THE CHURCH AND THE GREAT COMMISSION (PSALMS 107:37-38)

Dear Members in Christ,                                                                                                                   

The Church and the Great Commission.

“And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase. He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.” Psalms 107: 37-38

Today, we celebrate and rejoice as we come together to witness the installation of the Pastor for CJBPF. We thank God for prayers answered for the provision of a Pastor as God’s timing is perfect. CJBPF will be on the Lord’s side (cf. Joshua 24:15). The Lord’s work continues as He is with us, strengthen, help and uphold us with His right hand of righteousness (cf. Isaiah 41:10). The only thing we need to do is to “trust and obey” (cf. John 14:15). 

We are saved to serve and to repay the gospel debt in order that others may be saved unto God’s kingdom of light. We are not to “laze around” and “do nothing” (cf. Ephesians 2:10)! God’s work must not suffer nor be hindered by our ignorance, indifferent attitude nor behaviour. Brethren must learn to live together in unity and harmoniously without murmuring, envy nor strife. They must love one another (cf. 1 John 4:20).

It is also good and timely to be reminded of the Ministry of the Church. With the timely spiritual leadership of the Pastor, let each one of us resolve to serve God even better with more fervency and dedication. There are many brethren that need to be spiritually encouraged and nourished. There are also many lost souls that need to hear the good news of salvation.

The Lord Jesus Christ, before His ascension to Heaven, charged the Church to fulfill the Great Commission. It is not only for the Pastor nor the leaders but to all of His children to whom we are. “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.” Matthew 28:19-20.

I have taken the liberty to reproduce from the book “Basic Bible Knowledge” (2^nd Edition 2017, The Church, chapter 14, pp 154-156) for reading. This is for convenience and ease of teaching and understanding in order that each one of us are able to 1) know the reason for the existence of the Church 2) role of the Church 3) participate 4) support and 5) carry out the spiritual responsibility and work of salvation. In knowing, you may also want to equip yourself with more spiritual knowledge, live and walk like Christ. We are not only to serve as individuals but also together as a body in Christ.

Quote: “The Ministry of the local Church: The one essential ministry of the Church is service to her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He is our High Priest, interceding on our behalf before God the Father. Through Him, we His children have access to the throne of grace. All believers, in their turn, are called to be priests, a people for God’s own possession (1 Peter 2:9; 5:2,3).

1. The church must be evangelistic in her fulfilment of the Great Commission. Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 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.” Mission is always made up of both HOME and FOREIGN missions.

2. The church must be defenders of God’s Holy Word. Jude 1:3-4, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

3. All ministries must be evangelistic and Christ honouring. The local church is not a club or a community centre. For example, if the church has a kindergarten, the kindergarten must be evangelistic and not just teach Mathematics, English or Chinese. Hymns and songs and prayer must be part of the kindergarten curriculum. If not, the kindergarten must close down. The reason is that she has lost her purpose.

4. The Bible must be taught in all ministries.

5. Prayer must be the order of the day before and at the end of every programme and meeting.

6. Members must be taught to give tithes and offerings on a regular basis.

7. Sunday worship service is the highpoint of every week.

8. Midweek prayer meeting must become part of the members’ church life.

9. Commitment to service in the Local Church is compulsory. God did not save us to do nothing but to serve Him.

10. Keeping the sacraments is a regular feature of any sound biblical church. The sacraments must be held in the highest regard.

The Mission of the Church:

1. To establish and maintain a witness through public corporate worship.

2. To call men to the Saviour by our testimony and witness.

3. To nurture and feed and care for the flock of God.

4. To uphold and defend the faith of the Gospel and the Word of God.

5. To long for the day of Jesus Christ, when He shall return in the clouds in the air.” Unquote.

A Call to Participate and Serve: The Pastor, as God’s under-shepherd, oversees and is responsible for all the ministries and works of the Church. Let us always remember the Pastor daily, before God’s throne of grace that God continues to bless, shower and enable him with wisdom, health, strength, protection, patience and boldness to work the works of God for His glory. The Pastor is also to continue in prayers and learning of God’s Word. 

Together, co-labouring with the Pastor, we are to strive together “for the faith of the gospel” (cf. Phillipians 1:27). We must continue to pray, encourage, support and participate in the Lord’s work.

There are many ministries in the Church that we can participate and serve. Do not wait for others to serve before you start serving. Look to yourself. Do come forward. If you need to find out more, do talk to the Pastor and Session members or leaders of the various ministries. The music and the choir ministries are the most acute in need of assistance and participation.

Serving in God’s vineyard is not serving man nor pleasing man. In fact, you are serving the Almighty God (cf. Romans 12:11). Will you not answer the call and step up to serve?

“... for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10. God bless. Amen.

In Christ,
Eld. Choe Tong Seng