What is Sola Gratia? Sola Gratia is the Latin phrase meaning ‘grace alone’ and one of the key driving forces behind the Protestant Reformation, alongside faith alone, scripture alone, Christ alone and to God’s glory alone. Grace can be defined as ‘unmerited favor towards the undeserving’. Though the Catholic view affirms that we need God’s … Continue reading Grace Alone
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October Announcements
1. ACG End of Year Retreat In about 2 months from now, we will be having our End of Year Retreat, where it will be an opportune time for all of us to reflect on what God has been doing in our lives this entire year! It will be held on Friday the 13th to … Continue reading October Announcements
Faith Alone
As I was picking up a free calendar from a student activities volunteer, I was asked, “Do you believe in parties?” My response in my sleep-deprived state was, “Well… I think they might exist?” which probably wasn’t the answer they were looking for. Just like how I misunderstood the volunteer, many people have trouble understanding … Continue reading Faith Alone
Scripture Alone
1. What is Sola Scriptura? Sola scriptura is the Latin phrase that means ‘Scripture alone’ and it was coined as one of the legendary slogans of the sixteenth-century Reformation movement against the false teachings of the Roman Catholic church. Chapter 1 Point 6 of the Westminster Confession of Faith summarises this doctrine nicely: The whole … Continue reading Scripture Alone
Introduction to the Five Solas of the Reformation
There was once a time when the church was headed on a collision course with the dethronement of scriptural authority and spiritual deprivation. Grace-seeking sinners were at the mercy of the papacy, indulgences - cancellations of sin - were sold to the guilt-trodden and many entrusted the wellbeing of their souls to the medium of … Continue reading Introduction to the Five Solas of the Reformation
How do you battle anxiety?
Question: Regarding last friday’s ACG bible study on Daniel, my microgroup members raised up two questions which I thought would be good to write in here. 1. If after recognizing our fears, we still hold onto it and it is somehow very hard to resolve, does this mean we aren’t trusting God after all? And … Continue reading How do you battle anxiety?
3 Unhelpful Phrases Single People Don’t Need to Hear
You know you have hit your mid-twenties when it seems like half your weekends are spent attending bachelor parties, wedding ceremonies, and evening receptions. No doubt it seems like one of the most exciting things to do on these occasions is to speculate about who would be most likely to be wedded off next. Before … Continue reading 3 Unhelpful Phrases Single People Don’t Need to Hear
To All My Leaders Who Have Fallen Away
I don’t know where you are in life right now, but if you are not living for God, if you are not living as though Christ is your everything, if you are not bearing your cross and are instead chasing fading pleasures of this world, please hear this plea from your once naïve (and still … Continue reading To All My Leaders Who Have Fallen Away
When does humour become sinful?
Humour is one of the great blessings God has given to mankind. Spontaneous joy is often received through our laughter at the comical incidents we experience in the world and with those we interact with. Scripture also presents humour and laughter as expressions of delight: Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who … Continue reading When does humour become sinful?
July Announcements
1. Trivia and Games Night For those of you who are wondering what is going on this coming Friday, we will be running another ACG social! I can’t reveal too much about the specifics but you can be guaranteed it will be a great evening where we will spend more time fostering relationships and having … Continue reading July Announcements
The Right Way to Pray – Matthew 6:5-13
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is … Continue reading The Right Way to Pray – Matthew 6:5-13
Why must we keep seeking forgiveness from God if He has already forgiven us?
Reflecting back on my adolescent years when I attended a Catholic high school, we were often encouraged to pay an occasional visit to the chaplain of our school (or to the local priest nearby) to lay bare any sins that trouble our mind from the last time we visited them. These visits could be as … Continue reading Why must we keep seeking forgiveness from God if He has already forgiven us?
June Announcements
1. Prayer and Praise Night Prayer and Praise Night is happening next Friday on June 21st, so do not bring your John booklets and it will start at 7:30pm! We will need a couple volunteers to help Selina set up the room for the night. If any of you are keen to help her out … Continue reading June Announcements
What’s Best Next – Matt Perman
Don’t you often feel bogged down with too many things to do, and having too little time to do it? Don’t you often wish that you could do things quicker, so you could free time to do other things you really care about? And don’t you often wish you were more productive with the time … Continue reading What’s Best Next – Matt Perman
Why did Thomas tell the disciples to go and die with Jesus?
Quite a number of you guys (including me) were quite stumped on the meaning on this verse regarding Thomas’ unusual statement, when we were reading through John 11 in Jess and Sherilyn’s study last Friday: Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may … Continue reading Why did Thomas tell the disciples to go and die with Jesus?
Can Christians commit the unforgivable sin in Matthew 12:31-32?
Those who have read the gospels would be well-acquainted with this rather daunting passage, when Jesus spoke these infamous words: “And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be … Continue reading Can Christians commit the unforgivable sin in Matthew 12:31-32?
Is evolution compatible with Scripture?
From the early onset of childhood to late adolescence I was catechised by our education system that my very existence came about as a result of an evolutionary process, where every single living creature on the planet shared a common ancestor from a miniscule germ that lived billions of years ago. And alongside the vast … Continue reading Is evolution compatible with Scripture?
Can sinful people have righteous anger?
Question: We are called to be slow to anger (James 1:19-20) because it does not produce righteousness that God desires. But we've also read how God can be angry and it is justified considering how sinful we, his people, are. God's anger is thus a righteous anger. I'm wondering if we can too claim this … Continue reading Can sinful people have righteous anger?
Godly Regret Paves the Way to New Life – 2 Corinthians 7:8-12
8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became … Continue reading Godly Regret Paves the Way to New Life – 2 Corinthians 7:8-12
Is it wrong to call Jesus my ‘friend’ or ‘brother’?
I heard that a couple of you guys in the muso team have been recently discussing particular lyrics in a worship song of choice, as to whether these lyrics exhibit theological truths that are potentially unhelpful (at the very least), or catastrophic (at its very worst) to our congregation, who will be singing these songs … Continue reading Is it wrong to call Jesus my ‘friend’ or ‘brother’?
Is God a narcissist and an attention seeker for wanting to glorify Himself?
Many of us are compelled into saving faith in Christ by the all-giving, self-sacrificial atonement He performed as His all-encompassing declaration of His eternal love for the world. In many instances we assume that this was God’s ultimate design, purpose and goal in the history of mankind all along: to save sinners like us and … Continue reading Is God a narcissist and an attention seeker for wanting to glorify Himself?
Are we chasing with as much fervour?
One of the things that characterise young people is fervour. I remember chatting with a friend of mine a few years ago who told me his bold ambition to make a million dollars by the time he turned 30. By the looks of how he is progressing in his career right now, I'd say he … Continue reading Are we chasing with as much fervour?
Gunning for God: Why the New Atheists are Missing the Target – John Lennox
1. What is the book about? ‘Gunning for God’ by John Lennox focuses on defending Christianity from the ‘New Atheists’, a subgroup of atheists that see religion as poisonous and detrimental to society, and view science and evidence as front and centre of thought and belief . In the book, Lennox systematically decrypts and deconstructs … Continue reading Gunning for God: Why the New Atheists are Missing the Target – John Lennox
Perseverance of the Saints
All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall … Continue reading Perseverance of the Saints
The Crisis of Covetousness
I believe that in our day and age, it has never been easier to covet. What do I mean? Well first of all, what does coveting actually mean? Few of us have this word in our mental dictionary, and so it is hard for us to see this as a 'crisis' if we do not … Continue reading The Crisis of Covetousness
Gospel Lab
In his final words to his disciples, our Lord and Saviour called them, the apostles of the church, to 'make disciples of all nations'. Part of this commission to expressed in our regular discipling of believers through regular Bible reading and doing life on life, and another part of this is through the selection, assessment, … Continue reading Gospel Lab
The Gospel for the Young and the Old
Reformed Evangelical Christians are well familiar with Romans 1:16 which speaks about the Gospel being available to everyone who believes: both to the Jew and to the Gentile. Consequently, we know full well that our evangelistic efforts and discipleship methods should not be targeted at one particular race or ethnic group, but to all. However, … Continue reading The Gospel for the Young and the Old
What are some good Christian devotionals to use?
Question: Hello! I’ve recently been thinking about what we should look out for when choosing a devotional to commit to. Now I’ve only ever gone through one legit one by Tim Keller and it was amazing. This year I’m looking at something else different but it has made me more aware that I shouldn’t just … Continue reading What are some good Christian devotionals to use?
Searched For Meaning, Found Christ
Most people here know that I came to know and love Christ mid-late 2017, and I’m so thankful that you have all played an important part in my journey and that you are here today. Becoming a Christian and obeying Christ is the most wonderful experience of my life. I come from a typical Chinese … Continue reading Searched For Meaning, Found Christ
How Calvinism Lead Me to Christ
Many of you will know that I have called myself a ‘Christian’ for a long time – but there is an obvious difference between someone who calls themselves a Christian and someone who really is one. A Christian is someone who has turned from rebelling against God – living their own way – to instead, … Continue reading How Calvinism Lead Me to Christ
5 Practical Ways to Doing Corporate Worship Well
Corporate worship is God’s gathering of Christians from all around the globe, through the glorious grace that was bestowed on them, so that they may all be united in declaring His magnificence. Through the atoning death and resurrection of Christ, God welcomes us to commune with Him and to find everlasting intimacy and joy in … Continue reading 5 Practical Ways to Doing Corporate Worship Well
Partner with the Launch
Hi everyone, most of you will know that this Sunday (April 7) is our much anticipated public launch of the new Lidcombe PM church community. I'm excited about this because it is a great missional opportunity and it is also a space to grow in more intentional discipleship and community. My earnest prayer is that … Continue reading Partner with the Launch
Working through God’s vision for work
Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep. Bzzz Bzzz I lay completely still, telling myself that if I can pretend it’s not happening, it’s not really happening. Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep! Bzzzzzz Bzzzzzz My phone continues to bleat relentlessly, louder this time to communicate the supposed urgency. I shove my pillow over my head. … Continue reading Working through God’s vision for work
What does it practically look like to ‘love the Lord your God will all your… soul’ in Matthew 22:37?
Before we dive into answering the question, it will be most helpful to paste the anchor text here, as well as its parallel pericope from Luke 10:27: 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and … Continue reading What does it practically look like to ‘love the Lord your God will all your… soul’ in Matthew 22:37?
Human Flourishing is found in the Word of God – Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season … Continue reading Human Flourishing is found in the Word of God – Psalm 1
What is the significance of the empty tomb in Mark 16:1-7?
When Jesus’ mother, Mary Magdalene, and Salome brought fragrant spices to anoint the body of Jesus, what they witnessed in the empty tomb would not only change their own lives, but the lives of everyone in the whole world forever. The empty tomb has served as the bedrock for the confidence of many who have … Continue reading What is the significance of the empty tomb in Mark 16:1-7?
History and Gallery of ACG
Some of you may not be aware of this, but ACG is launching into its fourth year in 2019! I've been collecting some photos in preparation for our church's 20th anniversary dinner, and as I go through the various experiences that we've had, I can't help but praise and thank God for His grace and … Continue reading History and Gallery of ACG
What are the differences among various Protestant denominations?
There are a variety of reasons for the creation of multiple denominations. Christians often have different interpretations on how particular portions of Scriptures are to be understood. Many also have particular convictions as to which church practices should be conducted in corporate worship and how worship services should be structured. Others divide on their view … Continue reading What are the differences among various Protestant denominations?
Irresistible Grace
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to … Continue reading Irresistible Grace
Limited Atonement
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is … Continue reading Limited Atonement
Doesn’t the Bible say ‘Do Not Judge’?
What does the Bible mean when it says 'do not judge'? Does this mean that we can never identify a person in unrepentant sin and call on them to repent and return to Christ? Does this mean that we have to silently endorse behaviours, speech, or thoughts that dishonour Christ? I've had experiences where I've … Continue reading Doesn’t the Bible say ‘Do Not Judge’?
Unconditional Election
At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?” “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. “No … Continue reading Unconditional Election
Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship – John Macarthur
1. What is the book about? Strange Fire is an analysis of the Pentecostal movement which reveals and emphasises how many of their practices are not simply theologically divergent, but outright unbiblical. The title comes from Leviticus 10 – Nadab and Abihu’s offering to God. Typically, a priest would provide a burnt offering while God … Continue reading Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship – John Macarthur
Special Q&A with Pastor Eugene
This afternoon, we had the privilege of spending some time chatting with Pastor Eugene and reflecting on what God has been doing at Gracepoint over the past 20 years. We talked about how he felt led to pastoral ministry, the challenges of church planting, his passions about the intersection between faith and life, and his … Continue reading Special Q&A with Pastor Eugene
Rego for Start of Year Retreat!
Hello everyone! Our annual 'Start of Year Retreat' is always a great opportunity to kick off our year together. As always, it'll be a great time of fun and fellowship, and this is the time when deep relationships are formed. If you haven't already, please follow the instructions here and sign up right away! Registrations close … Continue reading Rego for Start of Year Retreat!
Total Depravity
The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5) And you were dead in the trespasses and sins, in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power … Continue reading Total Depravity
Introduction to the Five Points of Calvinism
Hello people of ACG! We’ll be starting the year with this blog’s first topical series on the Doctrines of Grace, more popularly known as the Five Points of Calvinism. These Five Points do not exhaust all the gems that are found in the goldmine of Reformed Theology and certainly isn’t synonymous with the gospel; yet … Continue reading Introduction to the Five Points of Calvinism
What does it mean for John to prepare the way for the Lord and to make his paths straight? (Mark 1:3)
A question that arose out of yesterday night's (11/01/19) study was: 'what does it mean for John to prepare the way for the Lord and to make his paths straight?' One of the joys of studying Holy Scripture as a community is that we get to hear and ask questions that we normally wouldn't ask … Continue reading What does it mean for John to prepare the way for the Lord and to make his paths straight? (Mark 1:3)
Summer Program is starting this coming Friday!
Hey fam, just a reminder that our Summer Program starts this Friday on the 11th of Jan! This program is designed to equip us as a community to be better communicators of the Gospel. Our teachers over this course will be Clement Hui, Jonathan Pang, and John Le, and they have designed the program to not only help … Continue reading Summer Program is starting this coming Friday!
A New Opportunity
Imagine seeing a room with a handful of chairs. Now imagine hearing the sound of pages turning as it responds to the instructions of a voice booming from the front of the crowd which authoritatively pronounces 'this is the Word of the Lord'. Now imagine the warmth of the person sitting next to you as … Continue reading A New Opportunity
Allelous Community Group 