BETHESDA CATHEDRAL – WORD EDIFICATION (Oikos on 5 July 2013)
Announcements
1. Saturday Worship Service: 5 pm, Daniel Hall, 2nd Floor.
2. Pre-Baptismal Class: Commencing on Sun, 14 Jul 13, 12-1pm, Classroom 3, 2nd Floor.
3. Prayer & Praise: Every Wed, 8pm, Chapel.
Word released: Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8
Word Edification - What the Church Needs In This Hour
Speaker: Elder Leong Sow Hoe
Introduction
After our Church Camp, the word given for the church to move on is “Evangelism and Healing.”
What the church needs in this hour are the 3 essential Ministries - Workers, Worshippers and
Witnesses. These ministries are critical for the vibrancy and growth for the church. We can
learn this from the passage in John 12:1-11
1.
The Church needs Workers.
1.1 Operational and Administrative Needs
We are 21 years as a church and have reached the adulthood phase. Instead of having the
church to always cry out for needs; let us take the initiative to find out what the needs of
the church are and offer our service.
1.2 Spiritual Needs
We are to pray for the sick and not worry about the results. If we do not take credit for
what God does, we do not need to take the blame for what He does not do. We should let
God do His work as He is the Healer.
1.3 Rewards for Workers
a. The more you serve, the closer you dwell with the Lord. These were the potters and those
who dwell at Netaim and Gederah; there they dwelt with the king for his work.
(1 Chronicles 4:23)
b. When you serve, you have the privilege to come to the table and commune with God. King
Solomon gave the workers he needed from King Hiram wheat and barley – speaks of
Bread, wine and oil – speaks of the Holy Spirit (2 Chronicles 2:10). Bread and Wine speaks
of Communion with God. We are enabled by the Holy Spirit to do His work. We are not
saved by works; we are saved for works.
2.
The Church needs Worshippers
Mary was a worshipper of the Lord. She sat at the feet of Jesus and heard His word
(Luke 10:39). She even anointed the feet of Jesus (John 12:3).
Worship is costly
 The spikenard oil which Mary offered was equivalent to 1 year’s wages.
 King David would not offer a burnt offering to the Lord which cost him nothing.
(1 Chronicles 21:24)
Worship is comely
Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped
His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil (John 12:3).
Worship can also be criticized
 Mary was criticized for the costly spikenard oil that she used to anoint the feet of
Jesus.
 King David was criticized by Michal, Saul’s daughter, for dancing before the Lord in
the eyes of the maids of his servants.
(2 Samuel 6:20)
3.
The Church needs Witnesses
Lazarus was a living testimony of being raised from the dead. Many Jews came to see him
and when they saw him, they went away and believed in Jesus (John 12: 9-11).
3.1 We shall be witnesses
Jesus has called us to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). As a believer of God, when people see our
good works, they will glorify God. We are to make known His deeds among the people and
talk of all His wondrous works (Psalm 105:1-2). We are also to share our testimonies
(Revelation 12:11).
Application
1. Share with each other which ministry you can offer yourself to serve God.
2. Pray for one another in the Oikos who needs healing.
3. We are to make known His deeds among the people and talk of all His wondrous works
(Psalm 105:1-2). Discuss.