My dear readers,

(Excerpts from Building Firm Foundations, Dr SH Tow)

1. Does Christ live here?

One of the best loved Easter Hymns is He Lives by Alfred H Ackley. Most of us can sing the chorus from memory:

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me

Along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart!

If Christ truly lives in our hearts, this must also be seen in our lives. Our old selfish ugly ways should give way to the Christ-life, for "I am crucified with Christ" – the old nature, the old Adam is no longer in control. Then I can truly say "Christ liveth in me."The proof of our faith (our conversion) is the changed life – the Christ-life. Is this seen in you?

The new pastor of a village church in France called at one of the members’ homes. When the husband came home from work his wife said, "The new pastor called."

"What did he say?" asked the man.

"Oh, he asked me, Does Christ live here? I didn’t know what to say."

The man’s face flushed. "Why didn’t you tell him that we are respectable members of the congregation?"

"Well, that isn’t what he asked."

"Then why didn’t you tell him that we say our prayers regularly, and read our Bible too?" "But he didn’t ask that either."

The man grew more vexed. His wife could not honestly say "Yes" to the pastor’s question and neither could he. This set them both thinking.

That night they turned the question over in their minds. "Does the Lord Jesus Christ live in our home? Does He live in us?"

As they searched their hearts, the Holy Spirit convicted them of their sins and their need. They confessed their sins and received Christ as Saviour and Lord. From that night on their lives were changed, and little by little, Christ became Lord of their lives; thanks to the pastor’s searching question.

Does Christ live in you also? Christ in your heart must show in your life.

2. Many members, one body

The binding principle for a happy family is love. A Christian home makes a good testing ground, for "love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" (Rom 5:5b). Loving one another in the home is not an option, but a command from our Lord. We are His children, and the home belongs to the Lord. We are under His jurisdiction and control.

Our Lord says, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (Jn 13:34). Jesus loved us and gave Himself for us. The Good Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep. Our love within the family ought to be the same kind of sacrificial love. This applies to brothers and sisters in the physical family, as well as to brethren and sisters within the larger Church Family.

How shall we express our love for one another? Paul the Apostle gives us the spiritual guidelines in 1 Corinthians 12 and 13. Let us enumerate the main points:

1. Appreciate one another. No one must think himself superior and another inferior. Hands are not superior to feet. Both are equally needful for the perfect function of the whole body. The Chinese expression "hands-feet" means "brothers-sisters," and aptly reflects what is being taught by the Apostle. If we are all "hands-feet" how affectionate and loving we must be!

2. Honour one another. This is one step further from mere appreciation. Within the family – whether physical or spiritual – there should be active expression in some way to show honour one to another, especially the "less honourable." Cliques and exclusive groupings must be discouraged. Let us reach out and be open to everyone, rich or poor, high or low, regardless of education or other status.

3. Sympathise with one another. Words are important. Comforting and caring concern works wonders at the right time. A visit, a card, a prayer together, or a little useful gift. Our love and concern must go beyond mere words to positive action, the motive always being this: The Lord loved us all. He wants me to act for Him. Why not? For His sake, for His great love – I will go, I will do!

For we are members one of another!

God bless you and keep you.

Yours faithfully in the Saviour’s Service,

Dr SH Tow, Sr Pastor