First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour. For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. (1 Timothy 2:1-3; Psalm 22:28, ESV)
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor. God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.” (Psalm 33:12; 1 Peter 2:17; James 4:6b, NIV).
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14, ESV)
“4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” ~ Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV)
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is one of the most notable biblical passages named as the shema (Hebrew for “hear” as found in v. 4) and viewed as the “classic” confession of faith for the Hebrews. Verses 4 and 5 are seen as positive restatement of the first command in the Ten Commandments (Deut. 5:6-21). (Guzik, Enduring Word Commentary or EWC)
Recently, at an EAST Alumni Get Together in July 2020, we heard from the outgoing EAST Alumni Chaplain, Mr William Lim Aik Ghee, who gave us his farewell sharing and encouragement to press on. Hosted on Zoom by Ms Esther Tan, EAST Alumni Coordinator, those present then broke into small breakout groups for sharing and prayer.
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord;Be strong and let your heart take courage;Yes, wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:13-14, NAS)
In Psalm 27, verses 1 through 6, King David expressed his confidence in a God of whom he has had deep communion with. Then in verses 7 through 14, he turned from praise to plaintiff prayer of dependence and hope in a redemptive God. This Psalm has been known as one of “composites” with extreme high of joy and jubilance in the first half and thence sinking to the depth of sadness and near despair in the latter part (Pulpit Commentary).
Read how verse 13, as part of the ending verses, unify these extremes to produce hope in us.
What are EAST student’s views on online classes held last semester?
This is a pertinent question even as we begin a new academic year this month with all of our classes being held through online means. All first year classes are held online throughout the semester while the rest of classes are either online or blended. Hear what they have to say!
The video recording of three students featured above is safely done in their home during the circuit breaker period.