Priscilla Ahin

They are spiritually destructive because they include idol worshipping, human sacrifices and sexual activities. In the 21st Century, Christians have to struggle with cultural, social and other involvement with other religious sects. Besides these areas, some Christians are also making excuses to do and take on more 'Church' work in the cost of neglecting their family members. Even in this present time, idol worshipping is still a very strong influence on members - especially status, money and prestige. Sad to say too, in our present age, there seem to more and more lesbian/homosexual relationships happening ... so much so that they feel that they have the right to 'marry'. The dignity of the human person is also exploited. When one is caught up with what has been mentioned above, compromise set in and with time these would dilute the vital Christian values.

Loosening of sexual standards can be destructive because sexuality and sexual acts are sacred. God has given us our sexuality which we ought to be proud of and to protect it in every way possible. Sexual acts are acts of love for one another and not for mere pleasure or leisure. It is sad but here in our tiny island, we are exposed to lots of mass media especially advertisement where both man and woman are used. Sexual acts among the teenagers and young adult too are rampant, so much so that Christian doctors and nurses are struggling to uphold and stand for their beliefs (especially those working in government hospitals) against the legalisation of abortion. There are a group of pro-lifers who offers talks to schools and institution to promote healthy sexual relationships and the dangers of allowing themselves to give in to impulsive actions. There are doctors and nurses who do stand for their beliefs and some abortions have been prevented.

A local congregation can lose its "first love" for Jesus through many ways. Some of the ways are: they get stuck with self-love - doing things for personal gains; priorities become mixed up e.g. working for more money comes before family and self-care; the attractions of materialistic goods... Signs of genuine love for Jesus are those who can forgive, have the courage to be the first to ask for it; who prays and listens attentively to the gentle voice of God; who have compassionate and generous hearts; who are able to see beyond the externals and are non-critical and non-judgemental. The lack of love shows up when there is disharmony and discord among members. When members begin to compete and compare themselves with one another, or vying for leadership places or consistantly disagreeing with the Pastor. Or when members begin to gossip about one another. A Congregation can regain this love by acknowledging that they have sinned, repent and be sincerely sorry for what they had done and to take steps to reconcile with God and with one another.

The significance of the exalted Jesus walking among the lampstands is a powerful image for us that Jesus is still walking among us and is with us. That the Church - all the Christians - have Christ as the head and we are His members/witnesses. He is always there to encourage and support the Church. That the Church is being closely protected by Christ. How marvellous and great! We need not be afraid to approach Jesus for our needs. Jesus is present - yesterday, today and for ever!

The vision of Christ among the lampstands evoked in me a sense of awe and wonderment. The Carpenter-Teacher image I have become familiar with that He has become a Friend - one who I can share everything with. However, when I reflected on the vision of Christ among the lampstands, it reminds me who Jesus really is ... GOD, the Almighty, the Creator, the Ever-living Presence... in other words, His Divinity. This understanding of Jesus, the son of Man - being truly human in all aspects and this vision of Jesus among the lampstands - His Divinity is very important for me for a balanced faith. It is also a challenge for me to remain focus on God Alone and all I do is for and in His Glory.

Recently, I read in our newsletter about Christians in Bangladesh being persecuted horrendously. And not only are the Christians being persecuted there but also Hindus and Buddhists. Persecution are also reported in Pakistan besides the world-wide known countries like Rwanda, Bosnia, East Timor. In some areas, Christians are persecuted subtly. Yes, there are some kind of persecution happening daily. The Book of Revelation calls me to stand strong in my faith, and that Christ, our Risen Victorious King, will be always there to support and encourage me.

vs 1:8 - It is great news for me! It tells us that God is ever-living ... there is no end. He is both the beginning and the end. He is ever present and He is almighty! For me, He is Someone who I can turn to at any time ... at any place. There is no difference between the two speakers. Jesus and God are one, without any distinction. Jesus is truly God taking on our humanity and was truly man, when He walked on earth. I feel greatly supported and encouraged that since Jesus has taken on our humanness, He truly understands all our emotions and pain... in fact ... He went through excruciating pains ... and died. Yet now, by the power of God, He is alive and still continues to be with us. Priscilla

I feel that testimony and witness is so important in the present times. Coming from a multi-religious, multi-cultural society, I see the need to do so. Though we are living in harmony, and persecution is not present, there are the worldly goods, prestige, money, that can side-track one away from the Gospel values. I believe that Jesus IS God and since He became man, suffered and died, and now lives again Jesus is the "faithful witness". By His examples, His teachings through reading and reflecting on His Word, am I being encouraged and supported to continue to strife to be His faithful witness. I am one of those who is also being controlled by what others think ... and many times, I too, failed to be a clear witness. However, since I joined the convent and wear a religious habit, this has become a challenge and reminder for me to stand by what I value... yet I am still struggling for when the time comes for me to make a stand, fear creeps in and I am frozen!! I pray with this course, I may be strengthened and be courageous enough to make the stand. Priscilla

Shalom! My name is Priscilla Ahin, from Singapore. I am a Catholic and also a Canossian Daughter of Charity. I am a Straits-born Chinese, adopted into a Eurasian family, from whom I received my faith. We were just regular Sunday Catholics, and when I joined the Convent, I found it difficult to relate my life with the Word of God, though I am very familiar with the stories in the Bible, which I enjoy tremendously. So here I am, to discover more through this course. God bless! Priscilla