Lord’s Day, Vol. 7 No. 6
Blessed 5thAnniversary Thanksgiving (2)
Thank God for BHBPC’s 5thAnniversary Thanksgiving Service held on 27 January 2019. The theme “Launch Out into the Deep” (Luke 5:1-11) illustrate the work of the church as firstly a Ministry of the Word of God (v1-3). Secondly, it is a Ministry Supported by the Power of God (v4-9). Thirdly, a Ministry Requiring Wholehearted Consecration to God (v10-11). The early disciples were called by our Lord to be fishers of men. This is a ministry supported by the power of God.
(2) A Ministry Supported by the Power of God
4Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
Jesus bid his disciples to stir their boat to deeper waters and let down their nets for a single catch. The night before they had been fishing but caught nothing. Peter obeyed the Master’s word. They were astonished that a great multitude of fishes filled the net till it broke. They had to beckon their partners on the other ship to help them. What a catch!
Peter realised that Jesus is truly God. He saw the power of Jesus’ spoken word. He fell down at Jesus’ knees in worship, terrified by what he saw. He saw his sinfulness and the holiness and glory of the Person of Jesus. He is indeed the Christ. It was a notable miracle. He realised that Jesus is Sustainer of his livelihood. His very life depends upon Jesus – John 1:3-5 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Indeed, Jesus is the sustainer of the universe – upholding all things by the word of his power (Hebrews 1:3). Peter realizes that Jesus is sustaining him by the word of His power and he can entrust his life to Jesus’ care. He struggled by his own strength and failed to catch a single fish the entire night. It is better to obey God, follow and serve Him. God can surely take care of him as He has demonstrated.
On 28 January 2014, we received the approval with the name “Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church” based on Titus 2:13. There were other names suggested but this was God’s choice of name for the church. This shall be a church of the last of the last days to reach out and gather His people before the Lord’s Coming. It is interesting that we are located in rented building of The Salvation Army that is shaped like an Ark. JC Ryle said well, “The disciples were to become fishers for souls. They were to labour to draw men out of darkness into light, and from the power of Satan to God.” This is our mission from the Lord to draw men into the Ark of Jesus Christ. And we are to trust Him to supply all our needs.
(3) A Ministry Requiring Wholehearted Consecration to God (v10-11)
10And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Jesus stipulated that the terms of discipleship involves self-denial and carry the burden of the cross as we follow Him daily.
Matthew 16:24-27 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
This lesson Peter learned with the feeding of the 5000 in John 6 where the people sought to follow Jesus were doing so on their own carnal terms. This is not the life of faith. It is the life of lust. When the lust is not satisfied the heart rebels and leaves. Whereas for Peter and the other disciples, they understood that life with God is that of full surrender – John 6:66-69 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ,the Son of the living God.
This is the life of faith. This is the testimony of life with God lived with lively hope. Not our will but God’s will be done which is the best for us. In our depravity, we really do not know how to lead a truly enriching life with Jesus.
Every Christian is called upon to this consecration to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. We are to forsake the world and all its fun for there are meaningful and profitable work that we can be engaged in for the souls of men. This is the reason of our gathering together.It is to worship Him and be a witness of Him to lost souls. All for His honour and glory according to His command.
Thank God for friends and loved ones who came in support of this gospel endeavour. May the Lord grant us His grace in this new year of service. Amen.
Yours lovingly,
Pastor Lek Aik Wee