The Saturday Fellowship (December 2023)
Our monthly gatherings for the Saturday Fellowship have always been warm and joyful, not just because of the sumptuous dinners (and sometimes even suppers). It is uniquely wonderful because it is a gathering of family, no matter whether we are physically together or not. It is a celebration constantly filled with sharing and laughter.
Pastor Darren's sermons have always been serious and scholarly, but last Saturday's message, titled 'Kingdom Growth', also showed me how lighthearted he can be as well! In opening, he joked about how most of us had really grown (in kilos) within our Home Fellowships, which we all laughed at. On a more serious note, his honest sharing really reminded me what an impact our HFs have had on our lives. In discussing different chapters of the Bible in each meeting, we learnt God's Word and truly grew in knowledge about His teaching. We also grew friendships that encouraged us all to share openly about our trials, struggles and difficulties. We prayed together, which strengthened our faith and gave us courage to keep fighting our battles, especially when we wanted to give up. It showed me that no matter who we are or where we come from, we all experience hardship at some time in our lives.
Showing care, walking together or extending a helping hand creates opportunities for connection, and growth in humility and compassion. These acts of service, no matter how small, has the power to make a difference in someone’s life.
In God’s Kingdom, serving others is serving God.
Our Reflections on The End of Genesis
For the Chinese Home Fellowship (HF), we focused primarily on Joseph's life in our discussion of the final chapters of Genesis. We watched his life play out in full — betrayal, temptation, transformation, forgiveness, and finally reconciliation. Even though his story takes place thousands of years ago, we continue to witness these same struggles in our world today. It led us to realise that Joseph's relentless faith and obedience was the reason why God never forsook him; we too need to keep on trusting God. He is bigger than any of the struggles in our lives.
Genesis 45:5 also stood out to us; in it, Joseph tells his brothers that God had sent him before them to preserve their lives. It is not likely that Joseph would have seen this to be the outcome of his story when his brothers first abandoned him in the pit. Emily also shared with us the late Joseph Chean's lifelong passion for missions, which highlighted the importance of faith in God's plan. It was his love for God that built the legacy he leaves behind today.
It led us to reflect on these points together, and we hope they help in your reflection too.
What is the state of our faith? Can we build our hopes and dreams even when we cannot see?
Have we sought forgiveness or forgiven others? How did it change us?
What legacy do we want to leave behind while living a Christian life ?
Father, we thank you for Your everlasting love and presence in all seasons of our life. Help us to embrace Your love and light. Give us the courage to share Your gospel with those around us, and to be your vessel reflecting Your grace and compassion. Amen.
Signing off,
S (on behalf of the Chinese Fellowship group)
Comments