Thank God For His Word

by Pastor Mark
August 29, 2024

Thank God for a great 50 + 1 Anniversary

As we reflect on the Anniversary week, there are many things to thank God for. There was the Pastoral Conference where some of our overseas brethren from north-east India and Kenya attended to learn from the Lord’s Word. Last Sunday, we thanked God that we could gather together to celebrate Bethany’s 51st Anniversary, and exalt, praise and sing to Him. Let me share some lessons that I have learnt from the teaching of the Lord’s Word.

A greater depth in knowing the Lord Jesus

  1. At the Pastoral Conference, Pastor taught us about how we can have a contemplative approach to life and ministry by knowing the Lord Jesus more deeply.
  2. We took time to contemplate on the seven I Am statements of the Lord Jesus, especially the last two.
  3. The Lord Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
  4. Many tend to associate this verse with funerals focusing on how the Lord Jesus is the way to heaven.
  5. But this verse is a summary of who the Lord Jesus is and how He did His work.
    1. The Way is a reference to the Lord’s way of doing things and fulfilling His Father’s work.
    2. The Truth is the deep truth behind His life and work, always full of depth.
    3. The Life is the dynamic power reflected in His life, which is full of strength, zeal and grit.
  6. All the previous I Am statements should be added to our understanding of how the Lord Jesus lived and did things.
  7. This was the way He did His work as an example for the disciples to follow (John 14:12).

The challenge to abide

  1. The last I Am statement is “I am the true vine” (John 15:1).
  2. The Lord Jesus as the true vine challenged us to abide in Him, His Word and His love as this is how we can become fruitful (John 15:4, 7, 9).
  3. We are to contemplate on all the seven I Am statements and understand the significance of each statement.
  4. The challenge is to abide in the Lord Jesus and all the words written about Him.
  5. It is not just about studying the Lord’s Word mechanically and perfunctorily.
  6. It is knowing what to focus on concerning the Lord Jesus and apply it in our life and ministry.
  7. The Lord’s Word would become more fruitful, life-changing and alive to us.

The power of the Word of God

In his Anniversary message, Pastor focused on the place of the Word of God. During the golden age of the church, the first-century church was committed to the preaching and teaching of the Lord’s Word. It was wonderful to see how the Word of God grew mightily and prevailed (Acts 19:20), which reflected the power of His Word.

The Word of God represents His thoughts and ways which are so profound because they are higher than man’s thoughts and ways, as high as the heavens are above the earth (Isaiah 55:8–9). God’s Word is full of tremendous power (Isaiah 55:10–11). It will not return to Him void. The Word of God will accomplish what the Lord pleased to plan, and also prosper in the things that He had sent it for. Indeed, the power of God’s Word has been evident in Bethany as we see the growth of our church not only locally but also in our overseas chapters.

Let us stand in appreciation and awe of the Lord and the power of His Word. Let us seek to read, understand and abide in the Lord’s Word as we enter our 52nd year of ministry.

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