20091227

2009 is winding down – five days more to go.  Our Church Theme in 2009 was “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last” (Jn. 15:16).  As we review the year 2009 we must ask the question: “How was our fruit bearing”?  This will refer to both the “fruit of the Holy Spirit” in our lives and the “winning of precious souls” resultant from our personal witness for Jesus Christ.  Have we (and others) noticed character changes in our lives?  Have people been brought into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ by our telling them about Him?  Are these “fruits” going to last – all for the glory of God?  Sobering questions requiring prayerful answers!  Come before God and cry out (pray) to Him – He will give you the strength and ability to make fresh resolutions and to keep them.

Last Sunday, we were led to focus on what our Lord did for us.  Jesus came to Bethlehem at the first Christmas “seeking for me”, “dying for me”, “calling for me” and “coming for me”.  He has given us the blessed hope of His coming for us – soon.  In the meanwhile we are to live holy lives, serving Him and His people to the end that all might know the love, grace, mercy and glory of God.  Hia Chek Phang informed us about “The Lion of the tribe of Judah” who is the Lamb “standing in the centre of the throne”.  The Lamb is the worthy One to open the sealed scroll, held in the right hand of God.  He is the Lamb who was slain for our sins and by His stripes we have been healed.  He will be our Judge when He comes again to fulfil all things according to the plan of God.

We look forward to 2010 with great confidence because we know that the worthy Lamb is in full control.  We commit our lives into His hands and He promised He will never leave us nor forsake us.  We can take Him at His word.  In 2010 we will be asking Him to lead us in areas of “taking up the cross daily and following Him”.  He will give us the strength to take this matter of “cross-bearing” discipleship seriously.  Time is short and His coming is near.  We redeem the time by being obedient to Him.  “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me.  He who loves Me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love Him and show myself to him” (Jn. 14:21).