This Thanksgiving, each member of our congregation can eagerly join King David, saying, "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together." (Psalm 34:1-3)

Brother Sam reminded our congregation that it is not enough to understand the will of God, but we must also do the will of God. Heart knowledge is, therefore, far more critical than head knowledge!  An elder's role is essential in stirring our memories lest we forget our pastor's vital lessons. Brother Singh previously used the backslidden state (Book of Malachi) to remind us that we should never take God, a great King, for granted. In like manner, our elder urges us to remember where God has brought us from—all that he has done for us—and all that He continues to do to prepare us for entry into His kingdom. We are urged to bring our "whole tithe into the storehouse" (Malachi 3:10). We cannot rob God and expect His blessings. Violation of God's principles brings sorrow, calamity, and eventual death in our lives.

Sacrifices and works are a measure of our appreciation for God. Our tithes and offerings, physical labor, prayer are tokens of the value we place on His love and mercy. We seem incapable of appreciating who it is we serve. "We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9) In the Book of Malachi, we discover that the Jews had lost respect for God. Their offerings revealed their indifference. 

Correct understanding of doctrine leads us to the ‘purpose of judgment’ (trials, tribulation, persecution & hardship) in our lives. The apostle James wrote, "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:2-4) The trying of faith is a necessary step to perfect our faith. Thus, we should not be surprised when fiery trials come upon us to test us, as if something strange happened. (1 Peter 4:12)

Many people can quote scriptures, but it is quite another thing to live the scriptures so that they are the guiding principles of one's life. Brother John Mowatt is a defender of the faith, a faithful steward of God's work. His love for God's work is evident in his encouragement of the saints.

Brother Singh is adamant that every child of God in our assembly needs to understand and implement the lessons we receive. They are meant to save us! If we were utilizing the messages would not be fearful of catching COVID-19, "for God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7). A sound mind gives us stability and calmness despite the chaos of society. We have a responsibility to be actively involved in God's salvation plan. Therefore, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee." (1 Timothy 4:16).

In the enlightening message, Brother Singh emphasized that God the Father and His Son are two distinct entities. “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever {the Father} doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise” (John 5:19). Thus, the Apostle Paul wrote: "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick {living} and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom." (1 Timothy 4:1) The Father is the begetter. The son is the begotten. Without a clear understanding of the nature of the Father and His Son, Jesus, we pray without knowledge—parroting religious phrases that are vain. 

Prayerful worship and encouragement for our hearts are the focus of this most meaningful lesson. "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: Who can know it?" Thankfully God knows the intentions of our hearts. We cannot hide from Him.  He alone can change it from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh. Whether through sorrow, affliction, or on a bed of pain, the elect will be saved! Brother Sam stresses that God will apply the pressure necessary to cause us to surrender to His will and sovereignty. 

It is one thing to call God our Father, but quite a different thing to have a revelation about who He is and how to be His dear child! Brother Singh stresses that many of us make professions of faith that are not realistic. Proverbs 3:5 instructs us, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Yet, in a moment of crisis, most of us do not trust in the Lord. Instead, our hearts franticly turn to medical advice, secular solutions, and even the Internet for answers. Intellectual comprehension of God's spoken word does not motivate us to change our lifestyle unless it resides in our hearts.

The pestilence labeled the COVID pandemic has unnerved the children of God. Many of us are tossed to and fro by conspiracy theories and the craftiness of wild speculation as if we have no faith! COVID-19 is God's judgment leashed on the whole world. But, while thus far, God has exercised great restraint, Brother Singh observes much fickleness in the Body of Christ. It is not as if we did not know this day would come. The ministry has not shunned to declare unto us the whole counsel of God. We ought to know the church is not exempt from judgment.