Welcome to the Pastor's Desk

When the famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton advertised for men who wanted to conquer Antartica, he only promised "hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger," "and an uncertain safe return". Yet thousands of men responded. When Jesus in His time called for men and women to conquer the world with the spreading of His love and salvation, He did not promise them an easy crown but a heavy cross. Surprisingly, to His offer,  thousands of self-sacrificing believers responded. Perhaps the most remarkable of them was Paul who thanked Jesus profusely for enabling him in He counting him faithful, putting him in the ministry (I Tim. 1:12). How a blasphemer can a believer be, a self-righteous sinner, a Christ-centered saint, a persecutor, a preacher, a murderer, a minister, and a missionary. How wonderful is the miracle of God's grace. Even more wonderful is the fact that Paul's story can be our story. Are we, like self-centered Saul, busy pouring ourselves out into our own selfish pursuits, desires, and ambitions, that we feel ourselves tired and drained, unable to muster the time and energy even to pray, study God's Word, and witness or serve others? Let us remember that God is as busy pouring His mercy and life-equipping grace out upon us. As I said, Paul's story can be our story. May this week's Sabbath sermon inspire and challenge us to be what God wants us to be for His glory. God bless us all.