Dr AR Bernard once again steps foot into South East Asia and this time, not just in Singapore, but Taiwan, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Malaysia.
It was in the year 1995 when Bernard took hold of the revelation of “Kristos Kai Kosmos” or Christ in Culture, and since then, the message has spread far and wide, with many churches infused in the mindset of engaging the culture.
Bernard’s more than 30,000-strong congregation at Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York is a living testimony of a church that actively represents Christ in culture and society, while actively portraying its role in the transformation and betterment of people’s lives.
Fulfilling the last stop of his 3-week long journey in South East Asia at City Harvest Church in Singapore, Dr. Bernard continues to establish the church’s role of reconciling the world back to God and restoring God’s original intent for mankind and societies.
Bernard expounded on the primary roles of the Church in society: (1) as a prophet that proclaims the good news of the kingdom of God and declares the truth to the world; (2) as a priest who demonstrates the compassion of God in human society; and (3) as a king that empowers the people for a productive and meaningful life.
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| PHOTOS: Gary Sim, James Lee, Xavier Tan |
He pointed out that the attitude toward nurturing a relationship with God ought to be one of willingness to take on the responsibility of effecting positive change in the world and not simply keeping God to one’s self. The call is for Christians to show their love for God through loving the world unconditionally, sacrificially and “redemptively” (in a way that shows the redeeming nature of God) just like the Good Samaritan in the Bible.
Through Bernard’s life and ministry, churches who have well received the message of “Kristos Kai Kosmos” have seen people who were once unwanted and shunned away by society being welcomed to church and changed by the love of God. Celebrities and talented individuals found a second home in the Church and a place to hone their talents to be used for God’s glory and kingdom-building. This is especially evident in New Life Church in the Chinese music capital of Taiwan where many Christian celebrities shout out the fame of Christ more than their own. In a position of influence, they effectively pass on the life-changing reality of God in their lives to many around them.
