Spiritual Thought for the Week
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my sprit rejoices in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:46-47)
Mary had found favour with God because she glorified the Lord and she rejoiced in God her saviour. Anyone who glorifies and rejoices in the Lord will receive reciprocal favour from God. For the Lord is the source of all blessings and favour. Apart from Him we can not get any blessings. God is searching everywhere to see if there is anyone who gives Him the glory, love, faith, fear, trust and obedience He deserves. When He finds one He blesses him/her with all His favour.
This is the difference between glorifying God and glorifying men. We like glorifying ourselves and the people and things we favour on earth. We want to find favours our way. When God gets in our ways, we ask Him to go away, so that we get what we want without His involvement. How foolish! We will never get real favours if we forget to give glory to God. The favours promised by this world are temporal. But the favour promised by God is eternal. If we trade worldly favour with God’s favour we are like picking up a piece of sand while abandoning the owner of the universe. We win a battle but lose the war.
Mary made the right choice when she said her soul glorifies the Lord. We will never glorify God enough because He deserves the most glory. We will never rejoice enough in the Lord because His joy in us will never end.
本周默想分享
马利亚说："我心尊主为大；我灵以神我的救主为乐。"（路1：46-47）
马利亚之所以成为蒙大恩和最有福的女子，是因为她的心尊主为大，她的灵以神为乐。尊重神的，神必尊重他；以神为乐的，神必使他喜乐。我们一切福乐，都在乎对神如何。因为他是一切福乐的根源，想在神以外求得甚麽，只是妄想。神不住地在那里寻找，察看有甚麽人尊他为大，以他为乐，爱他，敬畏他，信靠他，顺服他，他就把大的福分，恩典赐给他们。
这可能是人与神之间最大的差别，也是我们自己生命中最大的转折点。我们本来是尊自己为大，以世事为乐，凡事要成就我们自己的意思。想在神以外找到安乐，甚至以神为我们的拦阻，损失，这是太愚昧错误了。我们是何等渺小，怎能自尊为大呢？任何人，事，物所能给我们的是何等微小，肤浅，怎能以那些为乐呢？可能得了一些，但转眼就过去成空了。
这就要看人的智慧，正确的选择，有谁像马利亚一样，选择上好的，真实的，永恒的福乐。若是选择渺小的，短暂的，虚幻的世事与世人而丢弃神，就好像拾起一粒沙土而丢弃宇宙万有一样。但选择主的，却比得着宇宙万有还要大得无数倍的福气。
要尊主为大。无论尊他为大到甚麽程度，仍是对的。要以神为乐，无论以他为乐到甚麽地步，都不为多。他配尊为大，他也实在是人的喜乐。
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Spiritual Thought for the Week
Last Sunday the second Advent candle of peace was lit. Do we experience that peace as promised by Jesus’ coming? If not, we better ask ourselves why.
Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
Jesus’ word is both candid and scrutinizing. Let’s look at the different kinds of Christians who profess they are followers of Jesus. Some run the course diligently. Others turn back only half way through. Some follow with great determination. Others follow superficially, with their eyes looking back every now and then. There is a kind of Christians called the un-determined Christians. They expressed desire to follow the Lord. They accepted the call. They have put their hands on the plough already. But they still can not let go the past. The world’s value is still in their mind. That’s why they can not help to look back repeatedly.
People who look back are people who can not genuinely follow the Lord. What they really want are the things they possessed before they accepted the call. In other words their hearts are still tied down by the things in this life. They still love the world. Thus their vow is untrue. They are not faithful. They are deceiving God, others, and themselves. They are willing to receive what will be promised them in the future. But they are unwilling to let go of what they are possessing here at the moment. They want to enjoy the glory and rewards in heaven like all the saints do. While at the same time they want to indulge in worldly pleasures with their temporal friends. They want to fly to the sky without leaving the ground. Their minds are walking on one path while their bodies are walking on another. They want to get benefits from both paths.
Will they make it? Lord Jesus Christ tells us clearly today. No way! These people are not fit for service in the kingdom of God. Our Lord is not to be taken lightly. Our Lord is not to be deceived. No wonder even though our Lord promises he is coming, we still don’t have peace in our heart.
本周默想分享
上主日平安的将临节烛光已经燃点，您心中的平安有没有燃亮呢？倘若没有，会不会是因为我们的心仍然爱世界，一心一意爱主的平安，还没有来？
"耶稣说，手扶着犁向後看的人，不配进神的国。"（路9：62）
主耶稣说的是何等的真实，又是何等的值得我们警惕。让我们观看在基督徒的行列中有多少不同的表现和情况，有的在努力奔跑灵程，有的却转身後退了。在跟随主的人中，有的紧紧跟随，一心向前，有的表面跟从，却常向後看。这说明有一种人是心怀二意的，虽然有意跟从主，甚至已经蒙召作主工，手扶着犁了，然而他们却怀念过去，有所留恋，没有完全撇下一切所有的，世上事物仍然抓住他们的心，以致他们不能不时常回头看。
回头看的人是无心向前跟随主走道路的。他们真正所要的，仍然是蒙召前所离开的，那也就是说他们的心仍然爱世界，被今生的事所抓住。所以跟从主是假的，是不忠实的。他们在那里欺骗主，欺骗人，也欺骗自己。他们想得着将来的，却不肯舍去现今的。他们希望和其他主的门徒一样，想得到将来的荣耀和赏赐，却也希望和世人一同享受暂时的快乐。要想得着天，却不想离开地。他们的外面和里面在走两条路，想要同时得着两面的好处。
这样行不行呢？主耶稣在这里清楚地说，这样的人不配进神的国。主是不容轻慢的。主是不受欺骗的。怪不得耶稣来了有些人的心仍然没有平安。
Last Sunday the second Advent candle of peace was lit. Do we experience that peace as promised by Jesus’ coming? If not, we better ask ourselves why.
Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
Jesus’ word is both candid and scrutinizing. Let’s look at the different kinds of Christians who profess they are followers of Jesus. Some run the course diligently. Others turn back only half way through. Some follow with great determination. Others follow superficially, with their eyes looking back every now and then. There is a kind of Christians called the un-determined Christians. They expressed desire to follow the Lord. They accepted the call. They have put their hands on the plough already. But they still can not let go the past. The world’s value is still in their mind. That’s why they can not help to look back repeatedly.
People who look back are people who can not genuinely follow the Lord. What they really want are the things they possessed before they accepted the call. In other words their hearts are still tied down by the things in this life. They still love the world. Thus their vow is untrue. They are not faithful. They are deceiving God, others, and themselves. They are willing to receive what will be promised them in the future. But they are unwilling to let go of what they are possessing here at the moment. They want to enjoy the glory and rewards in heaven like all the saints do. While at the same time they want to indulge in worldly pleasures with their temporal friends. They want to fly to the sky without leaving the ground. Their minds are walking on one path while their bodies are walking on another. They want to get benefits from both paths.
Will they make it? Lord Jesus Christ tells us clearly today. No way! These people are not fit for service in the kingdom of God. Our Lord is not to be taken lightly. Our Lord is not to be deceived. No wonder even though our Lord promises he is coming, we still don’t have peace in our heart.
本周默想分享
上主日平安的将临节烛光已经燃点，您心中的平安有没有燃亮呢？倘若没有，会不会是因为我们的心仍然爱世界，一心一意爱主的平安，还没有来？
"耶稣说，手扶着犁向後看的人，不配进神的国。"（路9：62）
主耶稣说的是何等的真实，又是何等的值得我们警惕。让我们观看在基督徒的行列中有多少不同的表现和情况，有的在努力奔跑灵程，有的却转身後退了。在跟随主的人中，有的紧紧跟随，一心向前，有的表面跟从，却常向後看。这说明有一种人是心怀二意的，虽然有意跟从主，甚至已经蒙召作主工，手扶着犁了，然而他们却怀念过去，有所留恋，没有完全撇下一切所有的，世上事物仍然抓住他们的心，以致他们不能不时常回头看。
回头看的人是无心向前跟随主走道路的。他们真正所要的，仍然是蒙召前所离开的，那也就是说他们的心仍然爱世界，被今生的事所抓住。所以跟从主是假的，是不忠实的。他们在那里欺骗主，欺骗人，也欺骗自己。他们想得着将来的，却不肯舍去现今的。他们希望和其他主的门徒一样，想得到将来的荣耀和赏赐，却也希望和世人一同享受暂时的快乐。要想得着天，却不想离开地。他们的外面和里面在走两条路，想要同时得着两面的好处。
这样行不行呢？主耶稣在这里清楚地说，这样的人不配进神的国。主是不容轻慢的。主是不受欺骗的。怪不得耶稣来了有些人的心仍然没有平安。
Spiritual Thought for the Week
Last Sunday the second Advent candle of peace was lit. Do we experience that peace as promised by Jesus’ coming? If not, we better ask ourselves why.
Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
Jesus’ word is both candid and scrutinizing. Let’s look at the different kinds of Christians who profess they are followers of Jesus. Some run the course diligently. Others turn back only half way through. Some follow with great determination. Others follow superficially, with their eyes looking back every now and then. There is a kind of Christians called the un-determined Christians. They expressed desire to follow the Lord. They accepted the call. They have put their hands on the plough already. But they still can not let go the past. The world’s value is still in their mind. That’s why they can not help to look back repeatedly.
People who look back are people who can not genuinely follow the Lord. What they really want are the things they possessed before they accepted the call. In other words their hearts are still tied down by the things in this life. They still love the world. Thus their vow is untrue. They are not faithful. They are deceiving God, others, and themselves. They are willing to receive what will be promised them in the future. But they are unwilling to let go of what they are possessing here at the moment. They want to enjoy the glory and rewards in heaven like all the saints do. While at the same time they want to indulge in worldly pleasures with their temporal friends. They want to fly to the sky without leaving the ground. Their minds are walking on one path while their bodies are walking on another. They want to get benefits from both paths.
Will they make it? Lord Jesus Christ tells us clearly today. No way! These people are not fit for service in the kingdom of God. Our Lord is not to be taken lightly. Our Lord is not to be deceived. No wonder even though our Lord promises he is coming, we still don’t have peace in our heart.
本周默想分享
上主日平安的将临节烛光已经燃点，您心中的平安有没有燃亮呢？倘若没有，会不会是因为我们的心仍然爱世界，一心一意爱主的平安，还没有来？
"耶稣说，手扶着犁向後看的人，不配进神的国。"（路9：62）
主耶稣说的是何等的真实，又是何等的值得我们警惕。让我们观看在基督徒的行列中有多少不同的表现和情况，有的在努力奔跑灵程，有的却转身後退了。在跟随主的人中，有的紧紧跟随，一心向前，有的表面跟从，却常向後看。这说明有一种人是心怀二意的，虽然有意跟从主，甚至已经蒙召作主工，手扶着犁了，然而他们却怀念过去，有所留恋，没有完全撇下一切所有的，世上事物仍然抓住他们的心，以致他们不能不时常回头看。
回头看的人是无心向前跟随主走道路的。他们真正所要的，仍然是蒙召前所离开的，那也就是说他们的心仍然爱世界，被今生的事所抓住。所以跟从主是假的，是不忠实的。他们在那里欺骗主，欺骗人，也欺骗自己。他们想得着将来的，却不肯舍去现今的。他们希望和其他主的门徒一样，想得到将来的荣耀和赏赐，却也希望和世人一同享受暂时的快乐。要想得着天，却不想离开地。他们的外面和里面在走两条路，想要同时得着两面的好处。
这样行不行呢？主耶稣在这里清楚地说，这样的人不配进神的国。主是不容轻慢的。主是不受欺骗的。怪不得耶稣来了有些人的心仍然没有平安。
Last Sunday the second Advent candle of peace was lit. Do we experience that peace as promised by Jesus’ coming? If not, we better ask ourselves why.
Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
Jesus’ word is both candid and scrutinizing. Let’s look at the different kinds of Christians who profess they are followers of Jesus. Some run the course diligently. Others turn back only half way through. Some follow with great determination. Others follow superficially, with their eyes looking back every now and then. There is a kind of Christians called the un-determined Christians. They expressed desire to follow the Lord. They accepted the call. They have put their hands on the plough already. But they still can not let go the past. The world’s value is still in their mind. That’s why they can not help to look back repeatedly.
People who look back are people who can not genuinely follow the Lord. What they really want are the things they possessed before they accepted the call. In other words their hearts are still tied down by the things in this life. They still love the world. Thus their vow is untrue. They are not faithful. They are deceiving God, others, and themselves. They are willing to receive what will be promised them in the future. But they are unwilling to let go of what they are possessing here at the moment. They want to enjoy the glory and rewards in heaven like all the saints do. While at the same time they want to indulge in worldly pleasures with their temporal friends. They want to fly to the sky without leaving the ground. Their minds are walking on one path while their bodies are walking on another. They want to get benefits from both paths.
Will they make it? Lord Jesus Christ tells us clearly today. No way! These people are not fit for service in the kingdom of God. Our Lord is not to be taken lightly. Our Lord is not to be deceived. No wonder even though our Lord promises he is coming, we still don’t have peace in our heart.
本周默想分享
上主日平安的将临节烛光已经燃点，您心中的平安有没有燃亮呢？倘若没有，会不会是因为我们的心仍然爱世界，一心一意爱主的平安，还没有来？
"耶稣说，手扶着犁向後看的人，不配进神的国。"（路9：62）
主耶稣说的是何等的真实，又是何等的值得我们警惕。让我们观看在基督徒的行列中有多少不同的表现和情况，有的在努力奔跑灵程，有的却转身後退了。在跟随主的人中，有的紧紧跟随，一心向前，有的表面跟从，却常向後看。这说明有一种人是心怀二意的，虽然有意跟从主，甚至已经蒙召作主工，手扶着犁了，然而他们却怀念过去，有所留恋，没有完全撇下一切所有的，世上事物仍然抓住他们的心，以致他们不能不时常回头看。
回头看的人是无心向前跟随主走道路的。他们真正所要的，仍然是蒙召前所离开的，那也就是说他们的心仍然爱世界，被今生的事所抓住。所以跟从主是假的，是不忠实的。他们在那里欺骗主，欺骗人，也欺骗自己。他们想得着将来的，却不肯舍去现今的。他们希望和其他主的门徒一样，想得到将来的荣耀和赏赐，却也希望和世人一同享受暂时的快乐。要想得着天，却不想离开地。他们的外面和里面在走两条路，想要同时得着两面的好处。
这样行不行呢？主耶稣在这里清楚地说，这样的人不配进神的国。主是不容轻慢的。主是不受欺骗的。怪不得耶稣来了有些人的心仍然没有平安。
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sermon Date: 2008/12/07
Sermon DATE: 2008/12/7
SCRIPTURE READING: John 16:33
SERMON: How to interpret life in light of God’s word.
讲道题目: 如何在生命中解讀神的話
I. Last week we talked about the Bible being the greatest treasure in our life. Our greatest treasure does not lie on possessions for they will deteriorate. Our greatest treasure does not come from our relationship with love ones, for love ones will depart from us one day. But the Bible will never deteriorate. The Bible is the word of God. It confirms our relationship with God which will go on long after our relationship with love ones ends. The Bible helps us to understand the meaning of our life.
The Bible is our greatest treasure that promises us life abundant. Sometimes people find a treasure chest but can’t open it because they can’t find the key. Sometimes people find the Bible but they can’t find hope and future in their life because they don’t understand the plans of God. In fact God has good plans for us. Unfortunately we don’t read His word careful enough to understand it. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Today let’s talk about the key to that treasure chest. It is the way to read and understand the Bible so that we get the key to abundant life.
II. Everybody in the world wants to have life and have it more abundantly. But what does abundant life means? We Chinese look at abundant life as having health, longevity, wealth, success, filial piety from the children, benevolence to the public, contribution to the society and most importantly refrain from sickness and suffering. If you possess most or all of the above people will say you have achieved abundant life in this world. Nowadays, in order to prove the blessedness of their life people tend to show off their abundance in front of others. They want to compare and even compete with one another to show how abundant their life is. In the past people just wanted to keep up with the Jones (i.e. their neighbour’s family). Now they are not satisfied just to keep up with the Jones. They want to do better than the Jones. There is nothing wrong with being motivated by this driving incentive for proof of abundance in life. But as Christians and children of God, do we just do what others do without a nobler and Godly reason for the purpose of our existence?
We all have experienced attending to our frail sick elderly love ones at their death bed. We prayed for their restoration of health and for prolongation of their life. When they turn for the better, we praised the Lord for listening to our prayers, not knowing that as the psalmist said, no matter how long your life is, “we finish our years with a moan.” (Psalm 90:9) Our hearts go out with the new immigrant parishioners who are struggling to find jobs in this new land. We pray for them and with them to get a good job that will give them good prospect and security to settle down and bring up their family. When they get a job, we thank and praise the Lord. We say the Lord has listened to our prayers. We then continue to pray for more stability and prosperity for their life and work. Unconsciously, we pray for promotion in the job, we pray for increase in salary for the position, we pray for larger houses, we pray for more possessions… until in the end we ask for materialistic things more than any thing else. I am not saying we should not praise the Lord with parishioners who have found a good job, moved into a bigger house, have a raise in salary, or have bought a new car etc. We should thank God for them and with them. What I am saying is this. What about in times of trial and tribulations? What about the time when brothers and sisters have lost their jobs. In this time of economic depression being laid off is not something uncommon. Is it? Do we have the trust, courage, faith and enthusiasm to pray with the parishioners who have lost their job as much as we do with the parishioners who have found a good job?
III. I do not want to give you a hard time. But I have to challenge you to face some issues you are afraid to face. Although it is a taboo, yet it is a reality. How do we pray to God in faith and thanksgiving when life doesn’t seem to be giving us what we ask for? What is your take for God’s word when life seems to be overcome by suffering? I pray the Lord to give us wisdom to solve this problem by the power of His word.
1. Suffering is a reality in the world.—Since Adam sin had entered the world. All creation has to suffer and toil until this day. The result of sin is that our flesh has to perish. “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) Sin has ruined men’s body, mind and soul. It has ruined the relationship between men and men. It has ruined the environment where men live. This is the reality of our life on earth. Thank God we Christians do not live in a life that ask for refrain from sickness and suffering. We do not ask for longevity and prosperity. We ask for eternal life through our belief in Jesus as the Christ.
2. Suffering moves us to hunger and thirst for eternity.—Looking straight to the reality of suffering, we recognize in the first place that we are living in a meaningless world. If we chase after fame, it is meaningless. If we chase after health and longevity it is meaningless also. It is wise to look at the Bible which says, “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) Here the Bible awakens us to put our focus on things that are eternal rather than things that are temporal and meaningless. God has used suffering and meaninglessness to lead us back to His eternity. That’s why the writer of Ecclesiastes said, “I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.” (Ecclesiastes 3:10-12)
3. Suffering enhances our relationship with God in the deepest level.—Our life should be a life of faith. It should be established after the relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Our relationship with Christ is founded on our experience in life which involves us with Christ’s great love and faithfulness. Upon this foundation we dedicate ourselves to him and give our best to him. Yes we usually know we have to give thanks for most everything in life. When we see beautiful sunshine, abundant supplies for our daily needs, warmth and love in the family, opportunity to work… we thank the Lord for we have experienced his love for us. Please excuse me for saying it candidly. Such experience of the love of God is only superficial. We are experiencing the Lord’s blessings but not the Lord himself. We are weak human beings. When we see our blessings have changed into something not so promising, we begin to question the Lord. When we see suffering instead of blessing is coming its way, we start to doubt the love of the Lord.
Job has a great awakening word to say in this. He said, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5) Job experienced losing everything men count as the most valuable on earth—wealth, health and family. But because of the love of the Father, Job experienced the presence of God in his most difficult times. In times of his most desperate need God is with him. In times of tribulation the company of God gives us experience of the most genuine part of life. In the midst of trial and tribulations, with the experience of the Lord’s presence, we establish the faith to overcome hardship. As a result we experience the privilege of seeing God with our own eyes. This is the real blessing of staying together in the presence of the Lord.
God uses suffering to build up faith hope and love in Christians. He let them experience His grace more deeply. There we find the love of God. Like the apostle Paul who walked with God in times of trial and tribulations. He said these victorious words, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons…will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)
IV. This morning you and I are facing a big dilemma. On the one hand we envy the relationship that Job and Paul experienced. But on the other hand, we say to ourselves, “this is too much for me. I don’t think I can pass the test.”Let’s hear once again the promises that come from the Bible—the precious word of God: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (I Corinthians 10:13) “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (II Corinthians 12:9)
Jesus was preparing his disciples for the time when he would not be with them. He knew that things would be very difficult for them, and he was urging them to have faith that he would be with them always.
So much of what the disciples faced after Jesus' crucifixion is reflected in today's world.
Therefore Jesus encouraged them, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
May we all have abundant and victorious life knowing that our Lord Jesus Christ has overcome the world. Amen
Sermon Synopsis
I. The Bible helps us to understand the meaning of our life.
II. What is abundant life? Is it health, longevity, wealth, success…or is it trial and tribulations?
III. What is your take for God’s word when life seems to be overcome by suffering?
1. Suffering is a reality in the world.
2. Suffering moves us to hunger and thirst for eternity.
3. Suffering enhances our relationship with God in the deepest level.
IV. We say, “This is too much for me. I don’t think I can pass the test.” But Jesus said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”
信息大纲
I. 圣经帮助我们明白生命的意义。
II. 甚麽是丰盛的生命？是健康，长寿，财富，成功。。。还是试探和磨炼？
III. 当生命被痛苦所煎熬时你怎样看神的话？
1. 痛苦是世界的现实。
2. 痛苦推动我们饥渴地爱慕永恒。
3. 痛苦把我们带到与神最深层的关系。
IV. 我们说，“这个试炼太难熬了，我顶不住。”但耶稣说，“你们可以放心，我已经胜过世界了。”
SCRIPTURE READING: John 16:33
SERMON: How to interpret life in light of God’s word.
讲道题目: 如何在生命中解讀神的話
I. Last week we talked about the Bible being the greatest treasure in our life. Our greatest treasure does not lie on possessions for they will deteriorate. Our greatest treasure does not come from our relationship with love ones, for love ones will depart from us one day. But the Bible will never deteriorate. The Bible is the word of God. It confirms our relationship with God which will go on long after our relationship with love ones ends. The Bible helps us to understand the meaning of our life.
The Bible is our greatest treasure that promises us life abundant. Sometimes people find a treasure chest but can’t open it because they can’t find the key. Sometimes people find the Bible but they can’t find hope and future in their life because they don’t understand the plans of God. In fact God has good plans for us. Unfortunately we don’t read His word careful enough to understand it. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Today let’s talk about the key to that treasure chest. It is the way to read and understand the Bible so that we get the key to abundant life.
II. Everybody in the world wants to have life and have it more abundantly. But what does abundant life means? We Chinese look at abundant life as having health, longevity, wealth, success, filial piety from the children, benevolence to the public, contribution to the society and most importantly refrain from sickness and suffering. If you possess most or all of the above people will say you have achieved abundant life in this world. Nowadays, in order to prove the blessedness of their life people tend to show off their abundance in front of others. They want to compare and even compete with one another to show how abundant their life is. In the past people just wanted to keep up with the Jones (i.e. their neighbour’s family). Now they are not satisfied just to keep up with the Jones. They want to do better than the Jones. There is nothing wrong with being motivated by this driving incentive for proof of abundance in life. But as Christians and children of God, do we just do what others do without a nobler and Godly reason for the purpose of our existence?
We all have experienced attending to our frail sick elderly love ones at their death bed. We prayed for their restoration of health and for prolongation of their life. When they turn for the better, we praised the Lord for listening to our prayers, not knowing that as the psalmist said, no matter how long your life is, “we finish our years with a moan.” (Psalm 90:9) Our hearts go out with the new immigrant parishioners who are struggling to find jobs in this new land. We pray for them and with them to get a good job that will give them good prospect and security to settle down and bring up their family. When they get a job, we thank and praise the Lord. We say the Lord has listened to our prayers. We then continue to pray for more stability and prosperity for their life and work. Unconsciously, we pray for promotion in the job, we pray for increase in salary for the position, we pray for larger houses, we pray for more possessions… until in the end we ask for materialistic things more than any thing else. I am not saying we should not praise the Lord with parishioners who have found a good job, moved into a bigger house, have a raise in salary, or have bought a new car etc. We should thank God for them and with them. What I am saying is this. What about in times of trial and tribulations? What about the time when brothers and sisters have lost their jobs. In this time of economic depression being laid off is not something uncommon. Is it? Do we have the trust, courage, faith and enthusiasm to pray with the parishioners who have lost their job as much as we do with the parishioners who have found a good job?
III. I do not want to give you a hard time. But I have to challenge you to face some issues you are afraid to face. Although it is a taboo, yet it is a reality. How do we pray to God in faith and thanksgiving when life doesn’t seem to be giving us what we ask for? What is your take for God’s word when life seems to be overcome by suffering? I pray the Lord to give us wisdom to solve this problem by the power of His word.
1. Suffering is a reality in the world.—Since Adam sin had entered the world. All creation has to suffer and toil until this day. The result of sin is that our flesh has to perish. “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) Sin has ruined men’s body, mind and soul. It has ruined the relationship between men and men. It has ruined the environment where men live. This is the reality of our life on earth. Thank God we Christians do not live in a life that ask for refrain from sickness and suffering. We do not ask for longevity and prosperity. We ask for eternal life through our belief in Jesus as the Christ.
2. Suffering moves us to hunger and thirst for eternity.—Looking straight to the reality of suffering, we recognize in the first place that we are living in a meaningless world. If we chase after fame, it is meaningless. If we chase after health and longevity it is meaningless also. It is wise to look at the Bible which says, “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) Here the Bible awakens us to put our focus on things that are eternal rather than things that are temporal and meaningless. God has used suffering and meaninglessness to lead us back to His eternity. That’s why the writer of Ecclesiastes said, “I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.” (Ecclesiastes 3:10-12)
3. Suffering enhances our relationship with God in the deepest level.—Our life should be a life of faith. It should be established after the relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Our relationship with Christ is founded on our experience in life which involves us with Christ’s great love and faithfulness. Upon this foundation we dedicate ourselves to him and give our best to him. Yes we usually know we have to give thanks for most everything in life. When we see beautiful sunshine, abundant supplies for our daily needs, warmth and love in the family, opportunity to work… we thank the Lord for we have experienced his love for us. Please excuse me for saying it candidly. Such experience of the love of God is only superficial. We are experiencing the Lord’s blessings but not the Lord himself. We are weak human beings. When we see our blessings have changed into something not so promising, we begin to question the Lord. When we see suffering instead of blessing is coming its way, we start to doubt the love of the Lord.
Job has a great awakening word to say in this. He said, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5) Job experienced losing everything men count as the most valuable on earth—wealth, health and family. But because of the love of the Father, Job experienced the presence of God in his most difficult times. In times of his most desperate need God is with him. In times of tribulation the company of God gives us experience of the most genuine part of life. In the midst of trial and tribulations, with the experience of the Lord’s presence, we establish the faith to overcome hardship. As a result we experience the privilege of seeing God with our own eyes. This is the real blessing of staying together in the presence of the Lord.
God uses suffering to build up faith hope and love in Christians. He let them experience His grace more deeply. There we find the love of God. Like the apostle Paul who walked with God in times of trial and tribulations. He said these victorious words, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons…will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)
IV. This morning you and I are facing a big dilemma. On the one hand we envy the relationship that Job and Paul experienced. But on the other hand, we say to ourselves, “this is too much for me. I don’t think I can pass the test.”Let’s hear once again the promises that come from the Bible—the precious word of God: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (I Corinthians 10:13) “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (II Corinthians 12:9)
Jesus was preparing his disciples for the time when he would not be with them. He knew that things would be very difficult for them, and he was urging them to have faith that he would be with them always.
So much of what the disciples faced after Jesus' crucifixion is reflected in today's world.
Therefore Jesus encouraged them, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
May we all have abundant and victorious life knowing that our Lord Jesus Christ has overcome the world. Amen
Sermon Synopsis
I. The Bible helps us to understand the meaning of our life.
II. What is abundant life? Is it health, longevity, wealth, success…or is it trial and tribulations?
III. What is your take for God’s word when life seems to be overcome by suffering?
1. Suffering is a reality in the world.
2. Suffering moves us to hunger and thirst for eternity.
3. Suffering enhances our relationship with God in the deepest level.
IV. We say, “This is too much for me. I don’t think I can pass the test.” But Jesus said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”
信息大纲
I. 圣经帮助我们明白生命的意义。
II. 甚麽是丰盛的生命？是健康，长寿，财富，成功。。。还是试探和磨炼？
III. 当生命被痛苦所煎熬时你怎样看神的话？
1. 痛苦是世界的现实。
2. 痛苦推动我们饥渴地爱慕永恒。
3. 痛苦把我们带到与神最深层的关系。
IV. 我们说，“这个试炼太难熬了，我顶不住。”但耶稣说，“你们可以放心，我已经胜过世界了。”
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Spiritual Thought for the Week 2008/12/7
Spiritual Thought for the Week
Last Sunday we lit the first candle of Advent which represents hope. I wish this light brings hope to your life when you are challenged by darkness and difficulties.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
When a believer encounter difficulty, it is very easy for him to doubt God’s love. May be God is giving him a hard time deliberately. God does not sympathise his hardship. God does not care his misfortune. To others God is more lenient. But to him God is harsh. In disappointment he wants to blame God. This is a big misunderstanding. Contrary to what he thinks, it is because God loves that He allows hardship to come to His children. It is because of His good will that He let tribulations to happen to His love ones. Hardship and tribulation are angels from God sent to bring grace and gifts to us. But they don’t appear to be pleasant looking. And we are scared away by them.
God has a lot of grace and blessings to bestow upon us His people. But often they come in a disguised costume. A life without trial and tribulations may not be a life with grace and rewards. Such life only leads to superficial and artificial hope. This hope promises us a world with no sins or sufferings. It causes us to think that life is not a battle ground, or a pilgrimage to the promise land. We think the earthly home is the eternal home, and that human relationships are permanent relationships. We think our ideals can be achieved and that our desires can be actualized. A person who lives such an uneventful life will never learn to see things beyond the horizon. He will not look up to the sky. He will not feel he needs God. He will grow old and die inside his self made little circle. He wastes all his life in countless meaningless days.
But God has a higher goal for us. He has a more prosperous plan in store for us. In order to make it work, He has to first of all, break down our unrealistic plans. He has to wake us up from our self deceiving dreams. He has to let us meet with apparently unfortunate happenings. In the long run He will let us discover the spiritual blessings and peace that come along in the end. He will not give us instantaneous results right a way. But He will give us the fruits of good hope and the happiness in the future. Just like Joseph who was sold to slavery in the beginning, but in the end he became the prime minister of Egypt. Similarly after tribulations a believer will find himself coming out a more mature, Godly, spiritual and instrumental person. He will be pleasing to God and useful to men. Eventually, in the heavenly kingdom, he will receive unfathomable glory and rewards.
本周默想分享
上主日当将临节代表希望的蜡烛被燃点起来的时候，您漆黑的心情有没有也被燃亮呢？它有没有把您拉近神的意念，叫您生活更有指望？
"耶和华说，我知道我向你们所怀的意念，是赐平安的意念，不是降灾祸的意念，要叫你们後来有指望。"（耶29：11）
一个受苦遭难的信徒，容易怀疑到神的爱。可能想到神故意降灾祸给他，不体贴他的困苦，不顾念他的艰难，似乎对别人还好，对自己却不留情。同时容易灰心抱怨，这实在是对神的误会，不明白父的心。正是由於他的爱，才允许苦难临到他的儿女身上，正是由於他的美意，才叫他们遭到意外的事。苦难和风波都是神的使者所带来的恩赐和礼物，可是外表看来是不受欢迎的，起初倒是觉得可怕的。
神有许多恩典和福分要赐给属他的人，但常是化装来的。毫无苦难与风浪，并不一定是恩典与赏赐，只会给人轻浮和幻觉。似乎还以为这世界并不是罪恶苦海，人生也不是战场，征途，地上的家是永久的居所，亲人是不变的关系，自己的理想是真实的，欲望是可以达到的。平安无事的人是不会想得很远的，不会仰望天，不觉需要神。他可能就这样老死在自己的小圈子里，消逝在虚度的岁月中。
但是神有更高的目的，更大的祝福，要赐给一个人。就只有打乱他的迷梦，破灭他的幻想，叫他遭遇到似乎是不幸的灾祸。其实是要赐给他真正属灵的平安，不是得到目前的利益，乃是叫他後来有指望。正如约瑟的被卖为奴，後来却成为宰相。信徒受苦之後，生命变作圣洁，成熟，敬虔，属灵，讨神的喜悦，有益於人，将来在国度和永世里，必得到无比的荣耀和赏赐。
Last Sunday we lit the first candle of Advent which represents hope. I wish this light brings hope to your life when you are challenged by darkness and difficulties.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
When a believer encounter difficulty, it is very easy for him to doubt God’s love. May be God is giving him a hard time deliberately. God does not sympathise his hardship. God does not care his misfortune. To others God is more lenient. But to him God is harsh. In disappointment he wants to blame God. This is a big misunderstanding. Contrary to what he thinks, it is because God loves that He allows hardship to come to His children. It is because of His good will that He let tribulations to happen to His love ones. Hardship and tribulation are angels from God sent to bring grace and gifts to us. But they don’t appear to be pleasant looking. And we are scared away by them.
God has a lot of grace and blessings to bestow upon us His people. But often they come in a disguised costume. A life without trial and tribulations may not be a life with grace and rewards. Such life only leads to superficial and artificial hope. This hope promises us a world with no sins or sufferings. It causes us to think that life is not a battle ground, or a pilgrimage to the promise land. We think the earthly home is the eternal home, and that human relationships are permanent relationships. We think our ideals can be achieved and that our desires can be actualized. A person who lives such an uneventful life will never learn to see things beyond the horizon. He will not look up to the sky. He will not feel he needs God. He will grow old and die inside his self made little circle. He wastes all his life in countless meaningless days.
But God has a higher goal for us. He has a more prosperous plan in store for us. In order to make it work, He has to first of all, break down our unrealistic plans. He has to wake us up from our self deceiving dreams. He has to let us meet with apparently unfortunate happenings. In the long run He will let us discover the spiritual blessings and peace that come along in the end. He will not give us instantaneous results right a way. But He will give us the fruits of good hope and the happiness in the future. Just like Joseph who was sold to slavery in the beginning, but in the end he became the prime minister of Egypt. Similarly after tribulations a believer will find himself coming out a more mature, Godly, spiritual and instrumental person. He will be pleasing to God and useful to men. Eventually, in the heavenly kingdom, he will receive unfathomable glory and rewards.
本周默想分享
上主日当将临节代表希望的蜡烛被燃点起来的时候，您漆黑的心情有没有也被燃亮呢？它有没有把您拉近神的意念，叫您生活更有指望？
"耶和华说，我知道我向你们所怀的意念，是赐平安的意念，不是降灾祸的意念，要叫你们後来有指望。"（耶29：11）
一个受苦遭难的信徒，容易怀疑到神的爱。可能想到神故意降灾祸给他，不体贴他的困苦，不顾念他的艰难，似乎对别人还好，对自己却不留情。同时容易灰心抱怨，这实在是对神的误会，不明白父的心。正是由於他的爱，才允许苦难临到他的儿女身上，正是由於他的美意，才叫他们遭到意外的事。苦难和风波都是神的使者所带来的恩赐和礼物，可是外表看来是不受欢迎的，起初倒是觉得可怕的。
神有许多恩典和福分要赐给属他的人，但常是化装来的。毫无苦难与风浪，并不一定是恩典与赏赐，只会给人轻浮和幻觉。似乎还以为这世界并不是罪恶苦海，人生也不是战场，征途，地上的家是永久的居所，亲人是不变的关系，自己的理想是真实的，欲望是可以达到的。平安无事的人是不会想得很远的，不会仰望天，不觉需要神。他可能就这样老死在自己的小圈子里，消逝在虚度的岁月中。
但是神有更高的目的，更大的祝福，要赐给一个人。就只有打乱他的迷梦，破灭他的幻想，叫他遭遇到似乎是不幸的灾祸。其实是要赐给他真正属灵的平安，不是得到目前的利益，乃是叫他後来有指望。正如约瑟的被卖为奴，後来却成为宰相。信徒受苦之後，生命变作圣洁，成熟，敬虔，属灵，讨神的喜悦，有益於人，将来在国度和永世里，必得到无比的荣耀和赏赐。
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