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心聲點滴

2023.11.25/26

周力行牧師

人不缺乏愛心,只是愛的對象有所不同。有人願意犧牲自己滿足他人需要,我們稱他們有愛心;有人犧牲他人滿足自己的需要,我們稱他們沒有愛心。實則,這二類人都有愛心,只是前者愛他人過於自己,後者愛自己過於他人。

世界不停的又直接又間接的告訴我們,人生苦短,應當奮力的追求滿足自己。互惠互利自然理想,有時要利己而不得不損人也是在所難免,所以不必迴避。這就是現實。世人都必然要面對,無一幸免,信徒也不能例外。

有時,世界得勝了。有人要滿足虛榮之心,就追求稱許讚賞。法利賽人是其一顯明的例子,他們冗長的禱告是為得人的稱讚(太23.14; 路18.11),所作的善也是要得人的榮耀(太6.2)。有人要得權以滿足自已,要眾人都跟從他,就用各樣的方法來損害異己。就如祭司及法利賽人因耶穌與他們不合就要除掉耶穌(約11.53)。也有人以追求錢財來滿足自己。撒該就是其一例子(路19.7)。他被眾人稱為眾人是因為他是稅吏長,以欺壓同胞得利而成為財主。另外,少年的官也是相仿,因愛錢財過於一切,就放棄了跟從耶穌的大好機會(太19.16-22)。

在耶穌基督裡,世界就失敗了。有人放棄了世上的榮耀,為主走上了受苦的道路。有保羅因為主耶穌就放棄了一切,為要得着至寶的基督(腓3.8)。十九世紀的劍橋七傑,當中有富商之子,有男爵之子,有將軍之子,也有醫生之子,他們本可以享受世人所羨慕的一切榮華,卻為主而選上了十字架的道路,到中國的徧遠鄉村宣教。最後也有在異鄉離世的。有人學效了耶穌基督為門徒洗腳的榜樣 (約13.1-17),用所擁有的權力選擇了服侍眾人的位置:林肯總統是代表的其中之一。也有人為主的緣故,為主耶穌放棄世上的錢財,專心一意的跟從主。除了稅吏長撒該 (路19.1-10),博德恩(William Borden)也是一樣。他捨棄豐厚的財富而選上服侍主的道路,更向世界宣告他是“無保留,無退回,無後悔”( No Reserves—No Retreats—No Regrets)。

對基督徒而言,天國之路是艱難的。這是耶穌基督早早的宣告:“在世上你們有苦難.”(約16.33)。但主耶穌也接着的宣告:“但你們可以放心,我已經勝了世界。”(約16.33)願你選擇跟從耶穌,與世界為敵,在耶穌基督裡過得勝的日子。如此,有一天,我們就可以與保羅一樣宣告:“從此以後,有公義的冠冕為我存留,就是按著公義審判的主到了那日要賜給我的。不但賜給我,也賜給凡愛慕他顯現的人。”(提後4.8)

願你在主裡得勝。

From the Pastor’s Desk – Nov 18/19, 2023

Greetings,

Recently, a fellowship group invited me to share on the topic of meditation. In fact, I am also learning. It is not too difficult to know what meditation is. It is not too difficult to know the skills. If you search on the Internet, you will definitely find some content that talks about how to practice in this area. However, meditation is a lifelong exercise, because the purpose of this, in my opinion, is to establish a relationship with God that belongs only to God and oneself.

Paul talked about meditation as a training in 1 Timothy 4. Why would he use training to describe meditation? It turns out that our faith is like swimming upstream. If we don’t deepen our relationship with God, there will be a current that pushes us back. This current is the values from the world. The further we are pushed behind, the farther we feel disconnect with our God, even to the point where we may have even forgotten our own faith.

There is a fundamental element to training, perseverance. Skill is important. However, in my experience, perseverance is more important. The reason why we can persevere is because we value the relationship with God. If we value a relationship, we will use various methods to maintain, build, and deepen this. If we don’t value it, no matter how effective the methods are, we may give up as soon as you encounter external challenges.

The purpose of meditation is to build a relationship with God. The manifestation of this relationship needs to be in words, actions, love, faith and works. It is also a manifestation of the whole person. Faith itself is not a part of life, but life itself. To have this kind of life, we must let God’s words speak to our hearts. In addition, we need to respond with prayer. All this is included in meditation.

Some people believe that spiritual practice is best done at a specific time. This is good. However, my experience tells me that it is impossible to fixate at a specific time. I still remember that when I was dating my wife, I would think of what she said not just at certain times, but almost whenever I had free time in my head. Paul said in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, whatever virtue there is, whatever praise is yours, do these things Thoughts.” I believe this is meditation, letting God’s words occupy our hearts. At this time, we will begin to receive the benefits of this spiritual practice, which is the establishment of an intimate relationship. And this relationship is not an ordinary relationship, but a personal relationship with God.

May God bless you all.

His servant,

Rev. Mark Liu

牧者心聲

2023.11.18/19

列宣家的弟兄姐妹大家好,感謝神讓我有機會透過文字與你分享我的一些心聲。

最近有一個團契邀請我分享靈修這個題目。其實,我也是在學習中。要知道靈修是什麼不是太難。要知道靈修的方法也不是太困難。如果你在互聯網查詢的話,一定會找到一些內容,是講到如何靈修的。但是,靈修卻是一生之久的操練,因為靈修的目的,在我看來,就是與神建立一個只屬於神和自己的關係。

保羅在提摩太前書4章講到了靈修是一種操練。為什麼會是操練呢?原來信仰是需要逆流而上的。如果我們沒有與神的關係加深,就會被一股湧流把我們往後推。這一股湧流就是來自於世界的價值觀。往後推的信仰生命就會感覺與神的關係越來越遠,甚至到了一個地步,連自己的信仰也忘記了。

操練有一個根本的元素,不是方法,而是一個持之以恆的心。方法是重要的。但是,在我的經驗中,持之以恆的心更重點。之所以能夠持之以恆就是因為看重與神的關係。如果我們看重一段關係,就會用一切方法來維護,來建立,來加深。如果不看重的話,無論方法有多好,只要遇到外力衝擊,就會想放棄。

靈修的目的就是建立與神的關係。這個關係的展現就需要在言語,行為,愛心,信心和工作上展現。也是一種全人的展現。信仰本身就不是生命中其中一個部分,而是生命本身。而要有這種生命形態,就必須讓神的話語向我們的內心喊話。此外,我們還需要回應,要以禱告來回應。這一切都是包含在靈修中的。

有一些人認為,靈修最好是在一個特定的時間。這個是好的。但是,我的經驗告訴我,不可能就適用於在這個特定的時間。還記得我在追求師母的時候,不是只是在特定的時候,而是差不多腦袋一有空閒的時候,就會想起她說的話。保羅在腓立比書4:8說到“最後,弟兄們,凡是真實的、莊重的、公正的、純潔的、可愛的、聲譽好的,無論是甚麼美德,甚麼稱讚,這些事你們都應當思念。”我相信這個就是靈修,讓神的話語佔據我們的心。在這個時候,我們就會開始領受靈修中的益處,那就是感受到一種關係的建立。而這個關係,不是一般的關係,而是與創造天地萬物的神有一個個人的關係。

願神賜福給你。願神祝福列宣家。

主僕,

劉展權牧師

 

Seasons

Nov 11/12, 2023

From the Pastors’ Desk: Pastor Karen Quan

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

Gen 1: 14-15 (The Message)

“God spoke: “Lights! Come out! Shine in Heaven’s sky! Separate Day from Night. Mark seasons and days and years, Lights in Heaven’s sky to give light to Earth.” And there it was.”

The beauty of the fall colors are always my favorite time of the year. We are truly blessed to experience the variations of all 4 seasons in Canada. Ironically, the beauty of the colors of the leaves originate from the process of their death. As the leaves change color, they will eventually fall to the ground in preparation and waiting for winter. Only the mighty Evergreens can keep their needles & branches full.

So while these maple trees are preparing for more, we too as a church family are in a specific season. Our season is one of leadership transitions. A time where we have lots of questions and few solid answers. What does a Transitional Pastor and Transitional Coach look like? How will they assist us as a church family? When will they come to us?

Scripture tells us that seasons were always part of God’s design. From the time of creation in Genesis, God has “Marked” the start and end of a day, a year & groups our seasons. A way for us to delineate & trace God’s goodness in having a time for all things.

Waiting is always hard but waiting allows for an aspect of being quiet. Only as we are quiet, are we able to see & hear more clearly from our God. A time where we may be quietly & actively praying for ourselves and our church. A time where we continue to wait in obedience before the Lord as He unfolds what’s best for us. We can be quietly & prayerfully looking to see God at work. Who might God be shaping us to be during this special time? Are there people in need that we can be caring for or serving even now? We can be actively inviting God to mature and grow in faith as we wait for a new leader. We can actively consider and remove those attitudes that keep us apart from God. We can seek to do more inner work: self-reflection, review and re-alignment to God. As a church family, it’s a season to wait expectantly before God.

During this time we can be asking God to increase our faith in His good & perfect plans (Jer. 29:11). Invite him to focus our eyes increasingly on Him and not on human plans or strategies. A time where we can mature in trust while He quietly works and provides for us while we wait for Him to lead us into a new chapter.

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Karen Quan

季節

2023.11.11/12

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

創世記1:14-15 神說:“在天上穹蒼中,要有光體來分晝夜;這些光體要作為記號,定節令、日子和年歲;它們要在天上穹蒼中發光,照耀地上!”  事就這樣成了。

秋色之美始終是一年中我最喜歡的時光,我們在加拿大真的很幸運,能夠體驗四季的變化。諷刺的是,葉子顏色的美麗源自於它們死亡的過程,隨著葉子變色,它們最終會落到地上,準備冬天的到來,只有強大的常青樹才能保存枝葉的荗盛。

因此,當這些楓樹正為將來做準備時,我們作為教會大家庭也正處於一個特定的季節,我們處於領導階層換屆的季節,這是一個我們有很多問題卻少有確實答案的時候。過渡牧師和過渡教練是什麼樣的?他們將如何幫助我們教會這大家庭?他們什麼時候會來到我們當中?

聖經告訴我們,季節總是神設計的一部分。 從創世記中的創造開始,神就「定」了一天、一年和季節的開始和結束,這是讓我們勾畫和追索神在所有事情上都有定時的美意。

等待總是很艱難,但等待卻存在安靜的一面。只有當我們安靜時,我們才能更清楚地看到和聽到神的聲音。在這個時候,我們可以安靜地、積極地為自己和教會祈禱。在這段時間裡,我們繼續在主面前順服,等待祂向我們展示對我們最好的。我們可以安靜地、虔誠地仰望神在作工,神會在這個特別時期怎樣塑造我們?此時此刻有什麼有需要的人我們可以服侍和關顧?當我們等待新的領袖時,我們可以積極地邀請神使我們在信心上更鞏固和成熟,我們可以積極反思並除去那些使我們與神隔絕的態度,我們可以追求做更多的內在工作:自我反省、檢視並重新調整至與神保持一致。 作為教會一家,這是一個在神面前抱著期待等候的時刻。

在此期間,我們可以祈求神增強我們對祂美好而完美計劃的信心(耶利米書 29:11)。邀請祂將我們的目光越發集中在祂身上,而不是人的計劃或策略上。 此時此刻,我們可以在信靠中成長,相信神在靜靜地作工並會供應我們,期待祂帶領我們進入新的一章。

主僕,
關潔玲傳道

Live Out Love – RCAC Newcomers Party

2023.11.04/05

From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Collins Kung

Brothers and sisters, how long have you been with RCAC? Do you know RCAC’s mission statement? If you check our website online, you will find “Our Vision” in the “About Us” column. RCAC vision statement is: “To be a missional community of God, growing toward healthy relationships and deepening our spiritual life in Christ through worship.”

RCAC is an organic, living community that is constantly updating, changing, and growing. During weekly worship, we have newcomers visiting us. Some visitors are transit tourists, but more visitors come to settle down and are looking for the church as their spiritual home. There are also visitors who come to us because they participate in the ministries organized by our church, such as Praise Dance, Alpha course, etc., or accept invitations from our brothers and sisters. The church’s Newcomers Party is designed for this group of newcomers. On the evening of last Sunday, October 29, we just held our third Newcomers Party this year, with more than 60 newcomers in attendance.

As the name of the Newcomers Party suggests, newcomers are our protagonists and our guests. Before and after worship, we have the opportunity to meet the newcomers, but due to time constraints, we are not able to talk in detail. The Newcomers Party is a suitable time and setting for newcomers to get to know RCAC and for us to meet them in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

Praise the Lord, under the arrangement of the pastors, elders, deacons and co-workers of the Caring Department, newcomers could have a fun night. The following is my personal experience as a pastor.

  • We conducted the event in Mandarin and Cantonese. Before the meal, the co-workers led a game to guess the price of an item. Whoever guessed the closest price would receive that item as a gift. This game helped us break the ice. After the meal, the co-workers continued to lead us to play games in groups. Through games, everyone worked together and mingled.
  • Although the food on the table is simple, it is surprising. It is not only delicious, but also large in portion, enough for two meals. As a pastor, being able to dine with newcomers brought us closer together. They no longer know me as a pastor on the pulpit, but as a brother in daily life.
  • One of the special features of the RCAC Newcomers Party is that our professional dance instructor, Elder Peter Wong, led us to dance his own piece – Rooster Dance. It is easy to learn, lively and has a strong sense of rhythm. It is suitable for all ages.
  • After dinner, our co-workers led us into singspiration to praise the Lord. One of the hymns moved me even more, which was the Clay Music hymn “Live Out Love”. One of the verses said: “The love of Jesus inspires me and opens up my life. Let yourself be the blessing to others. The love of Jesus ignites me and the flame of love is sparkling in my heart. Let us live out love to the world together.” This is the RCAC vision. We live out love through the Newcomers Party, share the love of Jesus, and become a blessing to others. All people sang enthusiastically.
  • When talking with newcomers, I often ask them a question: “How did you come to our church?” Some answered that we were introduced by friends. From their words, I know people’s impression of RCAC is a church with good reputation. There are also newcomers who were invited because they participated in our Praise Dance. Some of these newcomers expressed their interest in joining our adult Bible Study classes, and I was happy to introduce the classes to them. There was also a group of students from UBC and some new immigrant families attended with the whole family.
  • Brothers and sisters from RCAC also participated in the Newcomers Party. They acted as drivers to give rides to the newcomers, including the group of students from UBC, so that we could get to know each other.

Finally, I give glory and praise to our Heavenly Father. Praise the Lord for being able to serve together with a group of brothers and sisters who live out love. Let newcomers blend with RCAC.

Your servant in Christ,
Rev. Collins Kung

活出愛 – 列宣家迎新會

2023.11.04/05

弟兄姊妹,你在列宣家聚會有多久?你認識列宣家的使命宣言嗎?若你上網查閱我們的網站,你會在「關於我們」的欄目找到「使命與異象」。列宣家的使命宣言是:「我們是帶著福音使命屬神的群體,藉著敬拜事奉,在整全關係上共同建立,追求靈命增長。」

列宣家是一個有機活著的群體,這個群體是不斷更新、變化、成長。在每週的崇拜,我們會有新朋友到訪,有些訪客是過境旅遊,但更多的訪客是來定居的,他們正在尋找教會,作為他們屬靈的家。也有些訪客是因為參與我們教會所辦的事工如讚美操、啟發課程等,或接受我們弟兄姊妹的邀請而來到我們中間的,教會的迎新會正是為這群新朋友而設。在上個主日10月29日晚上,我們剛舉辦完今年第三次的迎新會,共有60多位新朋友出席。

迎新會顧名思義,新朋友是我們的主角,是我們的嘉賓。在崇拜前後,我們會有機會認識到訪的新朋友,但是因時間關係,未能詳談。迎新會卻是一個合適的時間、場景,讓新朋友在輕鬆歡樂的氣氛下認識我們列宣家,也讓我們認識他們。

感謝神,在關懷部的教牧、長老、執事及同工們的安排下,讓新朋友能開心盡興一個晚上。以下是我個人作為牧者的感受。

  • 當晚我們以國粵語雙聲道進行,在未用膳之前,同工以猜一物品價錢,誰猜得最接近購買的價錢便能獲得那物品作禮物,這遊戲幫助我們破冰。飯後同工繼續帶領我們分組遊戲。透過遊戲,大家攜手合作,變得無拘無束,打成一片。
  • 餐桌上的食物,雖然簡單,卻有驚喜,不但美味,而且分量超大,足夠每人可吃兩餐。作為牧者,能與新朋友一起用餐,把彼此的距離拉近。他們對我的認識,不再是在講台上的牧師,而是日常生活中的弟兄姊妹。
  • 列宣家迎新會其中一項特色,就是有我們的職業舞蹈導師黃華興長老,他帶領我們跳自創的公雞舞,簡單易學,輕鬆活潑,節奏感強,真是老幼咸宜。
  • 飯後同工帶領我們一起唱詩讚美主,其中一首詩歌更令我感動,就是泥土音樂的「活出愛」,其中一段:「耶穌的愛激勵我,敞開我的生命。讓自己成為別人祝福。耶穌的愛點燃我,心中熊熊愛火。我們一起向世界活出愛。」這正是我們列宣家的使命,我們透過迎新會活出愛,分享耶穌的愛,成為別人祝福,全場都熱烈齊唱。
  • 在與新朋友的交談中,我經常會問他們一個問題:「你是怎樣來到我們教會呢?」有好幾位回答都是朋友介紹,從他們口中我知道,列宣家在別人心目中的印象,是一間有口碑的教會。也有新朋友是參加了我們的讚美操而被邀請來。其中有幾位新朋友表示想參加我們的成人聖經班,我就非常樂意向他們介紹。亦有一群來自UBC的學生,也有一些新移民的家庭,一家大小齊齊出席。
  • 參與迎新會亦有我們列宣家的弟兄姊妹,他們充當司機,接送那些新朋友來到我們中間,包括那群來自UBC的學生,讓我們能彼此認識。

最後,我要將榮耀頌讚歸給我們在天上的父。感謝神能與一班活出愛的弟兄姊妹一起同工。讓新朋友能融入列宣家。

主僕,
龔敏光牧師

Listen to God’s Word

October 28/29, 2023

From the Pastor’s Desk – Rev. Alex Poon

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

We’re studying the inspired and documented witness account from the Gospel writer Luke. And through Luke, God has gifted to us the precious words spoken from Jesus Christ himself. We are reading what our Lord has once said. We in 2023, are entering into the scene of Jesus, sitting before his large crowd on the mountain, teaching them, and them listening with attentive ears. Imagine that; we’re reading what Jesus once said out loud – this is precious work, what a delight.

I’m reminded of the important significance of our task from the author of Hebrews who wrote,

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)

 We are living in the “last days” now. We live in between the days that Jesus last spoke His Words, and before His imminent return to restore all things.

The point of the Hebrew author is this: We are reading the final, definitive, unchanging, complete, and consistent Words of Jesus today. God has written down for us all the Words we will ever need. Jesus’ Word is all that we need. His is the Word we can live by.

This is the Word of God – the person of Jesus, the teachings of Jesus, and the work of Jesus, captured by inspiration in the writings we call the Gospel Accounts.

When I complain that I don’t hear God speaking to me, when I feel a desire to hear the voice of God and get frustrated that He does not speak in ways that I may crave… what am I really saying?

Am I saying that I have exhausted all my efforts into listening to what God has already said? Or have I treated the Word of God lightly? Have I skimmed through the Words of Jesus like I have skimmed through a newspaper? Clicked through it like a quick series of internet postings? And then have I decided I wanted something different, something more convenient, something more palatable? I’m afraid I am more guilty of this than I would like to admit.

God is speaking, and He invites us to listen. He is calling us to hear His final, definitive, and complete Word – to mediate on it and study it and memorize it and linger over it and soak in it until His Words saturates us to the core of our being. We will be transformed.

Let’s do that – together as a church – and individually as disciples. Because we will find hope and joy. And we will come to know our living and intimate Jesus better and better.

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor  Alex Poon

聆聽神的話

2023.10.28/29

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

我們正在研讀福音書作者路加受神默示的記述,神透過路加將耶穌基督親身所說的寶貴話語賜給我們。我們正在讀我們的主曾經說過的話,在2023 年我們進入耶穌的場景,祂坐在山上的一大群人面前教導他們,而他們正側耳傾聽。想像一下; 我們正在讀耶穌曾經宣講的話──這是寶貴的工作,多麼令人喜悅。

我被《希伯來書》的作者提醒我們身負重務,他寫道:

“神在古時候,曾經多次用種種方法,藉著先知向我們的祖先說話;在這末後的日子,卻藉著他的兒子向我們說話。 神已經立他作萬有的承受者,並且藉著他創造了宇宙”(來 1:1-2)

我們現在生活於「末後的日子」,是耶穌最後一次說話,和祂即將再來恢復萬物之前的日子。

希伯來書作者的觀點是這樣的:我們今天正在閱讀耶穌最終的、明確的、不變的、完整的和一致的話語。 神已經為我們寫下了我們所需要的一切話語,耶穌的話語就是我們所需要的一切,祂的道是我們賴以生存的道。

這就是神的話語──耶穌自己、 耶穌的教導和耶穌的工作,透過聖靈感動著成的福音書。

當我抱怨我沒有聽到神對我說話時, 當我渴望聽到神的聲音時,當我因祂沒有以我渴望的方式說話而感到沮喪時…我到底在說什麼?

我是不是認為已用盡全力來聽神所說的話?還是我輕視了神的話?我是否像瀏覽報紙一樣瀏覽耶穌的話語?像點擊一系列互聯網帖子般快速閃過?然後我是否決定想要一些不同的東西, 一些更方便的東西,一些更合胃口的東西?恐怕我對此的虧欠比我願意承認的還要多。

神在說話,祂邀請我們聆聽。祂在呼喚我們聆聽祂最後的、明確的、完整的話語——默想、研讀、背誦、反覆思想、浸淫在其中,直到祂的話語滲透到我們存在的核心,我們將會被轉化。

讓我們作為教會的群體,並且作為個別的門徒,一起這樣做,因為我們會找到盼望和喜樂,我們會越來越認識我們活生生並親密的主耶穌。

主僕,
潘啟華牧師

信仰的傳承

2023.10.21/22

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

保羅記載提摩太的出身很特別,父親是希臘人、母親是猶太人,外祖母羅以早已相信基督。提摩太自小在基督化的家庭長大,其後與保羅同為福音辛勞、成為為神所重用的僕人。從提前1:5短短幾句的形容,可見提摩太從家庭得到信仰的傳承與造就。這傳承源自他的外祖母羅以和他的母親友妮基。她們兩人在提摩太身上有很深的影響。

我也十分感謝神,我也自小在基督化的家庭長大,能從父母親及外祖母的身上得到信仰的傳承與造就,每每想到這恩典,也令我對神滿心感謝。以下分享我家祖母的見證,以彼此鼓勵為人禱告切勿灰心,到了時候就可見神的作為。

外婆以前還未信耶穌,家母為她禱告多時,她總不肯相信。一天她作了一個夢,夢中見到一位穿白色長袍、白色鬍鬚的老者,面紅十分慈祥。他勸婆婆,你快點兒走過那一道橋,否則便會太遲了!外婆醒來不明白夢的意思便去告訴媽媽,媽媽立刻說那穿白色長衣有白鬍鬚的老人家是主耶穌,他勸你快點兒信耶穌,接受救恩!外婆便跟媽媽回教會聽福音,後來信了耶穌並且受洗。她那年代認為女子無才便是德,並沒有受過教育,所以不懂怎樣閱讀。但是她為了可以讀聖經,便勤力學習認字,漸漸她就學會讀聖經並且每天也朗讀廣東話聖經。她從前十分虔誠,篤信觀音菩薩及其他偶像,但信了耶穌以後就十分虔誠。常常禱告讀經,常常背誦金句、常常奉獻及參加聚會,並且每天早上四點鐘便起來開聲禱告,每天如是!可見神改變生命的大能!

若你家人尚未信主,請不住為他們禱告,切勿放棄!

主僕,
歐陽鑽玲傳道