Young Adults' Group

Beginning Our 44th Year Of Ministry

by Pastor Mark
September 01, 2016

Reflecting over our Anniversary celebration

We thank God for a great time of worship and celebration at our 43^rd Anniversary. (28/8/16) It was wonderful to see so many people coming together to offer praise and glory to our marvelous God. It is a special and memorable moment for us to reflect on as we enter into our 44^th year of ministry. What are some of my thoughts and reflections?

1. A new way of approaching and worshipping the Lord…coming to Mount Zion

Ever since we studied about approaching Mount Zion in YAG, I have gained a new and exciting approach to God…to “come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem to an innumerable company of angels…” (Heb 12:22) This has become a consciousness for me as I come to God each morning. At the same time, worshipping together in the general assembly and in the church of the firstborn has been most exciting too. There is a greater sense of awe and consciousness of God’s glory as we come before Mount Zion. When Pastor prepared us before our Anniversary worship to come to Mount Zion, it was a culmination of our preparation and for us to give joyful and glorious praise to the Lord. It is with this new approach to worship that I am entering into this new year of ministry.

2. Appreciating the heritage of the servant of the Lord

Pastor gave a wonderful Anniversary message. He also taught further as to what Isaiah 54 is about and I thought I will share with you my reflections with these further thoughts in mind.

a. The plans of God

“Enlarge the place of your tent,” (Isa 54:2)

While it was exciting to hear about the plan of God to enlarge the tents of the people and to stretch out their dwelling place, to bring about growth in Israel and in application to our church, it was really a plan of redemption. Israel would be returning to Jerusalem from captivity with nothing and they would be staying in tents. Previously, Moses had already highlighted to Israel that God had blessed them richly with a good land in Canaan that was flowing with milk and honey and they had beautiful houses to stay in. (Deut 8) They were to not forget the commandments of the Lord but they did. After being brought through captivity, they would find themselves in tents rather than beautiful houses. As we enter into this new year of ministry, I am thankful to God for the rich blessings that Bethany has experienced for 43 years as part of His plans. Let us be challenged to not forget the Lord by keeping His commandments always. Let us not depart from His plans as it is part of our heritage as servants of the Lord. (Isa 54:17)

b. The person of God

“For your Maker is your husband, The LORD of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel;” (Isaiah 54:5)

I appreciated what Pastor preached about the person of God who is part of our heritage. He is a God who is great as the Maker of creation and yet He seeks to be close to us as “a husband.”  There is a duality of relationship that we want to appreciate. Yet, Israel sinned against God and He would forsake them for a moment, “For the Lord has called you like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit,” (Isa 54:6) Israel was returning with a chastised spirit. Unless, we have been chastised from our sins, we will not be able to find a renewed relationship with the Lord. As we begin our 44^th year of ministry, I very much want to renew my relationship with the Lord with the desire to appreciate His greatness and to find a deeper sense of closeness with Him. Let us all be challenged to renew our relationship with the Lord and to be that much resolved to keep His commandments that the blessings of the Lord may continue in the year ahead.

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