An ongoing Bible study series on the Book of Ezekiel focuses on the attitude of servanthood in the kingdom of God.
Contributed By Reuel Eugene Tay
Members learned about servanthood. CN PHOTO: Gary Sim
On March 1 to 3, City Harvest Church members attended a Bible study series conducted by senior pastor, Kong Hee. Held at the Jurong West church premises, this was the first of four lessons, which are to be held on the first week of every month from March to June. It proved so popular that seats had to be “balloted”.
In the first session, Kong explained the significance of this book in the Bible, highlighting its important messages and its relevance to society today. Thereafter, he began to expound on the chapters in detail, leading attendees in a line by line study. Kong elaborated on the four faces of the cherubim that appeared in Ezekiel’s vision, which represents the four sides of Jesus’ ministry which believers should pattern themselves after.
The first image was that of a Man, which represents humanity. Kong explained that Jesus was both God and Man. Even though He was the Son of God, He was not afraid to project His humanity in the midst of His divinity. Likewise, Christians are spiritual people but should also remember not to “lose” their humanity by being overtly spiritual.
The second image was that of an Ox, which represents servanthood in a believer’s life and introduced the definition of a bondservant—a servant who was bonded to his master for life. Just as Jesus came to serve mankind when He was on earth, believers should likewise learn to serve others. The image of the Lion speaks of kingship and the Eagle is the image of the Son of God—areas that defined Jesus’ ministry here on earth.
Kong then shared that although the frontal face of the cherubim was that of a Man, the dominant nature of the cherubim was that of an ox, which represents servanthood and humility. He challenged the congregation to embrace a balanced life in order to be effective salt and light in the world and be a shining witness for Christ.
In the second part, Kong taught that the Word of God must be the center and foundation in a believer’s life. Drawing a clear line between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, Kong then encouraged the people to pray and yearn for the seven anointings of Counsel, Wisdom, Understanding, Might, Knowledge, the Fear of the Lord and the Spirit of the Lord to permanently abide in them.
At the end of the Bible study, when Kong gave an altar call for those who desired the anointing of God, almost every person lifted up their hands for an impartation.
Jeremy Kuang, 28, learned to seek the anointing more than the gifts. “Through this Bible study, I’ve learned more about the anointing and pray that every time I speak, I can make a positive life-changing impact on any individual I meet.”
Part 2 of the Book of Ezekiel will be held on the first week of next month from April 5 to 7, 2011. The audio CD series is also available for pre-order from Attributes bookstore.
