Stepping Out With God - Pasir Panjang Church of Christ Singapore
Stepping Out With God - Pasir Panjang Church of Christ Singapore
Stepping Out With God - Pasir Panjang Church of Christ Singapore
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Serving with John 17:12<br />
as Our Goal<br />
When I was a new convert, I was eager to teach and share the word <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />
I was painfully aware <strong>of</strong> what the Bible teaches in James 3:1 - "Not many <strong>of</strong><br />
you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we<br />
who teach will be judged more strictly." However, because <strong>of</strong> my zeal and<br />
desire to bring the gospel to as many as I could, I proceeded to equip myself<br />
as a full-time student at the local Bible college to share the Word.<br />
The Responsibility <strong>of</strong> Ministry<br />
While in Bible college, I was serving as an intern with the congregation at<br />
Moulmein Road and upon graduation, entered full-time ministry with the<br />
church at <strong>Pasir</strong> <strong>Panjang</strong>. The goal for my ministry was John 17:12 "While I<br />
was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest<br />
me I have kept, and none <strong>of</strong> them is lost, but the son <strong>of</strong> perdition..."<br />
If teachers were judged more strictly, I understood that ministers would be<br />
subject to even heavier judgement. So right from day one <strong>of</strong> my ministry, I<br />
have rarely accepted invitations to preach at other congregations on Sundays.<br />
It is my belief that the congregation I serve will benefit much more from this<br />
practice than the occasional lesson that I share with other congregations.<br />
It is a common trend with many congregations, that while we put in much<br />
effort to win the lost to <strong>Christ</strong>, it is so easy to allow members to leave by the<br />
back door. The <strong>Pasir</strong> <strong>Panjang</strong> congregation was not amongst the first<br />
congregations in <strong>Singapore</strong>, nor was it ever the fastest growing, yet because<br />
<strong>of</strong> our focus in not losing any that the Lord has given us, we are now the<br />
largest congregation.<br />
Now that the church has grown, the work and problems have also multiplied.<br />
Still, our goal remains unchanged: to ensure that no member at <strong>Pasir</strong> <strong>Panjang</strong><br />
misses heaven.<br />
Addressing Persistent Sin<br />
Our elders and leaders will lovingly and patiently work with every member,<br />
whatever the sin or problem may be, for as long as it takes. We will not give<br />
up on anyone, we will keep our doors open and will continue to work with<br />
the member as long as he is willing to sit down and talk.<br />
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