BETHESDA CATHEDRAL – WORD EDIFICATION (23 May 2014)
Announcements
1. Special Meeting with Dr Benny Prasad: Sat, 24 May, 11am, Daniel Hall.
2. 22nd Anniversary Dinner: Sun, 25 May, 7 pm, Roland Restaurant.
Adults $20 / Child (3-12Yrs) $10.
3. Church Camp 2014: 23 - 26 June, Holiday Inn, Melaka.
Adult: $380, Student/NS: $350, Child (with bed): $220 Child (w/o bed): $150.
4. Prayer & Praise: Every Wed, 8pm, Chapel.
Please take note: This Saturday No Encounter Service at 5pm.
Word Released: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of
God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 Jn 5:13 NIV
Word Edification – Forward in Faith
Speaker: Elder Leong Sow Hoe
Text: Gen 23:1-20
1. Abraham’s visionary action (v 1-4)
a) Sarah was a faithful and obedient wife, who followed her husband,
Abraham, wherever he went, even though life in the Ur of the Chaldeans
was much more comfortable.
b) They wandered in the wilderness for 62 years without ever finding a
permanent place to call home, despite the many promises given by God
(Gen 12:1-2,7; 13:14-17; 15:7; 17:7-8).
c) It was in the midst of mourning over Sarah’s death that Abraham rose to
speak to the sons of Heth, who were his distant cousins. Abraham did not
look back but forward to lay hold of the things God had promised him.
d) Likewise, Bethesda Cathedral has the vision of 7000, which should be
embraced by all. We may not see the fulfilment of the vision in our lifetime
but we should continue to cling on to it by faith, just as Abraham did not see
the multitudes which were to issue from him in his lifetime (Heb 11:12-13).
2. Abraham’s decisive action (v 5-18)
a) Abraham, the mighty prince, had a special relationship with God. Because
God was with him, he received special favour when Ephron offered him not
just the cave of Machpelah but the field as well.
b) The transaction price was 400 shekels of silver which is about 40 times the
earning of an average worker in those days for a year. This was a great sum
of money in relation to the field Jeremiah was asked to buy for 17 shekels
(Jer 32:9). Nevertheless, Abraham weighed out the money for Ephron to
seal the deal.
c) Like Abraham, we had our nomadic days moving from Republic Theatre to
Odeon Katong and then to La-Salle School of the Arts. When right time
came, we made a decisive bid for the land in Chai Chee at a cost of
$2.73m. Through a prophetic confirmation, we also made a decision to
expand the sanctuary in 2000.
3. Abraham’s beneficial action (v 19-20)
a) The beneficiary of Abraham’s purchase was his wife, Sarah. Later, he
himself and his son and relatives were buried there. It benefited a whole
generation after him.
b) Likewise, the purchase of the land and the building of Bethesda Cathedral
in Chai Chee have benefited so many people. Over the 22 years of our
existence, many lives have being changed and transformed by God’s
power, receiving salvation, healing and deliverance. And many more will
continue to be touched by God as we avail ourselves to do great exploits
for God.
Applications
1. The journey of Bethesda Cathedral has been an adventure in faith. Share with
one another how your faith has grown and developed in this church.
2. As we celebrate our church 22nd anniversary, what are some things you can
thank God for?
3. If you have been a beneficiary of Bethesda Cathedral, how do you intend to
pay it forward?