The continuity of Christ’s church is dependant on the leadership of faithful men whose hearts are committed to the work of God. Thus, Paul wrote these instructions to his son in the faith. "The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2Timothy 2:2). In modern vernacular, "The things [the doctrine, the precepts, the admonitions, the sum of my ministry] which you have heard me teach in the presence of many witnesses, entrust [as a treasure] to reliable and faithful men who will also be capable and qualified to teach others" (AMP).

The early church would be surprised by what passes for discipleship in today's church! Yet, Brother Singh stresses that the message that built the New Testament church could not construct our assembly today or vice-versa. This observation is essential to our understanding.

PRESENT TRUTH explicitly delivers the instructions necessary to overcome the world and the evil confronting each congregation in Christ's church. Paul's letter to the Corinthians was not appropriate for the Romans, just as the epistle to Colossians was not suitable for Thessalonica. Similarly, the message to Mississauga is not explicitly meant for Johannesburg, Des Moines, or Vasai. Yet, the principles of God are common to all. 

God maintains a remnant of His people on the earth that will not reject the truth or backslide into apostasy (Romans 11:5). In his humble, steadfast way, Brother John encourages our congregation by reviewing recent lessons dispensed by our ministry. First, he examines the history of Israel as God's chosen people who, though delivered from Egyptian bondage, retained the spirit of Egypt in their hearts for generations. Their rebellion repeatedly brought God's judgment upon them, yet His mercy supersedes human weakness. Then, using the example of David's sin with Bathseba, he demonstrates the right attitude for a child of God to maintain a penitent heart and contrite spirit so God's Spirit can be renewed in us.

The essence of this lesson is: "Take heed to yourselves, that your heart, be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them" (Deuteronomy 11:16). Other gods today are not carved of stone; they are idols of the heart that rob us of our devotion to God. Winston Churchill wrote, "Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it."  God's people are prone to rebellion and backsliding. It has repeatedly happened through the centuries, both in Old and New Testament history. "They forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger." (Judges 2:12)

Brother Singh equates the history of God's people in the Old Testament with that of His people in the New Testament era. In 4000 years, human nature has not changed. Without conversion, we are prone to forget all that God has done for us. We grow impatient because we cannot envision the finished product the Master is painting on the canvas of our lives. Too often, we revert to rebellious behaviors, set idols in our hearts, and embrace iniquity. It happened to Israel repeatedly throughout the nation’s long history. While God took Israel out of Egypt in one day, Egypt remained in their hearts for generations. we are no different.

A Christian attitude is one tempered by the gentleness and humility of Jesus. Brother Sam points out that failing to forgive others will stall our progress with God. Referring to James 2:13, he reminds us that there will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if we have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges us. Our attitude of forgiveness can cushion God's judgment upon us. Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7). Conversely, we can also say that the unmerciful are those who refuse to forgive others, for they shall receive no mercy!

Jesus said, "Ye are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14 & 16) There is probably nothing more obnoxious than an aggressively persistent person trying to SELL Jesus. Such conduct is rude and offensive. Yet, we are to let our light so shine that people notice a glow in our life, something bright and attractive, without us needing to say a word.  Aight that does not reflect wisdom is false light!

In this no-nonsense message, Brother Singh stresses his goal is to illuminate the saints of God. The Apostle Paul wrote, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick {the living} and the {resurrected} dead at his appearing and his kingdom. {Therefore} preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:1-3a).

Many people can quote the scriptures, but few people can live the essence of what is written.  Brother John Mowatt lives the Bible. His love for the word of God is evident in his quiet, confident approach to life. Therefore, an elder must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. 

In this service, Brother Singh stresses we should "Serve the LORD with gladness: Come before his presence with singing." (Psalm 100:2) Saints are connected to a divine power grid. Our spirits respond joyfully to God's Spirit IF we divert our focus from our problems and feelings to our heavenly Father. We have so much for which to be thankful.  "Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:3)An attitude of gratitude will spontaneously lift our spirits each day.