City Harvest Church is reminded of God’s faithfulness as the churchwide Bible study on the Book of Ezekiel concludes.
Contributed By Foo Cechao
Members delved deep into the Word over the course of the five-week study. CN PHOTO: Shaun Neo.
Prophecy, judgment, and the end times. These were the topics explored during City Harvest Church’s churchwide Bible study on the Book of Ezekiel that began in March this year. Taught over five sessions by CHC’s senior pastor, Kong Hee, members came to learn how to build a solid foundation on God’s Word, to know Him more through studying Scripture.
The Book of Ezekiel was categorized into four main topics: the prophecy against Judah (chapters 1-24); the prophecy against foreign nations (chapters 25-32); restoration of Israel (chapters 33-39) and the Millennium Temple (chapters 40-48). Ezekiel, which means “The Lord strengthens,” was among the captives who had been exiled to Babylon when King Nebuchadnezzar laid siege on Jerusalem. But God raised him up as a prophet to warn the people of the coming destruction of the city of Jerusalem and the Temple of God.
At the first topic—the prophecy against Judah—Kong highlighted how God’s people were usually the most resistant to change and constantly faced temptations of idol worship in their lives. That said, he encouraged the members to regularly examine their hearts and renew their minds through the Word of God. Many recommitted themselves back to basic spiritual disciplines as they were reminded to adopt a humble heart and a contrite spirit.
Jason Tan, 18, student, found these sessions very helpful in strengthening his walk with God. He said, “[The Bible study] helped me understand more about God, and taught me the importance of worshipping, studying His word and daily prayer; to build a covenant with Him,” he said.
The second topic, prophecy against other nations, speaks of the judgment of God against seven nations: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon and Egypt. Kong pointed out that we should not be too quick to judge others when God is dealing with them, but our morality needs to be tempered by mercy and grace. Members should always walk in love and forgiveness towards one another. The lessons learned here helped to strengthen relationships between members and their families. “I learned that whatever happens in real life, we should never lose our love for God and for one another. It helped me to build a better relationship with my wife by learning how to forgive,” said Steven Tan Chin Hin, 50, an engineer.
For the third topic, the restoration of Israel, Kong taught that just as Jesus shepherds the church with his heart and pierced hands, leaders in City Harvest should also do the same, through prayer, trust and giving. By speaking out the rhema Word of God for their lives, members can expect breakthroughs and experience miracles.
In the final and concluding week, Kong covered the fourth topic: the Millennium Temple. He warned that the spirit, soul and body of a person will be checked thoroughly and the ultimate law of God’s house is holiness. As Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered, members were called to be faithful when they undergo tribulations.
Throughout the five weeks, members were blessed by their newfound understanding of the Book of Ezekiel. For Natalia Sanusi, 30, a marketing executive, her love for the Word of God was reignited after she attended the series. “This Bible study has taught me the meaning behind the passages and to understand that whatever is written in the past is relevant to our present lives. The teachings inspired me to read other books in the Bible.”
Angeline Lee, a project administrator, was reminded of God’s unchanging character. “My takeaway message is faithfulness and holiness. I learned to stay in focus, be faithful and to live in righteousness.” David Kok, 32, a technical officer, summed it up beautifully: “[The Bible study] has helped me to devote myself wholeheartedly to God and to place my trust in Him alone.”
