We are privileged to ordain an elder and two new deacons and to form a new Session for our church today.

I thank the Lord for the current Session members who have given themselves for various tasks in the church. Now the Lord gives us a new beginning and a new Session. The church of God is like a living organism, which is different from a lifeless organization. The Scriptures often personify the church. For example, when a person has wronged, he needs to be dealt with by the church. Matthew 18:17, “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” The church can hear complaints and take actions accordingly. When a believer is in troubles, the church can pray to God. Acts 12:5, “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” This organic nature of the church of God gives very many unique features to it. First, the church of God can be strengthened, which does not simply refer to a better organizational structure, but more internal and spiritual growth. As Acts 16:5 says, “And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.” The strengthened or established churches are not natural products of time by chance, but products of hard work and diligence by someone(s). One of ministries Paul did was to visit the church to confirm them according to Acts 15:41. If we know that there are inferior or superior churches in the Bible, we’ll be a bit amazed. This difference is made by their obedience to the commandments from God. The Corinthian church was inferior to other churches in one thing, which was that she was not supporting Paul financially. Paul felt that the Corinthian church was not mature enough to support his ministry financially. 2 Corinthians 12:13, “For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong.” Therefore, it is always a privilege that churches can support God’s ministries. The Philippian church was remarkable in this regard. Philippians 4:15, “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.” Second, the church of God needs to be fed. When Paul was about to go to Jerusalem, he called for the elders from Ephesus. It was his last opportunity to see them. He exhorted them in Acts 20:18. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” They were the overseers of the church of God. Their duty was to feed God’s church. Thus, the church of God can be strengthened. Paul and Timothy did teach the Word to the churches, by which the latter were fed. 1 Corinthians 4:17, “For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.”

Third, this organic church can be corrupt by its members. It can be divided. 1 Corinthians 11:18, “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.” It also can be very careless about the things of God. 1 Corinthians 11:22, “What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.” This corruptibility of God’s churches indicates that there are equal opportunities to grow into perfection. The church of God ought to be subject to Christ (Ephesians 5:24) and should not forget her noble goal according to Ephesians 5:27. “That he [Christ] might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

The reason that I have listed all these verses is because I want to let you know of the importance of God’s churches. Beyond that, I want to tell you that there are certain responsibilities on the shoulders of church leaders, such as Session members. The organic church of God works and runs with and through its members. God has appointed some people to make the church run smoothly and effectively. Thus, God had set apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). It is for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). Individual members in the body of Christ are important. However, they need to be connected with each other and work together for common goals, which is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21). Thus, God has raised the leaders for His churches. For example, Paul and his company appointed certain people over God’s congregations. Acts 14:23, “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” Here we find an example of an ordination service for elders. The elders of the church are asked to pray for the sick in James 5:14, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” Their duty is to look after the welfare of God’s flock. These leaders are also the messengers of the churches in 2 Corinthians 8:23. God has given us two offices in His church: elders and deacons. They are the ones taking care of the church of God (1 Timothy 3:5). When they are not well behaving in the church of God or neglecting their duties, the whole church will suffer.

Thank the Lord that He has given us good men to lead us. We are privileged to have an elder, Michael Lee, and five deacons including two new ones: Ngie Joo Gong, Tony Law, Edwin D’Mello, Yaw Chiew Tan, and David Yeo. Thank God that we have the choicest men for our church offices. Let us pray for them that they will be faithful to their ministries and fulfill their joyful duties. God be the glory forever!

Lovingly, Your Pastor

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