Elders are essential in support of God's anointed ministry. These men do not preempt the called man of God by declaring a new application of God's word but instead reinforce his messages. This hierarchy is essential for our understanding. The Holy Spirit speaks only through one man called to lead an assembly.  Paul's epistle to Titus states that a Bishop (or Elder) must "hold fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers (those who contradict truth). Elders are defenders of the faith!

Imagine the great lengths the apostles went to send encouragement to new converts as the gospel spread. For example, Paul wrote: "For this cause, we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:9-10). Brother Singh stresses the necessity of prayer, not just for ourselves, but for our community, our local saints, and those suffering hardship in various locales around the globe. Prayer strengthens the elect to endure the trials they must face. Prayer opens our hearts to wisdom and spiritual understanding. “Believe in the Lord your God; so shall ye be established. Believe His prophets; so shall ye prosper.” (2 Chronicles 20:20)

Brother Singh has always taught discipleship! Self-denial and bearing our cross are necessary to submit our will to that our heavenly Father. Our opinions and desires do not matter; what God demands of us is all that counts! If we walk in Spirit, the chastisement of COVID-19 will cause us to grow in our relationship with God. Chastisement draws the elect closer to God and His ministry—but it drives the non-elect away. The devil confuses the minds of fickle saints. Conspiracy theories abound, but we waste energy and undermine our faith pursuing them. This is all we need to know: "God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:14). 

Beautiful worship and inspired preaching create an environment where a child of God can grow and flourish.  We strive through the application of the living word "by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory,  honor, and immortality, eternal life" (Romans 2:7). Despite personal challenges and the chaos of the world, Brother Sam encourages the saints to be "rooted and built up in Christ Jesus, and established in the faith, as we have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:7)

While our youth prepare for a future that will include a career, marriage, and family, our senior congregation members prepare for death. Death can come swiftly to anyone, at any age, especially more so now at the end of the age. Death is never a taboo subject for a believer, for children of God need to face reality. Just as birth brought us into this world, death will usher our exit. There is no escaping that reality. Thus, Pastor Singh speaks to us about preparation for the inevitable in this very practical lesson. 

We live in a unique time in human history. Isaiah, Daniel, and Jesus prophesied about the conditions of our time and what this generation of believers would face. Jesus emphasized, "Take heed that no man deceives you." (Matthew 24:4)

Brother Singh briefly reviewed 2 Timothy 2:20:  "In a great house {Christ's Church} there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth; some to honor, and some to dishonor." The church can be viewed as a citizenship school for future citizens of the kingdom of God.  Absenteeism from school is not conducive to an ideal learning experience.  These sorrows are the birth pains of the soon coming of the kingdom of God. Judgment is falling on the ungodly world, and parallel chastisement is falling on the church. We need to purge our vessels, preparing ourselves for the hard times ahead.

Our senior elders, Brother John & Brother Sam, briefly recap Wednesday's lesson dealing with vessels of honor and dishonor in the church. As tribulation and judgment continue to fall, we are reminded that nothing short of a genuine conversion experience can save us. The enticements of the world beckon our youth away from the church, but conversion begins in the home. Establishing a godly environment and example is a parent's best defense for a child.

Ministers of the gospel may offer individual interpretations of certain scriptures. Brother Singh is obligated to speak what the Lord places in his heart, whether or not it agrees with traditional interpretations; whether or not offends some. Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send [or bring] peace, but a sword."  (Matthew 10:34)  The church is not designed to boost egos. Rather, it is a potter’s house where vessels and broken down to their base elements and reshaped in the hands of the Potter. “Does not the potter have the authority to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use?” (Romans 9:21)

As Hurricane Ida makes landfall in New Orleans sixteen years to the day after Katrina, one cannot help but ponder the judgment of God. "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34) While New Orleans has a reputation as a sin city—complete with witchcraft and voodoo—Brother Singh reminds us that God's people are often guilty of far worse sin—that is iniquity!

An elder then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, and apt to teach. Blessed with two senior elders who possess thEse qualities and more, Pastor Singh has able men to support his ministry. The necessity of a Holy Spirit baptism as part of our conversion process is emphasized in this message. In the last days, deception will be rampant. Jesus warned, "there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Mt. 24:24) Let us guard our hearts and minds with all diligence.