10 & 11 Jan 2026 (Pastoral Page) 68 YEARS & REFLECTION FROM DEUTERONOMY 6

by Ms Lilian Poon

What was going on in the world 68 years ago?

In 1958, the world was in the shadow of an escalating Cold War. The toy, Lego, was patented. Elvis Presley was enlisted to the army. While the other side of the world was embroiled in intense political situations, Singapore was a British colony standing at the threshold of self-government. The United Kingdom just passed the “State of Singapore Act” in July/August 1958 and for the first time, Singapore has autonomy over her domestic affairs. The first Singapore Master Plan was approved to focus on housing, industry and infrastructure. It was a milestone year filled with change, uncertainty and anticipation all at the same time. It is in this tumultuous and exciting year that the seed of the Bible Church was planted. As we sit in the beautiful sanctuary and look back 68 years later, we remember God, His providence and also His charge to the church.

Deuteronomy 6 offered God’s forward-looking instructions to the nation of Israel as they stood on the cusp of their nationhood to possess the promised land. God encouraged Israel with His commandments and what seemed like a foolproof formula – the Lord is their God and they must love Him, abstain from idolatry, do what is right and teach their future generations.

Simple - yet Israel would stumble repeatedly with grave consequences that include captivity, civil wars and fragmentation of the nation. On this momentous day of our church anniversary, Perhaps we can consider these three key exhortations:

1.    Love God With Our All

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)

This commandment is repeated throughout the book of Deuteronomy and forms the undertone of the Bible. As we remember God’s grace in establishing us as a lighthouse in Singapore, let us also review our present love quotient towards God.

Do we love and worship God without reservation? Do we honour God and His Body more than our comfort, convenience, jobs or families? Are we drawing more intimately to Him and walking more closely with Him daily? Do we create space for God so that we can hear His voice individually and collectively?

How is God calling you to pivot back to loving Him with your all, i.e., 100%? This certainly calls for surrender and altering our mindsets, often by taking one simple step of change and faith out of your comfort zone. As we listen, obey and lean into Him, He promises to direct our paths.

2.    Do not follow other gods (Deuteronomy 6:14)

God was unequivocal with Israel: prosperity must not lead to forgetfulness. As they enjoyed the fruit of the promised land, He warned them not to forget Him and follow other gods of the land.

Similarly, we live in the semblance of an oasis in affluent Singapore. Yet ironically, many are ridden with fears and anxiety as they struggle to conform to the world and its expectations. What are the thoughts that occupy our minds? What consumes our passions and desires? This would most likely be the “idol” that preoccupies us.

On this regard, we need to return to the powerful Word of God that is living, active and sharp in judging our thoughts and attitudes. Let the Word of God be the mirror to us and our church to reflect where we are, and come back to the place of repentance to worship the one true living God.

3.    Teach our children (Deuteronomy 6:7-8)

Lastly, let us never fail to teach our children about God and His precepts. Deuteronomy exhorts us to impress and talk of His commandments all the time, tie them as symbols, write them on the doorframes of our houses. Never be afraid to go overboard in spurring our young ones with the Word and the boundaries it lovingly offers. Never be apologetic when we put God in the center of our children’s schedule and lives. In God’s appointed time, they will understand and appreciate the foundation laid for them.

Two things remain unchanged in life - “change” itself and God’s word (Matthew 24:35). While we cannot predict what the world will look like 68 years from now, we serve a God whose faithfulness and love for His Church never change. As we celebrate this joyous occasion of our Church Anniversary, may we pause, reflect and commit ourselves afresh to love God wholeheartedly, to forsake all idols, and to faithfully teach the future generations with His precepts.