Seasons of Life - Issue 1/2023

Passing the Baton

 

After two long years of social distancing, it is more apparent than ever that a tight-knit, Spirit-led community is the vital pulse of church. A church cannot thrive without flourishing relationships - in particular, those undergirded by spiritual guidance, mutual learning, and grace. The Bible makes it plain: Just as the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," neither can the head say to the feet, "I have no need of you." (1 Corinthians 12:21).

 

How can these discipling relationships be nurtured and cultivated within a multi-generational community like SJSM? "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17). Our members carry unique life experiences, offer distinct talents, and are on our own spiritual journeys. As a church, how can we help one another to better navigate a world rife with shifting moralities?

This issue of Seasons of Life (SOL) delves into what discipling one another in families, cells, and ministries looks like against the tumultuous backdrop of today. In Focus provides the timely assurance that we should not be gripped by the fear of life that paralyses, but by the fear of the Lord that empowers.

 

We also hear from various mentor-mentee pairs, parents, young adults, and youths who spur each other on to cling steadfastly to this truth. Finally, Know the Word anchors the theme of discipleship in Scripture, by examining the mentorship between Timothy and Paul.

 

We hope that readers will be encouraged by these testimonies to reach beyond personal comfort zones and self-imposed barriers, and remain plugged into the church community where opportunities abound for mutual leaming and discipleship. Above all, we pray that these discipling relationships and interactions will be overlaid with Christ-like love, which binds SJSM in perfect unity (Colossians 3:14).

 

Eleanor Que

On behalf of the Editorial Team

Seasons of Life - Issue 2/2022

Staying the Course

 

Every follower of Christ eventually finds out that the discipleship journey is no walk in the park. Jesus Himself makes this plain when He instructs His disciples to enter by the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13), and plainer still when He says: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24).

 

After the initial sweet moments of conversion have long passed, and when faced with the distractions, doubts, and difficulties of life that will invariably come our way, how do we muster the strength and the courage to stay on course? What can help us to finish the race well, and be counted faithful at the end of our earthly lives?

 

In this issue of Seasons of Life (SOL), we look to the witness of various SJSMers for some insight and inspiration. A young man overcomes his crisis of faith with the gentle support and encouragement of his church community. Three members in their seventies find new avenues to actively love God in their golden years. Others reflect on what has helped to sustain and refresh them in their many years of service and ministry. A woman, who loses two loved ones in close succession, continues to place her hope in God.

 

As you read these stories, we pray that you will be encouraged and emboldened to "run with endurance the race that is set before us", all the while looking to Jesus, who is "the founder and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). May we also find rest, knowing that it is He who supplies us with all joy and all strength to stay the course.

 

Amanda Chong

On behalf of the Editorial Team

Seasons of Life - Issue 1/2022

Hand on the Plough

 

We have become more familiar with the idea of rest over the past two years. The pandemic provided a much-needed reset from everything life calls us to do—a silver lining amidst the havoc wreaked by the virus outbreak.

 

Time seemingly stands still in the process. We adjust to a new rhythm  of life, which also involves distractions by developments around us as the pandemic rages on. But there is still much work to be done in God’s kingdom. Are we approaching it just like everyday life, often going through the motions? We cannot serve God by staying still or waiting for things to get better. Our hands are already on the plough and we need to work the ground, instead of looking back at the world (Luke 9:62).

 

In 2022, Seasons of Life (SOL) looks at what it means to actively live out our faith. How should we respond to God’s goodness and abundant blessings? It is time for us as a church to move beyond contemplation or even familiar areas of ministries and service, and allow His Spirit to do a deeper work through us.

 

We hope this issue will be a call to action in response to the fields that are white for harvest (Matthew 9:37-38). A former secondary school teacher witnesses transformation in Timor Leste as God works through her and her team. An undergraduate surrenders his life decisions to the Lord, in areas such as missions and his studies. A senior finds that God has yet to complete His work in refining his spiritual life. Other SJSMers look at what it means to be an all-year-round disciple and a Christian, especially in the current environment.

 

We hope these stories will bless you, and inspire you to finish the race, and keep the faith.

 

Prisca Ang,

On behalf of the Editorial Team