Regardless of our expectations, we hope everyone returned with the word of the Lord. By understanding the powerful truths in 2 Corinthians, we can learn to rely more on the Lord and exhibit God’s glory even amid life’s pressures. We are grateful to Pastor for the five sermons that analysed the rich content of 2 Corinthians and exploring what it means to have a “more glorious ministry.” The first sermon provided an overview, explaining that Paul wrote this letter to re-establish his authority as a leader in the Corinthian church. This enables him to continue shepherding the believers. Although Paul founded the church, the believers there despised him, and resisted submitting to him. They even questioned the gospel he taught. They despised Paul mainly because he lacked eloquence and lived a life full of suffering and apparent weaknesses. Paul acknowledged his struggles and illnesses, but it was through these weaknesses that the power of the gospel was revealed. These weaknesses are also essential for Christians to experience God’s glory. Pastor’s subsequent sermons clarified these crucial teachings of Paul in succession. While it is impossible to recount all the messages here, we encourage everyone to revisit the sermons through the recorded videos. Overall, Paul persuaded the Corinthian believers from various angles that despite his weaknesses, his ministry was more glorious than they perceived. Ministry to us is not just about the work in church but encompasses our entire Christian life. Every action and word from us is a service to God. We should reflect on whether our lives fulfil this purpose. The camp’s messages remind us that living for God, despite its challenges, is worthwhile as it’s the only way to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection. One aspect of living for God is embodying Jesus in our lives, living according to His teachings. When people see us, they should see Jesus. Relying entirely on our strength to do good and be good witness is an impossible task and we can only fall short of God’s standards. Following Jesus’ example, however, with a desire to please Him with the Holy Spirit’s help makes us victorious. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
Additionally, I believe the camp has allowed us to experience deeper fellowship with one another. Thank God for this time together. We studied God’s Word, shared, rejoiced, and got to know each other’s preferences and habits better. No one is exactly like another. Neither is anyone perfect. But as long as we resolve to follow Christ, the Holy Spirit will help us to be more united and harmonious. Let’s continue building and strengthening these beautiful relationships and reflect a more glorious ministry.
Reflecting on the 4-day and 3-night camp, how gracious the Lord has been to us! Despite many unexpected situations before the camp, all who registered for the camp eventually attend. During the camp, God kept everyone healthy and joyful, and provided spiritual nourishment and physical rest. It was also a rare opportunity to look back and give thanks for the church’s 15-year journey. Seeing God’s invisible hand guiding us, we can only remain faithful to Him, by living out a more glorious ministry.
translated by Davina Seet