Romans

It may sound unbelievable but I feel sad this is my last module before I graduate this year.  I know I could expect a time of great fellowship, catching up and making new friends aside from learning more about God in Romans class but somehow, that didn’t comfort me…I’m feeling a little melancholy as I type this…

Nevertheless, as usual, here are the takeovers I am bringing with me from Romans class 2013 -

The Learning

a.       Faith – Faith definitely has a part in ensuring my salvation.  It is on me to continue in faith in my Christian walk but my faith cannot save me.  It is actually my faith in God’s faith that saves me.  It is God’s faith which I had responded to and appropriate in my life.

b.      Love – is my love for God big enough to keep holding on to Him and not walk away in the face of problems, discouragement and persecution or is it God’s love that sustains me instead?  I find it difficult to keep the habit of journaling but Wendy’s suggestion to drop ‘blessing notes’ into a jar sounds very appealing.  I am going to buy a pretty candy jar and coloured papers which I will use to jot down the times of trials and blessings and the many times God delivered me – not just to encourage me for fresh seasons of difficult times but as a constant reminder of how GREAT God’s love is.  And I want always to be ready to share with others how He has always stood by me and send angels to care for me and encourage me.

c.       Lifestyle – Christianity is not a religion. It is a lifestyle.  What does my life speak of and does it reflect Christ in my life?  Famous quote now by Bro Casey ‘We can say many things but what does my life say?’  What does my life tell others about Jesus?  I will have to constantly remind myself that Jesus’ reputation is in my hands and how others see me will perceive who my God is.  I may be the only Christ these people will ever get to see.  While I preach God’s love, does this love really dwell in me and does it bring people closer to God or further away?  So, ‘who is the Jesus others see in me today’ is the question I will ask myself at the end of each day.  

  

d.      Structural Diagramming

I must admit this is not my first attempt at Structural Diagramming.  In fact, I have sat through 2 lessons by Sis Davina and one by Bro Casey yet, with each lesson, I learn more about the complexities of English grammar and sentence structures.  I always marvel at the clarity of the message once the structure has been set out and this time is no exception.  Each time I am greatly motivated to do Structural Diagramming on my own but regretfully, I have not managed any.  So right now I am telling myself I MUST! I MUST put this ‘skill’ into practise. So if anyone asks if I have picked up any practical skill from Bible college, I will be able to say ‘Structural Diagramming’!  HAHA!

The Openness

Many fight shy of sharing very personal and painful experiences with others, not to mention in a class when you are the lecturer.  This is the second time I hear Bro Casey’s sad story.  The first time was at BI module and for a completely different context.  That was a class of ‘newbies’ I believe, not people Bro Casey knew or had known for long but still, he opened up and shared this very personal life experience with us.  It can remain a sad story but he chose to use this testimony to assure us of God’s love and His faithfulness and to celebrate God’s goodness.  Thank you once again, Bro Casey.  Your story truly is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and His control over everything.  I am touched and encouraged by your ministering words.  

The People

Great team members and camaraderie that is spontaneous and genuine.  Everything fell nicely into place – the ideas and suggestions, the work that needed to be done.  For instance, during classroom discussions, Cecilia automatically took on the role of scribe being the only one without a notebook or data plan.  As our fingers flew across the keyboards, she put pen to paper.  All willingly made efforts to come for discussions, be it earlier before lessons commence or beyond class days.  There was this sense of accountability and responsibility towards self, each other and as a group which made working together such a joy!  Funny and warm and enthusiastic and love all throw in. What more can one ask for of a group collaboration?  Kudos to Group ONE!

The classmates! How not to blog about them?  Largely, many are familiar faces but friendships with some have been forged even stronger.  We found out who loves playing pool, who is the only child in the family and of course, who are still very available! We prayed about eyes, travel schedules and a door, yes! This is the beauty of being in a community of love.  Let love abound everywhere God places us.  Remember Romans, and remember Romans 12:9-13, remember the said scriptures and remember that true and sincere love is seen in and through actions.  Kudos to Class of Romans 2013!

Bro Casey and Sis Davina, once again, thank you for your love and life examples.   You come not only as lecturers but also as friends.  You not only teach to enrich our minds and ensure we get straight ‘As’ (Hear! Hear!), you teach to touch our hearts and souls as well.  I enjoy the sessions especially where we have to be simple and clear in our explanation of the Scriptures so they can be easily understood by pre-believers.  It was fun guessing what you were looking out for!  Love you both!

The Reflection

The reflection papers speak to me greatly.  This time, the Spiritual Exercises were not merely assignments but questions that made me do a self-check on the basis and commitment of my faith.  Question 4 in the second Spiritual Exercise especially made me look and relook at my Christian walk.  Let me paraphrase my answer – ‘I understand the ‘commitment of faith’ as going beyond my saying ‘yes’ to God’s gospel-invitation.  Since we are called to make disciples of all nations, I am therefore a disciple of Christ.  And Jesus’ disciple not just one who spreads His teachings but is first and foremost, one who embraces His teachings in his/ her life.’  This is a challenge for me to examine my life if I am indeed a doer and not only a hearer or a reader of His Word.

Time flies and there is only more class to close of Romans Class 2013.  See you all tomorrow and thank you for a wonderful learning experience.  God bless you all!