Vicar Writes & Info
Going Back to Basics
We welcome Pastor Sai Moi as she preaches the Word this morning. Sai Moi has served in another large Anglican parish for over 30 years in various pastoral capacities. As Vicar, I am only too glad that she can assist me in pastoring the flock (via the Cell ministry) and sharing in one of my key pastoral responsibility in the ministry of the Word. She has been visiting various Cells since she joined us on the 1st of June and I am sure by now, some of you have gotten to know her personally.
We were very blessed by the ministry of D.A. Carson this week. The morning seminars were on the book of Ezekiel. He whetted our appetite for God’s Word and also showed us what we may be missing through our lack of attention to the careful study of Scriptures. I wished every leader in SJC could attend the seminar. Such is the pace of life here that it will need discipline, focus and consistency for one to study the Word deep enough to handle it well i.e. teaching others. You can purchase the mp3 CDs through Darren (darren@sjc.org.sg). However, unless you are prepared to be still for a few hours to listen, take down notes and with the Bible opened before you, there is not much point in purchasing them. Listening to them as you drive your vehicle will not do justice to those talks.
The truth is many Singaporeans like to study. We pursue further degrees and qualifications, and some of us will keep studying right into our senior years. However, when it comes to Scriptures, there is almost a blase attitude. If it is the Word of God, should we not pay even more attention to studying it? And some will claim they already know what there is to know. Such an underestimation of God’s precious Word is both astounding and impoverishing. We have only one life to live, and I think it is wasted if our minds are spent on everything else except for His Word.
Paul reminded us: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
It is my prayer that the Teleios programme will encourage many of us to go back to learning again. The reading habit and a mind geared to learn is made keen and sharpened through continual practise. This is true for learning at all levels, even for those who are barely starting out as Christians.
Get rolling and growing again.
