By bro Paul Lim
Whether it’s a trip to a dream destination, or the welcoming of a newborn in the family, it is no secret that most of us love new, enjoyable experiences. We are now in the third week of the new work for Church of Christ, Eastside. While everyone spends some time to settle down and “get our gears in motion”. I’d like to share my thoughts on a passage of scripture I came across. This prompted me to consider what the new work meant to me. In sharing this article, I hope there may be some semblance in its meaning to you as well.
Acts 16:9–10 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
When given the cue to reach out to the Macedonians, Paul was ready. He was “immediate” in answering the Macedonian Call to reach out. Likewise, we have been given the Macedonian Call — the wonderful opportunity by God to spread His word to people in this part of Singapore. All things are ready. God has provided us with so many things to make this possible — We have cleared the processes needed to start a new work, secured a place for worship, and also enjoy the company of wonderful co-workers in the vineyard to embark on this journey together. Indeed, how great a blessing this is!
I am reminded of our mission to evangelise, as outlined in the great commission Christ has given in Matt 28 : 19-20. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Evangelism is a key role of a Christian. We need to do our utmost best to be ready at all times, to support one another in this good work. Surely, as we start afresh in this new beginning, there are bound to be anxieties and challenges along the way. However, let us encourage one another and look at the many opportunities that lie beyond these obstacles.
Heb 10:24, 25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
May Christ’s words always abide in our hearts as we seek to do His will as a sound congregation, and let us be assured knowing that He is always with us in whatever we do. We are co-workers with God (1 Cor 3:9) and it is of great comfort to know that our own Master is also at the forefront in this spiritual business of soul winning.
In closing, I’d like to leave you with this thought. When the boat is shaking amidst the storm, we all have to remember this very fact (which we sometimes forget) — Our Master is in the same boat as well.