Avenging Thanos - Mt Hermon Bible Presbyterian Church
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Avenging Thanos At our recent YACG retreat, we learnt practical principles on evangelism. In a postmodern era riddled with skepticism towards propositions and religion while at the same time deeply moved by stories and testimony, one strategy I thought was particularly helpful came with these four steps: 1. Select a Cultural Text (a work conveying a culture’s beliefs and values) 2. Enter the storyline (by understanding and empathising with it) 3. Challenge the storyline (by showing up its deficiencies or dissonances) 4. Fulfil the storyline (show how the Gospel provides the happy ending) 1. Cultural Text: Avengers Infinity War Interestingly, our ferry ride back from camp screened the Marvel movie, Avengers: Infinity War. The movie is a huge deal, grossing over $2 billion so far, and its popularity will only increase with its sequel set to be released in April this year. As such, Avengers Infinity War has presented us with a significant cultural text. Let’s figure out how it can lead to the Gospel. 2. Enter the storyline For the uninitiated, the ultimate villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a being called Thanos. Thanos belongs to a race known as the Titans, as they evolved on the planet Titan. Due to finite natural resources and overpopulation, Titan was on the verge of environmental devastation, which would lead to the extinction of the Titan race. Thanos, who loved his people and homeland, proposed a solution to remedy the problem: kill half of the population. Thano’s solution was dismissed as insanity, and earned him the nickname, The Mad Titan. In due course, the planet Titan, depleted of its resources, became uninhabitable. And Thanos believes that if the swell of life was left unchecked, the same fate would befall the universe as a whole. Thus, he made it his life’s quest to “save” the universe by eliminating half of the population from every planet. His quest takes him to planet Earth, where the Mighty Avengers fights to stop the Mad Titan. For internal circulation only Vol 32 No 02 13 January, 2019
3. Challenge the storyline
To an atheist who watched the movie and rooted for the Avengers, we ask:
“Why? Why aren’t you cheering for Thanos instead?” In other words, why
wouldn’t Thanos be the hero in an atheistic worldview?
From a naturalistic evolutionary standpoint, the only reason for life to exist
is to keep on existing. The purpose of life is to perpetuate life. Our moral
values, our emotional attachments, our social behaviours – all that we are,
are simply evolutionary tools to enable us to survive as a species. So,
assuming Thanos’ calculation is accurate (and it probably is, given that he’s
one of the most intelligent beings in the Marvel Universe), and the solution
to the survival of human beings is population control via genocide, what’s
wrong with it? Well, it would be wrong if Thanos was picking who to kill
and who to live, because who gave him the right to choose? But Thanos is
living it entirely up to chance. 50% of the population will die, but the deaths
will be (in his words) "Random. Dispassionate, fair to rich and poor alike.”
Here’s why Thanos isn’t a classical villain. He isn’t killing for fun, nor for
power, nor for fame. He’s killing to save. Half of all living beings to ensure
the survival of the universe. In fact, his quest to save comes at great
personal cost. He had to sacrifice his only beloved child to save the
universe. Sounds familiar? When asked what his quest cost him, Thanos
sorrowfully answered: “Everything.”
In other words, Thanos personally sacrificed everything for the sake of the
universe’s survival. And he’s the Villain?
4. Fulfil the storyline
Only in a worldview that gives us an objective basis for the inherent dignity
and value of each human life can Thanos be considered a villain. In the
Christian worldview, the end (even if it’s the survival of the universe)
cannot justify the means (indiscriminate genocide). Because the point of
human existence isn’t simply to exist. But to exist in a certain way. There is
a higher purpose for living than merely living. And Thanos had no right to
deny anyone, let alone half of humanity, that purpose.
Jesus came to show us that way of life through his life as a human being in
this world. More than that, Jesus sacrificed his own life in exchange for all
of our lives. And in his resurrection, he gives us a purpose of living that goes
beyond mere existing. But more than just humanity, Jesus also intends to
save the entire universe. He does that by creating the universe anew – into
a place with unlimited resources, unbridled joy and complete goodness,
immune to decay or destruction. That’s his promise to all who believe in
him. And that’s the happy ending of our universe’s story in Jesus Christ.
Dn Luwin Wong
(Editorial Writers: 20 Jan – Tan Jiahan; 27 Jan – Eld Elgin Chan)
2PRAYER ITEMS
“Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even
so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said
to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are
forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
John 20:21-23
CHURCH
Hermon Children and Youth Ministry (HCYM) – Pray that God will grant wisdom
and knowledge to all our teachers and leaders. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give
them boldness to teach the truth in an interesting and pleasing way that our
children and youth may increase their knowledge of His Word (Proverbs 16:21).
Pray for the Staff team as they meet on 19 Jan. Ask the Lord to grant them unity
of hearts, discernment and joy as they discuss the programmes and plans for
2019.
Kranji Secondary School Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades – All Sec 1 boys and girls had
been introduced to the Boys’ and Girls’ Companies through the CCA showcase
on 4 Jan. May God provide sufficient students for the 2 Brigades so that the basic
activities and badge works can be achieved in 2019. As the school has moved
back to the old school site, may the students settle down and have a new and
conducive environment in their learning journey.
Prayer – Pray that God's people will enjoy praying together. "Lord, I look to you.
How I know that "in me nothing good dwells". How marvellous is your grace that
I now find in my heart no motive save for your glory." Oswald Chambers
REGIONAL EVENT
Malaysia and Singapore Dispute – Pray for God’s wisdom to be upon both
countries’ leaders that they would find a common understanding to resolve
airspace and maritime issues that benefit the people of both countries. Pray that
they would forge better relationship in bilateral agreements on future issues.
Indonesia – Continue to pray for the authorities and people of Indonesia who are
still recovering from the loss and disasters caused by the recent earthquakes and
tsunami. May God’s hand of mercy and love be upon them as they rebuild their
lives.
PASTORAL CONCERN
Birthdays – We rejoice with our members whose birthdays fall this week (13-19
Jan): Nancy Tsang-Mak, Natalie Chong, Bernice Oh, Cheryl Cheah-Teo, Brendan
Lim and John Ee.
13 Jan: Christine Lei/20 Jan: Deborah Engelsen
PRAYER MEETING – Wed (23 Jan), 8.00pm @ Peter room
Prayer leader: Eld Peter Seah Focus: Committing our Ministries to the Lord
3
2A warm WELCOME to all who are here this morning. If this is your first
time with us, please fill in a Visitor’s Card and drop it into the offering
bag during the Offertory. We invite you for fellowship after Service at
the Love Fellowship Hall on the ground floor.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PLEDGE ENVELOPES. Envelopes for pledge of tithes for General Fund
and Development Fund for 2019 are available at the table outside the
Sanctuary for your use.
FELLOWSHIP LUNCH (Free-will offering) next Sun 20 Jan after Service.
Let’s stay back and mingle with each other.
COMMUNICATIONS DAY (20 Jan, 1.00pm-3.00pm, Hope Courtyard)
Hermonites, please keep next Sun afternoon free for our first
Communications Day in 2019. There will be fellowship lunch that day.
CNY GOODIES SHOPPING TRIP (Sat 19 Jan, 9am – 3pm) to factories in
Woodlands and Jurong area. Cost: $5/pax. Meet at Love Fellowship Hall
at 8.45am. Bus will leave at 9.00am. Lunch will be at own expense.
Invite your relatives and friends along. Last day to register. – Dn Mike /
Dns Justina / Esther
BETHANY METHODIST NURSING HOME VISITATION. Let us visit and
bring cheers to the residents of the Home (09 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4) on
Sat 19 Jan. Please meet at the Home Lobby at 1.45pm.
YOUTH MINISTRY. While the Bible has 66 books, some say it's actually
1 book. If it's ONE book, what's the story it is telling? Find out as Dn
Luwin takes us through a Bible Overview (Part 1) on Sat 19 Jan, 7.30pm
at Moriah Sanctuary.
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP (Wed 16 Jan, 7.00pm at Hope Courtyard). First
Men’s Fellowship gathering of 2019 – enjoy a bento dinner, get to know
one another through games and fellowship and hear about the 2019
Program. You’re all invited! Men’s Ministry Team: Dn Sandor/David
Chia/Bak Chim /Alvin Yeo/Wee Toon/Kwee Beng/Dn James.
CHURCH CAMP (9 – 12 Jun, Sun–Wed). Venue: Holiday Inn, Melaka.
Camp speaker: Rev Dr Rohintan Mody. More details will be provided
later. Mark the dates and plan your leave.
4
2ANNOUNCEMENTS
LADIES RETREAT 2019 – 07 to 09 Mar 19 @
Jen Hotel, Johore Bahru. Twin-$260 and
Single-$355. Speaker: Mrs Bernice Tan
Mt Carmel Ladies Fellowship has invited us to join
them for this time of retreat, to worship, study His
word together, spend time of solitude with God and to
fellowship with each other. Please register early
before 20 Jan at Fellowship hall. – Dns Justina Ng
NEW CATECHISM CLASS will start on Sun 17 Mar 19. Time: 1.30pm-
2.30pm. The Baptismal Service will be held during our Church
Anniversary Service on 14 July. If you have been worshipping with us
for more than six months and have decided to settle in Mount Hermon
as a member by baptism (a public confession of your faith), membership
transfer (from another Bible-believing church) or re-affirmation of faith
(for children above 12 and have been baptised during childhood), please
get a form from the Steward i/c after Service today.
CAR LIFT NEEDED to pick up Vivien Ng from The Sasco Home at
10.30am and/or to send her back after Service. Please sign up and
indicate the dates on the roster at Love Fellowship Hall Notice Board.
2019 (JAN-JUN) THANKSGIVING FLOWERS CHART is displayed on the
Notice Board at Love Fellowship Hall. Offering thanksgiving flowers is a
gesture for an answered prayer, an expression of thanks to God or for a
happy occasion. Each arrangement costs $35.00.
STAFF MOVEMENT. Dn Luwin will be preaching at Moriah Bible-
Presbyterian Church on next Sun 20 Jan morning.
MEETINGS
Today Vocal Team Practice 8.45am–9.30am Paul #04-14
Worship Practice 8.45am–10.30am Ebenezer Chapel
Today, 29 Jan Facility Options 12.30pm–1.30pm Jerusalem Sanctuary
10 Feb Presentation 1.00pm–2.00pm Peter #04-02
Today, 10, 24
DSG practice 1.30pm–3.00pm Gideon/Samuel #04-07/08
Feb
20 Jan Communications Day 1.15pm–3.00pm Hope Courtyard
03 Feb CG Leaders Equipping 1.45pm–3.45pm Peter #04-02
5COVENANT GROUP MEETINGS
CG & Leader Date Venue / Occasion
Agape Lester Cheng 23 Mar, Sat, 7.30pm Peter room #04-02
CCK Open Care 24 Jan, Thu, 7.30pm Gideon room #04-07
de Vine Tan Swee Sin 25 Jan, Fri, 9.00am Eld & Mrs Tan Kim Ping’s home
El Shaddai Gillian Lim 19 Jan, Sat, 10.00am Outdoor bible study
Immanuel Karen Sim 26 Jan, Sat, 10.00am Gideon #04-07
Jehovah Jireh Dns Malar Thomas TBA TBA
Klema Eld Ho Hian Chye 18 Jan, Fri, 8.00pm Moriah Sanctuary
Koinonia Dn Simon Toh 18 Jan, Fri, 8.00pm Joseph #01-07
Living Water Daniel Woon 19 Jan, Sat, 7.00pm Peter room #04-02
Morning Glory Jeanette Ler-Lee 25 Jan, Fri, 9.00am Peter room #04-02
Oxley Lee Yew Mun 25 Jan, Fri, 8.00pm Noah room #01-08
Paideia Gene Tan TBA TBA
Young Adults Dn Luwin Wong 18 Jan, Fri, 7.30pm Peter room #04-02
YOUTH & CHILDREN
YOUTH BIBLE CLASS
ROOM JANUARY
Time: 11.30am–1.00pm
Teaching Leader: Philip Chan
Senior Youths Gideon/ Samuel Group Leaders:
(Post Sec) (#04-07/08) Post Sec Girls – Priscilla Chan
Post Sec Boys – Philip Chan
Teaching Leader: John Chua
Group Leaders:
Junior Youths Junior Girls Grp 1 – Fong Wen Wei
Peter (#04-02)
(P6–Sec 4) Junior Girls Grp 2 – Lu Yanwen
Junior Boys Grp 1 – Dominic Lim
Junior Boys Grp 2 – Samuel Ang
CHILDREN BIBLE CLASS
ROOM JANUARY
Time: 11.30am–12.30pm
Faithfulness (P4-P5) Nehemiah (#02-04) Ng Zhe Hui
Goodness (P1-P3) Abraham (#01-04) Teo Mei Yee
Peace (3’s–K2) Jacob (#01-06) Corina Oon / Lydia Li
ATTENDANCE OFFERING AND PLEDGES
(Last Week) Fund Last week Month-to-date Jan-to-date Avg per week
Adults 243 General Fund $11,299.45 $11,299.45 $11,299.45 $11,299.45
Children 24
Dev Fund $3,664.00 $3,664.00 $3,664.00 $3,664.00
Total 267
Please issue cheques to Mount Hermon BP Church (for General Fund),
Mount Hermon BP Church – Development Fund (for Development Fund).
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for
God loves a cheerful giver. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of
the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. (2 Corinthians 9:7, 12)
6GOD’S MESSAGE
Date: 13 January 2019
Speaker: Eld Peter Seah
Sermon Title: Witness
Scripture Text: John 20:19-23
Absence of God, presence of fear; Presence of God, presence of peace
(v19)
Infallible proof of the resurrected Lord brings joy (v20)
Commissioning of the disciples with the Holy Spirit (21-23)
Reflection question:
How do you intentionally plan to start actively witnessing for Christ?
Do you believe Hermon is actively witnessing for Christ through our
various ministries?
7Pastoral / Ministry Staff
Rev Daniel Tan (Pastor)
9751 7740/O-Extn 11
danieltan@hermon.org.sg
Order of Worship
Dn Luwin Wong
13 January 2019, 11.00 am
9230 5363/O-Extn 12 DEDICATION SUNDAY
luwinwong@hermon.org.sg Church Theme 2019: “Strengthening Our Roots”
Mr Zebedee Lee
8813 8944/O-Extn 13
zebedee@hermon.org.sg Welcome & Announcement
Dns Tang Lai Kin
Call to Worship 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 5:32;
9842 6551/O-Extn 14
laikin@hermon.org.sg Mark 16:15; Matthew 5:14-16
Board of Elders Opening Hymn Be Exalted, O God
Eld Peter Seah (Moderator)
Rev Daniel Tan
Opening Prayer
Eld Elgin Chan Worship in Songs Mighty to Save
Advisory Pastor Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God
Rev (Dr) David Wong Servants of the Gospel
Session
Offertory/Doxology
Dn Mike Fong
Dn Lee Pak Choon Dedication Before You I Kneel
Dns Justina Ng
Dn David Oh Pastoral Prayer
Dn James Quek
YOUTHS & CHILDREN LEAVE FOR THEIR BIBLE CLASSES
Dn Sim Chow Meng
Dns Tang Lai Kin Scripture Text John 20:19-23
Dns Malar G. Thomas
Dn Simon Toh Message Witness
Dn Sandor Wang
Dn Luwin Wong Closing Song O Church Arise
Dn Richard Yew Benediction/Three-Fold Amen
Administrator
Ms See Siew Kee Speaker: Eld Peter Seah Worship Leader: Macarios Darren Thomas
97477726/O-Extn 18 Pianist: Lenith Cheng Vocalists: Hannah Ee (ic), Angela Wong, Naomi Ee
siewkee@hermon.org.sg and Natalie Chong Announcer: Dn Sim Chow Meng Scripture Reader:
Angela Choo Pastoral Prayer/Benediction: Ps Daniel Tan PA: Daniel Woon,
Sunday Service Edward Lim, Benson Fong & Ken Lee Projectionists: Samuel Chua &
11.00am- 12.30pm Timothy Chua Stewards: Nelson Chong & Team B Thanksgiving Flowers:
Children & Youth Aji & Dns Malar Thomas Floral ic: Doreen Ee Chrysalis: Mary Lim (ic), Lilian
Bible Class Tan & Ding Cheong Refreshment: Agape CG
11.30am–12.30pm
Prayer Meeting NEXT SUNDAY’S SERVICE (20 JAN) – COMMUNION SUNDAY
Every 2nd & 4th Wed Sermon text: Titus 3:1-11 Speaker: Ps Daniel Tan Worship Leader: Joshua
8.00pm–9.30pm Chan Pianist: Rebecca Li Vocalists: Trina Oh (ic), Bernice Oh, Gladys Phua
and Divina Thomas Announcer: Zebedee Lee Scripture Reader: May Seah
10 Choa Chu Kang St 52 Pastoral Prayer/Benediction: Eld Choo Yoo Keong PA: Samuel Chan,
#04-01 CCKBC Joseph Ho and Joel Mak Projectionists: Marcus Lim and Leong Kam Chew
Singapore 689284 Communion Elements: Fong May Yee & team Stewards: Shaji Thomas &
Tel: 6766 8903 Team A Thanksgiving Flowers: Joshua & Wendy Chan Floral ic: Doreen Ee
church@hermon.org.sg Chrysalis: Mary Lim & team Lunch Fellowship: Paideia CG
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