Dear COA Family,
Recently I have embarked on a personal Bible study on the theme
of the word “everyone”. I wanted to find out if there are universal
instructions or conditions that God has placed on everyone,
regardless of each person’s background, beliefs or behaviour. In
other words, I wanted to find out if there are truths that apply to all
people that we must all follow.
And the results are very instructive and enlightening!
One such finding is from Jesus’ sermon on the Mount: “For everyone
who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who
knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:8).
There is no exception – every person who continually pursues God
and His kingdom will receive the blessings of the Lord. God will not
be silent towards the seeker. This is not only the promise of Jesus
but also a truth that is established by God. With this truth, our Lord
is encouraging us to never give up seeking or pursuing Him but
persevere till the end.
Another is Jesus’ teaching: “For everyone who exalts himself will be
humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).
From here we learn too that there is no exception – whoever is
puffed up in pride or self-importance will be brought down, and
whoever walks humbly before God and others will be accorded with
credit. This truth encourages us to be vigilant against pride in our hearts
and always act in ways of humility and submission to the Lord’s will.
Finally, we have Jesus’ warning: “But everyone who hears these words
of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who
built his house on sand” (Matthew 7:26).
Here we are reminded again that it is not the hearers of God’s words who
are justified, but the doers of God’s word. God’s instructions are not mere
advice or suggestions. They are true, powerful and contain the life of God.
We ignore them at our peril. We are severely warned to apply God’s word
or reap the destructive consequences.
May this year ahead be one where everyone of us embark on our
personal Bible study and therefore glean the treasures that are contained
in His word for ourselves!
God bless,
Revd Ian