by Kevin Tse
Single Life finished 2012 with a Christmas party and gift exchange that saw people receive a variety of gifts including iTunes gift cards, movie tickets, and fancy headphones in addition to a number of other odds and ends. More than that, we had a chance to see our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ before breaking for the holidays, and were able to encourage one another to be bold in sharing the Gospel with whomever they see during the holidays and remembering the centrality of Christ in Christmas.
The past semester has been mostly spent in Colossians 3. Pastor Patrick preached through sermons focusing on the Biblical prescriptions for godly relationships between husband and wife, parents and children, and slaves and masters. We were refreshed continually with truth that often forced us to re-evaluate some incorrect preconceived notions, and reminded us several times of the authority of God as the giver of that truth. In particular, as singles, we focused on working as unto the Lord in our places of employment and schooling, knowing that our reward is not the approval of man but the hope of future grace from the Lord. I was personally convicted to go to work with joy and to see work as a ministry, not just a place to make money.
Our first Single Life Bible study of the year was on January 9th, 2013 when Randy Sarmiento shared about “Christian Discipline” from Hebrews 12:3-6. Randy blessed us with the reminder that the discipline we receive from the Lord is meant both for our correction as well as training in righteousness. Paralleling our comfortable lives here in San Diego, the Hebrews had to be reminded that the trials they faced paled in comparison to the scourging that Christ received when He went to the cross for our sins. Just as the Hebrews had to be reminded of the godly response they ought to have when going through trials, we too were reminded that the trials and hardships that we undergo represent discipline from the Lord, and that this discipline not only refines our faith but proves our sonship in Him.
Coming up on the schedule for Single Life Ministry are a series of events including a Broomball outing with College Life on February 1st (our second one in this academic year) and our annual Single’s Retreat from March 15-17th at Pine Valley. Also, we’ll be having a Table for 6 outing on January 19th.