Thursday, December 18, 2008

CHOOSE ONE CHAIR

There was a story about how the famous tenor, Pavarotti was able to be successful. "When I was a boy, my father, a baker, introduced me to the wonders of song," tenor Luciano Pavarotti relates. "He urged me to work very hard to develop my voice. Arrigo Pola, a professional tenor in my hometown of Modena, Italy, took me as a pupil. I also enrolled in a teachers college. On graduating, I asked my father, 'Shall I be a teacher or a singer?' "'Luciano,' my father replied, 'if you try to sit on two chairs, you will fall between them. For life, you must choose one chair.' "I chose one. It took seven years of study and frustration before I made my first professional appearance. It took another seven to reach the Metropolitan Opera. And now I think whether it's laying bricks, writing a book--whatever we choose--we should give ourselves to it. Commitment, that's the key. Choose one chair."

As young men and women, learning the seriousness of commit to one thing is very important. Whether you keep commitments to your family, your school, your friends, your church and to God, we must be focus on one thing and stick till the end. It is a very difficult lesson though, as there are still many adults who have not learned this lesson. That is because along the way, we meet temptations, distractions and hardships. We may give up and choose to go another route away from the destination. In the end, we are unable to reach the goal.

Dear young people, to be truly committed in your life will greatly please God and bring you great rewards. God does not like us to be lukewarm Christians. Being half hearted will get you nowhere. It will also frustrate your friends and people around you because you never keep to your commitment and persist till the end. God has made many commitments to us and keeps each and every one of them. God is always there even when there is no one who cares for us. That is why God values true commitments in our lives. Every aspect of your life requires a commitment on your part to some degree. You will encounter times when a very deep commitment is required, such as attending Church Service, Youth Group meetings every week, successfully completing a very difficult course in school or a musical project. If you keep a pet, you have a commitment to that pet and will try your best to take care of its life because that pet will rely on you for everything it needs to stay alive and happy. Likewise, God requires that we honor our commitments no matter how large or how small. We are bound to meet storms and obstacles in our lives, but if we are prepared to persist, we can do it by God’s grace no matter how tough the situation can get you to. God calls us to be a Christian 24/7. We need to be close to God at all times in order to be 24/7 true Christian.

I encourage all of you to do things in your best efforts, choose one chair, even when you think it's small, do it with commitment and focus, and the big results will surely arrive. Do it to shine for the Lord!

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Pr. Carol Ling (Bethel Presbyterian Church)
ARE YOU A ‘BELIEVER’ OR ‘DISCIPLE’?

“Are you a believer?” It’s very easy to answer “Yes” if someone asks you this question. I tried this on my youth group and I could get a loud and clear answer “Yes” from them. But if we probe more by asking “Are you a disciple”? , it takes a moment for the youth group to answer. In a way, it is consoling to know that the youths are aware of the difference between being a believer and being a disciple. Being a believer and being a disciple is entirely different. Becoming a believer is simply a matter of trusting in Christ as your only hope of salvation. Becoming a disciple is working hard everyday to become more like Jesus and to bring people to the Lord.
However, I am not saying that we must work hard or behave like a saint to get to heaven. When we receive salvation through our faith in Jesus Christ, we are saved. But if we call ourselves a disciple, we need to live a genuine faith with our words and action in consistency. If we claim that we love Christ, we cannot say it only on our lips and not doing anything. In order to improve a relationship, we need to spend time with the person and do things and make efforts to please him or her. Likewise, in our relationship with Christ, we need to improve our relationship with the Lord. A true disciple will not be satisfied with just being a believer. An authentic disciple will make effort to spend time with the Lord and learn to be more and more like Jesus, whether in actions and words. An authentic disciple will also like more and more people to know the Lord that He loves deeply and want them to be close to the Lord.
Here is a list that makes a great starting point to "examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine" (II Corinthians 13:5).
A believer praises the Lord in good times, the disciple at all times.
The Holy Spirit resides in the believer but shines through the disciple.
A believer loves God with heart and mind, while a disciple commits the will.
A believer loves God and others, but they are the disciple's life.
A believer lives in hope, but for the disciple, God's hope is certain.
A believer seeks forgiveness for sin, but a disciple also determines not to walk that path again.
A believer had faith in God but the disciple's faith is tempered in the fire of testing.
A believer loves the Lord, but the disciple's love is unconditional.
The believer serves the Lord in strength, but the disciple is made perfect through weakness.
God is part of the believer's life, but the central focus of the disciple.
A believer forgives, but the disciple also forgets.
A believer communicates with God at his/her own convenience, but the disciple's heart is open to the Lord at all times.
I understand that we are afterall, weak and limited human beings. I encourage you to continue to work diligently as a true disciple even when we are still ‘work-in-progress’ disciple. Let’s continue to strengthen the areas that need to be improved in our actions and words, so as to be like Jesus.
Jesus said “ If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)

Pr. Carol Ling (Bethel Presbyterian Church)
The 4th Synod Youth Leadership Camp (20-21 Feb 2009)

15th December 2008
Dear Senior Pastors, Ministers and Youth Pastors/Mentors,

The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

The Synod Youth Council would like to invite you and your church youth leaders to attend the 4th Synod Youth Leadership Camp 20-21 Feb 2009 (Fri-Sat)at the Bethel Presbyterian Church. In this camp, Rev. Jimmy of Bethel Presbyterian Church will share on the camp’s theme: Spiritual Leader’s Competency and also round up the three-years cycle of leadership trainings: calling, character and competency. In addition, Rev. Dr. Danny Goh (Dean of School of Counseling, Singapore Bible College)
will train on “People Helping Skills”-a most wanted to learn topic which our youths feedback in 2008 camp. The details of the camp are as follows:

Main Theme: The Competency of a Spiritual Leader
Speaker: Rev. Jimmy Tan (Associate Minister, Bethel Presbyterian Church)
Sub-Theme: People Helping Skills
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Danny Goh (Dean of School of Counseling, Singapore Bible College)
Date: 20-21 Feb 2009 (Fri, 6:30pm – Sat, 6pm)
Venue: Bethel Presbyterian Church
Address: 12, Jalan Lateh, Singapore 359110.
Cost: $15 per person (inclusive of food and accommodation)
Age: 16 - 25 years old

Please contact Rev Vincent Koh, the Synod Youth Executive for more information.
Tel: 6338-7268 (DID) Mobile: 83335679 Fax: 63394076
Email: vincent@ presbysing.org.sg, vk2724@gmail.com
Website: www.presbyterian.org.sg, click “Youth Blog” or http://synodym.blogspot.com/


We hope you can include this leadership camp program into your 2009 church youth ministry plans
and encourage your youth leaders to participate.
Please submit the registration forms (Annex 1) and camp fees to Rev Vincent Koh by 10 Feb 2009.
Address: Presbyterian Church House, 132 Sophia Road, S (228186)
Cheques are to be written to "Synod of the PCS".
Please kindly indicate your church name and "For: Synod Youth Ministry" at the back of the cheque.

Thank You.
Yours sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Lim Boon Young
Synod Youth Council Chairman

____________________________________________________________________
Annex 1 附件I :
报名表格
参加者姓名: ___________________________ 登记号码:_____________ 年龄:________
住址:_________________________________________ 住家电话号码:______________
手机号码:________________ 电邮地址: _______________________________________
教会名称:____________________________ 在青年事工担任的职份:_______________
紧急事件联络人姓名: ____________________ 联络电话号码: ______________

家长承诺书 (对于18岁以下的参加者):
“我意识并了解到领袖营可能会有冒险,危险及困难情况。经过考虑,我允许我的孩子参加此领袖营和其中的活动。”

家长或监护人的姓名:_______________
家长或监护人的签名: ________________ Date: ________________
请将报名表格(见附件1)与营费 ($15) 交付给许联发牧师,地址:The Presbyterian Church House, 132 Sophia Road S(228186). (截止日期:10 Feb 09)
支票抬头请写:“Synod of the PCS”,请在支票后面注明您的教会名字及“付于大会青年事工”,谢谢您。

Please cut along this line
Registration Form
Participant Full Name: ___________________________ NRIC No. : _____________ Age: ______
Home Address: _________________________________________ Home Tel: _______________
Mobile Tel: ________________ Email Address: _______________________________________
Church: ____________________________ Position in the Youth Ministry: ___________________
Contact person in case of emergency: ____________________Contact number: ______________

For the parents or guardian of the participant (under 18 years of age):
"I am aware of, and understand the risks, dangers and hazards associated with leadership camps. In consideration of this, I hereby give permission for my child to participate in the camp and its activities as mentioned above."

Parent or Guardian‘s Name and Signature: ________________________________________ Date: ________________

Please submit registration form (Annex 1) and camp fee ($15 each) to Rev. Vincent Koh by 10 Feb 2009.
Address: The Presbyterian Church House , 132 Sophia Road, S(228186)

Cheques are to be written to "Synod of The PCS"。Please kindly indicate your church name and "For: Synod Youth Ministry" at the back of the Cheque
____________________________________________________________________

Annex 2 附件II :

Time-Table
时间表

21 Feb 2009 (Saturday)
2009年2月21日(星期六)
7:00 – 8:00 am
Wakey, Wakey! 起身
8:00 – 9:00 am
Breakfast 早餐
9:00 – 9:30 am
Morning Devotion 清晨灵修
(Pr Foo Yuk Yee, ARPC )
9:30 – 10:00 am
Worship崇拜
Bethel Presbyterian Church
长老会伯特利堂
10:00 – 12 noon
Workshop: People Helping Skills(Part1)
工作坊:辅助人的技巧
(Rev Dr Danny Goh, SBC)
12 noon – 1:00 pm
Lunch 午餐
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Workshop: People Helping Skills(Part2)
工作坊:辅助人的技巧
(Rev Dr Danny Goh, SBC)
3:00 – 3:30 pm
Pack Up 收拾行李
3.30 – 4.30 pm
Group Sharing/ Feedback 小组分享
4:30 – 5:30 pm
Dedication and Benediction
(Rev Jimmy Tan陈文才牧师)
5:30 – 6:00 pm
Clean up and Home Sweet Home
清理;回家
____________________________________________________________________
20 Feb 2009 (Fri)

6:30 – 6:45 pm
Registration 注册
6:45 – 7:00 pm
Opening Ceremony
开幕礼
(Rev Vincent Koh 许联发牧师)
7:00 – 7:30 pm
Worship 崇拜
Bethany Presbyterian Church 长老会伯大尼堂
7:30 – 9:00 pm
Talk : The Competency of a Leader
主题讲座 : 属灵领袖的领导力
(Rev Jimmy Tan牧师)
(Interpreter: Rev Vincent Koh)
(通译员: 许联发牧师)
9:00 – 10:00 pm
Group Sharing and Prayer
小组分享和祷告
10:00 – 11:00 pm
Night Games
(Pr Wilson Tan 陈永昇传道)
11:00 pm
Supper and Sleep 宵夜;晚安
____________________________________________________________________

Things to bring 必备之物:
- Bible 圣经
- Writing materials, note-book, etc. 书写材料,笔记本等
- Personal Medications (if any) 个人服食药物 (若有)
- Clothes enough for two days 两天用的衣服
- Wind-breaker, sweater, or jacket (optional) 挡风衣,毛衣或夹克(若有需要)
- One set of outdoor attires 一套外出的衣服
- Sport shoes or sandals (for outdoor activity) 户外使用的运动鞋或拖鞋
- Bathing and cleaning necessities (tooth-brush, tooth paste, shower gel, soap, towel, etc.)
- 冲洗必备之用品(牙刷,牙膏,沐露液,香皂,毛巾 等等)
- Slippers to use in the showers 洗澡所用之拖鞋
- Individual sleeping bags 个人睡包 (no mattress will be provided) 没有供应床褥
- At least one set of clothes for over-night stay 至少一套过夜穿之衣服
- pillows, (optional) 枕头 (若有需要)
第四届大会青年领袖训练营 20-21 Feb 2009

亲爱的主理牧师,教牧和青年教牧、导师们:

愿恩惠、平安,从神我们的父,并主耶稣基督归于你们。

大会青年理事会邀请您和您的教会青年领袖来参加将于2009年2月20-21日(星期五至星期六)假长老会伯特利堂主办的第四届大会青年领袖训练营。在这营会里,长老会伯特利堂的 陈文才牧师将会传讲营会主题“属灵领袖的能力”和总结三年领袖训练的课题:“属灵领袖的呼召”, “属灵领袖的品格” 与“属灵领袖的能力”。除此之外,我们也特别邀请新加坡神学院辅导部门主任 吴永成博士(Dr Danny Goh)将会传讲关于“辅导浅谈”的专题- “一门最想学习的课题”- 在2008年营会里青年的回应。营会的详情如下:


主题 :“属灵领袖的能力”
讲员 : 陈文才牧师 (长老会伯特利堂的同理牧师)
专题 :“辅导浅谈”
讲员 :吴永成博士 (新加坡神学院辅导部门主任)
日期 :2009年2月20-21日 (星期五傍晚6:30点--星期六傍晚6点)
场所 :长老会伯特利堂
地址 : 12, Jalan Lateh, 新加坡 359110.
营费 :$15 –个人(包括食物和住宿)
年龄 :16-25岁

若您想知更多详情, 请联络许联发牧师(大会青年干事)。
电话:63387268(办公室),83335679(手机);63394076(传真).
电邮:vincent@presbysing.org.sg,vk2724@gmail.com
网址:www.presbyterian.org.sg, 进入网页 “Youth Blog” 或 http://synodym.blogspot.com/

盼望您能在您的2009年教会青年事工计划书中列入此领袖训练营的时间表,并鼓励您的青年领袖报名参加。请将报名表格(附件1)和营费在2009年2月10日之前交于许联发牧师。
地址:, 新加坡长老大会所,132 Sophia Road, S (228186)。
支票抬头请写 "Synod of the PCS" 和 背后注名 “教会名字“和“大会青年事工”。

谢谢您。
呈敬

林文远牧师
大会青年理事会主席


二零零八年十二月十五日

Monday, November 10, 2008

Informal Group for Youth Workers on Facegroup

I've started an informal networking group on Facebook called "Presbyterian Youth Workers". If you are on Facebook and is a youth worker (volunteer or paid-staff), please join!
I hope there can be a lively online community where we share woes and joys with each other!

Lessons from my fishing trips

(Queenfish caught at Bedok Jetty!)

Picked up fishing a few months ago. The experience brought me through a roller-coaster-like discovery of myself. Here are just some lessons that I’ve learned.

Fishing technique matters
To the casual observer, fishing is just a fishing rod, a hook on a line, and a piece of meat on the hook. Try using that method and you should be prepared to wait for eternity without a catch.
There are details to the kind of rod, line, hook and bait to use. Furthermore, your ability to land a fish is greatly affected by the skill of operating all the above.
You want to be a fisher of man? Sharpen your skills.

You thought you’re catching the fish, actually the fish is catching you
Fishing is an addictive activity. For every fish you catch, you want to go back for the next one. Before you know it, the fish has caught you!
Enter the fishing-for-man industry with your eyes wide open. Because you’ll be addicted to changed lives!

God brings the fish

This is the most important lesson for me at fishing.
All the enthusiasm and good techniques would come to naught if there is no fish in the waters! But when God sends the fishes, and your lines and hooks are ready, you’ll get tight lines all the way!
Don’t be discouraged when all your efforts at fishing for man seemed to yield no result. God has his timing. Use your waiting time to pray and hone your skills. The fishes are coming…

(for lighter stuffs on my fishing trips, visit lkyfish.blogspot.com)

Friday, October 17, 2008

LESSONS OF FAITHFULNESS

How do you keep praying when you don't hear an answer? How do you cope when your problems won't go away . . . to the extent of your life is at stake? When I was preparing for the Bible study of Daniel, I asked myself these questions. As I was reflecting upon reading the book of Daniel, I realized that even I, as a long time Christian could not answer these questions readily.
Sometimes, there are many reasons for trials and difficulties in our lives which we cannot understand. Imagine that we are Daniel and the 3 friends, we are put in the fire and lions’ den, do we still continue in our faith and be thankful to God? It is indeed hard. Nevertheless, the book of Daniel has been a great encouragement for Christians. I was reminded that no matter how strong our faith is, it does not mean that we will never be subjected to a harsh ruler or boss. It does not mean that we will never be unjustly treated or not suffering a great loss. However, we must remain true and faithful to our God regardless of what happens.

Despite our harsh circumstances, we can trust God even when there is no visual evidence that God is at work; Being true to God no matter how difficult the pressure, threats, or punishment. We know that God can deliver us from anything, but that we must be faithful whether he does so or not.
But this resolve to trust God must be nourished daily. We get nourishment as we feed on God's Word and we pour out our hearts to Him. Our trust in God is cultivated through prayer, through listening the Word of God, and also mutual encouragement from our friends. Friends are blessings who stood by me and help to restore my confidence. Each of our friends will be strength to help us to keep trusting God, especially when we are at our wits’ end.
Let us start this lesson of trust and faithfulness from today onwards, by focusing on His Word and His voice. Let us also remember how God has been faithful to us in the past, in the present and future. He has not quit on us when we needed Him. Let us also encourage each other to continue to trust in Him, no matter how bad shape we are in now. We will preserve to serve Him to the end. One day, the Lord will congratulate us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Mt 25:21)

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior" (Hab. 3:17–18).

Pr. Carol Ling
Bethel Presbyterian Church

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Alien behaviour

Recently, it saddened me when I read about the response of a family towards foreign workers. Apparently, they felt uncomfortable that a foreign worker, who had his face covered with a piece of cloth while clearing debris, would stop his work and look at them. Subsequently, the mother had a word with the man’s supervisor and the man removed the cloth. After that, every time this family passed by, the worker would stop his work, move to a corner and turn his back to show that he was not looking at them.

To be honest, I think this smack of racism and snobbishness. After all, how can our personal comfort be of such importance that we can deprive another person of his rights to a healthy work environment? Is the foreign worker a lesser being and therefore undeserving to set his gaze upon on a Singaporean?

While the foreign worker covered his face with a cloth to protect himself from potential health hazard arising from the dust and dirt, I fear that sometimes we may have hidden behind our mask of supposed social propriety when it is actually a thinly veiled hypocrisy and prejudice.

It is clear from the Bible that God loves the alien (Deut 10:18) and that Christians are called to show compassion and to act justly towards the foreigners in our midst. It would be most tragic when those of us who have received grace from God no longer know how to extend grace to others. For a start, the next time we pass by a foreign worker who is cleaning up our HDB void deck or who is simply taking a breather from his back-breaking work, we could pray a word of blessing over him instead of labeling the person as a potential law-breaker. I think a smile or nod in acknowledgement of the person’s presence would also go a long way rather than turn your nose up to someone.

After all, we are to be aliens in this world, living a life that is radically different, lest we find ourselves becoming aliens in God’s Kingdom.

Pr. Edwin Wong
Covenant Presbyterian Church

Friday, August 01, 2008

破除迷信2

我们若想回答上个星期的问题,我们必需先从两个名词先着手。第一个,“大众式的基督教”(Popular Christianity),和第二个,“知识式的基督教”(Intellectual Christianity)。什么是“大众式的基督教”?这是一种跟风式的基督教信仰。人怎么说,那人就怎么做。例如,当有个非信徒听到有信徒告诉他说:“信基督教很好!信了一定有平安!”那人就因着需要找平安而信了耶稣。这样信耶稣不是错!而是那人若只因为信了耶稣找到了平安,之后不读经,不祷告,也不参加崇拜,这人的信仰是经不起考验和挑战的。当有一天他感觉不到平安后,他可能就会离开信仰,到别处去寻找他要的平安。这样的人是个“大众式的基督徒”。他不知所信的是什么,只是跟风。但第二种的基督徒就不一样了,他是“知识式的基督徒”。这样的信徒深知他所信的是什么。他的信仰和人生能经得起外面的大风大浪。对这样的人来说,基督教绝对不是迷信。上帝是又真又活的信仰,虽然肉眼不见上帝,这人却深知自己所信的什么。你希望成为一个“知识式的基督徒”吗?这一点也不难!你只是需要常常阅读圣经和属灵书籍,不要认为信主之后就等同买了一张通往天堂的机票,信主之后什么都不理。此外,参加教会的主日学也是一个很重要的环节。我们能从主日学中学习更多有关我们信仰的知识,并对上帝有多一点的认识。那么你的信仰也因此更加的坚固。希望这篇段文能够激励大家常常读经和祷告,并参加教会的主日学,成为一个“知识式的基督徒”,让我们的信仰有根有基,破除信仰的迷信。
陈瑞福

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

破除迷信1

想问问大家一个问题,“宗教是否是一种的迷信?”若你说是,那基督教也一个宗教,那么基督教也是一种的迷信了。但我想大致上的基督徒不会同意基督教是一种迷信吧。可是另一方面你若回答不是的话,试着想想圣经是如何诠释“信心”?信心是基督教信仰核心的课题。若问大家什么是信心的话,我们立刻能想到的就是希伯来书11:1来回应我。“信心是一个看不见,但却深信所信的的存在”,那么若基督教的信心是这样的,我们的信仰不就成为迷信了吗!因为我们的上帝是看不见的,也无法在实验室里被验证的。那么,基督教就成了迷信的宗教了吗?我们该怎么办?我们该怎么回答这个问题?先让大家想想,下个星期才回答大家。
陈瑞福

Friday, July 04, 2008

Roots

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2.6, 7)

Roots have two functions. First they help to absorb nutrients and water. Second, they help to keep the tree upright. These two phenomena have spiritual parallel. As we dig deep into the Word of God, we will be able to absorb the spiritual nutrients and refreshment in order for us to grow into healthy trees where we can bear fruit of godly character. As we dig deep into the Word of God, it will also give us resources to stand upright in the midst of the storms and typhoons that can hit us suddenly. Many trees are usually uprooted during such natural disasters because the roots are just not deep enough to weather the fierce impact of those winds. You see, you cannot wait for the disaster to happen then you start growing your roots – too late! You must grow your roots steadily over time so that when it hits you, you won’t have to fear toppling over. Dig deep into the Word of God!

Rev. Lee Kien Seng
TWPC

Friday, June 27, 2008

Are we plugged into the Holy Spirit?

Are we plugged into the Holy Spirit? We should if we have the Spirit living inside us. Yet how is it that some of our lives are as dark as those of the world? Aren’t we supposed to be the light of the world? Think of a very dark room, even if the light source is small, light can never be overwhelmed by darkness. Agree? And the first thing that will catch a person’s attention if he or she is in that room will be that light. Are we living our lives so that they catch peoples’ attention (of course in a good way) or are our lives no different from the world’s so much so that we merge nicely with the rest? If we are the latter, maybe the Spirit is not in us!

Rev. Lee Kien Seng
TWPC

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Crucifixion

The thing about crucifixion is that it produces death not suddenly by gradually. When we say that our sinful nature has been crucified on the cross, that sinful nature does not die suddenly. It is not immediately destroyed and we will not succeed in completely destroying it while we are on this side of heaven. Nonetheless, as long as we have fixed it to the cross and we are determined to keep it there, it will expire. The goal of the war against the sinful nature is final execution. It may be a slow death but it should die eventually. This is what sanctification is all about – becoming more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ, being transformed into His likeness as we embark on this journey of faith. If we don’t see that happening in our lives or if we don’t even have the desire to see that happening in our lives, maybe the sinful nature is no longer affixed to the cross! Did the sinful nature manage an escape? If so, I will be terribly concern!!!

Rev. Lee Kien Seng
TWPC

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Why do we detest seat belts?

Recently, there has been a number of accidents where people were badly hurt or even died because they were not buckled up. I guess we don’t quite like seat belts because they are restrictive – they restrict our movements, curtail our freedom and we feel stifled. Yet they serve a very important function. They protect us from being flown out of the car or from any form of concussion whenever we are involved in an accident. Yes, seat belts restrict us in order to protect us.

Likewise, we always think that God’s laws are very restrictive. They curtail our freedom and they stifle our adventurous nature. I hear some people put up such a defence: God’s laws DO NOT serve to restrict. They serve to protect. My response: God’s laws DO serve to restrict and I will not apologise for that but they serve to restrict in order to protect. Given our sinful nature, we need God’s laws to rein us in. Otherwise, we will have a natural inclination to pursue evil to the detriment of both body and soul.

Comments?

Rev Lee Kien Seng
TWPC

Monday, June 23, 2008

让我们“去”吧!

我在当兵的时候有一位的回教朋友问我一个问题,“为什么耶稣需要道成肉身住在人中间呢?”当时我对他的答案是,神是为了要体恤人类的痛苦和为了人的罪而来。可是我的答案对我回教朋友而言是完全不符合逻辑的。因为站在回教神学的角度来看,一个全能的神是无需贬低自己来了解人类的痛苦,因为既然神是全能的,是全知的,所以他一定能够知道甚至体恤人类一切,也能在一声令下把所有人类的罪洗尽,也无须死在十架上。因此若耶稣的动机是为了体恤民情和赦罪的话,耶稣就不是上帝,因为他所行的是多此一举。当时他的回应把我击倒了。之后我一直找寻一个满意的答案但找了几年都找不到,直到念神学后才明。答案其实很简单,原来人类所知道的一切都只是现象,在现象以外的本体不是人们理性所能了解的,所以福音的本体就是耶稣。因此当耶稣这个的“道”来到人间时,是要向人表现神最高,最真实性的启示,也就是使人真正了解“道”与“爱”的本体。如果耶稣不这么行的话,人类只能永远知道现象而不可能真正的认识本体(耶稣或真道)。所以耶稣来不只是为要了解人类的痛苦那么简单,而是为了突破人知道的范围,让人类能够真正的认识真神。耶稣“去”为了让人认识他。那么这对我们有什么学习呢?有些教会有个不整全的布道神学,他们认为传福音一定要“去”(太28:19),而这个“去”的布道法一定要作街头布道,而不能使用其他的方法。即使街头布道的效率低,此方法始终是不能换的,因为此法才合乎圣经。我并非小看街头布道法,而是信方法可以圆滑,而且从整个教会的历史来看,我们看见上帝一直允许信徒以多元化的方法发展教会。而马太福音中的“去”这个字是个观念但并非方法论,换句话说不是只有街头布道才合乎圣经。传福音的方式、地点、听众因时代的原故在改变,所以基督徒需要灵活的把福音传给人。注意!方法可以变,可是福音的本质是不可改变的。这个字“去”表示基督徒应当有积极行动把福音传开,我们需要知道非信徒是不会自动走进教会来听福音。信徒是需要把道带给他人的!如果信徒不主动,不行动,非信徒将永远不能听闻福音。请你想想,若不是基督的“去”,世人是不能认识他的。若不是使徒们的“去”,以色列和欧洲地带的人们就不能认识耶稣。若不是欧洲伟大的宣教士“去”了东南亚一带,我们也不能认识耶稣。弟兄姐妹你们愿意“去”吗?现今还有许多人没有听闻福音,信徒若不去传,他们怎能认识耶稣。历代以来,许多伟大福音的使者都“去”了,你愿意吗?我也希望将来也会有人将你们伟大“去”的行动写下,成为后人的勉励。

(陈瑞福传道 著作 恩泽堂)

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Synod Games Day 08 Clues Reveal!

Starting today (I finally have a breather), I will be revealing one clue a day, and the answer the following day. I will also talk about the clue so that future game designers will learn from my experience.

There are all together 10 routes. I will describe Routes A-D in One Body, E-G in One Spirit and H-J in One Faith. Have fun solving!

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

On evolution

The debate on evolution is about macroevolution. Most theists have no problems believing in micro-evolution. But to argue that man and other primates are descended from the same ancestor gives many the creeps. It is unfortunately sad that many do not know enough about evolution and the doctrine of creation to decide for themselves what they choose to believe. For example, have you ever heard of theistic evolution? But whatever your stand, I firmly believe that the right way forward is to have a proper understanding of the issues.

In that regard, I highly recommend that you are familiar with the modern evidences for Macroevolution, because the theory of evolution has come a long LONG way from Darwin. At the same time, be learned about the true controversies surrounding evolution, and be knowledgeable but highly careful about the intelligent design arguments.

There is nothing wrong with believing by faith. But it should always be faith seeking understanding.

Monday, May 05, 2008

Where to go?

One of my favorite places to go for cell group outings is the ice-cream place. Lots of places now have the cosy and casual environment just right for cell members to unwind and to open up. Many of them can now be found in Singapore in secluded corners so that you can have your non-intrusive discussions and sharings. Here is a link just for you.

Friday, May 02, 2008

Book Recommendation : "The Biblical View of Self-Esteem, Self-Love, Self-Image" by Jay E Adams

Jay E Adams, “The Biblical View of Self-Esteem, Self-Love, Self-Image”, Harvest House Publishers, 1986.

Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? Familiar questions in our day and age. But has our search for answers led us too far in the wrong direction: away from our true position in Christ and toward a dangerous emphasis on self such as “self-image”, “self-esteem”, “self-worth” and “self-love”?

Now well-known biblical counselor and noted author Jay E Adams brings much-needed clarification to the area of self-esteem and offers the church and every believer a truly biblical view of self. “.…Jesus sets forth self-denial rather than self-affirmation as the way to enter into a proper relationship with God. Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.” (Matt. 16:24-25)………”

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Synod Youth Games Day

To all,


1. Pls ask your youths to fill up their NRIC no. in the registration form. This is to allow randomization of grouping.

2. Pls encourage your youths to invite 1 or more unbelieving classmates/friends to participate this Games Day. Later they can be invited to our Synod Musical Rally on 27-29 Nov 08.

Thank you for your participation.

Vincent Koh

Friday, April 25, 2008

My latest poem

I call it The Philosophy of Time, enjoy.

The days are long,
even longer than the years.
Killing time is tough,
recalling yet an instant disappear.
Allow me to count the seconds distinct,
money in the hands of a cautious cashier;
attempts yet so foolish when considered,
keeping time for moments so dear.
Keg of beer, O keg of good cheer,
ever a companion,
the friend without peer.

My latest and last poem for a long, long time. It's not hard to see why. ;)

Monday, April 21, 2008

Internet Debates


This is an interesting comic from www.xkcd.com

This is a common scenario for me. Over time, I learn to be respectful and cautious with my debates online, especially on religious issues.

I read this somewhere:
The bottom line - this is an internet discussion on a boardgame site. Little to no progress will be made, people will disagree with each other and say rude things about each other's cherished beliefs with little to no justification and a huge dose of ignorance (this goes for both sides in these sorts of debates). People will make impassioned claims based on limited, distorted experience and will dogmatically hold to their positions come hell or highwater. That's an internet discussion about religion or politics in a nutshell.

Comments?

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

4th Synod Youth Games Day

3rd April 2008

Dear Ministers, Youth Pastors and Youth Mentors/Co-ordinators,

The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Thank you for your support and participation in our 3rd Synod Youth Leadership Camp held on 7-8 Mar 08. We hereby want to invite you and your church’s youths to attend our 4th Synod Youth Games Day: “An epic race across physical space, mental space and cyber space!” The event will begin at Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School and it will take the youths to 60 different locations. The theme and purpose of this Games Day is to enable the youths of different Presbyterian Churches to network and interact with one another.

We are delighted to have Rev. Wong Siow Hwee to be the main organizer of this Games Day. This event promises to be a truly unique and memorable activity that synod has ever held.

The rest of the details of the Games Day are as follows.

Main Theme: An epic race across physical space, mental space and cyberspace
Date: 31st May 08 (Sat), 10am-6pm
Meet-up Venue: Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School ,10 Bishan St 13, Singapore 579795. Tel: 6259-3811
Cost: free (But each person must bring money for meals, “ez link” card for transport and umbrella just in case it rains.)
Attire: Sports wear
Age: 13 - 25 years old

Please contact the following persons for more information:

1) Rev Vincent Koh
Tel: 6338-7268 (O) Fax: 63394076 Mobile: 83335679
Email: vincent@presbysing.org.sg
Synod Youth Ministry homepage: http://synodym.blogspot.com/

2) Rev. Wong Siow Hwee
Tel: 6223-5203 (Church) Fax: 6227-2671 Mobile: 97261553
Email: siowhwee@jubileechurchsingapore.org

Please submit the registration forms (Annex 1) to Rev Vincent Koh by 17 May 2008 (Sat).
Address: Presbyterian Church House, 132 Sophia Road, S (228186)

Note: No late applications will be accepted because grouping arrangements have to be finalized before the event to ensure successful game implementation. Thank You.

Yours sincerely,

Rev Dr Lim Boon Young
Synod Youth Council Chairman

_______________________________________________________________________________

Annex 1 Presbyterian Church of Singapore (PCS) Synod Youth Games Day(31 May 08) Registration Form
Participant Full Name: ____________________________ Gender: M/F
NRIC No. : ___________________________ Age: ______
Home Address: _________________________________________ Home Tel: _______________
Mobile Tel: ________________ Email Address: _______________________________________
Church: ____________________________ Position in the Youth Ministry: ___________________
Contact person in case of emergency: ____________________Contact number: ______________

For the parents or guardian of the participant (under 18 years of age):
"I am aware of, and understand the risks, dangers and hazards associated with games day. In consideration of this, I hereby give permission for my child to participate in the games day and its activities as mentioned above."

Parent or Guardian‘s Name and Signature: ________________________________________ Date: ________________


Please submit registration form (Annex 1) to Rev. Vincent Koh by 17 May 2008.
Address: The Presbyterian Church House , 132 Sophia Road, S(228186)

4th Synod Youth Games Day

亲爱的主理牧师,青年牧师/传道和 青年导师/协调者们,

愿恩惠`平安从我们的父神和主耶稣基督临到你们。

首先, 我们很感谢你们的支持来参加在二零零八年三月七日-八日 的大会青年领袖训练营。现在,我们邀请你们和你们的教会的青年来参加第四届大会青年运动会/游戏日:“一场无与伦比,斗智斗勇,跨越时空的竞赛 ”。这活动将会从国专长老会中学开始, 然后带我们的青年走过六十个不同的地方。这次运动会/游戏日的主题和目的是让来自不同长老教会的青年们能互相交流和建立网络。

我们很荣幸的有王晓辉牧师为这次运动会/游戏日的主办者。这活动承諾将会是大会举办过的活动中一个真正独特和值得回忆的活动。其他有关这次运动会/游戏日的详情有如下:

主题:“一场无与伦比,斗智斗勇,跨越时空的竞赛 ”
日期和时间:二零零八年五月三十一日 (早上10点 到 傍晚6点)
聚集的地点:国专长老会中学,10 BishanSt.13, SG 579795. 电话:6259-3811.
费用: 免费 (但每一个人需带用餐的钱, “EZ Link”交通卡和雨伞 (若有下雨时用)
服装:运动装
年龄:13-25岁

请联络以下的人来询问更多的详情:

1) 许联发牧师 6338-7268(办公室),6339-4076(传真), 8333-5679(手提)
电邮:vincent@presbysing.org.sg ; 大会青年事工网站:“synodym.blogspot.com“

2) 王晓辉牧师 6223-5203(教会),6227-2671(传真), 9726-1553 (手提)
电邮:siowhwee@jubileechurchsingapore.org

请把报名表格(附件一)在五月十七日(星期六)以前寄给许联发牧师,长老大会所,132, Sophia Road, SG(228186)。

注:迟交的报名表格将不会被接受。这是因为组别的安排需要在活动之前预先安排好来促进游戏的成功。谢谢您。


敬上

林文远牧师
大会青年委员会主席

二零零八年四月三日

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Annex 1 附件1 : 新加坡长老大会运动会/游戏日(31 May 08)报名表格
参加者姓名: ________________________性别:男/女 登记号码:_____________ 年龄:________
住址:_________________________________________ 住家电话号码:_____________
手机号码:________________ 电邮地址: _______________________________________
教会名称:____________________________ 在青年事工担任的职份:_______________
紧急事件联络人姓名: ____________________ 联络电话号码: ______________

家长承诺书 (对于18岁以下的参加者):
“我意识并了解到运动会/游戏日可能会有冒险,危险及困难情况。经过考虑,我允许我的孩子参加此运动会/游戏日其中的活动。”

家长或监护人的姓名:_______________
家长或监护人的签名: ________________ Date: ________________

请将报名表格(见附件1)在五月十七日(星期六)以前交给许联发牧师,地址:The Presbyterian Church House, 132 Sophia Road S(228186). (截止日期:17 May 08) 谢谢您。

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Friday, March 28, 2008

Monday, March 24, 2008

Synod Youth Leadership Camp 2008



www.flickr.com





Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Remembering Martin Jr. King

Inspired by this.

Let's all do it.

I have a dream.

I have a dream that the church will be in unity in support of one another, and in work and evangelism to the world.

I have a dream that we can accept one another in authenticity and serve the ministries with humility and joy.

I have a dream that we will enjoy learning, and yearn to express the truth with beauty and a compassionate heart.

I have a dream that we will all work together to bring back the lost, and to cherish what we have now.

Past it on, and leave a comment if you will.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Devotion: 10/1 - The Opened Sight

Today's reflection explains why some people still are the same after their "conversion" experience. There needs to be regeneration. And regeneration is to receive true forgiveness of sins in your heart. It is not your decision to follow Jesus that saves you. It is the forgiveness of your sins by the blood of Christ that truly saves you. If we do not receive this gift, we are still sinners. This is what it means to be truly born again. Many people look for the "conversion" experience, or the "religious" high when they go to church or some evangelistic events, but we must not forget that conversion does not save you. It is merely the Spirit opening our eyes to see God for the first time. We need to take the next step to leap into faith to be renewed by God, shaped by His own mighty hands.

Devotion: 9/1 - Prayerful Inner-Searching

Thanks to Gordon who has kicked start our devotion group on Facebook. I'll be in Japan for the next two weeks, so may be hard for me to update online but will write my thoughts all down while I am there and will post them when I return.


I was always puzzled if we can ever be forgiven for sins which we are not even aware of. Today's message answered this for me. This is the power of God's forgiveness, the cleansing of ALL our sins, known or unknown, revealed or hidden. The height and depth of God's love that searches out for us goes beyond what our cognitive mind can ever fathom. God is not only powerful, He is always merciful. Not only does He punishes but He also forgives and loves. No greater love is there then he who gives his life for his friends. I'm sure glad that He's on our side. Jesus is our Friend for Life!