08 Jan Vision for 2016: The Year of Kingly Influence
Blessed New Year, 3:16 Church and friends!
On the first Sunday of the year, I unveiled the vision for 2016: The Year of Kingly Influence.
This is a majestic and meaningful direction that God has specifically given to the 3:16 Church. It is not our New Year resolution because it is not about the resolve of men. The resolve of men will fail. But this is our corporate and personal faith declaration for the year because we are depending on the faithfulness of Jesus. Our God is in the king making business!
“And [Jesus] have made us kings and priests to our God. And we shall reign on the earth.” – Revelation 5:10 (NKJV).
“You are a chosen race, a priesthood of kingly lineage, a holy nation, a people belonging specially to God, that you may make known the perfections of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.” – 2 Peter 1:9 (WNT)
I wholeheartedly believe that this world can do with more godly influence and kingly impact. The world will face more unprecedented trouble and challenges in 2016. We are living in extremely vulnerable and highly volatile times. Let me just state three brief concerns:
- Militant Islamism – Militant Islamism is no longer just contained within the Middle East but is affecting Europe, North America, Asia and even in South-east Asia.
- Money Woes – The headwinds that have suffocated growth in Asian economies in 2015 are not likely to go away. In fact, financial experts have said that they might get worse in 2016.
- Moral Decline – The importance of good family values and the sanctity of marriage have been rapidly eroding in recent times. Rising rates of the failed marriages in Singapore and increased pressures to undermine the sanctity of marriage are very troubling!
Yet, I thank God that He is my Shepherd King whose grace is sufficient for me. God’s people are the light of the world and the salt of the earth! With His help, we can advance against the troops and scale high walls! As followers of Jesus, we overcome the pressures of trouble. We have the Prince of Prince living in us, the hope of glory! In 2016, we will discover that in Christ we can stop feeling helpless, but have hope and power! And we, in turn, become a channel of hope and blessings to the people around us! That’s kingly influence!
But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid.”
– Matthew 1:20
Remember that story in Matthew 1? Joseph was distraught when he heard of Mary’s pregnancy. Scandalous! His entire world collapsed. He would surely be the embarrassment of the town! He was determined to divorce Mary, as he knew Mary was not carrying his child. That night, an angel of God came to Joseph with these words, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid.”. The angel reminded Joseph of his kingly lineage to King David and that gave Joseph the courage to do what God commanded him to do. Like Joseph, we are royalty! We are also sons and daughters of King Jesus! Arise, and do not be afraid! We are kings and priests of the Heavenly King! As we serve with a kingly heart and reign with a servant spirit, we will see the Kingdom of God on Earth as in Heaven.
Lastly, I would like to extend an invitation to you. If you are looking forward to have a blessed 2016 and would want to start the year walking with Jesus, join us on Sundays and experience Jesus for yourself in 3:16 Church!
May the Word of God be the lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path! Let’s claim our and kingly position and influence this year in Jesus Christ!
Blessings,
Ian Toh
Lead Pastor
3:16 Church
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