Ending The Year On A Note Of Praise

by Pastor Mark
December 28, 2017

Reviewing 2017

As we come to the end of another year, it is most appropriate for us to review our life and ministry, and to see how this year has been. What are some of the significant lessons that we have learnt? How has the Lord been involved in our life and ministry? How should we respond to these blessings that God has given to us?

Our response should be one of praise. There is so much for us to give praise to our Lord for.
Let us be challenged to give Him praise.

Things that I would like to praise God for

1. A vital lesson learnt

One of the most significant lessons for me that I’ve learnt for this year was through our morning Bible Study classes with Pastor. He taught us a Greek word which is “sunieimi”. The usual translation for this Greek word is to “understand”. (Mark 8:17) It also means to connect with. The understanding comes through the connections of one word to another…one concept to another…one event to another.

The disciples were not able to connect things…with regards to what the Lord Jesus taught at the different events. This affected their faith and they were not able to apply their faith as they should have had.

As a keen student of the Scriptures, I felt that this lesson was most crucial to my approach to the Scriptures and to gain a greater understanding in the Word of God.

2. A commitment to go deeper

In our YAG meetings this year, we studied the book of Philippians. We sought to go deeper in our study especially in understanding the Greek text. Many of you have mentioned that you like this new approach to discovering precious lessons through the use of the Greek. I praise and thank God for your appreciation and that you have found them to be enlightening.

We will continue to take this approach in our study of Philippians for next year and let us be committed to go deeper in our study of the Scriptures.

A special appreciation for Bethany

We thank God for Bethany and for the truth and love that we share. We have a church that has been built on the foundation of Christ as the Chief Cornerstone and His Word. (1 Cor 3:11, Matt 7:24, 1 Peter 2:7)

This is especially important when we hear of false teachings and false teachers that can affect the lives of their brethren. Through these false teachings, many people are deceived into thinking that they had genuine faith when it is not. Let us be challenged to deeply appreciate what we have here.

Every reason for us to give thanks

As we look to God and to worship Him, we have every reason to rejoice and to give praise Him. Let us be challenged to end the year on a note of praise.

Back to Article Listing

More Articles