Rev. Wilson Chan's farewell report to the church council meeting 2009/7/15
For three years I have come and served in the Ottawa Chinese United Church. I believe strongly that God has a purpose for me here. I fulfilled it. His name has been glorified. I concede I have handicap and weakness. Nevertheless God’s will was done through my handicap and weakness. I have no regrets for these three years well spent. There were hard times for sure. But I praise the Lord and thank him all the more for these hard times. My feeling co-inside with Paul’s feeling when he shared his testimony with the Corinthians.
Paul said, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me.” II Cor.12:7.
There are so many handicapped people in God’s ministry we cannot count them all. Let us recall how Paul handled his. Paul prayed that his trouble be removed. He besought the Lord diligently that he be delivered. How much better that a man ask the Lord for help than to try defiantly to beat his way through life alone. It is no shameful thing to admit weakness. But you say, “God did not answer Paul’s prayer that his handicap be removed.” Indeed, you are right. But follow Paul. See him trudging along some lonely road on a missionary tour, that “thorn in the flesh” pricking him at every turn, furnishing irritation, suffering, and misery. Behold, there walks beside him the Savior, his comrade of the cross, saying in accents of infinite tenderness, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (II Cor. 12:9).
Paul not only prayed about his disadvantage; he kept plodding on in spite of it. He called it a “messenger of Satan to buffet” him. But in spite of all the buffeting, he battled on; he kept going. That is important. Perhaps you are someone who started out in the Christian life with much promise, but one by one the years seem to have stolen away your gifts; one by one your opportunities have vanished. You feel life has sadly handicapped you. Yet have you not one string on which you may play some melody of triumph? Play! Paul did. How we play is important. One man gets only discord out of his piano; another, harmony. No one claims the piano is at fault. Life has discord and harmony. Work hard to play it correctly; it will give forth beauty.
Paul not only prayed and kept going, but he also achieved a great triumph. He said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”(II Tim. 4:7-8.) This brave apostle carried his handicap with him through thick and thin to the end. The end was as glorious as the journey. Are you handicapped? Of course you are. So were Paul and countless other Christians who lived victoriously. Let us do as they did: pray, struggle on, and finally achieve the crown.
Yesterday I received a surprise letter in the email. It came from a lady called Cindy Kirk. When I first saw the name I had no idea who that lady was. But the first line refreshed my memory. She wrote:
Hi Pastor Chan
If you remember, I am Hayward's spouse and met you at the OCUC when you showed us (and Joanne) around the building when the daycare was but a dream.
I heard that you are leaving the OCUC and wanted to send you this email to thank-you for making a difference in the lives of the people in the Glebe community. You provided us, and Joanne, with great hope that the church would be open to the daycare idea and your support was greatly appreciated! Without that hope, I am not sure what would have happened. So although you may not realize it, you were the right person, in the right place, at the right time (perhaps a greater power made that possible). Now, because of some of your efforts, many children are enjoying their days in a secure, loving environment (including my son) within the church. This is a great accomplishment for anyone!
So on behalf of myself and my son, thank-you for making a difference in our lives.
Best Wishes,
Cindy Kirk
After reading it, I couldn’t help but reply her right a way. I said:
Dear Cindy,Thanks for this lovely letter. I am glad I can be of help to you and your dream. It wasn't me that make your dream come true. It was God's good will for you, for myself and for this church. Your service is a great blessing not only to the Glebe community but also to this church. I am going away to minister in the Winnipeg Chinese United Church. I will always remember you and Hayward and all the nice people in the daycare. God bless you.Wilson Chan
Three years was not a long time. But three years was long enough to achieve what I have achieved. It was not a happy three years. But I am happy for the achievement. Jesus spent also three years in his ministry. It was not a happy ministry. He had been wounded and bruised. But it was exactly because of his wounds and bruises that made him accomplish what he accomplished. “Because of his wounds we are healed; by his stripes we are made whole” (Isaiah 53:5) Jesus ministry did not make people happy. It made them angry instead. That’s why they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” But it was the wounded hands that once were nailed to the cross that heal the world today.
I hope you will remember me with this my last benediction to you all:
May the Christ who walks on wounded feet walk with you on the road.
May the Christ who serves with wounded hands stretch out your hands to serve.
May the Christ who loves with a wounded heart open your hearts to love.
May you see the face of Christ in every one you meet; and may everyone you meet sees the face of Christ in you.
Amen and God bless you.
End
Friday, July 17, 2009
Sermon Date: 2009/7/12
DATE: 2009/7/12 Sermon:
SCRIPTURE READING: Matt. 18:21-22
SERMON: Our Story Has Not Finished…
講道題目: 我們的故事還沒有完…
Peter asked Jesus the question: “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?” Peter was expecting Jesus to give him a limit so that he can terminate his relationship with his brother who sins against him. But Jesus answered: “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus corrected Peter’s misconception. In Jesus understanding there is no limit for you to forgive your brother. In other words you can not terminate your relationship with your brother once he becomes your brother in Christ.
In another occasion Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not insist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matt. 5:38-39) Christians are called to a style of life that is totally free of vengeance. A wrong done to you does not give you license to inflict a wrong on someone else. The wisdom behind this counsel is visible from many angles.
I. Vengeance is harmful to the avenger as well as to the avengee. (1) Jesus absolutely negates hatred as inhuman, and vengeance always rises out of hatred. Vengeance produces in the human heart a disorganizing anxiety and displaces those positive and constructive dispositions where our well-being lies. (2) For the man of vengeance, every sunset is bleached of color; every meal is rendered bland and tasteless; every dream is cankered; every relationship is soured. Vengeance stops prayer, represses joy, misdirects energy, robs the middle years of their productivity, and crowns old age with a thorny wreath of bitterness.
II. Vengeance is futile. Evil is not the true answer to evil. It never was and it never will be. Vengeance simply perpetuates the cycle of sin-against-hate; hate-against-sin; Better that we should meet the one who offends us with kindness, even on pragmatic grounds. As Paul rightly said, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-22)
III. Vengeance reduces, when you think about it, to a denial of trust in God. When we take matters into our own hands and seek to execute judgment, we are in effect saying that we can’t trust God to do this for us.
IV. Vengeance is wrong because something else is right. And that something else is forgiveness. (1) Some people keep picking at their scar tissue so that the wounds will stay. Others massage their scars so that every trace may vanish. (2) “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” Not that there is a condition that God only forgives as we forgive. Rather, the assumption is that, unless we have learned how to forgive another, we haven’t learned to receive forgiveness for ourselves. Francis Bacon said: “By taking revenge a man is but even with his enemy; but by passing over it, he is supreme.
Today is the last day of my preaching in this church. After today my relationship with you will no longer be pastor and parishioners. But our relationship as brothers and sisters will go on for ever. The memories I leave with you will be those of love and forgiveness. There will be no grudges and bitterness. It is because our love story has just begun. I love you all. God bless you.
Amen.
Synopsis:
In Jesus understanding there is no limit for you to forgive your brother. Christians are called to a style of life that is totally free of vengeance.
I. Vengeance is harmful to the avenger as well as to the avengee.
II. Vengeance is futile. Evil is not the true answer to evil.
III. Vengeance reduces to a denial of trust in God.
IV. Vengeance is wrong because something else is right. And that something else is forgiveness.
After today I will no longer see you. The memories I leave with you will be those of love and forgiveness. Our love story has just begun. I love you all. God bless you.
講道大綱
在耶穌的教訓裏，我們饒恕我們弟兄的次數，是要無限量的。基督徒的生活方式是完全解除報復的心理。
甲．報復是有害的。無論對報復者或被報復者，害處都是一樣。
乙．報復是沒有用的。以暴易暴不是解決問題的答案。
丙．報復只能消極地表示我們不信任上帝。
丁．報復是錯，因為另外有一個對的做法，那就是饒恕。
今天之後，我要離開你們了。我留給你們的回憶，就是愛與饒恕。我們的故事還沒有完。我愛你們。神祐你們。
Pastoral Prayer:
Almighty God, gracious Father, in the presence of your bounty keep us humble, in the presence of all people’s needs make us compassionate and caring.
Give us faith in our praying and love in our serving, knowing that by your power all may find a new balance in living and a new victory in adversity.
We pray for all unhappy lives, those who are bitter and resentful, feeling life has given them an unfair deal, those who are sensitive to criticism and quick to take offense, those who desire their own way, whatever the inconvenience or cost to others. May your judgment and mercy be for their healing.
We pray for those who are lonely, who are shy and self-conscious, who find it hard to make friends; those who are nervous and timid, who ever feel themselves strangers in a world they can scarcely understand. May your presence inspire confidence and ensure companionship.
We pray for those who live with bitter regrets, for loving relationships brought to ruin, for opportunities freely given and woefully abused, for the bitterness of defeat or betrayal at another’s hand, or for failure in personal integrity. May your grace give new hope to find victory in the very scene of failure.
We pray for all in illness and pain, weary of the day and fearful of the night. Grant healing, if it be your will, and at all times through faith the gift of your indwelling peace.
Bless the company of Christ’s folk, the church in every land. Make her eager in worship, fearless in proclamation of the gospel, and passionate for caring.
Bless our country. Bless our leaders. Bless our children and grant us peace within our borders. Grant us a nation to be found effective in establishing peace throughout the world.
Bless us, each one, in the communion of the saints, and keep us ever mindful of the great cloud of witness that, following in their steps, as they did in the steps of the Master, we may with them at the last receive the fulfillment promised to your people.
Now, O great God, bless us also in the life and work of this church, in our fellowship and in our Christian education, in our outreach and in our pastoral ministries. Where we fail to be attentive to the voice of your Spirit even as we profess to be focused on you in worship, forgive us. Still, touch us this day so that we will feel the energy we need to press on in faithful discipleship in the week ahead. Lift our sight higher so that we can strive toward loftier goals in the coming days. Remind us of your abiding love and grace so that we can become beacons of love and grace to coworkers, neighbors, friends, fellow students. Anoint our eyes to see your image residing deep within each person we meet. Anoint our ears to hear the cries of all who surround us, especially the needy. Anoint our hands to do gospel work. Anoint our lips to speak gospel peace so that in all ways, in all times, in all places, we may glorify you.
Now teach us to pray like the way you taught your disciples praying...
SCRIPTURE READING: Matt. 18:21-22
SERMON: Our Story Has Not Finished…
講道題目: 我們的故事還沒有完…
Peter asked Jesus the question: “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?” Peter was expecting Jesus to give him a limit so that he can terminate his relationship with his brother who sins against him. But Jesus answered: “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus corrected Peter’s misconception. In Jesus understanding there is no limit for you to forgive your brother. In other words you can not terminate your relationship with your brother once he becomes your brother in Christ.
In another occasion Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not insist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matt. 5:38-39) Christians are called to a style of life that is totally free of vengeance. A wrong done to you does not give you license to inflict a wrong on someone else. The wisdom behind this counsel is visible from many angles.
I. Vengeance is harmful to the avenger as well as to the avengee. (1) Jesus absolutely negates hatred as inhuman, and vengeance always rises out of hatred. Vengeance produces in the human heart a disorganizing anxiety and displaces those positive and constructive dispositions where our well-being lies. (2) For the man of vengeance, every sunset is bleached of color; every meal is rendered bland and tasteless; every dream is cankered; every relationship is soured. Vengeance stops prayer, represses joy, misdirects energy, robs the middle years of their productivity, and crowns old age with a thorny wreath of bitterness.
II. Vengeance is futile. Evil is not the true answer to evil. It never was and it never will be. Vengeance simply perpetuates the cycle of sin-against-hate; hate-against-sin; Better that we should meet the one who offends us with kindness, even on pragmatic grounds. As Paul rightly said, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-22)
III. Vengeance reduces, when you think about it, to a denial of trust in God. When we take matters into our own hands and seek to execute judgment, we are in effect saying that we can’t trust God to do this for us.
IV. Vengeance is wrong because something else is right. And that something else is forgiveness. (1) Some people keep picking at their scar tissue so that the wounds will stay. Others massage their scars so that every trace may vanish. (2) “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” Not that there is a condition that God only forgives as we forgive. Rather, the assumption is that, unless we have learned how to forgive another, we haven’t learned to receive forgiveness for ourselves. Francis Bacon said: “By taking revenge a man is but even with his enemy; but by passing over it, he is supreme.
Today is the last day of my preaching in this church. After today my relationship with you will no longer be pastor and parishioners. But our relationship as brothers and sisters will go on for ever. The memories I leave with you will be those of love and forgiveness. There will be no grudges and bitterness. It is because our love story has just begun. I love you all. God bless you.
Amen.
Synopsis:
In Jesus understanding there is no limit for you to forgive your brother. Christians are called to a style of life that is totally free of vengeance.
I. Vengeance is harmful to the avenger as well as to the avengee.
II. Vengeance is futile. Evil is not the true answer to evil.
III. Vengeance reduces to a denial of trust in God.
IV. Vengeance is wrong because something else is right. And that something else is forgiveness.
After today I will no longer see you. The memories I leave with you will be those of love and forgiveness. Our love story has just begun. I love you all. God bless you.
講道大綱
在耶穌的教訓裏，我們饒恕我們弟兄的次數，是要無限量的。基督徒的生活方式是完全解除報復的心理。
甲．報復是有害的。無論對報復者或被報復者，害處都是一樣。
乙．報復是沒有用的。以暴易暴不是解決問題的答案。
丙．報復只能消極地表示我們不信任上帝。
丁．報復是錯，因為另外有一個對的做法，那就是饒恕。
今天之後，我要離開你們了。我留給你們的回憶，就是愛與饒恕。我們的故事還沒有完。我愛你們。神祐你們。
Pastoral Prayer:
Almighty God, gracious Father, in the presence of your bounty keep us humble, in the presence of all people’s needs make us compassionate and caring.
Give us faith in our praying and love in our serving, knowing that by your power all may find a new balance in living and a new victory in adversity.
We pray for all unhappy lives, those who are bitter and resentful, feeling life has given them an unfair deal, those who are sensitive to criticism and quick to take offense, those who desire their own way, whatever the inconvenience or cost to others. May your judgment and mercy be for their healing.
We pray for those who are lonely, who are shy and self-conscious, who find it hard to make friends; those who are nervous and timid, who ever feel themselves strangers in a world they can scarcely understand. May your presence inspire confidence and ensure companionship.
We pray for those who live with bitter regrets, for loving relationships brought to ruin, for opportunities freely given and woefully abused, for the bitterness of defeat or betrayal at another’s hand, or for failure in personal integrity. May your grace give new hope to find victory in the very scene of failure.
We pray for all in illness and pain, weary of the day and fearful of the night. Grant healing, if it be your will, and at all times through faith the gift of your indwelling peace.
Bless the company of Christ’s folk, the church in every land. Make her eager in worship, fearless in proclamation of the gospel, and passionate for caring.
Bless our country. Bless our leaders. Bless our children and grant us peace within our borders. Grant us a nation to be found effective in establishing peace throughout the world.
Bless us, each one, in the communion of the saints, and keep us ever mindful of the great cloud of witness that, following in their steps, as they did in the steps of the Master, we may with them at the last receive the fulfillment promised to your people.
Now, O great God, bless us also in the life and work of this church, in our fellowship and in our Christian education, in our outreach and in our pastoral ministries. Where we fail to be attentive to the voice of your Spirit even as we profess to be focused on you in worship, forgive us. Still, touch us this day so that we will feel the energy we need to press on in faithful discipleship in the week ahead. Lift our sight higher so that we can strive toward loftier goals in the coming days. Remind us of your abiding love and grace so that we can become beacons of love and grace to coworkers, neighbors, friends, fellow students. Anoint our eyes to see your image residing deep within each person we meet. Anoint our ears to hear the cries of all who surround us, especially the needy. Anoint our hands to do gospel work. Anoint our lips to speak gospel peace so that in all ways, in all times, in all places, we may glorify you.
Now teach us to pray like the way you taught your disciples praying...
Sermon Date: 2009/7/5
DATE: 2009/7/5 Sermon:
SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 10:25-37
SERMON: The Good Samaritan is Jesus
講道題目: 好撒馬利亞人是耶穌
Introduction. (1) To speak of Jesus as a Samaritan is really a contradiction in terms. Jesus was a Jew, and the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans. Yet both the Jews and the Samaritans traced their ancestry back to a common stock. Generations before, they had been one. (2) To speak of Jesus as a Samaritan is not to emphasize his genealogy. He was the only begotten Son of God. In one sense of the word, he was neither Jew nor Samaritan. He was a citizen of the universe. (3) To speak of Jesus as the Good Samaritan is to speak of him in reference to his own parable.
What did the Samaritan do?
I. He had compassion on the dying man. That is always the first step. Jesus had compassion on the multitudes. Out of compassion he wept over Jerusalem. Out of compassion he healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, restored sight to the blind. When Jesus lived in Galilee, he was the healer of men’s bodies and souls. He was the forgiver of their sins. He was the Good Samaritan; he is the Good Samaritan still.
II. The Samaritan poured oil and wine into the wounds of the man by the side of the road. The oil and wine may well represent justice and righteousness, medications that still heal the world’s ills. These can turn the world right side up once again.
III. The Samaritan put the wounded man on his beast. Justice and righteousness can never completely alleviate the sufferings of humanity. Mercy must be added. Mercy is best portrayed in the Cross of Jesus Christ. Just as the Samaritan put the man on his beast, so Christ took the sins and burdens of humanity and carried them to the Cross. On that Cross divine mercy made up for the lack of justice and righteousness in the world.
IV. The Samaritan took the wounded man to an inn and took care of him. The inn is the church. We are taken care of in the Church. When Jesus has called the sin-sick people, it is to his Church that he takes them. There they find asylum. There they can be taken care of, even though the “Samaritan” (Jesus) must needs be absent for a time.
V. The Samaritan had to leave before his patient was fully recovered, but he left him in the good hands of the inn-keeper. Jesus said to his disciples in the upper room, “It is expedient for you that I go away” (John 16:7). The inn-keeper is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. And the innkeeper was just that to the unfortunate man-he comforted him and nursed him back to health. Even so the Holy Spirit works in and through the Church, continuing the work which Christ began while on earth. Today, the work of healing goes on in those people who open themselves to the indwelling of the Spirit.
VI. The Samaritan left two pennies for the innkeeper, till he should come. When Christ went away from the world, he left us Holy Baptism and the Holy Communion of his body and blood. Whenever rightly received, they minister to the healing of humanity. The Holy Communion is the seal of Christ’s perpetual presence in the Church through the Holy Spirit. These two pennies, given to the innkeeper, represented to the convalescing man the continuing presence of his benefactor. So are the Christian sacraments to us today.
VII. The Samaritan gave the money until he should come again. Here is another striking resemblance to the Communion. Paul said, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come” (I Cor. 11:26). Just as the Samaritan promised to return to the bruised man, so the Lord has promised to return to the world for a final healing. That healing of the world ought to be going on-yes, is going on-right now. It ought to be going on in your life and mine. Christ would be the Good Samaritan to you and me, and through us, to the world. He always works that way.
Conclusion. So we say, “May the Christ who walks on wounded feet, walks with you on the road. May the Christ who serves with wounded hands, stretch out your hands to serve. May the Christ who loves with a wounded heart, open your hearts to love. May you see the face of Christ in everyone you meet. And may everyone you meet sees the face of Christ in you.
Amen.
Synopsis:
Jesus was not a Samaritan. Jesus as the Good Samaritan is to speak of him in reference to his own parable.
I. He had compassion on the dying man.
II. The oil and wine may well represent justice and righteousness, medications that still heal the world’s ills.
III. Just as the Samaritan put the man on his beast, so Christ took the sins and burdens of humanity and carried them to the Cross.
IV. The Samaritan took the wounded man to an inn and took care of him. The inn is the church.
V. The Samaritan had to leave before his patient was fully recovered, but he left him in the good hands of the inn-keeper.
VI. The Samaritan left two pennies for the innkeeper, till he should come. When Christ went away from the world, he left us Holy Baptism and the Holy Communion of his body and blood.
VII. Just as the Samaritan promised to return to the bruised man, so the Lord has promised to return to the world for a final healing.
Conclusion: Christ would be the Good Samaritan to you and me, and through us, to the world. He always works that way.
講道大綱
耶穌不是撒馬利亞人。但耶穌是他自己所講的比喻中那個好撒馬利亞人。
甲．他對那個垂死的人動了慈心。
乙．油和酒代表了公平和正義，是這世界最需要的藥方。
丙．那個撒馬利亞人扶他騎上自己的牲口，基督也是把人類的罪擔背起擺在十字架上。
丁．那個撒馬利亞人帶他到店裏去照應他。這店就是教會。
戊．那個撒馬利亞人必需離開，便把他交託店主照料。
己．那個撒馬利亞人拿出二錢銀子來，交給店主。同樣基督離開世界時，他留給我們兩個聖禮—洗禮和聖餐。表示繼續與我們同在。
庚．那個撒馬利亞人答應必會再回來幫助受傷者。同樣主答應祂必再來，給我們完全的醫治。
結論：基督就是那個好撒馬利亞人，為你和我，也透過你和我，使世界得到完全的醫治。祂的工夫，往往都是用這方法達成的。
Pastoral Prayer:
O God, our heavenly Father, renew in us the sense of your gracious presence, and let it be a constant impulse within us to peace, trustfulness, and courage on our pilgrimage. Let us hold you fast with a loving and adoring heart, and let our affections be fixed on you, so that the unbroken communion of our hearts with you may accompany us whatsoever we do, through life and in death. Teach us to pray heartily; to listen for your voice within, and never to stifle its warnings. Behold, we bring our poor hearts as a sacrifice unto you: come and fill your sanctuary, and cast out any impurities to enter there. O God you are love, let your divine Spirit flow like a river through our whole souls, and lead us in the right way till we pass by a peaceful death into the land of promise.
O Jesus Christ, lover of all, you are the Good Samaritan who have compassion on the dying man, bring healing, bring peace to our world full of pain and suffering. Christ our Lord, long ago in Galilee, many who were sick and suffering needed friends to bring them to your side. Confident of your goodness, we now bring to you those who need your healing touch. We bring before you those who are ill in body, those who suffer restless days and sleepless nights. We bring before you those who are troubled in mind, distressed by the past, or dreading the future, those who are trapped and cast down by fear. We bring before you those for whom light has been turned to darkness by the death of a loved one, the breaking of a friendship, or the fading of hope. We ask your guidance for those who are engaged in alleviating pains in the world, that they may persevere with vision and energy; help us to live like the Good Samaritan, and bring hope and salvation to the world.
We pray for people who are departing from this church. Brother David Li and Sister Auyan Yan Hong, who will be traveling back to China. We thank you for Sister Amy Deng who has found a promising job and has started working for a week now. We pray for a new pastor for this church as the old pastorate will end within this month. As we continue our worship to Word and sacrament, encounter us with your very self. Be glorified in all we do. We pray it ever and only in Jesus precious name. Amen
SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 10:25-37
SERMON: The Good Samaritan is Jesus
講道題目: 好撒馬利亞人是耶穌
Introduction. (1) To speak of Jesus as a Samaritan is really a contradiction in terms. Jesus was a Jew, and the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans. Yet both the Jews and the Samaritans traced their ancestry back to a common stock. Generations before, they had been one. (2) To speak of Jesus as a Samaritan is not to emphasize his genealogy. He was the only begotten Son of God. In one sense of the word, he was neither Jew nor Samaritan. He was a citizen of the universe. (3) To speak of Jesus as the Good Samaritan is to speak of him in reference to his own parable.
What did the Samaritan do?
I. He had compassion on the dying man. That is always the first step. Jesus had compassion on the multitudes. Out of compassion he wept over Jerusalem. Out of compassion he healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, restored sight to the blind. When Jesus lived in Galilee, he was the healer of men’s bodies and souls. He was the forgiver of their sins. He was the Good Samaritan; he is the Good Samaritan still.
II. The Samaritan poured oil and wine into the wounds of the man by the side of the road. The oil and wine may well represent justice and righteousness, medications that still heal the world’s ills. These can turn the world right side up once again.
III. The Samaritan put the wounded man on his beast. Justice and righteousness can never completely alleviate the sufferings of humanity. Mercy must be added. Mercy is best portrayed in the Cross of Jesus Christ. Just as the Samaritan put the man on his beast, so Christ took the sins and burdens of humanity and carried them to the Cross. On that Cross divine mercy made up for the lack of justice and righteousness in the world.
IV. The Samaritan took the wounded man to an inn and took care of him. The inn is the church. We are taken care of in the Church. When Jesus has called the sin-sick people, it is to his Church that he takes them. There they find asylum. There they can be taken care of, even though the “Samaritan” (Jesus) must needs be absent for a time.
V. The Samaritan had to leave before his patient was fully recovered, but he left him in the good hands of the inn-keeper. Jesus said to his disciples in the upper room, “It is expedient for you that I go away” (John 16:7). The inn-keeper is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. And the innkeeper was just that to the unfortunate man-he comforted him and nursed him back to health. Even so the Holy Spirit works in and through the Church, continuing the work which Christ began while on earth. Today, the work of healing goes on in those people who open themselves to the indwelling of the Spirit.
VI. The Samaritan left two pennies for the innkeeper, till he should come. When Christ went away from the world, he left us Holy Baptism and the Holy Communion of his body and blood. Whenever rightly received, they minister to the healing of humanity. The Holy Communion is the seal of Christ’s perpetual presence in the Church through the Holy Spirit. These two pennies, given to the innkeeper, represented to the convalescing man the continuing presence of his benefactor. So are the Christian sacraments to us today.
VII. The Samaritan gave the money until he should come again. Here is another striking resemblance to the Communion. Paul said, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come” (I Cor. 11:26). Just as the Samaritan promised to return to the bruised man, so the Lord has promised to return to the world for a final healing. That healing of the world ought to be going on-yes, is going on-right now. It ought to be going on in your life and mine. Christ would be the Good Samaritan to you and me, and through us, to the world. He always works that way.
Conclusion. So we say, “May the Christ who walks on wounded feet, walks with you on the road. May the Christ who serves with wounded hands, stretch out your hands to serve. May the Christ who loves with a wounded heart, open your hearts to love. May you see the face of Christ in everyone you meet. And may everyone you meet sees the face of Christ in you.
Amen.
Synopsis:
Jesus was not a Samaritan. Jesus as the Good Samaritan is to speak of him in reference to his own parable.
I. He had compassion on the dying man.
II. The oil and wine may well represent justice and righteousness, medications that still heal the world’s ills.
III. Just as the Samaritan put the man on his beast, so Christ took the sins and burdens of humanity and carried them to the Cross.
IV. The Samaritan took the wounded man to an inn and took care of him. The inn is the church.
V. The Samaritan had to leave before his patient was fully recovered, but he left him in the good hands of the inn-keeper.
VI. The Samaritan left two pennies for the innkeeper, till he should come. When Christ went away from the world, he left us Holy Baptism and the Holy Communion of his body and blood.
VII. Just as the Samaritan promised to return to the bruised man, so the Lord has promised to return to the world for a final healing.
Conclusion: Christ would be the Good Samaritan to you and me, and through us, to the world. He always works that way.
講道大綱
耶穌不是撒馬利亞人。但耶穌是他自己所講的比喻中那個好撒馬利亞人。
甲．他對那個垂死的人動了慈心。
乙．油和酒代表了公平和正義，是這世界最需要的藥方。
丙．那個撒馬利亞人扶他騎上自己的牲口，基督也是把人類的罪擔背起擺在十字架上。
丁．那個撒馬利亞人帶他到店裏去照應他。這店就是教會。
戊．那個撒馬利亞人必需離開，便把他交託店主照料。
己．那個撒馬利亞人拿出二錢銀子來，交給店主。同樣基督離開世界時，他留給我們兩個聖禮—洗禮和聖餐。表示繼續與我們同在。
庚．那個撒馬利亞人答應必會再回來幫助受傷者。同樣主答應祂必再來，給我們完全的醫治。
結論：基督就是那個好撒馬利亞人，為你和我，也透過你和我，使世界得到完全的醫治。祂的工夫，往往都是用這方法達成的。
Pastoral Prayer:
O God, our heavenly Father, renew in us the sense of your gracious presence, and let it be a constant impulse within us to peace, trustfulness, and courage on our pilgrimage. Let us hold you fast with a loving and adoring heart, and let our affections be fixed on you, so that the unbroken communion of our hearts with you may accompany us whatsoever we do, through life and in death. Teach us to pray heartily; to listen for your voice within, and never to stifle its warnings. Behold, we bring our poor hearts as a sacrifice unto you: come and fill your sanctuary, and cast out any impurities to enter there. O God you are love, let your divine Spirit flow like a river through our whole souls, and lead us in the right way till we pass by a peaceful death into the land of promise.
O Jesus Christ, lover of all, you are the Good Samaritan who have compassion on the dying man, bring healing, bring peace to our world full of pain and suffering. Christ our Lord, long ago in Galilee, many who were sick and suffering needed friends to bring them to your side. Confident of your goodness, we now bring to you those who need your healing touch. We bring before you those who are ill in body, those who suffer restless days and sleepless nights. We bring before you those who are troubled in mind, distressed by the past, or dreading the future, those who are trapped and cast down by fear. We bring before you those for whom light has been turned to darkness by the death of a loved one, the breaking of a friendship, or the fading of hope. We ask your guidance for those who are engaged in alleviating pains in the world, that they may persevere with vision and energy; help us to live like the Good Samaritan, and bring hope and salvation to the world.
We pray for people who are departing from this church. Brother David Li and Sister Auyan Yan Hong, who will be traveling back to China. We thank you for Sister Amy Deng who has found a promising job and has started working for a week now. We pray for a new pastor for this church as the old pastorate will end within this month. As we continue our worship to Word and sacrament, encounter us with your very self. Be glorified in all we do. We pray it ever and only in Jesus precious name. Amen
Spiritual Thought for the Week 2009/7/5
DATE: 2009/7/5
本周默想分享
有人曾經提出在好撒馬利亞人的比喻中，我們可以看到四種人生觀。（1）那個強盜相信，“你的就是我的。”（2）那個祭司奉行的哲學是，“我的就是我的，你的就是你的。”（3）那個客店主人期待的報酬是，“我的可以就是你的，只要你給我一個公道的價錢。”（4）好撒馬利亞人的看法是，“我的就是你的，並且我們可以有更多的分享。”
當我向我四周看時，我發覺有一樣東西可以令生命更深刻，更得著回響，更令我有大喜樂的。那就是把自己放在自己之外，而進入別人的自己和別人的品格之中。
我需要吃飯，對我自己來講，只是一個物質的問題。但我的鄰舍需要吃飯，這個問題，對我來講，就是一個靈性和宗教的問題了。
Spiritual Thought for the Week
Someone has suggested that in the story of the good Samaritan there are four ways to look at life. (1) The robber believed, “What is yours is mine.”(2) The priest acted on the philosophy, “What is mine is mine, and what is yours is yours.”(3) The innkeeper held the prospect that “What is mine is yours for a price.”(4) The Samaritan acted on the viewpoint that “What is mine is yours and more in sharing.”
As I look around me, I seem to find that one thing which deepens life, which gives it resonance, which brings it great joy, is the putting of one’s self outside one’s self into another self or personality.
The question of bread for myself is a material question, but the question of bread for my neighbor is a spiritual and religious question.
本周默想分享
有人曾經提出在好撒馬利亞人的比喻中，我們可以看到四種人生觀。（1）那個強盜相信，“你的就是我的。”（2）那個祭司奉行的哲學是，“我的就是我的，你的就是你的。”（3）那個客店主人期待的報酬是，“我的可以就是你的，只要你給我一個公道的價錢。”（4）好撒馬利亞人的看法是，“我的就是你的，並且我們可以有更多的分享。”
當我向我四周看時，我發覺有一樣東西可以令生命更深刻，更得著回響，更令我有大喜樂的。那就是把自己放在自己之外，而進入別人的自己和別人的品格之中。
我需要吃飯，對我自己來講，只是一個物質的問題。但我的鄰舍需要吃飯，這個問題，對我來講，就是一個靈性和宗教的問題了。
Spiritual Thought for the Week
Someone has suggested that in the story of the good Samaritan there are four ways to look at life. (1) The robber believed, “What is yours is mine.”(2) The priest acted on the philosophy, “What is mine is mine, and what is yours is yours.”(3) The innkeeper held the prospect that “What is mine is yours for a price.”(4) The Samaritan acted on the viewpoint that “What is mine is yours and more in sharing.”
As I look around me, I seem to find that one thing which deepens life, which gives it resonance, which brings it great joy, is the putting of one’s self outside one’s self into another self or personality.
The question of bread for myself is a material question, but the question of bread for my neighbor is a spiritual and religious question.
Spiritual Thought for the Week 2009/6/28
DATE: 2009/6/28
本周默想分享
朋友你是否有感到灰心失望，徬惶無告的時候？ 每當我感到凄涼失敗，孤單喪志的時候，我會用聖經的說話，得著安慰。“我的心哪，你曾對耶和華說，你是我的主，我的好處，不在你以外。”（詩16：2）
世人都願意得到好處。並且竭力追求要得到好處。但甚麼是真正的好處呢？有人以吃喝玩樂享受為好處；有人以知識，友誼，愛情為好處；有人以名利地位為好處；有人以家庭，事業，成功為好處。但這一切有時是好處，有時卻成為害處。許多人為這一切終日奔忙，思慮，煩惱，這已經先受了害處。同時有這些情慾，愛好，渴望，就沒有平安和喜樂，這又是先得了害處。也許得了所想望，所追求的東西，但又怕失去，也是害處。其實得著了，心中仍不會滿足，得著還要再得，反而感到更加饑渴，否則會感到極為空虛，所以它的結果又是害處。何況就是真覺得快樂，但想到不久世界要改變，自己壽命也不長，一切終要歸於無有，這更能引起悲傷，痛苦，失望，哪裏會有什麼好處呢？
真正的好處，必須是使內心有長久的平安喜樂，沒有失去的危險。並且能永久的享受，那轉眼就消逝的好處都不是真正的好處。神愛我們，祂不會留下好處，不給我們（詩84：11），尋求神的甚麼好處都不缺（詩4：10）。若想在神旨意之外找好處，只是捕風捉影而已，毫無所得，得著了也是損失，將要為之後悔。我們當滿足於神所指定的，別無所求，這就是我們的好處。總之我們的好處不在神以外，如保羅所說的：“我將萬事都當作有損的”（腓3：7）。
其實有神就夠了，一切福分，快樂，好處都在神里面。在祂以外的確沒有甚麼好處，也不應當在神以外想有所得。凡在神以外，與神不合的東西都是有害的，我們當以神自己為中心，以神的旨意為範圍，以神的命令為衣歸。
Spiritual Thought for the Week
Have you ever felt despair and resignation? When I feel bad and sad, I turn to the Bible and seek consolation. “I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.””(Psalm 16:2)
People in the world want to have good thing. They try hard to get good thing. But what is good thing? Some think eat drink and be merry are good things. Others think knowledge, friendship and love are good things. Still some others think to have fame and prestige are good things. Still some others think family, career and success are good things. Although these good things bring good feelings nevertheless they bring bad feelings and bad results. For instance people pursuit these things so eagerly they cause them anxiety and stress. This is bad thing. The desire to get these things expel peace and joy in a person’s heart. Even if you get what you desire. The fear of losing it causes you worry. Even if you can secure it, you won’t be satisfied. You want some more. The feeling of empties still exists. And that is bad thing. Even if you can get all you can get, your limited life span will remind you all is vanity. So what good can these good things bring you?
The real good thing has to be one that gives eternal peace and joy. It should be one that no one can take away from you. It should be one that you can enjoy for ever. The temporal thing can never be the good thing. “For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he with holed from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11) Only those who seek the Lord will have nothing to lose in their pursuit. Outside of God all our pursuit is like catching the wind and chasing after shadows. Let us be satisfied with what God has prepared for us. All the others are trash. Like what Paul said, “But whatever was to my profit I now consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him.”(Philippians 3:7-8)
It is sufficient to just have God. All blessings and joy are found in God. Apart from Him we can find nothing good. We should not think of things outside of God. Let us put God in the center. We live inside the bound of His good will. We take orders from Him alone.
--End—
本周默想分享
朋友你是否有感到灰心失望，徬惶無告的時候？ 每當我感到凄涼失敗，孤單喪志的時候，我會用聖經的說話，得著安慰。“我的心哪，你曾對耶和華說，你是我的主，我的好處，不在你以外。”（詩16：2）
世人都願意得到好處。並且竭力追求要得到好處。但甚麼是真正的好處呢？有人以吃喝玩樂享受為好處；有人以知識，友誼，愛情為好處；有人以名利地位為好處；有人以家庭，事業，成功為好處。但這一切有時是好處，有時卻成為害處。許多人為這一切終日奔忙，思慮，煩惱，這已經先受了害處。同時有這些情慾，愛好，渴望，就沒有平安和喜樂，這又是先得了害處。也許得了所想望，所追求的東西，但又怕失去，也是害處。其實得著了，心中仍不會滿足，得著還要再得，反而感到更加饑渴，否則會感到極為空虛，所以它的結果又是害處。何況就是真覺得快樂，但想到不久世界要改變，自己壽命也不長，一切終要歸於無有，這更能引起悲傷，痛苦，失望，哪裏會有什麼好處呢？
真正的好處，必須是使內心有長久的平安喜樂，沒有失去的危險。並且能永久的享受，那轉眼就消逝的好處都不是真正的好處。神愛我們，祂不會留下好處，不給我們（詩84：11），尋求神的甚麼好處都不缺（詩4：10）。若想在神旨意之外找好處，只是捕風捉影而已，毫無所得，得著了也是損失，將要為之後悔。我們當滿足於神所指定的，別無所求，這就是我們的好處。總之我們的好處不在神以外，如保羅所說的：“我將萬事都當作有損的”（腓3：7）。
其實有神就夠了，一切福分，快樂，好處都在神里面。在祂以外的確沒有甚麼好處，也不應當在神以外想有所得。凡在神以外，與神不合的東西都是有害的，我們當以神自己為中心，以神的旨意為範圍，以神的命令為衣歸。
Spiritual Thought for the Week
Have you ever felt despair and resignation? When I feel bad and sad, I turn to the Bible and seek consolation. “I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.””(Psalm 16:2)
People in the world want to have good thing. They try hard to get good thing. But what is good thing? Some think eat drink and be merry are good things. Others think knowledge, friendship and love are good things. Still some others think to have fame and prestige are good things. Still some others think family, career and success are good things. Although these good things bring good feelings nevertheless they bring bad feelings and bad results. For instance people pursuit these things so eagerly they cause them anxiety and stress. This is bad thing. The desire to get these things expel peace and joy in a person’s heart. Even if you get what you desire. The fear of losing it causes you worry. Even if you can secure it, you won’t be satisfied. You want some more. The feeling of empties still exists. And that is bad thing. Even if you can get all you can get, your limited life span will remind you all is vanity. So what good can these good things bring you?
The real good thing has to be one that gives eternal peace and joy. It should be one that no one can take away from you. It should be one that you can enjoy for ever. The temporal thing can never be the good thing. “For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he with holed from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11) Only those who seek the Lord will have nothing to lose in their pursuit. Outside of God all our pursuit is like catching the wind and chasing after shadows. Let us be satisfied with what God has prepared for us. All the others are trash. Like what Paul said, “But whatever was to my profit I now consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him.”(Philippians 3:7-8)
It is sufficient to just have God. All blessings and joy are found in God. Apart from Him we can find nothing good. We should not think of things outside of God. Let us put God in the center. We live inside the bound of His good will. We take orders from Him alone.
--End—
Friday, June 19, 2009
Spiritual Thought for the Week 2009/6/21
DATE: 2009/6/21
本周默想分享
在父親節的今天，我們不但要紀念父親，也要尊敬父神。正如瑪拉基書1章6節說：“兒子尊敬父親，僕人敬畏主人，我既為父親，尊敬我的在哪里呢？我既為主人，敬畏我的在哪里呢？” 人間的關係， 和世界上的事物，能說明與神的關係，和靈界的事物。人世的一切如同影兒，屬靈的一切才是實體。對於信徒來說，應當更注意與神的關係和屬靈的事物。因為那是真實而永遠的，但以今生屬世的問題可以得教訓，神也常用此講明真理。
這段經文特別提到我們與神的關係，如父與子，主與僕的關係。這在聖經中說的很多，神是我們的天父，是我們的主宰，我們是祂的兒女和僕人。但事實上，許多信徒都沒有對神如同兒子對父親，僕人對主人一樣。因為沒有尊敬和敬畏祂，這使神時常不悅，甚至發怒。有的信徒對神還不如對世上的父親，和有權位的主人那麼尊敬和敬畏。對神沒有事奉，對神的話也沒有聽從，與神沒有親近，也不求討神的喜悅，這都叫神極為難過，正如以賽亞書上所說的。
“天哪，要聽，地啊，側耳以聽，我養育兒女，將他們養大，他們竟悖逆我。牛認識主人，驢認識主人的槽，以色列人卻不認識，我的民卻不留意。。。你們屢次悖逆，還要受責打嗎？”（賽1：2-5）又如耶利米書上說：“可見你離棄耶和華你的神，不存敬畏我的心，乃為惡事，為苦事”。（耶2：19）
如果我們不認識神的慈愛和恩典，真是牛驢都不如。若不尊敬，不敬畏神，不聽神的話乃是惡事，也是苦事。神今天在那裏尋找誰尊敬祂，要賜大恩典，福氣給他。
Spiritual Thought for the Week
On this Father’s Day Sunday, we honor not only our earthly father but also our heavenly father. God asks us the question, “A son honors his father and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the respect due me?” (Malachi 1:6) Human relationship is parallel to divine relationship. Earthly relationships are shadows. But divine relationship is the real thing. As Christians we pay attention to our relationship with God. It is because it is real and eternal. Nevertheless earthly relationship reminds us of our relationship with God. Like today’s passage for instance God is making an analogy to us.
Our relationship with God is analytical to that of the father and his son or that of the master to his servant. The Bible tells us many times that God is our heavenly father. He is our lord. We are his children and servants. In fact many believers do not treat God like a son to his father, or a servant to his lord. We do not give him the fear and respect. This up sets God and causes his wrath. Some believers honor their earthly fathers and their company’s bosses more than they do to God. They do not serve God; they do not hear his words. They do not come close to God. They do not seek God’s favor. This makes God very sad. Just like what the prophet Isaiah said.
“Hear O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand…Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion?”(Isaiah 1:2-5) Prophet Jeremiah also said,: “how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the Lord your God and have no awe of me,”(Jeremiah 2:19)
If we do not recognize God’s mercy and grace, we are worse than ox and donkey. If we do not honor God, fear God, obey his words, we are doing evil and bitter deeds. God is searching everywhere today. He is looking for people who would respect him and fear him. When he finds them he blesses them with great gift of blessing and grace.
本周默想分享
在父親節的今天，我們不但要紀念父親，也要尊敬父神。正如瑪拉基書1章6節說：“兒子尊敬父親，僕人敬畏主人，我既為父親，尊敬我的在哪里呢？我既為主人，敬畏我的在哪里呢？” 人間的關係， 和世界上的事物，能說明與神的關係，和靈界的事物。人世的一切如同影兒，屬靈的一切才是實體。對於信徒來說，應當更注意與神的關係和屬靈的事物。因為那是真實而永遠的，但以今生屬世的問題可以得教訓，神也常用此講明真理。
這段經文特別提到我們與神的關係，如父與子，主與僕的關係。這在聖經中說的很多，神是我們的天父，是我們的主宰，我們是祂的兒女和僕人。但事實上，許多信徒都沒有對神如同兒子對父親，僕人對主人一樣。因為沒有尊敬和敬畏祂，這使神時常不悅，甚至發怒。有的信徒對神還不如對世上的父親，和有權位的主人那麼尊敬和敬畏。對神沒有事奉，對神的話也沒有聽從，與神沒有親近，也不求討神的喜悅，這都叫神極為難過，正如以賽亞書上所說的。
“天哪，要聽，地啊，側耳以聽，我養育兒女，將他們養大，他們竟悖逆我。牛認識主人，驢認識主人的槽，以色列人卻不認識，我的民卻不留意。。。你們屢次悖逆，還要受責打嗎？”（賽1：2-5）又如耶利米書上說：“可見你離棄耶和華你的神，不存敬畏我的心，乃為惡事，為苦事”。（耶2：19）
如果我們不認識神的慈愛和恩典，真是牛驢都不如。若不尊敬，不敬畏神，不聽神的話乃是惡事，也是苦事。神今天在那裏尋找誰尊敬祂，要賜大恩典，福氣給他。
Spiritual Thought for the Week
On this Father’s Day Sunday, we honor not only our earthly father but also our heavenly father. God asks us the question, “A son honors his father and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the respect due me?” (Malachi 1:6) Human relationship is parallel to divine relationship. Earthly relationships are shadows. But divine relationship is the real thing. As Christians we pay attention to our relationship with God. It is because it is real and eternal. Nevertheless earthly relationship reminds us of our relationship with God. Like today’s passage for instance God is making an analogy to us.
Our relationship with God is analytical to that of the father and his son or that of the master to his servant. The Bible tells us many times that God is our heavenly father. He is our lord. We are his children and servants. In fact many believers do not treat God like a son to his father, or a servant to his lord. We do not give him the fear and respect. This up sets God and causes his wrath. Some believers honor their earthly fathers and their company’s bosses more than they do to God. They do not serve God; they do not hear his words. They do not come close to God. They do not seek God’s favor. This makes God very sad. Just like what the prophet Isaiah said.
“Hear O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand…Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion?”(Isaiah 1:2-5) Prophet Jeremiah also said,: “how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the Lord your God and have no awe of me,”(Jeremiah 2:19)
If we do not recognize God’s mercy and grace, we are worse than ox and donkey. If we do not honor God, fear God, obey his words, we are doing evil and bitter deeds. God is searching everywhere today. He is looking for people who would respect him and fear him. When he finds them he blesses them with great gift of blessing and grace.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Spiritual Thought for the Week 2009/6/14
Spiritual Thought for the Week
Have you ever thought of the characteristics of a Christian? Now that we are Christians, is there any distinction that makes us different from others in this world? Paul tells us a Christian is one who lives only for Christ. “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord.”(Romans 14:8) The basic characteristic of a Christian is that he/she confesses Jesus Christ as Lord. We are saved by the Lord. We belong to him. We are no longer that old, self possessed person who belongs to himself and lives to himself only. We no longer use the Lord to meet our own ends, and to satisfy our own demands. For not letting Jesus be Lord is wrong. Our direction in life is wrong. This is because our past life has been crucified and we cannot live in the past any more.
The Lord’s salvation is to free us from the bondage of sin. In fact it is to rid us from the old person which is the old Adam. For that life was rotten corrupted and defiled. It was adversary to God. It was inconsistent to people. Only through dying together with the Lord on the cross we can find a new way out. This is the only route to righteous living before the pleasing sight of God.
If any one should believe in Christ let him live no longer for himself but live a life holy and acceptable to the Lord. Otherwise we can not call ourselves Christians. And our lives will lead to the wrong direction. It will give no meaning or value. All it can do is nothing but offending and showing unworthiness before God. But living for the Lord gives us peace and strength. We can bear witness to men and give glory to God.
Men are used to live for themselves only. Christians have to learn to live for the Lord. Our life belongs to him. He died for us. He rose from the dead for us so that we can live for him. It is only fair and right that we live a life that belongs to him. As Paul said, “For Christ’s love compels us,” (II Corinthians 5:14) And he admonish us, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (I Corinthians 6:20)
--End—
Have you ever thought of the characteristics of a Christian? Now that we are Christians, is there any distinction that makes us different from others in this world? Paul tells us a Christian is one who lives only for Christ. “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord.”(Romans 14:8) The basic characteristic of a Christian is that he/she confesses Jesus Christ as Lord. We are saved by the Lord. We belong to him. We are no longer that old, self possessed person who belongs to himself and lives to himself only. We no longer use the Lord to meet our own ends, and to satisfy our own demands. For not letting Jesus be Lord is wrong. Our direction in life is wrong. This is because our past life has been crucified and we cannot live in the past any more.
The Lord’s salvation is to free us from the bondage of sin. In fact it is to rid us from the old person which is the old Adam. For that life was rotten corrupted and defiled. It was adversary to God. It was inconsistent to people. Only through dying together with the Lord on the cross we can find a new way out. This is the only route to righteous living before the pleasing sight of God.
If any one should believe in Christ let him live no longer for himself but live a life holy and acceptable to the Lord. Otherwise we can not call ourselves Christians. And our lives will lead to the wrong direction. It will give no meaning or value. All it can do is nothing but offending and showing unworthiness before God. But living for the Lord gives us peace and strength. We can bear witness to men and give glory to God.
Men are used to live for themselves only. Christians have to learn to live for the Lord. Our life belongs to him. He died for us. He rose from the dead for us so that we can live for him. It is only fair and right that we live a life that belongs to him. As Paul said, “For Christ’s love compels us,” (II Corinthians 5:14) And he admonish us, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (I Corinthians 6:20)
--End—
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