Giving Thanks For Our Common Faith

by Pastor Mark
October 16, 2014

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Celebrating Sathiyam’s 25th Anniversary

This week, we celebrated another milestone in the history of our Indian churches. Sathiyam IPC was the first of four churches that was developed as part of our Indian mission work 25 years ago. We thank God that as we see how both Sathiyam and the other churches have grown from strength to strength over the years. The work of God has been greatly blessed.

On Wednesday night, It was great to see the brethren from all the Indian churches coming together to rejoice and to give praise to our Lord God in celebration of our anniversary.

I stood in awe of what the Lord is doing in the midst of Indian brethren. His hand of involvement was truly evident and undeniable.

Thank God for the same faith

As you know, we have been celebrating a number of anniversaries in the last two months. We just celebrated Bethany’s 40+1 anniversary and Bethel’s 20th anniversary. One common denominator that is seen in all our churches is our faith. The kind of faith that we have taught and practised in all our churches is the same.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believe and therefore I spoke.” we also believe and therefore speak.” (2 Cor 4:13) Whether it was faith in the Old Testament or faith in the New Testament church, they had the same spirit of faith. Whether it is faith in Bethany, Bethel or our Indian churches we all have the same faith as Paul had taught. It is this same spirit of faith that we live by and minister by.

Same focus of faith

For all our churches, the focus of our faith has been the same. Our focus has been on the Lord Jesus. He is the hallmark of our beliefs and doctrines. We believe that the Lord Jesus died and rose again and we are raised with Him. (2 Cor 4:14)

This implications and impact of this truth have been evidenced in all our churches. Our ministries have always been Christ centered all these years. We have always been identified with Christ. This is due to the same faith that the churches have.

Much to give glory to God for

“For all things are for your sakes, that grace having spread through the many may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.” (2 Cor 4:15) The Lord has blessed us with all things through His grace. May we seek to give praise and glory to the Lord. Let’s truly abound in thanksgiving in view of all that the Lord has done for us in our IPC churches. Let’s give all the glory to the Lord for He rightly deserves it.

Keep the faith

The Lord has indeed given us a wonderful faith. This “common faith” has made a tremendous impacted on Bethany and all of our overseas chapters. We thank God that this faith continues to be real and relevant to our life and ministry. We should never stray from this faith. May we truly treasure this faith! Let us continue to hold on to this faith and to guard it in the years to come.

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