The Church - what it should be, what it is, and what it will be (Kang Yi Jin)

 

Reasons for poem

One big reason why I came, was to satiate my intellectual hunger for spiritual knowledge. To know more deeply about the faith, theology, history etc.

Despite all the theology lessons, although I was satisfied in the head, my heart was not satisfied. Because I realised that the end goal is not merely to fill my head, but to fill the headcount in God’s kingdom.

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:1-3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Ie, all theology leads to missions. That has been a crescendoing clanging cymbal in my head over the weeks as STEP progressed. (Key lessons were election and predestination, Presbyterian Care Services visit, missiology, LGBTQ, biblical counselling. Not forgetting thought provoking visits to Catholic and Mega churches.)

And it lead me to wonder how best to fulfil our mission to propagate the gospel. 2 ways: individually, and collectively, of course, through the Holy Spirit.

I would like to focus on the collective aspect, the church, and how individual church members contribute to the church. God has appointed the church to be the key institution of His redemption plan. It is also a reflection of Christ’s image. Through scripture, God has revealed to us what God visions the church to be like. But have we been faithful to uphold that perfect image of Christ?

Action plans

Go into the world, be in but not of the world, with Jesus’ intercession and protection. As how PCS and other churches are serving the community, the church (and my church in particular) should likewise immerse into the community. Mobilise church members, fuel them with the Word, send them out to minister to their circles, and participate in church ministries.


Poem

What the Church ought to be

Salt and light of all the world

In but yet not of the world

Proclaim good news to the poor

So that they may all be sure:

Salvation has come from thee

The Lord is good, taste and see!

None can sep’rate me from thee

The Spirit is my guarantee!

Being all things to all men

So that some day some repent

Wond’ring in their mother tongue

Who is this Christ you have sung?

On that day You’ll come to say

well done, good and faithful one

What the Church unfortunately is & What the Church will alas be

Has our salt now become bland?

Smothered flame on a lamp stand?

Wake up you O slumb’ring saint

Edify the weary and faint

Put your trust in God, not man -

Prince of Peace and Son of Man

(By) grace through faith in Christ alone

Only so is sin atoned

Every nation tribe & tongue

Come before the Lord as one

All confess and bow the knee

Then the saints will sing to thee:

Honour, Glory, Praise are Yours

(Cause) God you reign forever more!


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