John Calvin on the church and the poor in Institutes, Book IV

Just as I was pondering the relationship between social concern and the church, I came across the following passages in my reading of John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion (translated by Ford Lewis Battles, PA: Westminster Press. 1960):

Book IV, Chapter 4, Section 7 Fourfold division of revenues
...Gregory speaks even more clearly: “It is the custom of the apostolic see to command the bishop, once ordained, to divide into four portions all the revenue that comes in: that is, one for the bishop and his household, for hospitality and maintenance; another for the clergy; a third for the poor; and a fourth for the repair of churches.” Therefore, the bishop was not allowed to take anything for his own use, except what was sufficient for moderate and frugal food and clothing…

[Note: Clergy here refers to all other employed staff in the church.]

Section 8 Church treasure distributed to the poor
… Acacius, bishop of Amida, when a great multitude of Persians was well-nigh dying from famine, calling together his clergy, delivered this famous speech: “Our God needs neither plates nor cups, for he neither eats nor drinks.” Then he melted the vessels to obtain both food and the price of ransom for the pitiable folk… Ambrose states about himself, for when the Arians reproached him for having broken the sacred vessels to ransom prisoners, he used this wonderful excuse: “He who sent out the apostles without gold also gathered churches without gold. The church has gold not to keep but to pay out, and to relieve distress. What need to keep what helps not? Or are we ignorant of how much gold and silver the Assyrians carted off from the Temple of the Lord [2 Kings 18:15-16]? Would it not be better for the priest to melt it to sustain the poor, if other aid is lacking, than for a sacrilegious enemy to bear it away? Will not the Lord say, ‘Why have you allowed so many needy to die of hunger? Surely you had gold with which to minister sustenance. Why were so many prisoners carried off and not ransomed? Why were so many killed by the enemy? It were better for you to preserve vessels of living men than of metals.’ To these you cannot give reply, for what would you say? ‘I was afraid lest the temple of God lack ornament.’ He would reply: ‘The sacraments do not require gold, nor do those things please with gold that are not bought with gold. The ornament of the sacraments is the ransom of prisoners.’” To sum up, what the same man said in another place we see to be very true: “Whatever, then, the church had was for the support of the needy.” Likewise: “The bishop had nothing that did not belong to the poor."

[Note: Ambrose was bishop of Milan, the capital city of Western Roman Empire, from 374-397 C.E.]

Calvin points out two kinds of deacons, "one to serve the church in administering the affairs of the poor; the other, in caring for the poor themselves" (Calvin, Institutes, 4.3.9, p. 1061).

Calvin reiterates "the care of the poor and the distribution of alms were committed to the deacons" (Calvin, Institutes, 4.4.1, p. 1069).

It looks like the early church and at least the Geneva church during Calvin's time were concerned about the less privileged and there were structures to ensure the church does not neglect the poor. This made me ponder why spirituality in most churches today is concerned only about spiritual growth and evangelism, and even if there were call for additional pledges, these were earmarked for church expansion project or overseas missionary trips. How about additional pledges for the poor in the church and in the society?

Prayer updates 28 Apr'11

I am now into my 2nd week of 3rd chemo cycle. God has continued to sustain my health in the last one week. I did not vomit, neither did I suffer any physical pain (due to back or chemo side effect). Sometimes, I forgot that I am a cancer patient if not for my daily chemo, my limited stamina and the large scar across my abdomen. I think my Ambrotose health supplement by Mannatech has helped to boost my immune system and improve my digestive system. My past prayer to partake in the church ministry has slowly been answered. I will be teaching youth Sunday school on 8 May, leading fellow brothers and sisters from PRC in a Bible study on 13 May, facilitating a topical study for my church's elders, deacons and pastoral staff on 31 May. I was also asked to consider a longer commitment by teaching systematic theology at Jubilee School of Missions (禧福宣教学院) in Chinese language once a week for ten weeks starting from 27 Jun. The school focuses on equipping laity, missionaries, and pastoral staff for grassroots ministry. I am really excited at the avenues God has opened up for me, my only concern is the stability of my health.

At the same time, I am also excited to be living in such a time in Singapore, where election is round the corner and the opposition parties have come up strongly against the ruling party. I finally have the chance to vote again. Yes! The Worker's Party has formed a formidable team at Aljunied, and Singapore People's Party has a credible team at Bishan-Toa Payoh. I believe it is good for the opposition parties to form proficient teams to challenge the status quo. Ever since I came back from Boston last August (I was away for almost three years), I have become conscious of the much higher cost of living, and the tighter squeeze on the lower and middle income group. The percentage of those living in private housing (condos and landed properties) has jumped from 11.3% to 16.9% between 2000 and 2010 (refer to Department of Statistics Singapore to compare type of dwelling in 2000 and 2010). If not for the recent cooling measure on the property market, those who hold property will hoard more properties while those who do not hold any property face more challenge in owning the first one. Though S'pore has recovered fast from the world recession, part of the GDP's growth comes from the integrated resorts. I have been hearing stories about social problems related to the casinos and have seen increased loan sharks' activities.

As my theological school (i.e. Boston University School of Theology) is known as the school of the prophets, I have become more sensitive to social issues after being trained there for three years. I am not sure whether religion has become so private that we can only talk about spiritual growth and evangelism in church, as if social concern is not spiritual at all. I know the importance of segregating religion and politics, and S'pore is an official secularized country; at the same time, our God is also concerned about the less privileged. I am not a Marxist, a capitalist or an aspiring politician. I am a Singapore Christian, and I seek to live my faith in context of the wider society. I wish there are more concerns for the less privileged in church, and more things could be done to narrow the widening gap between the needy and the rich. In fact, I think the spirit of Christ does encourage us to invite the less privileged to the fellowship table, and to care for the needy in church and society.

I invite you to join me in prayer for:
1. My health to continue stabilizing. I do wish my cancerous cells are shrinking, and God does give me more years to serve in ministry;

2. If my health continues to stabilize in the coming one week, I will be researching and compiling resources for my systematic theology class. Please pray that I will have sufficient Chinese language resources, and God does give me sufficient energy and time to prepare for the class;

3. The electoral campaigns to expose Singaporeans to fair and sound arguments for a better society together whether from the opposition parties or the ruling party, and the elected party to be committed to the promises made to the residents;

4. More energies and resources to be dedicated to the less privileged in the church and society, rather than to church expansion project. It would be wonderful if different denominations could unite in an effort to organize financial literacy class or job fair for the less privileged. May the less privileged see the Christ in us.

反思华人长老会的崇拜会秩序

老会的崇拜内容通常会包括：1）奉上帝的名聚集，2）宣讲上帝的话，3）向上帝献上感谢，及 4）奉上帝的名差遣。这是一般华人长老会的主日崇拜会秩序：

1. 序乐 (Prelude)
2. 默祷 (Prayer to prepare for worship)
3. 宣召 (Call to worship)
4. 唱诗 (Worship songs/hymns)
5. 祈祷 (Prayer for the congregation)
6. 启应 (Encouragement from Scripture)
7. 唱诗 (Hymn)
8. 读经 (Scripture reading)
9. 证道 (Sermon)
10. 回应诗 (Response hymn)
11. 奉献 (Offering)
12. 报告 (Announcements)
13. 唱诗 (Hymn)
14. 差遣与祝福 (Charge and Benediction)
15. 阿门 (Amen)
16. 殿乐 (Postlude)
17. 茶叙 (Fellowship)

当牧者要系统的归纳崇拜会秩序的时候，通常会把崇拜会纳为四部：恭候上帝的话，恭受上帝的话，恭答上帝的话，及恭行上帝的话。这或许能帮助敬拜者集中注意力，更好的投入敬拜。以下是一间长老会的崇拜会秩序：

恭候上帝的话 (Awaiting Word of God)
1. 序乐 (Prelude)
2. 默祷 (Prayer to prepare for worship)
3. 宣召 (Call to worship)
4. 唱诗 (Worship songs/hymns)
5. 祈祷 (Prayer for the congregation)

恭受上帝的话 (Receiving Word of God)
6. 启应 (Encouragement from Scripture)
7. 唱诗 (Hymn)
8. 读经 (Scripture reading)
9. 证道 (Sermon)
10. 回应诗 (Response hymn)

恭答上帝的话 (Responding to Word of God)
11. 奉献 (Offering)
12. 报告 (Announcements)
13. 唱诗 (Hymn)
14. 差遣与祝福 (Charge and Benediction)
15. 阿门 (Amen)
16. 殿乐 (Postlude)
17. 茶叙 (Fellowship)

恭行上帝的话  (Living out the Word of God)

这样的归纳很好，但有些部分不理想。通常<序乐>的时候不就是在聚集信徒吗？我认为<序乐>不该归纳为“恭候上帝的话”。还有<回应诗>不就是在回应上帝的话吗？归纳在 《恭答上帝的话》会不会更适合？若我是透过回应诗与奉献恭答上帝的话，那之后的<报告>纳在《恭行上帝的话》对我来说比较逻辑。因为会务报告是在通知崇拜者如何透过肢体生活在教会里恭行上帝的话。牧师的<差遣与祝福>是在差遣与祝福我们回到工作岗位上，家庭里，与日常生活里去执行上帝的话。随后的茶叙也该纳在《恭行上帝的话》。所以我提议一下的归纳模式（包括圣餐）做参考：

聚集 (Gathering)
1. 序乐 (Prelude)
2. 默祷 (Prayer to prepare for worship)

恭候上帝的话 (Awaiting Word of God)
3. 宣召 (Call to worship)
4. 唱诗 (Worship songs/hymns)
5. 祈祷 (Prayer for congregation)

恭受上帝的话 (Receiving Word of God)
6. 启应 (Encouragement from Scripture)
7. 唱诗 (Hymn)
8. 读经 (Scripture reading)
9. 证道 (Sermon)

恭答上帝的话 (Responding to Word of God)
10. 回应诗 (Response hymn)
11. 奉献 (Offering)

恭与上帝契合 (Communion with God)
12. 邀请 (Invitation)
13. 祷告 (The Prayer of thanksgiving)
14. 宣告 (The Words of Institution)
15. 圣餐 (The Communion of the People)
16. 祷告 (Closing prayer)

恭行上帝的话  (Living out the Word of God)
17. 报告 (Announcements)
18. 唱诗 (Hymn)
19. 差遣与祝福 (Charge and Benediction)
20. 阿门 (Amen)
21. 殿乐 (Postlude)
22. 茶叙 (Fellowship)

我认为<序乐>与<默祷>应该另外归纳。默祷之后，领诗或主席宣召我们一起来敬拜，正式恭候上帝的话。

若有圣餐主日，圣餐不应属《恭受上帝的话》也不属《恭答上帝的话》。根据威斯敏斯德信条的阐述，“圣礼是恩典之约的圣洁标记和印证（罗4:11;创17:7，10），由上帝亲自设立（太28:19；林前11:23），代表基督及其恩惠，并证实我们与祂有分（林前10:16；11:25－26；加3:27）”；“在每一圣礼中，在标记和其所表征者之间，都有一种属灵的关系，或圣礼上的联合” (http://www.crca.com.cn/show.aspx?id=925&cid=78)。

我请教过陈业玉牧师 (Rev. May Tan) 的意见，她认为圣餐应该另外归纳。我另外提议圣餐礼仪在秩序单上划分为：邀请，祷告，宣告，圣餐，及祷告。这样能帮助信徒们认识圣餐是个圣礼，预备领圣餐原来也有分步骤。以上，是我经过反思的提议。若我的提议经过种种考量后不被接纳也没关系，至少我的提议已助于读者也去思考敬拜的秩序。

Disappointment with 5 Apr CT scan

My CT scan done on 5 Apr'11 shows that my tumours did not shrink, neither did they spread further; except for both my hip bones, to be more precise, my report says "New bony metastasis involving the left ischial tuberosity and the right inferior pubic ramus." Currently, my liver, peritoneal cavity, left kidney, and hip bones show signs of metastasis. I was also informed that Sutent (i.e. my chemo drug) has brought my condition under control. Strangely, though the tumours on my liver did not shrink, my liver function is almost back to normal according to the blood test. My previously low haemoglobin level is now back to normal. Thank God.

Frankly speaking, I was disappointed when I knew my CT result. I was hoping the tumours would shrink since I have regained some physical strength. Now, I really do not know what God has in store for me. Since the onset of my illness, I have been undergoing some emotional strain. This strain is being shared by my family members as well. I know that " … we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet, without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb 4:15-16). I draw comfort knowing God is able to sympathize with my illness and trials, and I can ask boldly from Him. But how will I emerge from this illness? Will I experience recovery in this life or only during the resurrection?

The following quotation from Minnie Louise Haskins best describes my prayer at the moment:
And I said to a man who stood at the gate of the year: 'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.' And he replied: 'Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than a light, and safer than a known way.'

End of 2nd chemotherapy cycle

I completed my 2nd cycle of daily oral chemotherapy yesterday. I was given Sutent, 37.5 mg for six consecutive weeks as I did not suffer any side effect during my 1st cycle. A normal cycle consists of four weeks Sutent followed by two weeks break. However, during my 6th week of the 2nd cycle, I developed Hand-Foot syndrome. The blisters on my feet multiplied at the pressure points with each passing day, and my feet felt sore. Needless to say, every step I took was painful. Wearing house slippers, socks and applying moisturizers help to alleviate the pain. I read online how some of the caner patients coped with their pain and I felt comforted knowing that something can be done to cope with the syndrome. Coping with physical pain is one thing, seeing my loved ones in pain for me is a much deeper pain that cuts through my heart. Cancer is indeed a dreadful illness, particularly when it extends for months and years. Creating hope and garnering will in the journey of coping with this illness are important not just for the patient, but for his/her loved ones and friends.

I miss the days when I could take a leisure walk in a park near my place.

Taken from the pathway between Jurong Park and Japanese Garden

The shot above was taken during one of my walks somewhere during my 4th week of the 2nd cycle. Ever since I started my chemo cycle, I seemed to catalog events with reference to my chemo cycle. I know that during each cycle, the body might respond differently. It therefore seems wise for me to capture shots during my better days. Below is a shot of the clouds nearing sunset in my neighborhood, taken the following day after my walk in the park.

Fast approaching sunset in my neighborhood

Such scenery reminds me of God's good creation. I wish God would give me many more years to enjoy God's creation. I am now taking a one week break from my chemo cycle, in the hope that my blisters would heal.