14 October 2018 Speaker Rev Oh Boon Leong

Transcription

1 14 October 2018 Speaker Rev Oh Boon Leong For internal circulation only 1

2 The recent weeks have seen much debate over the legislation of S377A, with camps on both sides canvassing petitions either to keep the law or to repeal it. A recent poll in Singapore indicates a majority of 55% support the S377A. Statements from church groups such as the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS), the Diocese of the Anglican Church, the Alliance of the Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches of Singapore, and the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in Singapore, are united in their voice to the government that S377A remain. Church members have asked about our church s position on S377A. In her recent editorial (dated Sep 16), Pastoral Asst Marianne Wong highlighted the tension even among Christians. Those who oppose the S337A do so on the grounds that the legislation is discriminatory, as it criminalises individuals with a particular sexual orientation. Those who argue for S377A to remain hold to the conviction that the society can only be strong and stable when the marriage institution is honoured and families are strong. There is also a concern that repealing the penal code may lead society down a slippery slope of normalising homosexual behaviour and eventually the legalisation of same-sex marriages. It is not possible to address the many nuances in this delicate issue, nor the complexity of wider related issues, such as public versus private morality, science (i.e. is there a biological explanation to homosexual behaviour?), law and 2 religion in the public space. Whatever the outcome of the S377A debate, let me reiterate Carmel s doctrinal position and missional focus as follows: 1. We affirm God s perfect will and design for humankind with the biblical understanding of the marriage covenant as between one man and one woman. Outside of marriage, God calls His people to sexual abstinence. 2. We affirm that homosexual acts and lifestyles are contrary to God s created order for the family and human relationships. 3. We teach and advocate holy living and discipleship among believers. 4. We equip disciples to proclaim the Gospel and advance the work of God in the world. The Church s witness and mission can often have a positive and sanctifying effect on culture and society in general (1 Peter 2:12; cf. 1 Cor 7:14). We believe that the Church will make a difference in society when God s people manifest Christ s love, humility and holiness, when people are seen as made in His image, and when we proclaim the Gospel that is redemptive, healing and reconciliatory. What does this mean, therefore, in our approach to S377A? Any individual can exercise his/her civil liberty through online petitions. But canvassing petitions from our members, over pulpit teaching or in public announcement, to petition for (or against) that is not always a fruitful approach to make known our stand. And the main reason is the way we would be posturing to society, to the LGBT community and to those sympathetic to their cause in particular, through such campaigns It

3 is clear that the LGBT community wants to be treated like everybody else. They see criminalisation as a discrimination against a particular sexual orientation. Moreover, as some have opined, S377A is not an argument to change the institutions of family and marriage but for equal rights to express their sexuality. Furthermore, members of the LGBT community see their sexual orientation and behaviour as a mark of their identity. Their sexuality defines who they are as persons. Not surprisingly, they have some difficulty in trying to reconcile what they hear when Christians say, We love the sinner, but hate the sin. Can they really see that we could love the sinner and hate the sin at the same time? When most of them perceive churchgoers as largely negative towards their behaviour, can they really believe they are loved as persons? This does not mean we do not stand for God s truth. But in this public campaign, what kind of posture are we signalling? Another concern for the canvassing of petition signatures is that it might lead to further backlash and a tit-for-tat response from the Pink Dot movement. This will fuel further and stronger dissenting voices. The campaign for the Wear White movement has already led to the unintended effect of galvanizing even non-lgbt members of the society into lobbying for the repeal of S377A. The only way we can ease this rising tide is to equip the Church to welcome and love LGBT members of society, and to witness grace and truth to them. This is a major challenge beyond the S377A debate. But sadly, this is also the failing of many churches. This is not to say, however, that we deny the concern expressed by mainstream church groups that the repeal may lead to undesirable moral and social consequences, including same sex marriage. In a recent meeting with the Law Minister, pastors from different church denominations have registered that particular concern, which the Minister has acknowledged. That our government continues to engage religious communities for views and feedback on social and moral issues that affect their members is certainly welcomed. Such dialogue is appropriate and necessary in our inclusive, democratic and multi-religious society. The biblical approach, we believe, goes beyond the canvassing of petition signatures. Ephesians 4:15 exhorts us to speak the truth in love. According to Romans 13:8-10, we are to love your neighbour as yourself. Such love fulfils the law. The Christian focus, in the end, is not the love for law, but the law of love. Ultimately, it will be the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and the work of the Spirit which will bring about real change and transformation. Two Carmelites on different occasions have asked me this same question, How can I love and yet speak the truth to my friends who are gays? There are no easy answers. But it is a question that goes beyond the battle for S377A, one which will remain when the dust has settled. This is the concern, I believe, with which we should engage our best efforts. Ps Oh Boon Leong 3

4 PRAY FOR THE CHURCH Alpha Course: Thank God for the guests who have attended Alpha this year and for the three who have prayed the Sinner s Prayer. Ask God to protect their faith and help them grow spiritually. Pray for one guest in particular, who prayed the prayer, that he may see God's presence and recognise He is at work. Pray also for the 5-6 regular Christian attendees, that through the course they will be strengthened in their faith. Pray for the facilitators and helpers to persevere in befriending and encouraging. Pray against any form of discouragement. Session Retreat: Please pray for God s wisdom for Session and key ministry members as they gather for a one-day retreat on Sat, Oct 27, to process and sharpen Carmel@60 s vision paper. May they come away with a strong sense of purpose and unity. Year-end Missions Trips: to Novaliches, Philippines: More people are needed for this trip. Pray for Pin Koon as this will be his first time leading a team to Novaliches. to Singkawang and Pontianak: This trip includes going to North Sumatra. Thank God that our missionary will join this new team as he is needed to translate and evaluate the work there. Pray that those interested will be able to have their leave approved and flights booked. to Yangon: pray for Dn Agus as he works out the details for this SEEDS missions trip. Remember also Ps Robert and Emmanuel Evangelical Church in prayer. Missions: Keep Ps Peter & Eld Harry Heng in prayer as they attend a Council & Board meeting to develop missions strategies and implementation in CAN from Oct Pray for journey mercies, protection from danger and disease, and for smooth remittance of money to our partners in CAN. PRAY FOR OUR MISSIONS PARTNERS Thailand: Yu Tawen and Adrian Ang are in Sanpatong Community Church (SPCC), Nongwai, from Oct to teach a course on Inductive Bible Study (IBS) to 15 Thai believers. Pray for Adrian (instructor), the translator, and for the attendees. Pray for the leadership at SPCC Ps Heir, Margaret, Tom and Am that God will guide them to discern where this IBS Project will lead the Church to. Pray for God s protection upon the Church from spiritual attacks and for strength for the weakest links in the Church. Philippines: Ps Fitz, May and Ma am Flor visited the town of Tanay last weekend to sense the Lord s will about starting Mt Carmel 2. Next week, they will make a visit to San Jose del Monte (SJDM) in Bulacan Province. Pray for the Holy Spirit s guidance and counsel regarding the venue for Ma am Flor s service and Carmel 2. What is needed is for a team to be sent forth either to Tanay or SJDM. Pray for formation of such a team. Come, join our prayer warriors in Room #03-06 on Wednesday, 7.45pm! Next Wednesday (17 October) Chairperson: Dn David Chua 4

5 ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPDATES This is a gentle reminder to ALL to switch off ALL LIGHTS AND AIR-CON before leaving the rooms. CBC has replaced all the whiteboards in the classrooms to glass. Please take note of the following: Only use non-permanent markers. Cap the markers after use. Place the markers back into their holder. (Handle the holder with care, we had to replace a broken holder.) Thank you for your co-operation. We welcome Chor Tiang on board our Pastoral team as the Children s Ministry staff worker, effective from Oct 16, Chor Tiang graduated from Oxford University with a degree in English Language and Literature on a PSC scholarship. In the last 30 years, she has largely been in the education sector, firstly with the Ministry of Education and subsequently as a training consultant to preschool teachers, and primary and secondary school students. She also co-headed the English department at NUS Extension for nine years. For the past four years, she was an adjunct lecturer in the School of BA in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, while also providing staff training in language and communication skills. Chor Tiang has also co-written MOE textbooks and other educational materials with Pearson Longman and Marshall Cavendish. In Mt Carmel, where she has been worshipping since 1992, she has been involved in musical productions and various ministries such as Octopus and Alpha. She is also one of Mt Carmel s representatives on the Clementi Woods Kindergarten Board. Chor Tiang is married to Chin Loon and they have two daughters, Gillian and Emma. Heartfelt condolences to Ps Ng Eng Chye (Chinese Ministry Pastor), Ng-Phua Poh Keow, Phua Poh Noi (from Chinese Ministry) and family. Poh Keow and Poh Noi s mother, Mdm Tan Soo Yong passed away on Wednesday, 10 October Date Speakers Topic Text 21 Oct Eld Bruce Lockhart A New Race Romans 5: Oct Rev Mark Tay Reformation Sunday Message 4 Nov Rev Oh Boon Leong Freedom From, Freedom To Romans 6: Nov Rev Jabez Chia In Christ: A New Master Romans 6:

6 NEXT SUNDAY 21 October 2018 MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT 1ST SERVICE MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT 2ND SERVICE Ushers Susannah Siew & Team West Coast CG Refreshment Worship Leaders Congregational Prayer Musicians Jennifer Lim/Peck Har Kenneth Lim Rev Peter Teo Week 3 Band Welcome Corner Tan Mun Kiat/David Lee Sim Chui Hoong/Joyce Lin Scripture Readers Serene Lim Goh Swee Hong AVA Crew Librarians Michael Teo/Alan Tan Cheang Siew Eng/Kristin Cheang Low Ek Yong/Tan Chay Hoon/ Andrew Ong Please make all cheques, including those for the Development Fund, payable to Mount Carmel BP Church Ltd (payee name must be stated on the cheque). Please note that NO receipts will be issued for cheques received by the Church below $5,000 except upon request. All offerings and pledges to Mount Carmel BP Church Ltd are not tax-deductible. 6

7 Romans 5:1-11 We have the greatest love story ever told. I. What kind of people does God love? II. What kind of love does God give? III. What kind of power does God's love have? Discussion/Reflection Questions Describe the human condition prior to coming to Christ. How is God s love for us so different from any human love? What does it mean to be reconciled to God? 7

8 Welcome! A warm welcome to all newcomers and visitors with us today. We hope that you will have a meaningful time of worship this morning. Do join us for tea at the fellowship hall after the service. Worship Leader Dn Adrian Wong Speaker Rev Oh Boon Leong Prayer Rev Daniel Chua Scripture Readers Cynthia Wee Goh Swee Hong Ushers Albunus Ng & Team West Bay CG Refreshment Clementi Woods CG AVA Peh Chee Siong Peter Go Sam Kong Choy John Tan Francis Tay Let Your Kingdom Come How Great Is Our God Gloria Patri 1 John 3:1-20 How Deep The Father s Love Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone/Amazing Love Father-Daughter Camp Video Doxology Thanksgiving Flowers Lim Zhong Janet & James Goh Romans 5:1-11 For a digital copy of this bulletin: The Greatest Love of All There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ Weekly pdf For recordings of past sermons, visit Three-Fold Amen Worshippers are invited to come forward to the front pew for personal prayer with our elders/pastors. 8