The coming Friday, 5^th September 2014, 8pm in the church sanctuary, we will hold our annual gospel rally. Rev Tan Eng Boo will speak on the topic, “You Must Be Born Again.” Two brothers from a Christian organization will present a cross talk. The choir will also present two beautiful hymns, one in English and the other in Mandarin. Each guest will receive a door gift. In the past several years, we had in every rally, over 40 new friends who heard the gospel. Many have sent out invitation cards to relatives, friends and colleagues. May God cause this sanctuary to overflow with new friends. May they receive Jesus and salvation that night.

If, however, we desire God to do a mighty work this night, we must pray. The Holy Spirit of the Almighty God must work in the hearts of people before any work of value can be accomplished. We must pray without ceasing. Before Jesus returned to heaven, His disciples asked Him: “Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). They were basically asking if God was going to take control of the world so that humankind can experience and enjoy God’s kingdom and His blessings. How did Jesus respond to the desire of His disciples?

He replied: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of earth” (Acts 1:7). When did this the power come on His disciples? It came when they were doing two related things as explained in Acts 1:14: “They were all joined together constantly in prayer.” First, the power of God came because Christians gather together to worship God. Second, the power of God came when they were praying. This coming of God’s power was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came on Christians (Acts 2). On that day, Peter preached and “about three thousand were added to their number” (Acts 2:41).

Similarly, if you want the Almighty Spirit of God to save souls, we must pray, both individually and as a church. We must work hard at inviting new friends, and doing our part in the gospel rally. But above all, we must pray. I urge you, come for the church Tuesday night prayer meeting. When Christians meet together in church, during Sunday School, or in small groups, please take time to prayer. Pray for the speaker and translator. Pray for the worship chairman, the pianist and all who are serving. Pray for new friends that those invited will come. Pray that God will remove all obstacles. Pray for their hearts, that they will enjoy God’s presence, and above all, they will understand the gospel and open their hearts to receive Jesus.

But if you want your prayer to be used by God, there is a critical condition: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). You need to lead a holy life. Keep away from sin. This same condition applies to all who wish to be used by God in the gospel rally: “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work” (2Tim 2:20-21). Keep away from sin, then you will become an instrument fit for the Master’s use.