 |
| Looking up to Jesus. |
There was a lot of theology this week - theology of worship, sacramental theology, theology of Christian life. Many parts of church and living out our faith were seen through the eyes of theology. It was pretty interesting to hear the discussions between various groups with different thoughts - especially since it came to sacramental theology. I think the talk fit in nicely with our visit to Church of St. Mary of the Angels on Sunday, where we witnessed the Holy Communion and understood the transubstantiation (wah chim word) of the bread and wine.
We may disagree, what with the Westminster something I know nothing about but heard a lot about, with whether the Spirit of God is in the bread and wine we partake, and whether there is any significance in taking it at all. But while now we know the Presbyterian stand, let us not reduce the partaking of bread and wine to theology. At least personally, the Holy Communion is a grave reminder of what our Lord Jesus has done for us. At the end of it all, let us return always to the feet of our Lord Jesus.
I love what Rev. Tan Tiong Ann (TTA) said about keeping the tension and how post-modernism is not a problem. Yes we have an absolute truth, but no we have no completely right way to worship and sing and partake of the communion and live. I think every church brings out or focuses on a different part of God. As we prepare our hearts for service at New Creation Church tomorrow, I really pray and ask that God will soften our hearts and open our minds to how He moves in churches different from our own. I have a stand that there is space for deeper (or if you will, spiritual) experiences with God in many of our churches.
I love what Rev. Tan Tiong Ann (TTA) said about keeping the tension and how post-modernism is not a problem. Yes we have an absolute truth, but no we have no completely right way to worship and sing and partake of the communion and live. I think every church brings out or focuses on a different part of God. As we prepare our hearts for service at New Creation Church tomorrow, I really pray and ask that God will soften our hearts and open our minds to how He moves in churches different from our own. I have a stand that there is space for deeper (or if you will, spiritual) experiences with God in many of our churches.
For God to move in Singapore, the Church must come together as One Body. We all have flaws, but we all have merits as well. Rev. TTA said ‘boring’ doesn’t mean bad and ‘lively’ doesn’t mean good, but in the same way, ‘boring’ doesn’t mean good and ‘lively’ doesn’t mean bad either.
Over my past semester in NUS, I’ve heard of prayer groups sprouting out in various courses. It’s amazing to hear and I wait in expectancy for God to move. Remember that 40 years ago a prayer movement that spread across the island grew many of our churches and leaders today. If God wants to move again, and though we do not know how He will move and when He will move, are we open and willing to let Him work? I’ve also heard that many of these prayer groups are of a more ‘charismatic’ leaning, but as Presbyterians, will we enter in, join hands in fellowship and listen, and prayerfully offer our view of God’s unchanging Word? From the ritualistic to the pentecostal, God is Lord over all.
Over my past semester in NUS, I’ve heard of prayer groups sprouting out in various courses. It’s amazing to hear and I wait in expectancy for God to move. Remember that 40 years ago a prayer movement that spread across the island grew many of our churches and leaders today. If God wants to move again, and though we do not know how He will move and when He will move, are we open and willing to let Him work? I’ve also heard that many of these prayer groups are of a more ‘charismatic’ leaning, but as Presbyterians, will we enter in, join hands in fellowship and listen, and prayerfully offer our view of God’s unchanging Word? From the ritualistic to the pentecostal, God is Lord over all.
Abigail Lai
No comments:
Post a Comment