4 minute read
He Sihao-How to gain, save and give all that I can
Being a Methodist is to love God and our neighbours in all aspects of life, including through the good stewardship of wealth. This occurred to me when I started working recently.
John Wesley viewed stewardship as an integral part of discipleship. In his sermon on "The Use of Money", Wesley stated that Methodists ought to "Gain all you can", "Save all you can", and ultimately, "Give all you can".
I was proud of myself for having fulfilled two out of the three exhortations. To work hard and to save diligently is exactly what I have been doing.
On closer reflection, I learnt that Wesley meant for us to "Gain" without harming our body, soul
How to gain, save and give all that I can
or others and Creation. To "Save" means to live simply and forego an extravagant lifestyle.
This leads to us being able to "Give all you can", where the act of giving is an expression of our love for both God and our neighbour. In Wesley's words, "(money) is an excellent gift of God, answering the noblest ends. ln the hands of his children, it is food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, raiment for the naked. It gives to the traveller and the stranger where to lay his head."
This is how I can love my neighbour. I can express my love by ensuring that my neighbours, as children of God, do not lack for anything, while I am content with what I have.
by Kopikaki team
DISCIPLESHIP: HELPING PEOPLE BECOME FULLY MATURE IN CHRIST
19, 26 Sep / 3, 10, 17, 31 Oct / 7 Nov 2022, (Mondays), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Wesley Methodist Church / via Zoom (TBC) Visit https://ttc.edu.sg/english/study-at-ttc/equip-course-details-1/ $100 (Free for TTC Alumni and TTC Matriculated Students / Registration required)
The gospel is not just about saving people from hell. God is saving people to be a new humanity, people who bear the image of Jesus. Most churches have some discipleship programme but this course will not focus on programmes. We will re-examine, from the context of Scripture and the realities of life today, how to help our people grow in Christlikeness. We will look at what Christlikeness looks like, and at the resources God has given us to help people to be more like Jesus. Our focus is not on some group of spiritual elites but on helping all of God’s people become “fully mature in Christ” (Colossians 1: 28–29). The class will become a learning community where instructor and class members will seek the Lord together for His wisdom on this critical subject.
Organised by EQUIP
VOCATIONAL CONVERSATIONS: DISCERNING YOUR PASTORAL CALL
1 October 2022, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Toa Payoh Methodist Church Visit tiny.cc/TRAC_discern
Vocational Conversations is an interactive session where you can explore more about your calling into full-time pastoral ministry. Hear stories and testimonies from various pastors about their journeys into the vocation and how the Lord has led them. This session is especially suited for those who have an interest or are discerning their call into the pastoral ministry. Come join the conversation.
Organised by TRAC Board of Ministry
THE FAITH WE SING: CHARLES WESLEY FOR THE CHURCH TODAY
8 October 2022, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holland Village Methodist Church Register by 30 September at https://msmusic.edu.sg/events/tfws2022/
Come and discover the richness of our Methodist tradition, and its relevance to the times we live in! Join ST Kimbrough, the founding President of the Charles Wesley Society (USA) as he sheds light on Charles Wesley’s theology and its importance in today’s world. Thereafter, expand your horizons with a series of skills training workshops and a song festival based on locally-composed tunes and Charles Wesley texts.
Organised by Methodist School of Music
PASSING ON FAITH
15 October 2022, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. ACS (Barker Road), Mrs Lee Choon Guan Concert Hall Register at https://tinyurl.com/passingonfaith2022-MFM
In today’s climate of uncertainty, our children will need tools to face the challenges that come ahead. In this season, the role of fathers as spiritual heads of the home has never been more important. How can fathers pass on faith and anchor our next generation for the future? The Methodist Fathers Movement aims to build up fathers so that they can raise strong families. Come and find out what the new season of fatherhood and son-/daughter-ship entails. Be encouraged by God’s Word and receive an impartation of blessing to become the best father you can be. Hear from our speakers Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee Boon Hup, Mr Jason Wong, and a panel of pastors and young adult leaders. This event is open to all fathers, spouses and families.
