Bi-Vocational Mission Conference (in Mandarin)

Date: 25-27 July 2008
Venue: MBS Recreation & Training Centre
Lot 727 & 728, Jalan Kundang
48050 Kuang, Rawang, Selangor
Conatct: Ms. Jane Hii (03-33427482 ext. 222)

The above is our theme for our 30th Anniversary this year. It will also be the theme for our Souvenir Magazine later.

The term “Renewal” or “Revival” had a historically consistent meaning until recent years when its meaning has to be determined by its usage. To be clear about what we mean so that it might not be just a mere slogan, let us consider the term in its different language contexts. That will help us briefly to understand the dynamics of a true spiritual renewal.

1. The Language of History
Church history has seen many small (localized) and big or major (regional and continental) Renewals, Awakenings and Reformations. Dr. J. Edwin Orr, an authority on the subject, defines a spiritual renewal as “a movement of the Holy Spirit bringing about a revival of New Testament Christianity in the Church of Christ and its related community.” (Orr, The Eager Feet, Moody Press, 1975). Such a definition is more or less standard among evangelical scholars. We need to note (i) the centrality of the Holy Spirit (ii) the implication that New Testament Christianity is “revival Christianity” and (iii) revival must impact the community around it. As spiritual renewal or revival is the work of a Holy God who also uses man, so will the devil be at work to oppose it – and he too uses man to do his unholy work, including to produce counterfeits, discord and disunity and all kinds of excesses! Hence, quite often the controversies that accompany revivals!

Dear Pastors, Leaders, Brothers and Sisters’ in Christ:
Warmest greetings to you from Malaysia Bible Seminary.

We thank God for His mercy and grace, as well as your continued support and concern which enable MBS to move on over the past 3 decades. As we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary this coming July, we look back to God’s manifold blessings in the past, assess our present situation, and also look forward to the needs and challenges ahead. It involves some soul-searching deliberation and reflection in these regards, and there is consensus among Council and Faculty members that there is a need for renewal in order to move forward. Hence the adoption of the theme for our 30th Anniversary Celebration: “Renewed and Moving Forward”.