No doubt about this, it is a privilege to be in a position to contribute and make a difference to the lives of others (Matt 4:19: “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men…”) and society at large (Matt 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth…”).
This is what the church is called to be and do. The Lord has position SJC, along with many other church communities here for this kairos role. As we prepare to move back to Leedon, this call will be lifted to the next level in our journey as a church. With commitment to our calling, we must be willing to change, focus and set our priorities right. The whole church need to step into the harvest field, as was shared through the sermon last weekend.
When I first received the verse from Jeremiah 6:16, what struck me the most is the call to be “faithful to the ancient paths.” In a season of new wineskin and the need to be relevant to our contemporary society, this is a needed reminder that the values and the foundation of a God-glorifying ministry remains very much the same. I was just at Hillsong Church, perhaps one of the most influential church today through their worship ministry. Speakers after speakers reminded us there not to forget what the church is to be built on. It is refreshing to hear Nicky Gumbel. His parish Holy Trinity Brompton, is also being used in very significant ways all round the world. While innovative, especially with the Alpha Course and Marriage Course, the values remain biblical. Both churches are influential and respected by local churches around the world, and in part because creativity did not mean jettisoning trad values. One is stabled in good AOG tradition and the other in good evangelical Anglican roots.
As can be clearly seen in some local churches here, it is all too easy in the name of ministry to be nouveau. The values (it is ok to dress and spend as you please) and sometimes, even doctrinal changes (drop confession of sins!?) can be subtle but with serious impact in the long run in our Christian witness and influence locally. Churches need to be accountable and Singapore being such a young city, we need to also learn globally from those who have gone before us. But remembering the teaching of Jesus to pull away the planks from our own eyes first, being self-critical and searching our own hearts is the first thing, and perhaps the only thing that needs to be done. The body of Christ has ways of self-correcting and we pray that there will be more sound and inspiring examples locally.
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