Sunday Bulletin – 22 December 2024

Reverend Wilfred Lim | Dec 22, 2024

Dear worshippers of the Most High,

Jesus is not only about the salvation from eternal hell fire; He is also about the abundant life here and now!

The word “save” in Greek is “sozo”. It is used more than 100 times in the New Testament. It is used when demons were being cast out, sicknesses were being healed or in the deliverance of various trials (Mark 6:56, Luke 8:36, Matthew 8:25). It is also used when souls were being ushered into the kingdom of God (Matthew 18:11). “Sozo” therefore has the meaning of salvation, healing and deliverance. Simply, it means wholeness and wellness. This aligns well with the picture Jesus presented to us, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b). However, reality reveals to us that many are not living the life Jesus has provided when He went through the cross (Is 53:4-5, 2 Cor 8:9). Many, unfortunately, are living miserably under the power and deceptions of the devil (Eph 2:2, 2 Cor 4:4).

Liberty comes when we apply the truth of heaven against the lies of this world (John 8:32). Jesus wants to expose the lies of the devil over the people and to break the obstacles that hinder God’s gift of abundant life. You and I, the body of Christ, are to continue and finish what Jesus had started some 2000 years ago (Isaiah 61:1, Mark 16:15-18, John 14:12). Do you know of anyone who needs salvation, healing and deliverance? Are you aware of anyone who needs to be made whole or well? Or anyone who would like to live in the abundant life provided by Jesus? Beloved saints, this Christmas and festive season, we can tell someone about Jesus who, through His sacrifice, is offering all an abundant life.

God had used someone to bring us into the kingdom. This Christmas we can be the “someone” who brings souls into the kingdom of God. We can invite them over a meal, throw a small gathering for them with a few brethren or accompany them to the church outreach services. There we can share with them the glorious hope we have in such difficult times (Colossians 1:27). The apostle Peter encourages us to “always be ready to give a logical defence to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully” (1 Peter 3:15b AMPC). Not forgetting our testimony is not mere words; we overcome the devil by it (Revelations 12:11). Likewise, the gospel is not futile, it is the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16)!

Jesus is indeed the reason for this season. Jesus is still in the business of saving, healing and delivering all who have fallen short of His provision of an abundant life beginning here and now.

Merry Christmas and blessed festive season to all of you.

Shalom,
Rev. Wilfred Lim