Dear readers,
Today is an unprecedented day, for it is the first time we are commemorating Tabernacle Bible -Presbyterian Church’s Anniversary via live-streaming. Who would have thought when Tabernacle BPC was founded 33 years ago that we would be commemorating in this manner!
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused great changes to our country and the global landscape. The way we work and commute will be different from the past. There is a series of messages from the government that seeks to address how Singapore will cope with the changes and challenges of the post-COVID world. What about the church?
One thing is for sure, the commission of the church does not change through the ages. It is one that is given by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt. 28:19-20) We will be considering this passage in the sermon today.
The pattern of the Great Commission is also unchanged. This infallible pattern for the church is given to us in the Book of Acts where we the Holy Spirit empowering the Apostles in the establishment of the New Testament Church witness. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) The way the Great Commission is to be fulfilled is through the faithful preaching and teaching of God’s Word. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the (preached) Word of God (Rom. 10:17). How many sermons are there in the Book of Acts? And how were the sermons preached?
On the other hand, the tools in which we use to bring the preaching and teaching of God’s Word can be updated with time. In the past, the Internet does not exist. However, almost every church now has a webpage which is used to inform others of her faith and activities. Sermons and articles are often hosted on these websites. Tabernacle BPC also has a website. It is one way in which we reach out to others with the truth.
In the post-COVID world. It seems that the traditional door-to-door or street evangelism will have to cease. However, the church must not cease in fulfilling the Great Commission. In what way can we utilise new tools to bring the preaching and teaching of God’s Word to others?
May the Lord lead us in this matter.
Yours affectionately,
Pastor Clement Chew