Welcome to
Zion Bread of Life Christian Church

Sunday, 5th January 2025

Ps Kathy Poon

Introduction: Revelation in a Dream

1. Unfinished Staircase — Human Limitations and Imperfection

Psalm 127:1: “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”

2. Struggling Up the Staircase—Self-effort and Toil

Jesus’ promise: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

3. Vision of the Ladder—God’s Way and Supernatural Intervention

The ladder in the dream echoes Jacob’s vision (Genesis 28:12-15).

Jacob’s ladder symbolises the connection between God and man. Spiritual building is a provision “descending from heaven” rather than a struggle “ascending from the earth“. Angels ascending and descending—God’s servants helping us: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)

4. Revelation of Being—From “Doing” to “Being “

Jesus said: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.” (John 15:5)

I. Connected with the Lord – Bearing Much Fruit Like a Fish in Water

Scripture: “I am the vine, you are the branches.” (John 15:5)

1. The Relationship Between the Vine and the Branches: Spiritual Connection

Jesus is the vine; we are the branches.

2. The Power of Connection with the Lord: Matters Great and Small in Daily Life

Brother T. Austin-Sparks said: “Whether big or small, as long as it relates to Christ, it is significant.“ Anything connected with Christ can become spiritual fruit.

Biblical Examples: David, faithful in shepherding in the wilderness, was prepared by God to become the king of Israel. Elisha, faithful in serving Elijah in small matters, ultimately received a double portion of anointing. Paul, while making tents, walked with Christ, and the influence of the gospel was boundless.

II. Living in Christ – Freedom and Abundance Like a Fish in Water

Scripture: “He who abides in Me, and I in him.” (John 15:5)

1. Revelation from Fish in Water: Grace and Freedom of Life

A fish swimming in water is in its most natural, effortless, and free state because water is its life environment. Water represents God’s grace: He has prepared all abundance and freedom of life for us, allowing us to grow and build effortlessly.

2. The Process of Spiritual Building: Being Shaped and Elevated

God’s Word + Holy Spirit. Receive strength from His Word and the Holy Spirit, live out the abundant life He has prepared for us, making spiritual building no longer a struggle but an enjoyment.

III. Without the Lord, You Can Do Nothing – Lost and Withered Like a Fish Out of Water

Scripture: “For without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

1. Consequences of a Fish Leaving Water: Loss and Withering of Life

2. Spiritual Building Requires Relying on God’s Way

Jacob’s ladder: The secret of spiritual building is the provision descending from heaven, not the struggle ascending from earth.

Conclusion

Connection with the Lord brings abundance and fruitfulness: Just as branches are connected to the vine and fish swim in water, if spiritual life is connected to Christ, it will naturally bear fruit and live out His abundance.

New Year’s Challenge and Call: A life like a fish in water is a life lived in Christ. It means receiving strength daily from His Word and the Holy Spirit, living out the abundant life He has prepared for us, making spiritual building no longer a struggle but an enjoyment.