Aren't they supposed to be the "sifu" to us like what Jesus taught ? Aren't they supposed to serve us by setting an example so that we will serve others too ? In 1 Pet 5:3 - "... not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. " Here, Peter was exhorting the leaders of the church on how to be a good shepherd to the flock in church. Aren't we the flock of STM instead of factory workers of STM ? If STM is a theological seminary or bible based college, shouldn't they follow the biblical principles by being a good shepherd to us. Isn't servanthood the mark of Christian leadership rahter then being served or being a boss ? Why set up rules and burdening us while they themselves not doing them for us to see ? It's no wonder until today, students still have no respect for some lecturers and still purposely fail to attend chapel service consistently and swallow the prison food of the canteen.
Thursday, 14 May, 2009
Relationships between Lecturers and Students
A month ago, while I was chit chatting with a lecturer and a student about why some students fail to attend chapel services which are compulsory for students in the campus, I was suggesting it was the lecturers' fault for failing to set an example for students. The lecturer then commented that they have a different work scope from the students. Therefore, they are in different class from us. This has disturbed me to wonder what are the relationship between lecturers and students. Who set the rules for the students ? Isn't the Council or the lecturers themselves or together ? From the lecturer's given answer, it sounds like an employer and employee relationships in the secular world. I'm the boss and you, workers supposed to listen to me and do what I say.
Hooray,Sem 1 is over!!
O boy, it has been awhile that I have not blogged. This semester was a struggling for me - juggling between theological academic studies, church work and work in my father's office (at least once a month). One thing I discovered that academic studies with no character formation is quite useless. It just like the bible said knowledge puffs up but no zeal and building a house on a sand- knows a lot but practice little. Honestly, I barely do my quiet times consistently, love those who are weak and spend time with those I think I can help in nurturing them with my gifts. I saw this in my campus especially those who are good academically but no zeal in loving and serving people. Somehow, I feel they reflect me. What's the use of theology, then!! This is the area I hope I can improve in the next Semester since I have lesser credit hours.
One of the highlights in this Semester that I have learnt most is attending Spiritual retreat organised by my denominational church (TRAC Methodist). From this I realise how I miss spending time with God and how important it is for me to listen to Him and be obedient to Him while serving the people in church and the world. Academically, the subjects I enjoyed most are surprisingly Romans (despite my disappointment that the lecturer did not cover Rom 12-15) and ecclesiology. Now, I'm able to read Romans fairly confident although I still need to work on it esp Rom 12-15 - how to make sense of the chapters in relating to the rest of the Ch.1-11. Do the chapters link to the thesis statement of Rom 1:16-17? or to ch.9-11 or ch.1-8??, Who are the weak Paul is addressing to ? and many questions I want to explore. Oh help me, any NT scholars!! Ecclessiology was interesting in that it helps me to understand the function of a church better and how to help the churches today to return to the core ministry - ie disciplemaking.
Finally, I find this Semester is quite satisfactory academically. In my zeal of serving Him, loving Him and knowing Him, I need to improve these areas more. A few things I would want to see myself to improve on - to attend chapels enthusiastically, to attend prayer meeting early in the morning, to form a habitual quiet time early morning, to encourage someone daily with service and words and to make friends with non Christians weekly. Also to fast at least once a week, say Friday lunch or breakfast. All these are to be done for His name sake (Rom 1:5). I think this will balance my academic studies putting them into practice.
On top of these, I'm still praying and hope to see the lecturers to set a good example for the students by eating with us in the canteen, attending all the chapel services with us although it's not compulsory for them, patient with the weaker students, not lazy in nurturing the students during the pastoral group meeting and praying with us early in the morning. (1 Pet 5:3) Wow, if this happens, revival in STM will not be impossible ! O Lord, have mercy on us:)
Tuesday, 24 February, 2009
Wordworks 2009
Dear brother/sister in Christ,
2009 is another year brimming with opportunities for growth in the understanding of God's Word.
The Gospel Growth Fellowship’s Biblical Literacy department brings you the first instalment of Word Works for this year, beginning with the book of Galatians.
Word Works is dedicated to the growth of biblical literacy amongst Christians through the improvement of our skills in reading and understanding God’s Word in its literary form.
Whether you make it to these 2 days (9-10 March) of coming to grips with handling the text of Galatians or the next one for Deuteronomy (27-28 November), we encourage you to stay committed to the task of studying God’s Word for faithful ministry to His people.
The lectures for the 2 days on Galatians will be handled by Pastor Nick Loi who is a graduate of Moore Theological College. In both the lectures and small group sessions you will have the opportunity to deal with the text first hand, to consolidate your understanding based on what you have been reading yourselves, consider what further questions you need to grapple with to read Galatians accurately, see the main line of Paul’s argument for yourself, and begin to apply the text for your own ministry to Christ’s church.
Let’s not forget also the opportunity to prepare the gist of a sermon for feedback and review during the sermon preparation elective. What better way to put into immediate practice the skills you have been learning from the 2 days.
We hope to see you there for the sake of Christ’s church. Have a great time of reading Galatians in preparation for the 2 days.
Yours in Christ
Robin Gan On behalf of the Fellowship
2009 is another year brimming with opportunities for growth in the understanding of God's Word.
The Gospel Growth Fellowship’s Biblical Literacy department brings you the first instalment of Word Works for this year, beginning with the book of Galatians.
Word Works is dedicated to the growth of biblical literacy amongst Christians through the improvement of our skills in reading and understanding God’s Word in its literary form.
Whether you make it to these 2 days (9-10 March) of coming to grips with handling the text of Galatians or the next one for Deuteronomy (27-28 November), we encourage you to stay committed to the task of studying God’s Word for faithful ministry to His people.
The lectures for the 2 days on Galatians will be handled by Pastor Nick Loi who is a graduate of Moore Theological College. In both the lectures and small group sessions you will have the opportunity to deal with the text first hand, to consolidate your understanding based on what you have been reading yourselves, consider what further questions you need to grapple with to read Galatians accurately, see the main line of Paul’s argument for yourself, and begin to apply the text for your own ministry to Christ’s church.
Let’s not forget also the opportunity to prepare the gist of a sermon for feedback and review during the sermon preparation elective. What better way to put into immediate practice the skills you have been learning from the 2 days.
We hope to see you there for the sake of Christ’s church. Have a great time of reading Galatians in preparation for the 2 days.
Yours in Christ
Robin Gan On behalf of the Fellowship
For any further enquiries or help, please contact
David Chiang 017-235 6503wordworks@gospelgrowth.com.my
David Chiang 017-235 6503wordworks@gospelgrowth.com.my
Monday, 23 February, 2009
Bible Study Freak!!
For those who are interested in knowing God better through serious bible study, there is this conference coming up organised by gospel growth fellowship. (www.gospelgrowth.com.my).
Word Works 2009 - Galatians
About Word Works
The Word is the lifeblood of the church. Without it, we cease to be under Christ's rule. Distorted, we become something other than Christ's church. We share with you the knowledge that God’s Word repays careful study and demands faithful interpretation.
In this spirit, Word Works is 2 days designed to help Christians to learn to read the Bible better. We encourage you to make the effort to be equipped for reading the Bible faithfully, in order to minister to the saints and to the growth of God’s people.
Over the event's 2 days, therefore, the aim is to so equip participants with the understanding of the basic framework of structure, themes, context, flow, major arguments, critical issues and theological application that, with time and further study, the student may return to their churches ready to interpret and apply the bible for the good of all God's people.
Galatians
Set Free for Freedom
Someone has said that Galatians is spiritual dynamite and is therefore impossible to handle without explosions! This was certainly true for Luther in his time as it is for us in our times.
In the pursuit of holiness, Christians have often created for themselves rules and regulations to live by. Paul refuses to allow salvation to depend on anything other than the finished work of Christ on the Cross. He flatly refutes all who would seek righteousness through dependence on the observance of rules and regulations and vehemently rebukes those who subject others to this teaching which puts them back into the bondage of law-keeping and, ultimately, spiritual death.
His letter to the Galatians is simultaneously a sharp thorn in the flesh to his opponents and salve for all who ache under the unbearable burden of guilt. For, as Paul says, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Paul’s teaching was crucial to the Galatians then. It is equally crucial to us now who are similarly justified by grace alone through faith alone. These are comfortable words indeed!
About the Speaker
Nick Loi is married to Jessie. They have 2 children, Anna and Amy and one cat named T-Rex (aka Rexy). He (Nick – not the cat) graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity from Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia. The family currently attends Christ Church in Ipoh, where Nick serves as the pastor.
Preparation before the conference
Please read the book of Galations before coming to the conference. You will benenfit more from the conference if you have read the book beforehand.
For those who select the sermon elective: Please prepare a sermon outline or even better a full sermon before the conference on Galations 1:1-10. There will be a session during the conference to evaluate the sermon you have prepared.
Payment Details
Cost:RM90 (students, non-working adults) RM150 (working adults)
Payments may be made by cash or cheque to a GGF representative. Cheques may be made payable to "Kevin Wong Kah Weng and Soo Wei Ann".
Closing Date: 1 March 2009
Contact Us
Please contact your GGF representative for more information. Alternatively you can email us at
wordworks@gospelgrowth.com.my or call David Chiang at 017-235 6503.
Word Works 2009 - Galatians
About Word Works
The Word is the lifeblood of the church. Without it, we cease to be under Christ's rule. Distorted, we become something other than Christ's church. We share with you the knowledge that God’s Word repays careful study and demands faithful interpretation.
In this spirit, Word Works is 2 days designed to help Christians to learn to read the Bible better. We encourage you to make the effort to be equipped for reading the Bible faithfully, in order to minister to the saints and to the growth of God’s people.
Over the event's 2 days, therefore, the aim is to so equip participants with the understanding of the basic framework of structure, themes, context, flow, major arguments, critical issues and theological application that, with time and further study, the student may return to their churches ready to interpret and apply the bible for the good of all God's people.
Galatians
Set Free for Freedom
Someone has said that Galatians is spiritual dynamite and is therefore impossible to handle without explosions! This was certainly true for Luther in his time as it is for us in our times.
In the pursuit of holiness, Christians have often created for themselves rules and regulations to live by. Paul refuses to allow salvation to depend on anything other than the finished work of Christ on the Cross. He flatly refutes all who would seek righteousness through dependence on the observance of rules and regulations and vehemently rebukes those who subject others to this teaching which puts them back into the bondage of law-keeping and, ultimately, spiritual death.
His letter to the Galatians is simultaneously a sharp thorn in the flesh to his opponents and salve for all who ache under the unbearable burden of guilt. For, as Paul says, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Paul’s teaching was crucial to the Galatians then. It is equally crucial to us now who are similarly justified by grace alone through faith alone. These are comfortable words indeed!
About the Speaker
Nick Loi is married to Jessie. They have 2 children, Anna and Amy and one cat named T-Rex (aka Rexy). He (Nick – not the cat) graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity from Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia. The family currently attends Christ Church in Ipoh, where Nick serves as the pastor.
Preparation before the conference
Please read the book of Galations before coming to the conference. You will benenfit more from the conference if you have read the book beforehand.
For those who select the sermon elective: Please prepare a sermon outline or even better a full sermon before the conference on Galations 1:1-10. There will be a session during the conference to evaluate the sermon you have prepared.
Payment Details
Cost:RM90 (students, non-working adults) RM150 (working adults)
Payments may be made by cash or cheque to a GGF representative. Cheques may be made payable to "Kevin Wong Kah Weng and Soo Wei Ann".
Closing Date: 1 March 2009
Contact Us
Please contact your GGF representative for more information. Alternatively you can email us at
wordworks@gospelgrowth.com.my or call David Chiang at 017-235 6503.
Studies & Ministry Jan - Feb 09
Time flies !! I have been doing my practical work in Taman Asean Methodist Church (TAMC) for the past weekends since the beginning of January 09. The highlights are food and people. They have a real good authentic cendol, delicious nyonya dishes, chicken rice balls and nyonya kuihs. Although we can get these in other parts of Malaysia except chicken rice balls, there are none better than the ones in Malacca. Besides this, the people in Malacca are friendly, easy going and hard working. Somehow, I manage to get along fairly well with the leaders. I was given the task of preaching once a month and co-ordinating Sunday School. On one hand, I feel they need a full time pastor (a pastor with a pastoral heart and a good teacher trainer) and on the other hand, I am not sure I'm an effective help to them since I'm only available on the weekend with them and have to put my priority on my studies, given that the potential of outreach in their area is great. We will see how it goes. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few...pray for more workers.."
Wednesday, 21 January, 2009
New Year 2009
These were the events that happened until today.
Jan 1-3: Attending a seminar on the Church ran by the Gospel Growth Fellowship. It was fruitful to remind myself that our church should be gospel-centered and meanwhile, awaring on the rise of modern church which has characteristic of liberalism such as ill regard to the seriousness of sins, indifferent to doctrinal statements, the high centrality on relevant ministry and engineered atmosphere of worship such as hillsong.
Jan 4-7: Preparation in returning to STM to continue to continue my 2nd year MDiv study.
Jan 8-10: STM student retreat. I found the speaker rather boring and irrelevant in speaking to my needs. Nonetheless, I felt rather disappointed with the retreat being tortured by the speaker's preaching. At the same time, unfortunately, my Dell notebook was spoilt and was not working:(
Jan 12-18: Bought the cheapest SONY VAIO notebook to replace my Dell. Enrol my 2nd year subjects such as Romans, Intermediate Greek, Church History 3, Preaching, Islam, Pastoral Spirituality and Ecclesiology and Eschatology. I was appointed to be the pastoral group leader in my pastoral group headed by Allen McClymont.
Jan 19-20: My 1st practical weekend in Taman Asean Methodist Church(TAMC). I preached my sermon on Hab 1 and got to know some nice warm people. Also, I realise I'm given the responsibility to be overseer of TAMC on behalf of Rev. Yew.
Jan 21: I went back to Ipoh to help my Dad to run my Dad's company account. Found out that my cousin brother who is the shareholder of my Dad's company wanted to persist to run cow farming despite Company's tight cash flow. It was a sad day for me and for my Dad. I wish I could be there for my Dad and help my Dad to revive the Company. O Lord, please have mercy to my Dad.
That's my 1st 3 weeks of 2009. What an interesting start :)
Jan 1-3: Attending a seminar on the Church ran by the Gospel Growth Fellowship. It was fruitful to remind myself that our church should be gospel-centered and meanwhile, awaring on the rise of modern church which has characteristic of liberalism such as ill regard to the seriousness of sins, indifferent to doctrinal statements, the high centrality on relevant ministry and engineered atmosphere of worship such as hillsong.
Jan 4-7: Preparation in returning to STM to continue to continue my 2nd year MDiv study.
Jan 8-10: STM student retreat. I found the speaker rather boring and irrelevant in speaking to my needs. Nonetheless, I felt rather disappointed with the retreat being tortured by the speaker's preaching. At the same time, unfortunately, my Dell notebook was spoilt and was not working:(
Jan 12-18: Bought the cheapest SONY VAIO notebook to replace my Dell. Enrol my 2nd year subjects such as Romans, Intermediate Greek, Church History 3, Preaching, Islam, Pastoral Spirituality and Ecclesiology and Eschatology. I was appointed to be the pastoral group leader in my pastoral group headed by Allen McClymont.
Jan 19-20: My 1st practical weekend in Taman Asean Methodist Church(TAMC). I preached my sermon on Hab 1 and got to know some nice warm people. Also, I realise I'm given the responsibility to be overseer of TAMC on behalf of Rev. Yew.
Jan 21: I went back to Ipoh to help my Dad to run my Dad's company account. Found out that my cousin brother who is the shareholder of my Dad's company wanted to persist to run cow farming despite Company's tight cash flow. It was a sad day for me and for my Dad. I wish I could be there for my Dad and help my Dad to revive the Company. O Lord, please have mercy to my Dad.
That's my 1st 3 weeks of 2009. What an interesting start :)
Wednesday, 24 December, 2008
Christmas & Bye2 to 2008
Time really flies. Today is my final day of work in my home church, Canning Garden Methodist Church. I will be preaching at a BM Christmas Eve service tonight on Rom 12:1-2 (the exegesis paper I did for my Exegetical Method course). Then, I will be attending my pastor, Rev. Ashok Amarasingham farewell lunch before heading back to KL. On 26th Dec, I will be going for holidays in Sandakan with a few STM friends. I will return to KL again on 30th Dec, 2008. On 1 Jan 2009-3 Jan 2009, I will be attending a seminar on the Church organised by Growth Group Fellowships.
For me, the year 2008 is an adjustment year. It's the year to adjust to a marriage life, seminary life and career change (Accountant to Pastoral Ministry in church). To the world, it's also a year of starting economic downturn. So, next year 2009 would be a challenging year. Anyway, for those friends who have been reading my blog, I would like to say thank you for your support and your feedback. Thank you for listening to my voice and hope that next year, I will be more frequent to write blog. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2009:)
For me, the year 2008 is an adjustment year. It's the year to adjust to a marriage life, seminary life and career change (Accountant to Pastoral Ministry in church). To the world, it's also a year of starting economic downturn. So, next year 2009 would be a challenging year. Anyway, for those friends who have been reading my blog, I would like to say thank you for your support and your feedback. Thank you for listening to my voice and hope that next year, I will be more frequent to write blog. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2009:)
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