FFoB 18: Christ's Ambassadors

2 Corinthians 5:20 "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us."

From IVP Bible Background Commentary: An Ambassador was usually a representative of one state to another, usually applied in this period to the emperor's legates in the East. This image fits "apostles" as appointed messengers, just as Old Testament prophets has been. In the context of a plea for reconciliation, Paul as an ambassador urges the Corinthians to make peace with God the King; emperors normally took action against unrepentant client states that offended them, and no one took such warnings lightly.

Information on the modern system of diplomacy: the wikipage on Diplomatic ranks.

Egalitarianism: A practical concept for church?

I think there are few who would contest that equality is important in church. It is a matter of principle personally that I treat everyone the same regardless of their background and status. I even hold to the same principle in teaching, educating youths in an adult manner. There are few things that I would say to an adult that I won't also share frankly with a youth.

Such a noble concept is tested in a recent event. One of our beloved elder has passed away, and our church is tasked with the wake and funeral services. However, we have greatly simplify our services over the years because of the large number of deaths that we, a greying congregation, have.

So, on one hand, we want to uphold the principle that all should be treated as equals. An elder's wake and funeral should be no different from that of a normal church member. Why the favoritism? We should set an example to the people that this is what church should be.

On the other hand, there are those who argue that an elder's wake and funeral should be more grand and stately, as befits the years of sacrifice and service. The church should show our appreciation and gratitude especially in times like this. Why the depersonalization?

I unfortunately stand with the latter. While I do wish to believe in true equality, the church is after all a human environment. I believe that as a human, we are bound to our emotional ties and feelings. If we appear nonchalant, it is not perceived as noble, but rather uncaring. That is the likely assumption of most. I think most will forgive us for that slight bias (to do more for an elder) in times like this. So in weighing a moral outrage on one hand, and a more understanding crowd on the other hand, it is sadly the case that we must sacrifice egalitarianism over practicality.

Thoughts?

Exegesis extrapolation or Application extrapolation?

I had a difference of opinion with a colleague about preaching. He commented that a sermon application of mine is a little beyond the passage (stretched an example too far). I commented that an exegesis of his is a little beyond the passage (stretched a point too far, a point not within the passage). He commented that that's what a sermon is supposed to do. I commented that mine is what a sermon should do.

Example: 1st Corinthian 13 (a famous passage about the importance of love in the use of spiritual gifts)

Preacher A: extends this concept of love to also include Forgiveness (in application), stretching "it keeps no record of wrongs"
Preacher B: extends this concept of love to also include the love relationship between Christ and the church, stretching this passage to link with chapter 12

Who is right?

Try this in your youth camp!

This is the game.



This is how it is done human-style.

New area of ministry

Jubilee church has been ministering to our church members by four zones: Matthew (Central), Mark (West), Luke (North) and John (East). I have been taking care of the Mark zone for more than 5 years. In this time, I've acquainted myself with most of the members (about 100+ households) and bringing all the 6 cell groups into good health. I can't say that I've done a great job, but it is good enough for me not to feel guilty.

Starting this month, I will be taking on the Matthew zone that has been zone-pastorless since the departure of Pastor YC to missions last year. I took on this task for a few reasons:

1. While continuing with Mark zone will be a familiar ground for me, it would be unproductive for my growth. I need to know more people in church and moving on to Matthew zone will allow me to know a further 25% of the entire church in depth. In terms of exposure and ministry, it is a stretch and hence a growth.

2. My co-worker who is moving into zone ministry will be more suited for the Mark zone. It would be an easier transition for her because Mark zone is now well developed and organized after my ministry these years.

3. Meanwhile, the needs of the Matthew zone are getting serious. While it seems to be running fine for a while, the pastorless situation breeds discontent. And grievances are like bubbles in a heated pot of water. It's better to turn the heat down early before everything boils over.

Unfortunately for me, this is yet another new challenge in these few years. I am eager to continue the uphill run, but wary of a breakdown. I can feel myself getting tougher as I keep loading myself, but I can't confess the same growth psychologically. Still, I'm preparing myself as I keep tabs on my mental health. It's important that I maintain my joy of service and enthusiasm in my word. I hope this is a change for the better and it will be rewarded with blessings upon the people.

New Year Resolutions (mid-year review)

It is time to review my New Year Resolutions before it is too late.

1. Guitar practice is still very bad. Blog discipline bad. I guess this is very far from "becoming a permanent discipline". Blog updating will be switched to a more realistic twice a week. And guitar, well, that will take real will power. My reading habit at home is pretty decent. I finished many graphic novels and quite a few self-help books. Kudos to myself.

2. I finished 2 books from my office. That's really lame effort. I will have to work hard on this.

3. Family Day. I remember the trips to Science Centre, Bird Park, and Discovery Centre. I remember a Toy Story movie trip. I'll count this as 50% success. I think I should work on this next and plan for the entire year.

4. Finishing the sermon one week in advance is overall a success. I count less than 5 last minute sermons. And I will be finishing the September ones early.

On the whole, it's not too bad. I should finish these resolutions pretty well by the end of the year.