Towards the end of the renovation works, the contractor who is also a brother in the Lord asked me: “How long do you expect to be here?” I told him we would probably be here for the next 5 years.  He said to me: “I think you will have to find a new place in a year’s time.”  I laughed and said: “May your words come true.”  We thank God for the first Sunday Worship Service in the new premises.   God is good.  This place can house about 130 seats.  With our present weekly attendance of slightly more than 60 persons, we have room for at least another 40 persons.

My point is not so much the number but to motivate us to continue to work hard to bring lost souls into God’s kingdom.  God’s desire is two-fold.  First, “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9).  Jesus once told a parable about a king sending out invitations to people to attend a wedding banquet.  Many gave unreasonable excuses so as not to attend.  This enraged the king.  He then commanded his servants: “The wedding banquet is ready but those I invited did not deserve to come.  So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find” (Matt 22:8-10).

Let us then invite whomever we can that the lost sheep of God may return to the Great Shepherd’s sheepfold in order that God’s desire may be satisfied.

May the love that Christ has so graciously showered on us when He died for us on the cross of Calvary move us to love others (2 Cor 5:14).  We have experienced the goodness and peace that salvation brings.  Let us not be selfish.  Share your salvation with the lost in Christ.  They need this precious salvation.  Love others patiently as Christ has loved you patiently.  Christ did not give up on you.  Do not give up on others.  I know of someone who scolded a Christian for inviting his family to come to church.  But God moved him and in a few months time, he received Jesus as Saviour.

 

Second, God not only desires a person to receive eternal life.  He also desires that person to enjoy eternal life and to grow spiritually to become more like Christ.  Thus, Paul says: “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.  To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me” (Col 1:28-29).

There are several things you can do to help people grow spiritually.  First, be a good example.  If you are an older person in age or an older Christian because you came to the Lord earlier, those who are younger will naturally observe how you behave as a Christian.  Be a good example by being punctual and faithful for Worship Service and when you are serving God.  “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Tim 4:12).

Second, be grounded in bible doctrines on topics including salvation, God, man, church, eschatology, etc.  Learn how to interpret the Bible correctly.  Read good Christian literature.  The church library has many good books.  It is only when you are equipped with God’s Word that you can be a good teacher.

Third, be disciplined in your Quiet Time.  You need to spend time fellowshipping with your Lord by allowing Him to speak to you through His Word.  Spend unhurried time in praying to Him.  Enjoy your Saviour’s presence.  It is only when you know your Saviour well that you can help others know their Saviour.