NEWS

Celebrations over, or just beginning?

I am very thankful to the Lord for last Sunday’s celebration of CPC’s 130th anniversary, not so much because of how smoothly it went and how grand the occasion was, but because the spirit of praise and thanksgiving was so overwhelming. Indeed, our gracious God, the Lord of the church is worthy of all honour and glory.
A church anniversary is an occasion for recalling and witnessing God’s goodness and faithfulness. It rekindles our responsive love for the Lord, as well as spurs us on to a greater commitment to living for Him. It is never meant to be a one-day affair that, when finished, is stowed away until the next occasion. Having been so encouraged last Sunday, let the celebration of our mighty God now begin with renewed strength.
Dr. Patrick’s message was inspirational, not because of its newness, but of its aptness for CPC, as well as the Spirit administering it to our hearts. Having been at the forefront of leadership in world evangelism, Dr. Patrick could have challenged us with grand visions of bold missionary projects. Rather, he challenged us with the fundamentals, being rooted in God’s word. That is so important. Without that, any ministry, no matter how cleverly conceived, meticulously planned and methodically executed would not yield fruits that honour our Lord. The effectiveness of CPC’s ministries and our witness as a church of the risen Lord are underpinned by it.
So, let us not just hold onto a fond memory of that sermon being inspirational, but commence to celebrate God’s Word with a growing love for it and faithful application of it in our daily lives and ministries.
Let me recap the three key words of the message and suggest some follow-up actions for CPC:
Word
Let all our leaders commit to cultivating in our Bible study groups and congregation a strong conviction in, a hunger and reverence for and submission to God’s Word. Let us diligently do our part to impart true understanding of God’s Word to our people beyond just head knowledge. The writer of Hebrews tells us that “God’s word is alive and active.” Let us guide our members to truly experience that personally, so that we may all grow in the delight and love of God’s word. Let us come with the expectation of being transformed every time we open God’s Word.
Worship
As the writer of Hebrews says “The word of God is…sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb 4:12). Let us allow God’s Word to “search us and know our heart; test us and know our thoughts”, so that we may repent, truly worship and celebrate. Have we, individually and as a church committed any:
• sins of arrogance,
• sins of disobedience,
• sins of “forgetfulness”, and
• sins of “infliction”?
Have we become too inward-looking and have neglected the missional purpose God has given to CPC, that is to be witnesses for Christ both locally and to the ends of the earth?  
God’s word should instill in us a spiritual, social and moral conscience.  Community concern is a weak area of CPC. Let us give priority to this developmental area, as a rightful response to the Lord’s goodness. Let us keep our doors open, at least metaphorically, if not also literally. Let us bring into God’s church people of all different backgrounds and social status. That is what we are here for.
To firm up our foundation in the Lord’s Word and to take hold of it as our guiding light for life and ministry is a spiritual battle. We cannot achieve that just with our effort and diligence. We particularly need to pray hard and consistently for that revival to come to CPC.

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