking thoughts.

A strong belief I have concerning education is that we need to redefine curriculum. It has to be contextually relevant and applicable where the necessary information will provide a library of timeless principles which can beneficial to the lives of the community. Christian Education needs to have vision beyond the explicit curriculum of what it is precisely that we teach. This expansion needs to take place from intellectual skills to practical skills and from planned activities to unplanned experience. Karen Tye acknowledges such a challenge from Maria Harris, “I think she also challenges us to broaden our understandings of what content is and to see beyond the limits of printed resources” (50, Basics of Christian Education). This point was an awakening call to me in that whenever I am tasked with producing a curriculum, emphasis must be given the consideration the audience, their cultural context, their situations and their needs. I must remember that it is a dynamic relationship of the bible and life. It not just a bible study, it must be a life transforming program.

Another interesting concept that tickled my mind was the fact that human development is modifiable. This point completely blows away the saying, ‘a leopard can't change its spots.' As individuals, there are more occasions than not that we must willingly learn to give up our hard-won independence and become interdependent. This does not mean becoming weak or less capable of doing things. We become interdependent in order to become stronger as a body of Christ. God's plan for our maturity is not individualistic. Anyone who wants to be a complete Christian must realize that he is part of a body of believers, dependent on others, and must begin to act accordingly. It warns me against falling prey to being judgmental of others. It reminds me of the humility of Jesus; the emulation of His character and servanthood to others even in the face of adversities. As a student in Bible College, I believe such interdependency is crucial in our individual and corporate developmental growth. It helped me adjust better and gain better insights to the teaching of God’s word. Independence may sound cool but interdependence is solidarity as a community of faith.

The last lesson for the week ending 2 July on process and method was a timely reminder to its importance in education. Process requires an integration of experiential, relational, and reflective inputs providing a safeguard against planning a hodgepodge of unrelated activities and promotes church-wide conversation and shared language that supports inter-generational dialogue. It is crucial and helps shape the culture of the community making education more effective than a just a ‘schooling’ approach.

What challenges me more is the method of implementation where it can either be learning through life experiences or operating ‘out of the box’ away from the classroom setting. For this I realize the acceptance intricacies of the community. While it’s not rocket science, it is also not necessarily easy either for a change to a lifestyle can be a slow, if not difficult, process to bring about under certain conditions. Planning is not an easy process. It takes time and involves consistent, hard work. But personally I find it worth it! I, like many others, am often tempted to “do something quickly.” It is best, however, to resist this temptation and plan with the culture of the community in mind. A lasting impression for me is the four components to the planning approach in ‘Planning for Christian Education Formation’ by Israel Galindo and Marty C. Canaday. First, congregations are urged to take a community of faith approach to the Christian education formation program in church. Second, the planning flows from an integrated structure through the Christian Education planning committee. Third, the use of the church’s theme as a natural and theologically informed framework for commencement of the education programs. Lastly, the importance of assessing the effectiveness of the implemented program.

   

Finally the influencing area of management re-enforces my belief of the need for short / long term plans, assessment and evaluation, all of which provides vital checkpoints in our spiritual growth. I am also a firm believer of thinking out solutions for the possible hindrances.

Reflection on Education in the Christian Community1

‘What is education?’ was the question that ushered the students into the module of ‘Education in the Christian Community’ and left us quite dumbfounded as we strained the boundaries of our minds with rolling eyes for the ‘perfect’ definition. In my days of young, my notion of education was to study hard, learn as much as I could, get good grades and make it big in society. How wrong I was!

 

Several interesting concepts and practices did come to mind as we were introduced to the Latin words by Rev Casey our lecturer, the Es, ‘Educare’ and ‘Educere’ meaning‘to bring up, rear, train’ and “to lead forth or to draw out” respectively.

Knowledge by itself has no value. Having more knowledge doesn’t necessarily mean better. It is ‘Educere’; aimed at fulfilling one’s potential. Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and many other super achievers never finished grade school. They succeeded because they knew how to research, collect information for a selected project and process the knowledge. Classroom environment does not work that way; it focuses on the collection of knowledge without a clear purpose, other than high grades. If the purpose does not motivate, then there is nothing to process outside of knowledge acquired. The typical student is academic challenged while being motivation starved. When I first entered full-time bible college in July 2010, I was determined to do my best which included striving towards the necessary grades. However, as time went by I realized it was becoming tedious and tiresome. I became less motivated and lost focus of the greatest call, the Great Commission. Thankfully, through much prayer, promptings from the Holy Spirit and fellow students, I was able to realign to learning and building with the purpose ‘to be’ the best in areas where God uses me.

Education is formal and informal. When the term ‘education’ is used, it conjures of archetypal impressions of a classroom with a boring teacher droning away in the front. Sadly, the term ‘Christian education’ does portray the same images to the mind even in a church environment. Education is formal and informal; formal whereby a teacher exists; informal when we learn naturally ‘out of the box’ through accidental discovery e.g. one’s survival instincts, greed, and stealing. It applies to both within and external of a school context. The point on natural education teaches me the lesson on humility. Being a flying instructor prior and now training to be a minister, it reminds me to be wary of a prideful nature that I am above others. Through accident discoveries, both teacher and student parties can be learners and embodies the image of both being active participants in the educational process. It teaches me to be willing to listen, learn, and be teachable as well.

Education in a Christian community is not confined to church. Community is more than a place. It is not a ‘boxed in’ but an outreach experience. It is a birthplace of common purpose; the seed-bed of mutuality and unity. It represents shared value, attitude, vision, and the ability to work together for a common purpose. Benjamin Franklin once said: "we can all hang together, or surely we will all hang separately." As a Christian, this has challenged me to building of an attitude that is inclusive rather than exclusive. Relationships are life-giving serving as avenues for educating others on how God has impacted our lives and can do likewise for them. It teaches me to forget myself and to be open to others as Christ was to the lost. Communities don’t just happen. We have to make it happen with warmth, care, honesty, passion, prayer, and a Christ-like character.

Education in the Christian Community

Hi All,

Just a prelude to the "Reflections

Can you Identify the "How", "That", and "To Be"?