If you are interested to attend, call Ps Thomas at 98577779

There will be a meeting for the Alpha Working Group on 8^th February, Wed, at 7.30pm in the conference room.

     In the coming three Sundays we will explore what is often regarded as a dead ritual. Yes, I am talking about the Holy Communion that we celebrate on the first Sunday of every month. To some it is a highlight, a delight. To many it is just one of those things we have to do in church even though we do not understand nor see the benefit. I believe one of the main ways to root ourselves in God’s love is to understand the purpose and power of Holy Communion. Roots are important: they draw nourishment from the nutrient- rich soil to produce sap that dresses the tree in foliage and fruit. The Holy Communion is one of the major root networks that nourish the church community out of the rich soil of Christ’s finished work on the cross. My heart’s desire is for the Holy Spirit to help me communicate this faith to you, so that with all your heart, you would want to root yourselves deeply into this main channel of God’s grace and draw His power and love from it.

     It has been my longing too, to provide more occasions for the church to draw from this channel of grace. I have shared this with the Board of Elders. From March onwards we will celebrate communion on the first and third Sundays of each month. From August onwards I want to open another avenue for Holy Communion in the cell groups so that in all three times a month, members will have the opportunity to receive the blessing of the Lord. To do this requires teaching and sufficient preparation–thus this series of three sermons. I know such a change will require additional effort, patience and costs. But the blessings and spiritual growth will outweigh this, and so will the thanksgiving and glory that goes to God as a result.

     In the next three Sundays, the sermon topics will be as follows, and we will have Holy Communion every Sunday, building up to 19^th February, when we will anoint with oil the sick in our midst and release healing in His name.

SERMON SERIES: ROOTED IN GOD’S LOVE

• 5^th February – The Purpose of Holy Communion – Why does the Lord want us to have Holy Communion? Wherein lies its power, its blessing?
• 12^th February – The Practicals of Holy Communion – What is eating “unworthily” and “eating judgment to ourselves”? Who do we serve communion to and how frequently?
• 19^th February – The Power of the Incarnation: Going Beyond Ritual – how and why God uses ordinary things including bread, wine and oil to reveal his glory and power. I remember how a thought dropped into my heart. “My supernatural is not to be ignored or despised. Expect the supernatural and it will happen.” I believe this thought was from the Lord. 

Dear brothers and sisters,

Our journey of growing the church through disciple making began on January 2010 when we began to expound how the acronym of our church’s name (WRPF) captures the values we represent as a church, as well as what we want to nurture in all the disciples that the Lord has entrusted to our care. The distinctive traits are as follows: 

In 2010 we focused on developing WORLD (evangelism and missions); and PRAYER (intimacy and intercessory prayer).  In 2011, we focused on REVIVAL (gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit) and FELLOWSHIP (d0iscipleship in community). This was in accordance to the Batam retreat 5-year direction to inculcate the distinctive traits of a WRPF disciple, traits which were drafted out by a group of 20 key leaders of our church in 2009. According to this same 5 year direction, 2012’s focus would be on FELLOWSHIP; 2013 – WORLD; and 2104 – REVIVAL.

The leadership has decided that for 2012, there are good reasons to continue to follow the 5 year general direction. So the theme for this year would be “GROWING TOGETHER IN GOD’S LOVE”. The verses that anchor this theme are from Ephesians 3: 17b -21:

 ^“17 ….. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

 Let’s make this our prayer for the church in 2012. Let us nurture this distinction in our lives. 

Dear brothers and sisters,

Christmas is one of the most meaningful seasons of the year. As December beckons us, let us remember the actual poor, and the spiritually poor.

As God’s grace overflows in our lives, and His Spirit motivates us, let us put up our sails and catch the wind of His love.

December 4^th is the last Sunday for us to purchase some canned food to bless a score of poor families in the Marine Parade area. Those who want to do more can help with the distribution of these gift-wrapped hampers to them on the 18^th of December. Please give your names to Janet Chew for grouping and planning purposes. Let’s work with our brothers and sisters from the Chinese congregation.

There is also the spiritually impoverished whom, because of its eternal implications, are in an even more dire state. We want to share with them the good news of Jesus Christ through the Christmas program on the 24^th of December. Wholly conceived, developed and carried out by both young and old members from WRPF, this dramatic portrayal of God’s love will have guests glued to their seats and moved in their hearts.

So, dear brothers and sisters, continue to love one another and keep yourselves in the love of God.

As disciples of Christ, we are told to go into all the world and share His love with the people He has created but has yet to know Him as Lord and Saviour. World Revival Prayer fellowship’s team to Cebu, Philippines from 9th -14th November 2011 went to the poor, the malnourished, cementry, the mass-wedding to show the love of God through our lives.
The water was salty and not clean but we went in and baptised a group of believers who have opened their hearts to Jesus Christ.

The 5 malnourished children sponsored by cell-groups and individuals were visited by the team members. Each child did show sign of improvement in term of their health. The little rice, eggs, sugar given to their grandparents were responded by the sparkles in their eyes! The witnessed of knowing a life has been touched by simple act of kindness will speak to us for the days to come. We are created to show kindness to others so that our lives become meaningful. Isn’t this the love of God at work in our lives………a child lives because you have acted is the sign of living a sucessful life on planet earth.

The houses were simple, dirt were everywhere, the stench filled the air and the children and adults live-in in dire-straight condition but these were the norm for them. We were there to have a crusade, to share the message of the good news to them. They were all eager to hear, they came forward to be prayed for those who needed healing. The children were entertained by the Hong Kong Pastor who did some magic to attract and communicate to the children. Many couples from this dump site were to get their fomer marriage on Saturday. Rice were distributed to the families as names were called out. These are the little we could do to say we are followers of Christ.

The 57 couples are human beings and prior to this wedding event, they did not have a birth certificate as a result their children did not have a birth certificate. But, now they are formerly married by a Pastor. They are now recognised by the governement. The great news is that they all came forward to receive the message given by Pastor Manny. Again, those who were sicked came forward to have a touch from God so that they can be healed. The night was very special as they were given a wedding banquet in a lovely chinese restaurant. They had great food and they played games. They were like little children. What joy filled their hearts filled ours too. A smile. A laughter. They will remember for a long time. This can come about because of the ministry of Grace Community Empowerment led by Pastor Sharon Tan and her husband Pastor Manny. The many wonderful believers out there who has made this possible.

World Revival Prayer Fellowship has a clear mandate from God to go into all the world and preach the good news…..Matt.28:19-20. We must endeavour to do our very best, going(willingly), giving( sacrificially), praying( ernestly) in obedience to God’s calling for WORLD REVIVAL PRAYER FELLOWSHIP. May we as a Church of Jesus Christ not become weary of our destiny in Christ and the calling upon us!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY & THAT ALL MAN KIND WILL COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST AS THEIR LORD & SAVIOUR!