By Clovey Lye
Why Numbers?
It is a rare enough occasion when anyone mentions the Book of Numbers. It is even more unheard that someone would respond in excitement or fondness when asked about the book. More likely are the phrases, “complicated” “full of statistics,” “boring,” and “what book is that?” used in relation to the fourth book of the Pentateuch.
So, why would CERC choose to go through this unwieldy book that many pastors shy away from in order to keep their sheep? Is it because CERCians are just ‘nerds’ excited about getting more information in the bible? Or is it simply because CERC is a church that simply wants to challenge the norm?
Well, the answer lies in those who have read the book and are excited for it.
Many CERCians are excited at the way the book of Numbers captures God’s character unlike any other book.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how God preserves His people not because of their faithfulness, but because of His character! Even in the judgment of the unbelieving generation, God still preserved Joshua and Caleb, showing His divine election and plan working out in history.” – Chris Ng (member candidate, and regular at the USJ 6 Growth Group)
Others are excited about its clarity in calling for God’s people, to rise up as His soldiers.
“What am I excited about? The militarization of the nation. It’s not often that we hear about conquest, or think of God’s people in this way.” – Bolwin (Leader of Sentul Growth Group)
“I am excited to know what it means for God’s people to ‘stand up and be counted’ as one who is numbered among His army, and our trajectory as Christians heading towards God’s Promised Land on the Final Day!” – Ken Ooi (Assistant Leader of USJ 6 Growth Group)
There are also those who are earnestly looking forward to studying the way God organizes His people for better governance of His church
“I am personally looking forward to seeing the structures that made the movement to the promised land possible: how God organized his army, and what we can learn about God as we look at that” – Joyce Yee (Church Ministry Apprentice and the Head of the Sunday School Department)
Jovie (member of USJ 6 Growth Group), who came from a non-Christian background said that she was particularly interested to go through this series.
“Many Christians gave me the idea that Numbers is a boring book. But after slowing down to read… although there were a lot of details, I really appreciated double-clicking on each detail and getting to really know God’s good character. Initially, I couldn’t understand Numbers, but IG reels helped! When I saw the cross shaped formation formed by the tribe of Israel, I wanted to know more about it and how it points to Jesus. Also, I’m starting to wonder… does the book of Numbers help us understand church and membership?”
The first Sunday of the series was particularly inspiring too. During the overview sermon, Pastor Jerome gave us the essence of the book, “God wants His people to organize themselves in a way that glorifies Him by upholding Him at the centre of community life, with leaders who would lead the whole community in holy fervor for His sake and for their good.”
Jerome giving us the overview of Numbers
The AM emcee, Mark Leong, helped the church to feel this viscerally when he organized the AM congregation according to our Growth Groups. He also asked the leaders of each new Growth Groups to share their hopes and dreams in serving God in their Growth Groups. It was truly a time of reflection for the members of CERC. We felt indeed the mission and call that God has set upon us to preach and glorify Him in our respective mission fields. We were reminded that we are not just a community that comes together to care and share, but a community that comes together to be on mission for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who died for us that we may serve our God.
Church Members David Kuok and Andrew Teoh being edified by the reading of God’s word together.
Li Qi debuting the mascot of the Wangsa Maju GG, one of the new GGs in 2026 – A plant representing the unique nature of Wangsa Maju, and the hope to grow Christians rooted and growing in the word.
So why is CERC excited about the book of Numbers? Essentially, we, the church are excited for the call God has over our lives as Christians and are excited to hear from our Lord and Commander, Jesus Christ. There’s much to anticipate prayerfully for this series, and CERC is looking forward to the growth and evangelism opportunities the series will bring.
