Deeper Reflection
THERE IS MUCH TALK ABOUT DIVERSITY, EQUALITY, EQUITY and inclusivity in today’s world. There is increasing concern that certain groups have been left behind in the wake of their nation’s economic progress. Our sense of justice and fairness tells us that all groups should have the opportunities to be blessed and enjoy prosperity. This idea is not new to God. In God’s economy (made known to us since the time of Abraham), His desire is for all – not some – nations of the earth to be blessed.²⁶The Apostle Paul emphasised to both Jewish and Gentile Christians that “there is no distinction between Jew and Greek [i.e. non-Jew]” (v.12); “the same Lord [Jesus] is the Lord of all, bestowing His riches [of salvation] on all who call on Him” (v.12); and “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (v.13). God’s people need constant reminders of God’s multi-ethnic heartbeat. Left unchecked, local church members will tend to reach out to unbelievers of the same ethnicity, income level and social status as themselves.Covenant EFC may have begun as an ethnically Chinese, middle-class church in the heart of Bukit Timah. But under God’s leading and by His grace, we have over the years intentionally reached out to many nations, such as China, Japan, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal and Indonesia. Let us pray that all Covenanters will grasp God’s heart and compassion for all people groups and nations. In these last days, may we intensify our efforts to bring to many nations the Gospel of Jesus Christ and biblical teaching on authentic discipleship and intentional disciplemaking.

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²⁶ Genesis 12:1-3.