REFLECTION ON ROMANS

The book of Romans was written by Paul around 56 C.E. to the Christians in Rome. The letter consists the message of the Gospel, as what to believe and how to behave as a believer of Christ. There is much to learn from the book of Romans, as God wants His children to know and do according to His ways.

There are 26 students in this class and we are divided into 3 groups. Our lecturer, Rev Casey specially designed his lectures into various interactive ways so that we can build up relationship, learn from one another and to put into practice what we have learned in class.

It is so amazing we learn much from Rev Casey and from one another within the 2-week module. We had a good time and enjoyed the presentations from the 3 groups on 21 March.

Community of Sharing
We had several group discussions, reflections on some Scripture passages of Romans, prayer and Holy Communion too! We specially ordered nasi lemak, chicken rice and cha siew rice for lunch together in the class so that we had more time to interact with one another. Some of us brought Coke, fruit, fish balls, soup with yao tau foo and salad. We also had cheesecake made by Sis. Davina, our lecturer’s wife. “Yummy!” She came to teach chapters 12 and 13 of Romans to us on 22 March. What a bonus! 1 + 1 = 2.

I like the small group discussion of 2 to 4 persons that we also shared of our needs in class. There was a sense of community in the body of Christ as we prayed together for Japan of the recent earthquake, for one another and to partake the Holy Communion. These helped to bond us together as a community and be aware of the needs around me and to keep others in prayer. In unity we stand and encourage one another.

Spiritual Exercise
The questions for the passage given for the exercises made me reflected of my past, present and as to communicate with God what am I going to do and to change to be more like Jesus Christ. In Romans 14:7-8 reminds me that everything I have including my life belongs to God. It challenges me to be a good steward for God, not to waste my life in doing things that I please but to follow His ways as to please Him.

Group Presentation
Our group “Roam Rome” of 9 students discussed and communicated by wiki NT Encounter and email. Our group leader, Olivia delegated tasks to each of us and we came together for further discussion. It was challenging to work together in a group of 9 people where we had different ideas for the presentation in the beginning. It was possible through Christ that in mutual acceptance with one another that our group worked out the completion of the presentation within a short time frame. God has given us different gifts and we compliment our strengths and weaknesses in the group. Indeed the passage Romans 14:1-12 is so relevant to us. It changes my perspective of working together in big group in future as we accept one another in love.

Interesting and Concrete Ideas from Romans 14:1-15:13
The 3 groups did their presentations with much creativity. There were contemporary skits, recorded testimonies in video, participants and judges setting and hi-tech powerpoint slides etc. The message of gracious living is clear to all. In Christ we have the freedom but we must not stumble those who are weak in faith. Therefore we respond in love and accept one another and not to judge others. This message of gracious living challenges me to put others first before me and to love them as myself.

The different cultures of the Indian, Chinese, Muslim and Western presented by the 2nd group in 4 skit settings and in paper gave me a better understanding to these groups of Christian. I will show my respect to them if I encounter such incidents in future.