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From the Synod Moderator
Rt Rev Dr Teoh Boo Cheow
Sep 2021

I once mentioned that the 47^th Synod Exco would assume office immediately after the election; however, many things have happened since then. COVID-19 has posed additional challenges to many of our works, but whatever condition we may be in, we must not falter. Concerning the sudden resignation of the General Secretary, several meetings were held before our reaching a resolution. Praise be to the Lord that Rev Lee Siew Boon, our Synod Vice Moderator, accepted the commission as the acting General Secretary. Rev Lee will be leading two Presbyteries' Executive Secretaries to set up an interim executive team, administering all Synod affairs, both big and small, internal and external. Let us pray for them.

We may feel thwarted recently by the events that happened, but God's saving hand is always with us, guiding us, helping us, and reassuring us that in all things we are more than conquerors through him (Romans 8:37). I also believe firmly in what Romans 8:28 says, "and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Inferring to the context before and after this verse, it is not hard for us to realise God's grand project. That we are whom He predestined, called, and glorified (Romans 8:29-30) is manifested particularly through 140 years of God's grace in Presbyterian Church in Singapore.

I by no means intended to talk about predestination here, but the verse, "for those God foreknew", mentioned in Romans 8:29, has a connotation of being "predestined". Again in Romans 8:30, the verse, "he also glorified", conforms not only to Calvinistic theological thoughts of "glorifying God forever", but also to the belief prescribed in Reform Theology, that is, Soli Deo gloria or Glory to God alone.

How shall we glorify God? One advice offered in Romans 8:29 is "to be conformed to the image of his son," following the manner, means and model of His son. We know from the Bible that the image of His son on earth is "humble" (Philippians 2:7, 3:21), "holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16), "obedient" (John 6:38), and etc. This is the ultimate and supreme purpose that God has on His people.

As our congregations, Presbyteries, and Synod continue to run the race of faith together, we shall note for sure that the only certainty in this world is unpredictability; however, we must also believe that we have been selected by God, to whom it is glory. As recounted in Romans 8:

    1. Help from the intercession of the Spirit (Romans 8:26-27)
When we do not know how to interpret and manage the circumstance, the Spirit who searches our hearts and knows our minds will intercede for us and help us in accordance with the will of God.

    2. Truth in all things working together for good (Romans 8: 28-32)
The phrase, "in all things", mentioned in Romans 8:28 refers to problems and difficult situations that Christians encountered. The occurrence of all those things is for our "good"; this is real and can be experienced by anyone.

    3. Encouragement from the love of Christ (Romans 8: 31-39)
Romans 8:35 says that nothing could separate us from the love of Christ, and His love is beyond our comprehension and knowledge.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess!