JUN 2015
1
2
Inside This
Issue 2015-6
Vice Principal’s Message
by Mr Steven Lee
Convocation Message:
To be Human by Rev Dr
Tan Soo-Inn
4
24th Convocation &
Thanksgiving Service
8
Alumni News by
Mr Tan Yong Zhong
Thaddaeus Aaron
CBS & CTS Programme
10
Upcoming Public
Lectures & Intensive
Courses
13
Upcoming Courses
for AY 2015-16,
Semester 1
17
Church History Tour
18
Library: New Books &
Book Sale!
Sermon on the Mount
Audio
20
2015 Calendar
Highlights
VICE-PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Mr Steven Lee
Steven is the Vice-Principal & Provost of BGST
Dear Friends,
Our annual Convocation and Thanksgiving service took place on the
23rd of May. It was heart warming to see the graduates step up to
receive their certificates after many months of hard work to equip
themselves for the work that God has put into their hearts. Our Principal
Philip Satterthwaite, is currently on a personal retreat and much deserved
home leave in Manchester, UK. I have been tasked to share a message
from the Principal's office and would like to touch on something I
encountered recently. Meeting with some friends recently, I was
reminded that our God is a God of missions. For all of us including our
new graduates, we need to focus upon God's heart to want to bring us
all back into communion and fellowship with Him. Throughout both Old
and New Testaments, we can see God's heart to bring people into His
presence. The ministry of Jesus Christ was to announce the coming of,
and lead us into, God's eternal Kingdom. At the very start of His ministry,
he recruited 4 disciples with the focus on making them fishers of men
(Matt 4:19). They were to stop fishing for fishes and start to fish for souls
to bring them into the saving knowledge of Christ. At the end of His
ministry on earth, Jesus gave us the mandate to go and make disciples
of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit (Matt 28:18-20). This instruction is reiterated in Acts
1:8, where the disciples are told that they will receive power when the
Holy Spirit comes upon them, and they are to be His witnesses in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. We
will not be alone in fulfilling this mission but have the promised Holy
Spirit dwelling in us to guide and help us along the way. It is my hope
that each of us grow together in Christ-likeness and take on this mandate
to bring the "Good News" to wherever God has placed us; within our
family, our neighbourhood and at our workplaces.
May the Good Lord bless you and be with you always.
REV DR TAN SOO-INN
TO BE HUMAN
INTRODUCTION
What does it mean to be human? This question
continues to haunt us in the fast changing
world of the 3rd millennium. This question
should concern Christians too. Christ has
saved us to be truly human not to be super
human. To have some understanding of what it
means to be human, we turn to Genesis
chapters 1 and 2, a picture of creation, and
humanity, before the fall. From the first two
chapters of Genesis, we find that there are at
least four elements in being human, four calls,
so to speak.
THE CALL TO MEANINGFUL WORK
We see humanity been called to manage
creation on God's behalf. If “to have dominion”
sounds harsh, the picture of the loving
gardener in Chapter 2 reminds us that as
stewards of God's creation, we care called to
protect it and to develop its potential. God
needs all sorts of people doing all sorts of
things to care for creation. There is therefore
no sacred-secular divide in our approach to
work. We take seriously the call to serve God in
the church and in the world. And BGST seeks
to equip God's people to do whatever God
has called them to do.
THE CALL TO COMMUNION WITH GOD
Humankind was created on the 6th day of
creation. They were tasked with important
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work. On the 7th day however, they could not
work. The seventh day was the day that God,
and creation, rested. It was the day that God
blessed. It was a day for humankind to enjoy
the blessings of their creator and to commune
with Him. Humankind was created for
important work but we are more important to
God than our work. He has created us for
communion with Him. Therefore no amount of
success at work can replace the hunger for the
divine found in every human heart.
THE CALL TO COMMUNITY
The first negative we encounter in the Bible is
in Genesis 2:18 where God reminds us that it is
not good for man to be alone. Note that this
comment was made before the fall. At that time
Adam had a perfect relationship with God.
Clearly that was not enough. Humankind was
created for two key relationship --- with God
and with humankind. Marriage is one of the
ways that this need for human community is
met. The other way is to have good friends.
Jesus was single but he had three close friends
--- Peter, James and John.
the purpose of life, a day to reconnect with
God and with others.
CONCLUSION
These then are four elements of being human
--- the call to meaningful work, the call to
communion with the Lord, the call to
community, and the call to live by a worksabbath rhythm. I don't think I need to
encourage you to do meaningful work. But I
exhort you not to neglect the other three
elements. Make sure you make time for
communion with your Abba Father, for family
and friends, and make sure you respect the
work-sabbath rhythm. I commend you then to
be faithful to the Lord, to be faithful to your
calling, and to be faithful to your humanity.
Rev Dr Tan Soo Inn
([email protected])
THE CALL TO LIVE BY A WORK-SABBATH
RHYTHM
The word “sabbath” does not appear until the
book of Exodus but the practice is found here
in the first two chapters of Genesis. God
created in 6 days and rested on the 7th. There
is a 6 plus 1 rhythm to life. We understand that
the Jewish Sabbath is the seventh day of the
week and the Christian Sunday is the first day
of the week. We will not go into the reasons for
the change today. We just want to point out
that God's rhythm is one that includes 6 days of
work and one day set apart to rest, a day to
remember who God is, who we are and what is
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24TH CONVOCATION &
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church
23 May 2015
The Recessional
Top Left (Graduates):
Victor, Tan Kim Hong David, Chen Fang Hao Jason, Yam Tim Wing, Lim Swee Hock Francis, Yeo Chong Nim, Yap
Chin Huat Jason, Tan Yong Kwang David, Frenky Jonathan Palit, Chiang Wen Wei, Chew Yu Hoong Brian, Cher
Weiling Joan, Tan Yong Zhong Thaddaeus Aaron
Bottom Left:
Siew Kim Siang (Council Member), Loh Mun Fei (Council Member), Ng Peng Hock (Council Member), Rev Dr
Daniel Chua (Senior Pastor of Mt. Carmel B-P Church), Chou Fang Soong (Council Chairman), Rev Andrew Ang
(Pastor of Geylang EFC), Rev Peter Lin (Pastor of Queenstown Baptist Church), Dr Quek Swee Hwa (Founding
Principal Emeritus & Council Member), Dr Philip Satterthwaite (Principal & Lecturer), Quek Tze-Ming (Lecturer), Dr
Lai Pak Wah (Lecturer), Dr Tan Seng Kong (Lecturer), Rev Dr Jerry Goh (Adjunct Lecturer), Rev Dr Tan Soo-Inn
(Council Member), Joyce Tan (Council Member)
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Class of 2015
CERTIFICATE IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
Mr Tan Yong Zhong Thaddaeus Aaron
GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN
CHRISTIAN STUDIES
Ms Cher Weiling Joan
Mr Chew Yu Hoong Brian (magna cum laude)
Mr Chiang Wen-Wei (magna cum laude)
Mr Frenky Jonathan Palit
Mr Tan Yong Kwang David (magna cum laude)
A/P Yap Chin Huat Jason
Mr Yeo Chong Nim
In Absentia
Mr Xie Wenguang John
Mr Ong Beng Hong
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Class of 2015
MASTER IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES
Mr Lim Swee Hock Francis (cum laude)
Dr Yam Tim Wing (cum laude)
MASTER OF DIVINITY
Mr Chen Fang Hao Jason
Dr Tan Kim Hong David (magna cum laude)
Mr Victor
In Absentia
Rev Dr Dev Christophe Menon (magna cum laude)
Congratulations!
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who
does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth”
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2 Timothy 2:15
Convocation & Thanksgiving Service
held in Prinsep Street Presbyterian
Church
Praise & Worship led
by Dr Lai Pak Wah
Convocation Message by
Rev Dr Tan Soo-Inn
Charge & Prayer to
the Graduates by Dr
Philip Satterthwaite
Welcome Address by
Mr Chou Fang Soong
Alumni Testimony by Ms
Seah Chiew Kwan
Presentation of Certificates by
Mr Chou Fang Soong, Dr Quek
Swee Hwa & Dr Tan Seng Kong
Response from the
Class of 2015 by Mr
Chiang Wen-Wei
Invocation by
Rev Peter Lin
Scripture Reading by
Rev Andrew Ang
Presentation of Certificates
by Mr Quek Tze-Ming
Offertory by Mr
Ng Peng Hock
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ALUMNI NEWS
By: Mr Tan Yong Zhong Thaddaeus Aaron
Mr Tan Yong Zhong Thaddaeus Aaron
CTS, 2015
My journey with BGST began in January 2013
just after I finished Junior College. I was at a
crossroad in life, awaiting National Service, a
little clueless about my future and apprehensive
about my impending enlistment. I was thirsty for
a deeper knowledge for God and the Word, and
was seeking for something deep and strong that
will give me direction in my preparation for NS.
With the guidance of my pastor and the
prompting of the Spirit, I found my first course
(CS101) online, lectured by Mr Chong Ser
Choon, and registered on the very afternoon of
the first lesson!
This flexibility is what makes BGST especially
unique. BGST believes in the equipping of the
whole church, for Christians to be ably equipped
and effective in ministry wherever God calls
them to be. This has powerfully impacted me
especially through my NS term – after my more
intensive military training courses, I managed to
take on more courses in increasing frequencies.
First, in history and theology, then more and
more and in other fields as well as my interest
and desire for greater learning about our God
grew. The flexibility that BGST offers even
allowed me to bring over some modules in my 3month overseas deployment last year as private
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study modules, allowing me to stay connected,
continuing my learning and growing with BGST.
Even within the flexibility BGST offers, BGST does
not compromise on the rigour of learning.
Through the various modules, my worldview on
Christianity and theology has progressively
shifted to a greater consideration of tradition
and I have learnt to systematically analyse
alternative paradigms that I would otherwise
have feared to venture into lest I compromise my
once rigid and narrow perspectives. Through the
Certificate in Theological and Biblical Studies,
the young and curious have the opportunity to
venture deeper into theological thought,
traditional roots, spiritual formation, and biblical
and hermeneutical understand of the Scripture,
all systematically and clearly packaged in a safe
and progressive environment. I have benefit so
greatly from BGST.
As I journey through another crossroad in life,
now waiting for university to begin its term, I
carry with me not only very applicable skills for
my academics, but a firm foundation and fervour
for God that will penetrate through any
discipline, any profession, and any path in life.
And, as I continue with BGST, I am confident and
encouraged that the valuable lessons that I have
learnt, and will continue to learn, will
positively influence my future and guide
me in my walk with God through
whatever plans and future He has in
store for me.
Finally, I thank God for placing BGST in
my life. BGST has been a great blessing
for me, and has provided for me a
strong community of faculty and
students with a passion for God. May we
all truly learn to be salt and light in our
world, thirsty to know God more and
hungry to learn more about Him,
together.
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C.S LEWIS: HIS LIFE,
TEACHINGS & LEGACY
by PROF BRUCE
HINDMARSH
When
PUBLIC
LECTURE
Free Admission
Monday,
15 June 2015
7:45 pm - 9:45 pm
Venue
Zion Bishan
Bible-Presbyterian Church
4 Bishan Street 13,
Singapore 579792
Rsvp
http://
cslewisandchristianlife
.eventbrite.sg
Scan QR Code to Register
Overview
C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) was one of the most
influential Christian authors of the twentieth
century. His apologetic writings, such as Mere
Christianity, The Problem of Pain and The
Screwtape Letters, have helped generations of
non-Christians come to faith. His novels, the
most famous being the Chronicles of Narnia,
and other writings have also provided
Christians with a profound and joyful vision of
the Christian life. Join us as Prof Hindmarsh
reviews Lewis's life and consider how his
teachings may still be relevant for Christians
living in a postmodern 21st century. Prof Bruce Hindmarsh is James
Houston Professor of Spiritual
Theology at Regent College,
Vancouver. A graduate from Oxford
University (DPhil), he has published
extensively and spoken
internationally on the history of early
British evangelicalism. In recent
years, he has also received numerous awards,
grants, and fellowships, including the Mayers
Research Fellowship at the Huntington Library and
the Henry Luce III Theological Fellowship. This is the first lecture of the intensive course, C.S Lewis & The Christian Life (CS221)
Class dates: June 16, 18 (7:15 pm - 10:15 pm) June 20 (9:30 am - 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm) Fee: S$225 (Credit), S$157.50 (Audit) To register for the course http://www.jotform.me/BGSTReg/Registration_Form
This public lecture is brought to you by Biblical Graduate School of Theology Address: Golden Wheel Industrial Building,
50 Kallang Pudding Road, #07-01, Singapore 349326 Tel number: 65-6227-6815 Email: [email protected]
UPCOMING COURSES
AY 2014-15 SEM 2
Spiritual Theology Elective
INTENSIVE COURSE/PUBLIC LECTURE
Jun
2015
Spiritual Theology Elective
INTENSIVE COURSE/PUBLIC LECTURE
Intensive
Intensive
Course
Course
TO REGISTER FOR THE COURSES
WWW.JOTFORM.ME/BGSTREG/REGISTRATION_FORM
Please take note that Visa Card Payment via Moodle will no longer
be available. Please refer here for our payment options:
http://bgst.edu.sg/courses/fee-payment
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UPCOMING COURSES
AY 2015-16 SEM 1
Jul
2015
MDiv Core
MDiv Core
CTS, Grad DipCS, MCS & MDiv Core
CBS, Grad DipCS, MCS & MDiv Core
MCS & MDiv Core
CTS, Grad DipCS, MCS & MDiv Core
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UPCOMING COURSES
AY 2015-16 SEM 1
Missions/Interdisciplinary Elective
Spiritual Theology Elective
Jul-Sep
2015
Marketplace Concentration Elective
Intensive
Intensive
Course
Course
CBS, Grad DipCS, MCS & MDiv Core
CBS, Grad DipCS, MCS & MDiv Core
Bible Studies Elective
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UPCOMING COURSES
AY 2015-16 SEM 1
Sep-Nov
2015
Bible Studies Elective
Spiritual Theology/Interdisciplinary
Elective
Interdisciplinary/Applied Theology
Elective
Bible Studies Elective
MCS & MDiv Core
Intensive
Course
MDiv Core
Intensive
Course
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✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Will you join us?
2015 BGST CHURCH HISTORY TOUR TO ITALY
6-17 NOVEMBER 2015
Contact Dr Lai Pak Wah at [email protected]
Due to the positive response, BGST has decided to
launch another Church History Tour to Italy, from 6 17 Nov 2015.
BGST's Church History in Italy (In the Footsteps of
the Fathers) aims to familiarise Christians in
Singapore with the historical and spiritual legacy of
our Christian Forefathers from the 1st to the 16th
century. Travelling from Rome to Assisi, Siena,
Florence, Ravenna, Venice and, finally, Milan, we will
consider the legacy of the early church fathers, the
developments and key figures of medieval
spirituality (such as Francis of Assisi and Catherine
of Siena) and changes in Christian Art (from early
Christian to Baroque). We will also reflect on some
of the key historical developments in this period
(such as the Crusades and the Renaissance).
The Lecturers: The tour will be led by Dr Lai Pak
Wah, Lecturer in Church History (BGST), who will
conduct most of the lectures. Dr Tan Seng Kong
(Lecturer in Systematic Theology), will also share
from his experience as an architect and spiritual
theologian, on the development of church
architecture and early Christian spirituality.
What's included in the tour: Return airfares and
airport taxes (SIA), hotel accommodation, local
transportation, Tour and Bus Tips, city taxes,
entrance fees and most meals.
Pricing Details:
We hope to form a group of 15 participants so that
we can confirm the tour and air ticketing details. To
that end, we are adopting a multi-tier pricing
approach. We encourage those who can commit to
join at the 'launch' price of S$5,400. Once the
number of participants grows beyond 20 people,
the final price will be reduced to $5,100 or lower
(depending on the final group size).
Tour Brochure: http://bgst.edu.sg/media/files/
2015/2015-Tour-Brochure.pdf
For those interested, please contact Dr Lai Pak Wah
at e-mail [email protected] or mobile number
98351809.
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LIBRARY NEW BOOKS!
CHRISTIAN LIFE
How people grow: What the Bible
reveals about personal growth
Henry Cloud, John Townsend
GOD - ATTRIBUTES
Aquinas on the divine ideas as
exemplar causes
Gregory T. Doolan
PASTORAL COUNSELLING
Clinical Theology: A theological &
psychiatric basis to clinical &
pastoral care - vol 1
E.R. Swain, Frank Lake
DEIFICATION
C.S LEWIS
Union with Christ in the New
Testament
Grant Macaskill
The magician’s nephew /
C. S. Lewis
illustrated by Pauline Baynes
LITERATURE
Ancient Near Eastern thought and
the Old Testament: Introducing the
conceptual world of the Hebrew
Bible
John H. Walton
THEOLOGY
Irenaeus of Lyons: Identifying
Christianity
John Behr
MISSIONS
The great digression: world
evangelism since 1910: the
ecumenical digression and
evangelical response
Kim-Sai Tan
MISSIONS
Invitation to world missions: a
trinitarian missiology for the
twenty-first century
Timothy C. Tennent
MORE NEW BOOKS CAN BE FOUND AT HTTPS://BGST.VLIBONLINE.COM/IMAGES/201505.HTML
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To order
Please send an email to
[email protected]
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2015
Calendar
Events
2015
HIGHLIGHTS
[PUBLIC LECTURE] C.S LEWIS: HIS LIFE, TEACHINGS
& LEGACY by PROF. BRUCE HINDMARSH
When:
15 Jun 2015
Time:
7:45 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Zion Bishan Bible-Presbyterian Church
[PUBLIC LECTURE] SHORT, FREQUENT PRAYERS: WISDOM FROM THE DESERT
FATHERS by PROF. BRUCE HINDMARSH
When:
22 Jun 2015
Time:
7:45 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: St. John’s - St Margaret’s Church
[PUBLIC LECTURE] EVERY NATION, TRIBE, PEOPLE, LANGUAGE: WHAT THE
BIBLE SAYS ABOUT INTERCULTURAL MISSION by DR. EIKO TAKAMIZAWA
When:
27 Jul 2015
Time:
7:45 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Zion Bishan Bible-Presbyterian Church
Chapel
There will be no chapel from mid-May to mid-July. Regular chapel schedule will resume on
15 July 2015.
Office Timings
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Closed on Wed, 12 noon – 2 pm for chapel and staff
lunch)
Extended Hours for Library & Book Corner
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Please take note that the Book Corner will be CLOSED on 18-19 Jun 2015 for stock take.
The Library & Book Corner will be CLOSED on SAT, 20 & 27 Jun 2015 for semester
break.
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Golden Wheel Industrial Building 50 Kallang Pudding Road #07-01 Singapore 349326 Tel number: 65-6227-6815 Fax number: 65-6743-6847 Website: www.bgst.edu.sg Email: [email protected]
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