There
is no other “perfect” teaching except God’s. The different denominations are
there for a guideline, to teach its members the way to come before Christ.
However, we have to be careful, to critically judge for ourselves whether the
teachings are that of Christ.
I learnt not to judge according to what I feel
comfortable, but in everything, referring back to the Word of God. STEP has
allowed me to be exposed to what the Presbyterian teaching is about. It also
taught me the difference between us and the rest of the denominations. I feel
that it is important for Christians to know the difference. It shows that we
know what we believe in.
Though doubts and questions are quite common during
the duration of STEP, but I thank God that He is my foundation and kept me
going.
I
thank God for allowing me to be part of STEP. I got to know a wonderful bunch
of people, and very willing and loving teachers. Without them, I would not have
learnt as much and have such an enjoyable time.
The way of worship
Singing
praise to the Lord is a way of worship, but that’s not the only way we can
worship. It is only a portion of worship. We gather in church not just to
worship with songs, we are there for the fellowship, to encourage one another,
to be an example for one another, for we are one body of Christ.
24 And let us
consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are
in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see
the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
4 For just as
each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have
the same function, 5 so in
Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the
others. – Romans 12:4-5 NIV
Worship
does not only begin and ends in church. It is what we have to do every single
moment of our lives. The way we conduct ourselves properly is also part of
worship. A question that set me thinking was, “Why don’t I sing to the Lord
every single day?” I am often guilty of wanting the music to sound nice instead
of singing in Spirit and in truth. We must be careful that we sing to the Lord
and not for our own satisfaction.
23 Yet a time
is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the
Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the
Father seeks. 24 God is
spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” –
John 4:23-24 NIV
12 Therefore, I
urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your
bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true
and proper worship. 2 Do not
conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what
God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:1-2 NIV
We should worship the Lord with our lives, to be
the salt and light of the world. That is what I am striving for, to learn how to
love even the unlovable. It is not an easy task, and that is why we need God’s
guidance.
Love
Love should not only be displayed when you want
to spread the gospel. Always love just like how Jesus has commanded. 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as
yourself.’[b] There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark
12:31 NIV
I am reminded about how we must love, not
expecting any form of return. I am guilty of wanting to spread the gospel, but
my life does not really reflect Christ-likeness. Spreading the gospel then
became self-satisfaction, rather than glorifying God. This struck me to be more
conscious about my actions.
In STEP, we got the chance to visit Sarah SAC. We
do not necessarily need to talk a lot, we just need to lend them a listening
ear. That is also an act of love. Love is not something that can be paused. It
should be brought along everywhere we go.
Conclusion
STEP
is just the beginning, a program which allowed me to learn lots about the
history and meaning behind Presbyterian. The types of exposure I received, such
as visitation to churches of different denomination, senior activity center,
Presbyterian schools, really gave me a new view about things. I am able to
think and reflect more frequently.
It allowed me to know the importance of
outreach, and not just doing church stuff. I am very encouraged in this
program, but I do not wish for it to end after the program. It is time to step
out of my comfort zone, also learning to rely more on God. For is it by grace
we are saved, and not through works. We should choose to serve rather than be
served.
Hence it is a good reminder, that I am not saved based on how much I
serve, but because of God’s grace and love.
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