Dear Members and Friends of NCCS,
Greetings in the Name of the Lord!
Two months ago, we reflected on the meaning of “ordinary time.” Truly, God is at work in our everyday, seemingly mundane moments—wherever we are—if only we were attentive to Him. He speaks and teaches us about the kingdom of God through anyone, from adults to even the smallest of children.
I recall a touching moment when a young child reminded his parents, who were about to fall asleep, to read God’s Word to him before bedtime. Such a simple request from a child, yet such a profound reminder for us as adults—to end each day dwelling in God’s Word and resting in His presence.
In the Christian calendar, we are now in the season of Sundays after Pentecost, which will carry us through to December, just before the Advent season. And Pentecost reminds us that the third Person of the Triune God has come to us.
Ephesians 1:13 assures us that we are ‘sealed’ with the Holy Spirit, and Romans 8:15–16 declares that we have been given the status of sonship: “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God”. Without the Helper—the Holy Spirit, given to us as promised in Acts 1:8—we cannot live the life God has called us to.
The Holy Spirit, our Helper, empowers us to live both the ordinary and the extraordinary life in accordance with God’s Word and in the likeness of Christ, so that others may experience the beauty and aroma of Christ through us. As our inner life is transformed, the Spirit produces in us the fruit described in Galatians 5:22–23a: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Then the world will believe that Christ is alive and put their faith in Him, because they have experienced the “tangible Christ” through us. Truly, we are His witnesses today! (Acts 1:8)
But the question is: while we believe the Holy Spirit is in us, are we in the Spirit? Is He truly in control of our actions, our words, and our daily, seemingly mundane lives? For example—when we converse with our colleagues, our neighbours, our spouse, our family, or our cell group members—are we allowing Him to guide us?
In biblical terms: are we filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to be the driver of our lives, enabling us to overcome temptations and the challenges of life? (Ephesians 5:18). Have you begun walking with the Spirit today? If not, start now—it is never too late to begin.
May the new life God has given us radiate the aroma of Jesus today, so that our friends are drawn to Him and the church of Christ impacts nations, becoming a blessing to the world.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Anthony Loh | Vice-President
National Council of Churches of Singapore
