Bible Witness TV will air a new series of teachings entitled, “Old Age in God’s Design”, on its main channel. In this series, the biblical truths about ageing will be expounded.
We live in a world that often idolises youth and fears ageing. However, the Bible presents old age as a phase characterised by both decline and dignity. While the Bible speaks of old age realistically, it also encourages respect for the elderly.
With the passing of the years and the weakening of the body, the mind also becomes sluggish. As Scripture declares, the outward man withers! There’s a tendency to believe that our best is now behind us, that we are no longer useful to the Lord and His kingdom with the passing of the years. There are biblical expressions, such as “old and well stricken in age” (Gen. 18:11), which recognise the ravages of the years; and “full of years” (Gen. 25:8), which commemorate the gift of a well-lived life.
The psalmist declares in Psalm 92:14 that even in old age, the righteous shall still bring forth fruit. Far from becoming useless or irrelevant, they are described as “fat and flourishing” (i.e. full of sap), spiritually vigorous and fruitful in ways that glorify God.
The biblical promise of old age is precious. Far from being a time of only decline, old age is an opportunity for spiritual fruitfulness. God does not put aside His aged saints; instead, He employs them in powerful ways to bear testimony to His faithfulness, to teach and mentor, and to demonstrate His glory in lives shaped and refined after many years of His gracious working in their lives.
According to Scripture, God’s plan for old age can be a vibrant spiritual life even though physical abilities generally decline. Rather than waning, elderly Christians’ maturity and fruitfulness surpass their youth.
In the weeks to come, we will examine various themes related to God’s plan, responsibility, testing, and blessing in old age. As I begin this new series, I pray that all of us will grow through the challenges and joys that ageing brings, by trusting in God’s plans and promises.
Beloved congregation, as we approach the upcoming church camp, let us not treat this opportunity as just another event in this year’s calendar. Instead, let us see it as a gracious provision from God—a time set apart for spiritual refreshment, deeper fellowship, and renewed consecration to Christ. In the midst of our busy lives, God calls us to come aside and be still before Him, to sit under His Word, to pray together, to sing His praises and to strengthen the bonds of Christian love. Let us come with hearts prepared and full of expectation, believing that the Lord will meet with us, minister to us, and pour out His blessings in ways that will bear fruit long after the camp is over. May this be a season of rich encouragement and spiritual renewal for everyone who attends the church camp.
This year’s church camp brings together two vital and timely themes: “Stand Guard Against Last Days’ Deception” and “Churches and Missions”. In an age of increasing doctrinal confusion, compromise and ungodliness, God’s Holy Word calls us to remain vigilant, be firmly grounded in the truths of the Word, and be discerning of the subtle deceptions that mark the last days. At the same time, Scripture expects us to be committed to the church’s enduring mission—to proclaim Christ to the nations, making disciples by teaching the sound doctrines of God’s Word. These themes call us both to watchfulness and to witness: to guard our hearts and to go forth with Gospel purpose. May the Lord use this camp to awaken, equip, and strengthen us for those God-given responsibilities of His people in the last days.
Take heed, O soul, the Saviour cried,
Let truth, not lies, in you abide.
Deception spreads both far and wide;
Choose Christ alone, and none beside.
The serpent’s voice, so smooth and sly,
Deceived Eve’s heart with whispered lie.
So guard your mind with God’s Word near,
Lest Christ’s pure truth grow dim or drear.
Temptation glows with borrowed light
When evil masks as just and right,
But hearts held fast to Christ alone
Resist the lies the serpent sown.
No longer tossed by ev’ry breeze,
Nor fooled by words designed to please;
In Christ we grow, no more deceived,
But cling to truth once we believed.
Though falsehoods rise and scoffers sneer,
And many fall in crippling fear,
Your thoughts let Scripture still and guide,
Press on in faith, though you are tried.
