Why We Do
Why we do what we do
A. Singing: Our singing is acapella meaning without musical instruments.
Do you know that “acapella” mean “in the style of the church”? Historically and biblically musical instruments were not used in the early apostolic church.
Ro 15:9 - “sing to Your name”
1 Co 14:15 - “I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding”
Eph 5:19 - “singing and making melody in your heart”
Co 3:16 - “singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”
He 2:12 - “I will sing praise to You”
Ja 5:13 - “Let him sing psalms”
B. Edification: Perfecting of the saints
The purpose is to glorify God, spur one another unto good works and perfecting each other to the full knowledge of Jesus (Eph.4:12-13; Heb.10:24)
In Bishan, two or three Christian brothers of the church share during the edification session.
1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? WHEN ye come together, EVERY ONE OF YOU hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let ALL things be done unto edifying.
When we come together, the men should be ready “every one of you hath a psalm etc…” We urge our men to come prepared to contribute not merely depend on one dedicated preacher.
We share, not because we are scheduled or delegated, but moved by the love of Christ and a desire to feed the flock. We wish to strengthen the flock before we go forth into the world to face a new week.
Some men may share songs or a reading or a short lesson. The sharing is a “free will” offering.
C. Breaking of bread
1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
The “’breaking of bread’’ or Lord’s supper is a memorial feast of Jesus and proclaiming His return again.
Unity is a key message in the scriptures.
1 Corinthians 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
Jesus prayed for unity. Symbols and words remind us of unity e.g. One body, one Lord, One baptism
Ephesians 4:4-7 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Luke 22:17-20 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Jesus gave thanks for the whole cup and the loaf respectively before distributing. The one cup and one loaf remind us that although we are individually distinct we are united as a family by our one source from above.
The feast is an important moment for Christians to reflect on its great significance without the rush of the world we came from. Non-baptized visitors are not to eat this memorial feast.
D. Chain Prayer
Isaiah 56:7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
From convenience point of view, one person can pray for all. From relationship point of view, it matters whether we Christian men are the one speaking to the Father as head of our respective households. God’s house is a house of prayers, so we encourage our men to lead prayers on behalf of the church and visitors.
The men take turns to pray and it is voluntary. You may notice that some men may choose not to and the praying is led by the next man as we go round in a circle.
After the prayer of the church, the contribution bag is passed around.
E. Giving is freewill, not out of necessity or compulsion (2Cor.9:7) and it is only for members. The New Testament does not teach tithing. Visitors are not obliged to contribute. We thank you if you wish to contribute.