Bondslave of Christ

“But I consider my life of no account as if precious to myself, in order that I may finish my course and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus to solemnly testify of the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20-24). By the grace of God I have had the privilege to be born and brought up in a Christian family, and I came to the Lord at a very early age. I was brought up under two very strict and disciplined Christian parents. The Lord came into my life in the third grade, and I realized that it pleased God to set me apart from my mother’s womb, and call me through His grace to reveal His Son in me (Gal. 1:15-16a). I enjoyed the Lord throughout my school years, and university years. Thirty years ago He brought me to Canada, something which I never dreamed of. The only thing I knew before I left my homeland of India was Isaiah 41 verses 8-16.

During the early three years of my life in Vancouver, Canada, I attended various Christian congregations and tried to settle in one of those places, even though I was not happy. One day, through one of my spiritual companions I came to know the local church. The meeting was different from my previous Christian experiences, and I had no plan to stick around. Because I had attended many meetings in various denominations I considered this as just another one of those experiences. But the message touched me, and the Lord within me began to speak to me. So I went to another meeting, and the Lord whom I had known for 20 years began to speak to me in a definite way. I argued and questioned the Lord about this fellowship. I was introduced to Witness Lee’s and Watchman Nee’s writings. I had many doubts and questions, and I went to the Lord for straight answers, and the Lord was faithful and spoke to me through brothers in Christ, and through the living Word of God.

I have had the privilege to be meeting in the local church for the past 25 years. I never regret the time that I have spent in the church; it is only the Lord’s mercy and grace that He allowed me and my family to be a part of the Body of Christ, composed of all believers in Christ. Through these two brothers’ ministry I came to know the Lord in a deeper way, and I have a real burden for the unsaved world, and my love for the Lord increases day after day. The Word of God becomes life and food to me (John 6:63; Matt. 4:4), I enjoy Him, and fellowship with Him, and have the privilege to know Him with all those who love His appearing (2 Tim. 4:8). Through the help of the ministry every page of the Bible becomes so precious, applicable, and real to me.

Today I can join with Joshua, and I am happy to proclaim for me and my family, we serve the living God (Joshua 24:15)! I thank and praise the Lord for Witness Lee and Watchman Nee, as two gifts to His Body. I join with the apostle Paul, and am not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor am I ashamed to be His bondslave, but suffer evil for the gospel according to the power of God (2 Tim. 1:8). And I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to guard my deposit unto that day (2 Tim. 1:12). In the Body I am fighting the good fight, and am praying to finish my course, and hoping to receive the crown of righteousness with which the righteous Judge will recompense me in that day, and not only me, but also all those who have loved His appearing (2 Tim. 4:7b-8).

Stanley Mathews

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