Topic for Next Corporate Meeting: Predestination vs Free will

Perhaps you heard about the group of theologians who were discussing the doctrines of predestination and free will. When the argument became heated, the dissidents split into two groups. One man, unable to make up his mind which group to join, slipped into the predestination crowd. Challenged as to why he was there, he replied, "I came here of my own free will." 

The group retorted, "Free will! You don't belong here!" So he retreated to the opposing group and when asked why he switched responded, "I was sent here."

"Get out," they stormed. "You can't join us unless you come of your own free will!" The confused man was left out in the cold.

Perhaps you, yourself, have probably participated in a discussion about predestination versus free will and concluded that the matter was either too complex or else irrelevant. Since there are Christians on both sides of the issues, you may be tempted to conclude that the controversy is really not that important.

Well then Mr Martin Luther has a word for you. He said that those people who are not interested in this issue "shall know nothing whatever of Christian matters and shall be far behind all the people of the earth. He that does not feel this, let him confess that he is no Christian." Wow, those aren't just words. Those are strong words.

Or maybe you do know all about predestination and free will. Perhaps you've heard about John Calvin's famous five points of Calvinism, T.U.L.I.P., and that the reason only some of the race of sinful men came to faith must be attributed to the eternal council of God. Or you possibly chanced upon John Wesley's Arminian quote on predestination calling it a doctrine "full of blasphemy", that predestination represents God to be "a hypocrite, a deceiver of the people, a man void of common sincerity". Perhaps you already have taken a side and wonder why on earth would anyone be on the opposite side. 

My point here is this. Even if you know, or don't know, or know nothing about predestination and free will, I urge you to join us, SIM-Students' Christian Fellowship, on the 2nd of November, as we listen to our guest speaker Mr Winston Tay from Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church regarding this controversial topic. 

Don't be left in the cold. 

Ephesians BS 1

Hello dear CF-ers!

On Wednesday September 7th 2011, we began our 4-month long journey on the book of Ephesians. We extend our warm welcome to the freshmen who joined us. We also welcome back our seniors who have certainly make good use of the holiday given to them. Everyone came together to study the Word of God after a long hiatus, facilitated by the wonderful cell-group leaders of each of the 4 CGs. Kudos to everyone who attended the first bible-study! It was an open, fruitful discussion about the Word, as well as about ourselves. We are blessed by the fact that God predestined us to be His children through the work done on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ, lifted us to be heirs to His glorious inheritance and guaranteed it through the mark of the Holy Spirit. Such grace is accorded to us, who were utter sinners with no hope of salvation. We have to worship Him for His unending love for us and be in awe of His mighty power and authority. We thank God for being among us and led us through that wonderful time of sharing and discussion. I also thank Him for bringing in people from different backgrounds so we can understanding the true meaning of "one body in Christ".

Exactly one week prior, Jeremiah conducted an excellent overview on the book, which provided us with the correct contextual framework to have a deeper understanding about this Pauline epistle. We must bear in mind that Paul lived in a different era from us. We need put the social, political and cultural context of that era into perspective before we begin our journey. Despite that, God's message for all of us transcends the boundary of time. The God of Paul's era is the same as the God of our current era. The question now is how are we going to live out this message. Throughout this series of 10 bible studies, there will be many thought-provoking questions on how are we going to apply the concepts, ideas and message of the book of Ephesians into our daily lives. There must be a rock-solid biblical foundation to everything that we do; otherwise, we will be no different from the other non-believers. Knowledge of the Word is never enough; we need to live out the Word. The questions are geared to encourage self-reflection and exchange of ideas on how to live a life that glorify His name. Everyone, Christians and non-christians alike, watches our life constantly to look out for signs of God's work in us.

Having known about our spiritual blessings in BS 1, we need to bring these blessings to the people around us. Christianity is never just about knowledge. It is also about action. Jesus' life is one of constant movement and activity. You can find him teaching about the Word one day, then healing the sick and casting out demons on another. He traveled throughout Galilee and Jerusalem in His 3 years of ministry. He even sacrificed sleep to pray to our Heavenly Father throughout the night. He was doing just that on the night of His arrest. Keeping in mind of our theme of the year "Living Christ Inside Out", action and activity is a very important aspect of our programme for this annual year. We provide you with the chance to bring your friends along to join our activity so they may get to know about us and the Saviour that we believe in. This is the chance to live out the Word of God. EPL (Eat.Pray.Live) is right round the corner. Have you invited your friends to join us in a time of interaction and sharing of God's love through sports? You should know what to do... :)

WELCOME TEA 2011

Greetings fellow comrades! :D

The battle is coming, are you ready? Sign up for SIMSCF Welcome Tea today for an awesome night of fun and games! There are prizes to be won! Attire required is SURVIVAL themed clothes. All current SIM students please bring 5 dollars for your field pack and rations. Graduates please bring 8 bucks (:

Come find out more what we do at SIM-SCF! :)

Address: 23 Hillview Avenue, Glendale Park, Function Room
Buses: 970, 963, 176, 67, 75, 170, 171, 178, 184, 961

DIRECTIONS
1. From Choa Chu Kang MRT
Take 67, stop at Rail Mall. It's a 5-10 minute walk (:
2. From SIM
Take 75 or 184, stop AFTER Rail Mall. It's a 5 minute walk.

Glendale Park is a yellow/brown condo, located directly behind Standard Chartered bank.

If you still have no idea where to go, there will be ushers at the bus-stops who will show you the way at designated bus-stops (Rail Mall stop and Standard Chartered Bank stop) and at the side-gate from 6p.m to 7p.m. If you arrive later than 7, please call Cassandra at 91810061 :)


Check out our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=163076890434548&ref=ts


For more details, contact either
Yong Lin - 9691 5750
Joalin - 9382 7320

REGISTER HERE NOW! :)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGItRXpHVDVNejFIQ0ozSFBSQ29nTGc6MA

SIM-SCF FOC 2011

Camp Theme: Directions?

Camp Theme Verse: "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" Proverbs 16:9

Date: 12th Aug - 14th Aug
Location: Sembawang BB/GB Camp Site
Fee: $35 (inclusive of all meals & camp shirt)

This year's FOC seeks to bring meaning to living a life according to God's plans and directions for our lives and our time in university. This camp is opened to all freshmen and seniors in SIM. So come join us for a great time of spiritual renewal, fellowship and bonding!

Limited places only, sign up today!

How to sign up?

1) Online Registration  Click here!
2) Freshmen, Seniors: Sign up at our booth on your Freshmen Orientation Day (1Aug & 2Aug) or contact Joalin (93827320, joalinkuan.ly@gmail.com)

3) CF-ers: Sign up with Joalin or your cell group leader

For more information, you can also visit our FACEBOOK PAGE and "like" our page so you can receive any updates.