Dear Members and Friends of NCCS,
He grows His Church through us today!
“And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47b)
August has been a very interesting month in our calendar. This sudden ‘awakening’ has triggered a number of meetings, and dialogues have been organised and articles circulated to address the findings of the General Household Survey (GHS) 2025, which is close to our hearts. While we are still reflecting and trying to interpret its meaning, let us continue to allow God and His Word to be our comfort and our compass today.
A well-known verse, Acts 2:47, is our meditation for September. It allows us to keep our eyes focused on Him while strengthening the foundation of the Christian life that God has called us to — and it allows God to surprise us in our walk with Him as He builds His church today: “And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47b).
1) Living A Word-Centred Life.
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching”
The early church, in her infancy, lacked much compared with what we have today and battled many challenges. Nevertheless, the believers had God’s Word as their compass – for their physical and spiritual growth and nourishment. A Word-centred life was intentionally pursued by God’s people. It was the key foundation at the very beginning of the church, and it remains so for us today.
2) Living a God-Expectant Life.
“A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders”
When we live a life that allows God to stir our hearts through breakthroughs, small and large, we will be amazed at what He can do in our daily lives. The conversion of a loved one that once seemed impossible is a miracle. A moment of desperation and despair, broken by a sudden word of encouragement from someone, is a miracle that saves the day. Healing from sickness is a miracle that encourages the soul. We never run out of God’s miracles when we pay attention to Him. He is found in places where we do not expect Him at all.
3) Living in Generous Life
“And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.”
A willingness to share resources and a readiness to bless others usually grow when we acknowledge God as Lord of ALL. All that we have comes from Him. As a result, learning to position ourselves as God’s stewards, managing all that we have been given, enables us to go the extra mile for one another. It is God, His Kingdom and His people that matter most.
4) Living in God’s Community
“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
It is a challenge to keep our posture of worship alive in the midst of the storm, and to keep living in God’s community when we have been hurt. Yet we are called to live as God’s people together, whatever our circumstances. I believe this is the most visible and tangible expression of God’s love, experienced both inside and outside the church. Thus, our calling to be ‘salt and light’ will impact others, because it is shaped by the character of God in and through us.
God will continue to surprise us as He adds to His Church while we walk with Him daily. He grows His Church through us even today!
Sincerely in Christ,
Bishop Anthony Loh
Vice-President
National Council of Churches of Singapore