A Nation Blessed To Be A Blessing / Remembering God's Blessings To RiverLife

Pastor John reminded Riverlifers that salvation is not just for individuals but for the nations. God’s heart is for the nations to be saved; He sees every ethnic group as a unique part of His family that must return to Him, through us, the saved ones. Per Rev 7:9, the goal of history is the in-gathering of the nations. This is the end goal in which we have a vital role to play.

Just as Israel was called and covenanted by God to reveal God to the rest of the world, Pastor John recounted how Singapore has been blessed both materially and spiritually to rise, against all odds, to become a model  nation for the world today. He reminded the congregation that the responsibility of being blessed is to be good stewards and use our wealth and blessings so that large numbers of people around us can be reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ and be saved. That is what it means to be a blessing.

Pastor John urged Riverlifers as they celebrate Singapore’s Jubilee, not to forget how blessed we are and our mission to further Kingdom causes.

Pastor Lionel Goh shared five blessings that RLC enjoyed over the last 24 years:

- Significant growth of membership; from 123 (~200 including children) to 3,000 enabled by the wave of charismatic renewal and strong leadership from 1999 to 2004

- Strong presence of God at every RLC meeting; most apparent to visitors

- Strong spiritual growth of Riverlifers and increasing number of people displaying spiritual gifts

- Young Riverlifers (1,000 in the 12 – 40 age group) fervent for God

- God’s awesome work in the mission field through RLC

He then challenged Riverlifers not to hoard our God-given blessings and choose to be a blessing by:

- encouraging one another to grow in God and serving faithfully

- building a loving intergenerational family in RLC

- reaching out to the community and social causes around us

- being involved in missions

 

Discussion Questions

1) Reminisce about your journey against the backdrop of Singapore’s history and share a memory of your ‘old days’ and how things have changed over the years. [10 min]

Leader’s Notes: This is an open sharing for cell members to share a piece of their personal reflection during the SG50 National Day festivities. 

 

2) What does it mean for Singapore to be the ‘Antioch of Asia’?  [10 min]

Leader’s Notes: Allow members to describe what the biblical Antioch mean to them and allow members to compare the differences between the old and ‘new’ Antioch. Leader may share more about the early church In Antioch and its significant role. 

 

3) Reflect on the four ways to be a blessing as shared by Pastor Lionel Goh. Which of these touches you and what is one step you will take to become a blessing to those around? [10 min]

Leader’s Notes: Recap on the four ways from the sermon notes and encourage cell members to choose one action step they can take to be a blessing.

 

4) As Singapore celebrates SG50, what is one thing you are thankful for?  [10 min]

Leader’s Notes: Encourage members to consider how Singapore has blessed their lives, their families, the social norms, the economy etc.. End the session with each member saying a prayer of thanksgiving.