Visitation to Church of St. Mary of the Angels - Peter Fu

Despite it being ritualistic and all with the procession, incest burning, sprinkling of Holy Water, I love how the Father and the church revered the Word of God. It was held high above the father’s head and placed on the central altar throughout the duration of the mass.

In John 4:23 it says: "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."

Where else can we find the absolute truth apart from the bible!? It deserves to be at the center of our worship and sermons. I’m very grateful that the Lord has blessed us with different versions of the bible in different languages. 

Unlike the old catholic times where only the popes can interpret the truth (and their messages are sometimes a mix of truth and traditions), it is now made accessible to all. Our Lord has become a personal God where He can speak to us during our quiet times and bible study sessions. We’ll less likely be led astray by misinterpretations as more people are giving the opportunity to read/understand the bible. 

With this privilege the Lord has given us, it then becomes our responsibilities not just the pastors, BSLs/CGLs to understand the bible to the best of our knowledge. Let us treasure this opportunities. Take your quiet times and bible studies seriously, and do try to read up on some commentaries. This will help you to develop a deeper understanding of God and His plan for you.

Peter Fu

We Are Blessed Leaders by God's Grace - Peter Fu

There were 2 questions that were very similar in nature that left an impression during these devotions. The main idea was that whether we are qualified/worthy to serve in the house of our God. Both devotions seems to draw the conclusion that no matter how small or unqualified we were, it should not discourage us from serving as the Lord will use even the weakest among us for His purpose. This concept is not entirely wrong.

The way the questions were phrased suggests that we need to first realise our insignificance before coming forward in service. However what I personally feel is that sometimes God calls us into service exactly because we think we are ready for Him. It could be either a very humble situation when you took up that role confident and then see how much more there is to be done at the position and how ill-prepared you were. This is where we can learn, develop and look up to the Lord for guidance. 

Or God could have already equipped you with all the necessary skills to do the task. You are ready and He is just waiting for you to take that initiative to come forward and serve. When I was asked to lead bible study in my cell group, I was not hesitant to say yes. The sessions I had in CVCF had already equipped me with many skills and I knew I was able to lead the bible study. Thinking oneself as qualified doesn't equivalate to pride. We just have to keep in mind that our wisdom comes from God and there are always things unknown to us.
 

There seems to be an overemphasis on we must first see how low we are and then by God’s grace we can take up leadership position. We are always low/unworthy when compared to God’s standards but among men we could be the more blessed ones. Thus, I don't think realising how earthly unqualified we were is the first step before committing into service.

Peter Fu

STEP: A Glimpse of Kingdom and God's People - Peter Fu

It was really heartening to see so many people on the first day of STEP. It shows that there are people who have a passion for the Lord and are willing to forgo their holidays to know more about Him and the Presbyterian. On top of that, even though we were strangers, we were open, honest and willing to share our stories with each other on the first day. I believe we Christians are called to live to be Christ-like to bring forward the kingdom through us into the world. I felt I had a glimpse of that within this program.

It’s nice and all that but it struck me that I was in an ideal Christian community (a utopia) not found within the larger church community. The youths I met and got to know are not the ‘real’ people I’ll meet in a local church. Even though the feelings and people are real, it is the community we strive to become but not the type I’ll be serving in. 

The STEP gathered like-minded youths who love God and have a burning passion for Him. It is a good thing as we gather to exchange our ideas on theologies, discusses issues we face in life and pray for each other.  However these feelings are all an illusion as our community are far from being represented by these youths. It saddens me that this is not the type of fellowship I see in my own school or church. In usual circumstances, we aren’t so open to share the difficulties we have in life.

In theory, we (youths in STEP and people in church) are all Christians and body of the Christ. Then why are we behaving differently? Why let the usual circumstances be different from the ideal community described in the bible? 

These are important questions for the leaders to ponder and come up with practical ways to transform the church. Hope that God will use us greatly and let all of us here be the sparks that will start the renewal in our various ministries/churches.

Peter Fu