By Rev Dr Forest Koh

 

I have been reflecting lately—and I wonder if we have misunderstood the gift of eternal life, and missed it.

 

We often think of eternal life as something that comes after we have endured this life—after we have struggled, fought the good fight, stood firm in trials, resisted temptation, and finally crossed the finish line of death. Only then, we imagine, will God smile and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and finally let us into the joy of heaven.

 

Yes, it is true that we are sanctified through life’s trials. And yes, some may fall, struggle, even backslide. But here is what I fear we may have missed: eternal life does not begin after death. It begins the moment we believe.

 

By Rev Dr Forest Koh

 

Two weeks ago, our ESC leadership training had a session on how to cultivate a culture of Gospel honour—learning how to praise and affirm others sincerely. That stirred something deep in me. It made me pause and ask: Why is it so hard for us to praise others with sincerity? Why does it feel easier to remain silent, even when we deeply appreciate someone’s heart and service?

By Elder Goh Chong Ann

 

One way of valuing Christian singleness is opening up our home to brothers and sisters in the church regardless of whether they are married or have kids the same age as our kids. These things can be unintentional and seemingly harmless, but they can devalue someone’s status as an image bearer of God whose identity is in Christ and work against unity in the church across generations. The early church did not pressure people to marry and they worked hard to support widows in particular because one’s identity in Christ and value was not determined by their family or marital status.

By Rev Dr Forest Koh

 

As CG Month comes to a close, let’s be honest: Rebuilding CG life is not easy. Sometimes momentum feels slow. Sometimes people are tired. Sometimes it feels like we’re starting all over again.

 

But here’s the good news: We are not rebuilding CG on our own strength. Christ is our Builder. He is our Anchor. He is our Rock. He is the centre of our lives—and He must be the centre of our CGs. When just two or three gather in His name, He is right there with us (Matthew 18:20). It’s not about how big the group is. It’s about whether Christ is present and exalted among us.

By Rev Dr Forest Koh

 

When we think about CG, it’s easy to imagine a cozy, safe place where we study the Bible, pray, and catch up with friends. And while that is part of it, it is not the whole picture. CG is not just a safe place to study the Bible. It’s God’s training ground for mission.

 

It’s the place where we practice love when patience is tested. Where we exercise forgiveness when hurt happens. Where we build unity even when personalities clash. CG is where we prepare to serve beyond the CG - in our families, workplaces, and neighbourhood.

 

By Rev Dr Forest Koh

 

Today, as we celebrate Parents' Day, we are reminded of a powerful truth: Love grows through commitment. So does faith. Faith grows best when we grow together—but only when we commit.

 

Commitment really matters! It’s not just a “nice-to-have” for our Care Groups—it’s what makes real community possible. Think about it: in a family, love does not deepen because everything is perfect. Love deepens because family members stay, show up, and carry one another’s burdens—through joy, struggle, and every messy moment in between. It’s the same with our spiritual family. Without real commitment

Family suffers.

Trust stays shallow.

Care feels mechanical.