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Church without walls 2: Members as “ambassadors of Christ” (1)

Sep 05-06, 2020
From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Simon LeeDear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

Transform and equip members to be “ambassadors for Christ”

The summer is over and many kids and young people are going back to School, at least those who have to or have chosen to return in person. This September’s return will be like no other, where most are not so excited about the prospects of “Back to School.” Many are filled with anxiety and apprehension because of the pandemic. Since March of this year, many students have not been able to return to their classrooms, and many parents have worked from their homes. But even as there are new outbreaks of the Coronavirus throughout the Province, we are trying to reopen for business, work and school, and there is no assurance that people can be safe. Now that we need to go back, the fear is greater than before since we cannot retreat to the safety of our homes like before.

This is the same for our Church. In anticipation of returning, we have put together a “Back to Church” (RTC) guideline which has effective since August 1, 2020. We have moved very cautiously and have worked with our guidelines and the guidelines of the Province. So we had weddings, staff meetings and summer children’s programs, all carried out carefully with the wearing of masks, physical distancing and sanitizations. However we as a Church, for the safety of the people that come to our facilities, is very much guarded with closed boundary. It is therefore all the more important that in this new normal, when we cannot gather and people cannot come to us, that we remember that the Church is you and I, as we are “ambassadors for Christ” to our community. This is in line with our second of our three new (renewed) strategies: Transform and equip members to be “ambassadors for Christ” (「基督使者」:轉化信徒人人皆兵).

What does it mean to be “Ambassadors for Christ”?

First of all, apart from our earthly citizenship, we Christians all have double citizenship, as Paul tells us, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20). As a member of Chinese Alliance Church in Richmond, BC, Canada, we have a more important identity as a citizen in heaven that transcends those areas. This citizenship is effective from the time we become a believer and enter the Kingdom of God and is baptised into the body of Christ, and become a member of a local Church.

But we are more than “citizens” of the heavenly Kingdom, we are “ambassadors.” Paul extends this analogy of citizenship to the fact that we are even “ambassadors for Christ.” “Now then,” he says, “we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (II Cor. 5:20). Here the Greek word translated “ambassador” is presbueo, which means “to act as a representative.” Being chosen as “ambassador” is a great honor. We are representing Christ the King on earth now that He is ascended into heaven and seated on the right hand of God.

We know that an ambassador of any government is the highest-ranking representative of his/her country abroad and his/her primary responsibility is to represent and advocate for his/her home country’s interest. This is a huge responsibility. Likewise, an ambassador for Christ represents Christ in the mission of the Kingdom of God, and in the ministry of reconciliation. We see this clearly in the Great Commission that Christ gave to all His disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28: 18-20) In short, all disciples of Christ have been commissioned with the authority of the Father through Christ to go to all nations to “make disciples,” in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are representing Christ to welcome “new citizens” to the heavenly kingdom!

Character of an Ambassador

An ambassador is a diplomat and should conduct himself/herself wisely. Paul tells us we must “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil…do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:15). As to the character of an “ambassador for Christ”, Paul reminds us “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29) We’re told our speech should be “with grace, seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6). Timothy is instructed by Paul with these words: “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition” (II Tim. 2:24).

Wisdom is therefore the foremost character of an ambassador. Ambassadors need the wisdom of Solomon. King Solomon prayed to God for discernment, saying, “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil” (I Kings 3:9). Centuries later, Paul wrote to Timothy that he must “be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Tim. 2:15). Indeed wisdom and discernment are qualities essential to being an “ambassadors for Christ.”

Last but not least, holiness and moral integrity also are important character of an “ambassador of Christ.” Peter wrote: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.” (I Pet. 2:9-11) To a world that is walking in darkness can we bring light? As “ambassadors for Christ,” can we bring peace? As “sojourners and pilgrims” in a foreign land, can we be honourable witnesses to all who are looking for a better home. In the pandemic, can we bring hope, and how? (To be continued)

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Simon Lee

無牆壁阻隔教會之二:肢體成為“基督的大使”(1)

Sep 05-06, 2020
李耀全牧師

親愛列宣的弟兄姊妹:

轉化並裝備肢體成為“基督的大使”
夏季已盡,不少兒童和年輕人,起碼是那些規定回校或自行選擇返校的莘莘學子,也要重返校園。今年9月的返校將與前不同,大多數人對“重返校園”的前景並不那麼興奮。由於疫情大流行,許多人充滿了焦慮和擔憂。自本年三月以來,許多學生無法回校上課,許多父母也在家中辦工。但是,即使在本省範圍內爆發了新的疫情,我們仍在為著重新營業,工作和上學而努力,可是卻不能確保所有人的安全。現在我們需要重返,卻因為無法像以往一般地躲藏在家居的安全,固此我們的恐懼感比較以前更大。

我們的教會也是如此。為著期盼重返,我們制定了“重返教會指南”(RTC),該指南自2020年8月1日起生效。教會的指引措施,按照著本省的指導方針,非常謹慎地逐漸進行。就此,我們舉行了婚禮、教牧職員會議和暑期兒童活動,所有活動都需要戴上口罩,保持身體距離和加以消毒。但是,為了保持教會設施安全使用,我們要確保所有人都遵守指南才能進入使用,而受到高度保護。因此,在這新常態下,當我們無法聚集及無法隨意進出時,更重要的是,我們要緊記,教會就是你和我,因為我們都是社區的“基督的大使”。這與我們的三個新策略(更新)中的第二策略互相一致:

「基督大使」:轉化信徒人人皆兵
成為“基督的大使(使者)”有什麼意義?
首先,除了我們屬世的公民身份,所有的基督徒都具有雙重公民身份,正如保羅告訴我們的那樣:“但我們是天上的公民,切望救主,就是主耶穌基督,從天上降臨”(腓3:20新譯本)。作為加拿大卑斯省列治文市華人宣道會的成員,我們擁有更超越地區性的重要的身份,就是作為的天國的公民。這公民身份從我們成為信徒加入神的國度並受洗成為基督的身體,成為當地教會的一員開始,即已生效。
但是,我們不僅是天國的“公民”,我們還是“大使”。保羅將這種公民身份比喻為我們甚至是“基督的大使”的事實。他說:“因此,我們就是基督的使者,神藉著我們勸告世人。我們代替基督請求你們:跟神和好吧!”(林後5:20)。希臘語中的“大使”一詞是presbueo,意思是“代表”。被選為“大使”是一項巨大的榮譽。因著基督已升到天上並坐在神的右邊,現在,我們在地上代表君王基督。
我們知道,任何政府的大使都是國家在外國的最高代表,他/她的主要任務是代表和倡導自己國家的利益。這是一個重大的責任。同樣,作為基督的大使是代表神的國度,擔負使人與神和好的使命。我們在所基督賜給門徒的大使命中清楚地看到了此點:“天上地上一切權柄都賜給我了。所以,你們要去使萬民作我的門徒,奉父子聖靈的名,給他們施洗,我吩咐你們的一切,都要教導他們遵守。這樣,我就常常與你們同在,直到這世代的終結。”(太28:18-20新譯本)。簡而言之,所有基督的門徒也著藉基督接受父神的委託,靠著聖靈的能力直到地極“使人成為主的門徒”,代表基督歡迎“新公民”加入神的國度!
作為大使的品格
大使是外交官,理應明智地行事。保羅告訴我們,我們必須 “行事為人要謹慎,不要像愚昧人,卻要像聰明人。”(弗5:15新譯本)。關於“基督的使者”的品格,保羅提醒我們:“一句壞話也不可出口,卻要適當地說造就人的好話,使聽見的人得益處。”(弗4:29新譯本)“你們的話要常常溫和,好像是用鹽調和的,使你們知道應當怎樣回答各人。”(西4:6新譯本)。保羅亦指示提摩太:“但主的僕人卻不可爭論,總要待人溫和,善於教導,存心忍耐,”(提後2:24新譯本)。
因此,智慧是大使的先決素質。作為大使需要具備所羅門的智慧。所羅門王祈求神賜予的辨識能力,並說:“所以,求你賜給僕人一顆明辨的心,可以判斷你的子民,能辨別是非,因為誰能判斷你這眾多的子民呢?”(王上3:9新譯本)。幾個世紀後,保羅寫信給提摩太,提醒他必須 “竭力在神面前作一個蒙稱許、無愧的工人,正確地講解真理的道。”(提後2:15新譯本)。確實的,智慧和洞察力是作為“基督大使”不可或缺的素質。
最後但並非不重要的就是,聖潔和純全道德品格也是“基督大使”的重要質素。彼得寫道:“然而你們是蒙揀選的族類,是君尊的祭司,是聖潔的國民,是屬神的子民,為要叫你們宣揚那召你們出黑暗入奇妙光明者的美德。你們從前不是子民,現在卻是神的子民;從前未蒙憐恤,現在卻蒙了憐恤。”親愛的,我勸你們作客旅和寄居的人,要禁戒肉體的私慾,這私慾是與靈魂爭戰的。” (彼前2:9-11新譯本)我們可以在黑暗中存活的世界帶來光明嗎?作為“基督的大使”,我們可以帶來和平嗎?作為處身外地的“客旅和寄居者”,我們能成為所有尋求更美居所者的榮美見證人。在疫情大流行中,我們能否帶來希望?並如何帶來希望?(未完待續)

主僕,
李耀全牧師

家訊(2020.09.05/06)

家事報告:
1. 歡迎您與我們一起敬拜神!因新冠肺炎大流行,自3月14/15日起,暫停所有教會聚會,大家可透過www.rcac.ca 網上收看或收聽崇拜證道。
2. 粵語祈禱會 :逢週二8-9pm在網上Zoom平台進行。祈禱事項及Zoom ID及密碼將以電郵發給大家。9月8日為團契部及保羅小組祈禱。
3. 「聖言齊齊翻」- 九月聖經問題可於網上填寫https://bit.ly/3gRMvy0
4. 成人教育部第四季(10至12月)成人聖經課程以Zoom網上平台教授,請大家登入https://bit.ly/3bpyG8T報名。報名截止日期為9月27日。
5. 本週六準時7:30pm,AYAYA Online 會上載於教會網站,歡迎弟兄姊妹任何時間參與我們的網上崇拜。本週講題:「活出神的聖潔」,經文:詩篇119:9-16。
6. 教會奉獻:自本年四月初實施,感謝弟兄姊妹透過“Tithe.ly”網上奉獻。為了方便大家及減低手續費用,由6月1日起,本會新增電子轉賬奉獻方法,直接透過你的銀行賬戶轉賬到列宣銀行戶口,收款人請填寫“treasurer@rcac.ca”,並在電子轉帳訊息欄中填寫你的姓名、奉獻號碼及奉獻類別,以便我們記錄。會眾仍然可以透過“Tithe.ly”以信用咭在網上奉獻。
7. 本年度差傳預算為190,000元,至今奉獻收到125,013元;超過90%的預算都用以支持宣教機構及宣教士,請為事工的需要代禱。奉獻支持,請註明「差傳」。
8. 9月及10月崇拜推介
• 9月5/6日 基教青年暨聖餐崇拜;
• 9月19/20日 聖樂崇拜;
• 10月3/4日 「自由」IJM崇拜;
• 10月10/11日 感恩暨聖餐崇拜與主日浸禮
9. 歡迎弟兄姊妹返回教會領取聖餐餅/杯,預備於聖餐崇拜時一同領受。
10. 鑑於新冠疫情大流行仍然肆虐,大型教會實體聚會仍然遙遙無期。從九月起,本會將展開一連串措施及計劃安排,重點包括週六及主日網上Zoom 平台崇拜,2021長老提名,2020會友大會,2020感恩節浸禮及主任牧師牧養計劃。詳情請細閱刊登於本會中文網頁的特別告示。
11. 感恩節受浸的弟兄姊妹,受浸班即將開始,請留意上課時間,依時上課。
12. 兒童事工侍奉人員訓練將於9月11日(星期五)7:00-8:00pm 於網上Zoom平台進行。
13. 凡已註冊新學年網上AWANA ,請學員家長於9月13日1:00-3:00pm 或9月14日起於辦公時間(星期一至五|9:00am -5:00pm),回教會領取學員上課資料。查詢請聯絡關潔玲傳道(Karen.quan@rcac.ca)。
14. 網上AWANA新學年將於星期五9月18日於網上Zoom平台開始,Cubbies/Sparks : 5:30-6:00pm,T&T : 7:00-7:45pm。
15. 英語青年事工於星期六9月19日8:00-9:30pm於網上Zoom平台舉行家長祈禱會,歡迎Jr’s , Mark 及Titus團契的家長參加,聚會以英語進行,請登入rcacyouth.ca登記。查詢請聯絡潘啟華傳道(alex.poon@rcac.ca)。
16. 每週崇拜週刊的詳細內容可於列宣網頁查看,www.rcac.ca,請瀏覽細閱有關連結(Link) – 家訊、教牧心聲等。
17. 辦公室報告:9月7日(星期一)公眾假期,教會辦公室休假一天。

肢體及牧者消息及代禱:
1. 九月十二日及十三日 崇拜講員:李耀全牧師(週六、主日粵語、週六青崇及主日普通話)、張志成牧師(主日英語)。
2. 身體不適肢體:李慕慈、鄧陳有、黃益松夫婦、鍾德和、劉黃玉蓮、吳葉菁、葉周煥萍見三、余鄧玉瑤、陳黃雪芳、梁伯中。每週二祈禱會我們將更具體為他們代禱。

宣教/機構消息:
1. BC內陸短宣及Hazelton短宣,現因新冠肺炎疫情而暫緩 ,敬希垂注。

講道大綱及筆記:
週六、主日粵語及週六青年崇拜
講員:龔敏光牧師
講題:活出神的聖潔(詩篇119:9-16)

讓神的話成為我們的界線(9-11)
讓神的話成為我們的頌讚(12-13)
讓神的話成為我們的至寶(14-16)

普通話崇拜
講員:劉展權傳道
講題:選擇(詩篇119:9-16)

1. 選擇的原因
2. 選擇的根基
3. 選擇的展現

講題預告:

2020年:開到水深之處 III:
7-9月主題:國度興衰、匹夫有責 (1)•列王紀上、下之經訓
• 9.05/06 (聖餐) 基教/青年崇拜 (詩119:9-16)
• 9.12/13 王國分裂(4):改革復興 (王上15:1-24)
• 9.19/20(聖樂崇拜) 口唱心和的生命 (弗5:19; 西3:16)
• 9.19 (AYAYA) 凡有氣息的,都要讚美耶和華!(詩150:1-6)
• 9.26/27 王國分裂(5):變本加厲 (王上15:25-16:7)

2020年:開到水深之處 IV:10-12月主題:事奉主真是喜樂(腓立比書研讀)
• 10.03/04 釋放得自由(IJM)崇拜 (待定)
• 10.10/11 (聖餐) 感恩信息 (待定)
• 10.17/18 歡歡喜喜的感恩-引言及概論 (腓1:1-11)
• 10.24/25 存喜樂的心事奉 (腓1:12-30)
• 10.31/11.01 喜樂的成全-以基督的心為心 (腓2:1-11)

教會行事年曆

• 9.05-07 普通話事工退修會(取消)
• 9.05- 10.10「十步釋經法基礎」研習班 (逢週六)
• 9.07 勞動節公眾假期
• 9.11 兒童事工奉人員訓練
• 9.12/13 基教崇拜
• 9.13 兒童主日學教訓練
• 9.15 Prayer Meeting (E)
• 9.23 AWANA 開始
• 9.18 Jr. High F’Ship 團契
• 9.19 Mark F’Ship 團契
• 9.19/20 聖樂崇拜
• 9.20 兒童/青年主日學開始
• 9.20 兒童主日學家長會議
• 9.20 普通話愛筵(取消)
• 9.20 長議會會議#5
• 9.25 AWANA 家長會議
• 10.03/04 成人聖經班第四季課程
• 10.04 浸禮前講座及聚餐(取消)
• 10.10/11 感恩節崇拜
• 10.11 感恩節浸禮
• 10.12 感恩節公眾假期
• 10.18 Community Meal (E)(取消)
• 10.18 會友大會(延期)
• 10.20 Prayer Meeting (E)
• 10.24 BC AWANA 導師訓練營
• 10.25 迎新會(取消)

God’s Traffic Light

Aug 29-30, 2020
From the Pastor’s Desk: Pastor Jeanie AuyeungThere are several hard to forget moments in my life, which I call them the “traffic lights” given to me by God.

When I was in Saskatchewan in 1988, on a midsummer night, the temperature in Saskatchewan that year was 40 degrees! I was sleeping in a very hot room, even the electric fan was blowing “hot air”, and I really felt that I could hardly bear the heat.

When I couldn’t sleep, a question suddenly appeared in my heart: When you just set foot in Canada a few months ago, you followed your classmates to a church in Calgary to attend worship and adult Sunday school classes, the pastor of that church invited me to serve there after graduating seminary, but after prayers, God showed me a red light instead of a green light, so I declined their invitation. Now, you also declined the invitation of the Saskatoon Church because it was not God’s leading. I asked myself: “Why did you close the door when the road is opened? How do you go ahead?” Suddenly, my heart sank! God’s comfort came immediately: Peter sank because of the strong wind and waves. The Lord said: “Don’t worry, it’s me, I am here!” Why lack of faith? I immediately opened the Bible to read. Yes, the Lord will go with me all the way, He will lead me!

During the two years of serving as a pastor on a voluntary basis at the Saskatoon Church, God provided everything needed, and I lacked nothing. God has proven to me He is faithful. God also used a hymn: “God, you are in control” to speak to me: “God you are in charge, in time and space, and everything is in your hand!” I continued in singing and submitted myself to God: “God, my life is in your hand, God, I know You will prepare for me, no matter gain or loss, I just want you to guide me!”

Two years later, just as I was about to leave Saskatoon Church and return to Prairie Bible Seminary to continue studies, several churches sent me invitations. I prayed but God’s leading for all the invitations were red lights instead of green. Not long after I returned to my study, I received a phone call from RCAC inviting me to serve at their church, but I turned it down at first, because God gave me the green light to continue my study. There is no shadow of changing in Him. Later, the church called me again, saying that I would not come to serve until I graduated, so I prayed seriously for this. Finally, after much prayer, I saw the green light that God would allow me, and so I accepted the invitation then. Times flies, it has been so many years since I am learning to serve God in this church!

To recall the Bible verse of God’s calling in my life: “I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision.” God’s calling is still clear in my heart. God did not give me the blueprint for my whole life, but He always leads me step by step. As the hymn says:
“Then trust in God through all thy days;
Fear not, for He doth hold thy hand;
Though dark thy way, still sing and praise,
Sometime, sometime, we’ll understand”

This is what I have learned from my walk with God these past years: just rely on the Lord the rest of my life, the Lord is always faithful. Although there are many things that are still unclear, I can be at ease. Even if I cannot understand everything in this life, I will wait until the day l stand in front of God’s throne, then all things will be clear.

神的紅綠燈

Aug 29-30, 2020
歐陽鑽玲傳道

在我的人生中有幾個深刻的情景,我稱之為神給我指示的「紅綠燈」。

88年我在沙省的日子,一個仲夏之夜,那年沙省的氣溫是零上四十度。我處身於酷熱的室溫中,電風扇吹送過來的是陣陣的“熱風”,真是感到“熱力是沒法躲”。

在不能成眠之際,心中忽然湧現出一個問號:當你在數月前剛剛踏足加國時,跟著同學去卡加里一間教會參加崇拜及成人主日學班後,那間教會的牧師邀請我,將來在神學院畢業後到他們教會事奉,但經禱告後,神給我亮起的是紅燈而不是綠燈,我便推辭了他們的邀請。其後,因著禱告清楚得知不是神的帶領,我也推辭了沙城教會的邀請。在想起此事時,心中自問:「有門有路開啟了,為何推掉?前路怎樣走?」頓覺內心立時往下沉!此時,神的安慰馬上來了:彼得因看見風浪甚大,沉了下去。主說:「放心是我,我在這裡!」為什麼小信?我馬上翻開聖經去看。是的,前路有主同往,主必帶領!

在沙城教會當義務傳道兩年的日子,神供應一切所需,我一無所缺。神也藉著一首詩歌:“神你在掌管”向我說話:「神你在掌管,時間萬有空間,在你的手裡一切定有時!」我接著歌詞唱下去,向神立志:「神!我的一生,神!你定有預備,莫計得失只想你來導引!」

兩年的日子過去,正當我準備離開沙城教會回到草原神學院繼續上課時,好幾間教會向我發出邀請。我經禱告,神的指示通通也是紅燈而不是綠燈。回到神學院不久,接到列治文華人宣道會來電邀請我到來事奉,我起初推卻,因神給我回校繼續上課的是綠燈,神不會是而又非的。其後教會再來電,說要等我畢業後才過來事奉,於是我認真為此事禱告。至終,經過多翻禱告,清楚看到神給我亮起綠燈時,我答應到來。在本會學習事奉至今,一晃不覺就是那麼多年了!

回想在蒙神呼召之初時那節金句:「我沒有違背那從天上來的異象。」仍然清晰在心中。神沒有將整生的藍圖給我,但祂總是每步帶領。正如詩歌所言:「一生一世只管靠主,不用懼怕,主無錯誤。雖有多事還不甚明,可以安心,後必知清。我們一生是在主手中,只要跟隨主的帶領,必不會錯,凡事有祂的美意在其中。許多事情,即使今生不明白,將來在主寶座前,一切必知清!

家訊(2020.08.29/30)

家事報告:
1. 歡迎您與我們一起敬拜神!因新冠肺炎大流行,自3月14/15日起,暫停所有教會聚會,大家可透過www.rcac.ca 網上收看或收聽崇拜證道。
2. 粵語祈禱會 :逢週二8-9pm在Zoom網上進行。祈禱事項及Zoom ID及密碼將以電郵發給大家。9月1日為英語事工部祈禱。
3. 「聖言齊齊翻」- 請保留答案至另行通知,凡交回答案者可得紀念品一份作獎勵。八月聖經問題可於網上填寫https://bit.ly/2ZY1Cka ,8月31日截止
4. 本週六準時7:30pm,AYAYA Online 會上載於教會網站,歡迎弟兄姊妹任何時間參與我們的網上崇拜。本週講題:「神係邊個? 邊個係神?」,經文:王上14:1-20。
5. 教會奉獻:自本年四月初實施,感謝弟兄姊妹透過“Tithe.ly”網上奉獻。為了方便大家及減低手續費用,由6月1日起,本會新增電子轉賬奉獻方法,直接透過你的銀行賬戶轉賬到列宣銀行戶口,收款人請填寫“treasurer@rcac.ca”,並在電子轉帳訊息欄中填寫你的姓名、奉獻號碼及奉獻類別,以便我們記錄。會眾仍然可以透過“Tithe.ly”以信用咭在網上奉獻。
6. 本年度差傳預算為190,000元,至今奉獻收到117,188元;超過90%的預算都用以支持宣教機構及宣教士,請切切為事工的需要代禱。如欲經濟上支持事工,請於奉獻封上註明「差傳」。
7. 9月及10月崇拜推介
• 9月5/6日 基教青年暨聖餐崇拜;
• 9月19/20日 聖樂崇拜;
• 10月3/4日 「自由」IJM崇拜;
• 10月10/11日 感恩暨聖餐崇拜與主日浸禮
10. 歡迎弟兄姊妹返回教會領取聖餐餅/杯,預備於聖餐崇拜時一同領受。
11. 鑑於新冠疫情大流行仍然肆虐,大型教會實體聚會仍然遙遙無期。從九月起,本會將展開一連串措施及計劃安排,重點包括週六及主日Zoom 平台崇拜,2021長老提名,2020會友大會,2020感恩節浸禮及主任牧師牧養計劃。詳情請大家細閱本週刋登之特別告示
12. 重返教會– 由8月1日開始,我們歡迎小組返回列宣進行實體聚會。聚會地點除指定之200室及103室外,新搭建四個帳篷在戶外停車場作聚會地點。詳情可參閱刊網上《重返教會指南(RTC)》8月4日更新版,2.8. 我可以使用的地點?
13. 每週崇拜週刊的詳細內容可於列宣網頁查看,www.rcac.ca,請瀏覽細閱有關連結(Link) – 家訊、教牧心聲等。
14. 辦公室代禱:
• 辦公室財務秘書李愉君姊妹於8月25-30及9月1-3日休假。

肢體及牧者消息及代禱:
1. 九月五日及六日 崇拜講員:龔敏光牧師(週六、主日粵語及週六青崇)、劉展權傳道(主日普通話)、潘啟華傳道(主日英語)。
2. 身體不適肢體:李慕慈、鄧陳有、黃益松夫婦、鍾德和、劉黃玉蓮、吳葉菁、葉周煥萍見三、余鄧玉瑤、陳黃雪芳、梁伯中。每週二祈禱會我們將更具體為他們代禱。

宣教/機構消息:
1. BC內陸短宣及Hazelton短宣,現因新冠肺炎疫情而暫緩 ,敬希垂注。

講道大綱及筆記:
週六、主日粵語及普通話崇拜
講員:李耀全牧師
講題:王國分列(3):講題:自欺欺人、難逃審判(王上14:1-29)

背景:冰封三尺、非一日之寒
詭詐背後的轉變:由前朝一個忠臣清官變成貪權自保叛道的以色列國王:

(一) 耶羅波安的詭詐(14:1-5)
• 「起來改裝」 、自欺欺人(神)
• 濫用授權、莫視責任:為何提及先知亞希雅的話(我必作王)?(2)
• 欺詐手段、自欺欺人

(二) 耶羅波安的罪行(14:6-9)
• 不守誡命、不行正道(8)
• 反倒行惡、變本加厲(9a)
• 鑄造偶像、離經叛道(9d)

(三) 神對罪嚴酷審判(14:10-18) :神乃賞罰分明的神
• 神說便是(11)
• 神必賞善(13)
• 神必罰惡(15)

結論:以史為鑒、勿重蹈覆轍
歷史重演的教訓(14:19-31)

介紹各猶大及以色列國王改朝換代的史略:

總結各猶大及以色列國王的的史略:

• 改朝換代、有始有終
• 國度興衰、匹夫有責
• 作惡行善、神必審判

講題預告:
2020年:開到水深之處 III:
7-9月主題:國度興衰、匹夫有責 (1)•列王紀上、下之經訓
• 9.05/06 (聖餐) 基教/青年崇拜 (詩119:9-16)
• 9.12/13 王國分裂(4):改革復興 (王上15:1-24)
• 9.19/20(聖樂崇拜)口唱心和的生命 (弗5:19; 西3:16)
• 9.19 (AYAYA) 凡有氣息的,都要讚美耶和華! (詩150:1-6)
• 9.26/27 王國分裂(5):變本加厲 (王上15:25-16:7)

2020年:開到水深之處 IV:10-12月主題:事奉主真是喜樂(腓立比書研讀)
• 10.03/04 釋放得自由(IJM)崇拜 (待定)
• 10.10/11 (聖餐) 感恩信息 (待定)
• 10.17/18 歡歡喜喜的感恩-引言及概論 (腓1:1-11)
• 10.24/25 存喜樂的心事奉 (腓1:12-30)
• 10.31/11.01 喜樂的成全-以基督的心為心 (腓2:1-11)

教會行事年曆
• 8.29 福音晚會(取消)
• 9.05-07 普通話事工退修會(取消)
• 9.05-10.10 「十步釋經法基礎」研習班(逢週六)
• 9.07 勞動節公眾假期
• 9.11 兒童事工奉人員訓練
• 9.12/13 基教崇拜
• 9.13 兒童主日學教訓練
• 9.15 Prayer Meeting (E)
• 9.23 AWANA 開始
• 9.18 Jr. High F’Ship 團契
• 9.19 Mark F’Ship 團契
• 9.19/20 聖樂崇拜
• 9.20 兒童/青年主日學開始
• 9.20 兒童主日學家長會議
• 9.20 普通話愛筵(取消)
• 9.20 長議會會議#5
• 9.25 AWANA 家長會議

Church without walls 1: Cell groups and online worship

Aug 22-23, 2020
From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Simon Lee

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

How you all doing during this pandemic? As there are signs of a second wave, I hope you are safe, and not only surviving but also thriving as a result the challenges we face, with the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the peace of God be with you. Personally I am trying to “work harder to make up for the lack of wisdom” (以勤補拙), and finding more time to walk even closer to God and reflect on what it means to be a “pastor without border” and lead RCAC to be a “Church without border“ that is headed by Christ Himself.

In the past weeks I have shared that due to the COVID pandemic we are now in “the new normal” as we are slowly reopening. Therefore we need to learn to be a “Church without walls” (August 1/2) that requires the Church to be “transformed” in three important ways:
1. Transform and buildup the Church with more cell groups
(「化整為零」:轉化教會建立小組)
2. Transform and equip members to be “ambassadors of Christ”
(「基督使者」:轉化信徒人人皆兵)
3. Transform our Church community to a “Community Church”
(「社區教會」:轉化群體深入社區)

We will consider these three ways one at a time, the first ”transformation” being “ Transform and buildup the Church with more cell groups.” Before doing so, I must hasten to say, these ways are actually not newly invented ways, but newly applied ways, brought on by the pandemic. In pre-pandemic times, we have carried on “doing church” in the old ways, notwithstanding some “reforms and renewal” from time to time, but now we need real and radical “transformation.” (Rom. 12:1, 2) We have been forced to rethink what it means for us to be “the church of Christ.” Churches, ours included, can no longer hang on to the status quo and we can no longer rely on the “well-established” venue, structure and programs that we have built up throughout the years. But to me, this could in fact be a blessing in disguise, as it may help us to return to biblical Christian living.

The biblical pattern of house meetings

If we go back to life in the early church, we see the Spirit of God adding to the early Church new believers by the thousands at a time (e.g. 5,000 men, Acts 4:4, cf. 2:47), but the new converts did not have churches to go to like today, big or small. Luke tells us that there were two modes of Christian life in worship and gatherings: one, communal worship, and two, home fellowship groups. We read, “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46, 47)

First of all we note that the Christians did not practice their faith only on Sundays, as Christian living was a “daily” practice. Being a Christian is not just about “going to church” but “living as the church,” that is, living the Christian faith daily within the community of believers. The key elements were: devotion to the apostles’ teaching which included Jesus’ teaching (2:42). Top on the list was the study of the Word of God and the apostolic teaching (as taught by Jesus). The other key element was fellowship (koinonia, sharing), sharing in both spiritual things and material things. Then there was the breaking of bread (2: 42, 44) which included both the Lord’s Supper and a large fellowship meal, a major part of their sharing when they come together at home (unlike the “communion” reserved for our modern day worship service). Notice also that they were really joyful as they shared generously their food and fellowship. Needless to say prayers was very much integrated into everything they did in the broader context.

In such a context they were “praising God and having favor with all the people,” vertically they were worship God heartily and horizontally they were building loving and caring relationships. That was the “normal” Christian life in the early church, when everything was starting from nothing. By necessity, a lot of things happened in the homes of the believers (e.g. the church in Philippi met in the home of Lydia in the beginning, Acts 16:11-15). Growth of the church came as a result of powerful preaching and this type of communal life, worshipping God and fellowship with one another. The pandemic has inadvertently moved us into this mode, and the question is not only “are we adapting well” in this new normal, but whether we are returning to the basics (the old normal) as practised in the Early Church. While times are different, the principles are the same.

Brief History of Churches in the West and the East

Since the period of the Early Church, the Church has grown and waned over time. When I travelled in Europe, I was always fascinated to see the prominent place of Christianity in the history of the different countries. As the church developed into institutions, the key elements of the Early Church became different traditions as a result of theological, historical and geographical reasons. Small churches were built in the villages, and big churches and cathedrals were built in the towns and cities. Many Christians started “going to church” instead of being the church.

As history shows us, the western churches have declined not for the lack of places of worship, but for the lack of good “teaching” and communal fellowships among the Christians. Today as the Western countries go into a post-Christian era, many churches are empty, but some have thrived by going back to the Biblical model with solid biblical teaching and close “body life” which includes Christ-centred worship, prayer, Bible studies and good fellowship.

Very often, the Church thrived and grew even when she faces persecution and challenges. For example, if we fast-forward to the recent history of the growth of the Church in China, we know that the number of Christians were less than 1 million when the Communist government took over in 1949. When all the churches except for two were closed, Christians in fact started to meet in the “house churches” and instead of dwindling, the number of Christians miraculously grew to an official (conservative) estimate of 20 million today (other estimates are as high as 60 million or more). This phenomenal growth came despite of the adverse socio-political situation, as the house churches multiples through following the pattern of the house meetings in the Early Church. In the past I had the privilege of visiting in some of these “house churches” and witness the vibrancy of the Christians in China. Some met literally in the homes, but many in the cities some have moved to bigger venues, with numbers of congregants in the thousands. Now that many open churches are reopened, some are also worshipping in them.

Communal Worship and fellowship under COVID

It is our conviction that at least for the near future, we will not be able to go back to the old normal. Especially due to the restrictions as a result of the pandemic, the church can thrive only by going back to the basic elements of the Christian life using house meeting model of the Early Church. One way is to develop even more cell (care) groups and combine that with good use of online worship services, for example after the online worship services (on Zoom), the breakout rooms can be a venue to create more regular virtual sharing, interest and focus groups, that is, moving from worship to fellowship.

Heidi A. Campbell (2020) has summarized three strategies of doing online Church. (“What Religious Groups Need to Consider When Trying to Do Church Online”) They are 1. Transferring; 2. Translating; 3. Transforming. By transferring, the strategy is to transfer everything we do offline to online. By translating, we try to modify the worship “rituals” (rundown) and space to fit onto a limited screen, much like a talk show format (as we are already doing in some of our fellowships). By transforming, we mean using the online platform in real time (followed by broadcast) and change worship into a “fireside chat” format where the pastor enters into dialogue with members in need.

Obviously these strategies are most adaptable to the North American churches. Nevertheless, I find the comments of Heidi Campbell insightful. She believes that “Successful online communities and church experiences are those that cultivate social relationships and investment from their members. Churches should see the move to digital worship as an opportunity to create a unique space for conversation, care, and encouragement that focuses on affirming the relationships and people within their faith community. Instead of offering a one-way, broadcast-focused church service, the interactive features of social media and digital platforms can be used to create deeper personal connections between church members and leaders. Instead of pastors being the source of wisdom, digital media can be used to create intimate and empathetic communication, allowing both members and leaders to share words of encouragement and biblical insights on how to navigate this uncertain time.”

I believe that apart from returning to the basics of Early Church house fellowships, we need to also make good use of digital technology, but there should be a balance. There is also a cultural and social factor to “being the church,” today and there is no “one size fits all.” Because of our demographics at RCAC we have unique and distinct language and age groups and congregations, each group therefore must work out what is best for them, forming more cell groups and maximizing the use of online worship. Despite the differences in the Christians in the Early Church, there was unity in Christ and in the Spirit. Let us also pray that we will work towards these goals in unity.

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Simon Lee

無圍牆界限的教會(1): 小組聚會和網上崇拜

Aug 22-23, 2020
李耀全牧師

列宣家親愛的弟兄姊妹:

謹在這疫情大流行期間問候大家安好!近日呈現第二波的跡象,我希望您安全,不但好好活著,更要在我們主耶穌基督的恩典和憐憫下,面對挑戰之中仍能不斷長進。願上帝的平安與你同在!在我個人方面,我正在力求“以勤補拙”,彌補智慧的不足,爭取更多時間親近神,反思如何能“作為一個無界限的牧師”的意義並探討如何能領導列宣家成為一個以基督為首的“無圍牆的教會”。
我在過往的數週,曾分享我們處於疫情大流行的“新常態” 中。我們現正謹慎地逐漸重新開放。正如我所說,我們需要學習成為“沒有圍牆的教會”(8月1/2日),教會需以三方面的重要方式作出“轉型”(轉化):
1. 「化整為零」:轉化教會建立小組
(Transform and buildup the Church with more cell groups)
2. 「基督使者」:轉化信徒人人皆兵
(Transform and equip members to be “ambassadors of Christ”)
3. 「社區教會」:轉化群體深入社區
(Transform our Church community to a “Community Church”)

我們將會思考這三種方式作轉化,第一個“轉化”是“透過更多的小組來轉化和建立教會”。首前,我必須趕緊說,這些方法實際上不是疫情大流行帶來的新發明的方式,而是在疫情大流行期間重新應用的方法。儘管在過往,我們沿用以固有的方式 “運作教會”,同時亦不斷有些“改進和更新,”但現時我們卻需要真正而徹底的“轉化”(羅12:1-2)。連我們自己,包括教會在內,再也無法維持過去的常態,我們也不能依靠多年來所建立的“完善”堂址,結構和運作,我們現在被迫重新考慮作為“基督的教會”對於我們真正的意義。但是於我而言,這實際上可能是變相的祝福,因為它能幫助我們重新回到聖經的基督徒生活方式中。

初期教會的聖經模式

若我們回到初期教會的生活中,我們看到神的靈一次又一次地將成千上萬的新信徒加添給教會(如徒4:4中的5,000人;對照2:47),但是新信徒卻沒有像今日的大或小教堂可聚會。路加告訴我們,在敬拜和聚會中有兩種基督徒生活模式:群體共同崇拜及家庭團契。我們讀到:“他們天天同心在殿裡恆切地聚集,一家一家地擘餅,存著歡樂和誠懇的心用飯,又讚美神,並且得到全民的喜愛。主將得救的人,天天加給教會。” (徒2:46-47)
首先,我們注意到,基督徒並不只是在星期日實踐信仰,因為基督徒的生活是“每日”的活出信仰。作為基督徒不僅意味著“去教堂”,而且還須“活出為教會生活”,亦即,每天在社區生活中活出基督信仰。關鍵要素是:委身於使徒的教導,其中包括耶穌的教導(2:42)。最重要的是對神聖言的研讀和著重使徒的教導(如主所教導)。另一個關鍵因素是團契(koinonia,分享/團契),在靈糧和物質的共享。接著是擘餅(2:42;44),他們在家裡聚會時分享的主要部分,其中包括“聖餐”記念主和愛筵,這是(與我們現在崇拜中才有“聖餐”的模式不同)。還請注意的是,他們的喜樂來自彼此無保留地分享食物和團契。毋庸置疑,在廣義方面,祈禱已融入了他們所做的一切之內。
在這種情況下,他們“讚美神,並得著全民的喜愛”,重垂直角度往上看,他們誠心地敬拜神,從平面橫向看,他們建立了相互愛和關切的關係。那是初期教會的“常態”基督徒生活,那時一切也從無到有。必然地,在信徒的家中成就了很多事情(如:腓立比教會最初在呂底亞的家中聚會,徒16:11-15)。教會的成長是由於有力的宣講和這種共同生活、同心敬拜神和彼此團契所產生的結果。疫情大流行不經意地使我們進入了這種模式之中,問題不僅在於“我們在新常態中能否適應得當”,還在於我們能否回復早期教會所實踐的基礎實行(舊常態)。雖然時代不同,但在原理上是相同的。

西方教會及東方教會簡史

自初期教會時期以來,教會隨著時間的流逝而發展壯大及減弱。當我在歐洲旅行時,我總是著迷於看到基督教在不同國家歷史上的突出地位。隨著教會發展機構化,由於神學,歷史和地理原因,早期教會的關鍵要素變成了不同的傳統。小型教堂鄉村中建成,大型座堂教會和大教堂建造於城鎮中。許多基督徒開始“去教堂”而不是作為教會,活現教會。

正如歷史顯示,西方教會之所以衰落,並不是因為缺少敬拜場所,而是因為基督徒之間缺乏良好的“教導”和共享團契。如今,隨著西方國家進入後現代基督教時期,許多大教堂已空無一人,但是有些福音派的教會則透過以紮實的聖經教學和緊密的“身體力行生活”回到聖經模式而蓬勃發展,其中包括以基督為中心的敬拜、祈禱、聖經研讀和良好質數的團契生活。
很多時候,即使面對迫害和挑戰,教會也能蓬勃地發展。例如,倘若我們回顧中國教會發展的近代歷史,我們知道,在1949年共產黨政府接任時,基督徒人數不到100萬。教堂陸逐關閉後,基督徒實際上開始在“家庭教會”中聚會,而基督徒人數不是減少,反而奇蹟般地增長到今天的官方(保守)估計數目2000萬(其他估計數目高達6000萬或更多)。儘管社會政治形勢不利,但這種驚人的增長還是出現了,因為家庭教會遵循初期教會中家庭聚會的模式而倍增。過去,我有幸探訪了其中一些“家庭教會”,可見證到中國基督徒的活力。有些人以往在家庭中聚會,但是其中一些在城市中的不少已搬到了更大的地方,有成千上萬的信眾。現在,許多公開的教堂都重新開放了,信徒在當中敬拜的來自四方八面。
疫情下的共同敬拜和團契

我們相信,至少在不久的將來,我們將無法回到過去的常態。特別是由於疫情帶來的限制,唯有通過使用初期教會的家庭聚會模式回到基督教生活的基本要素,教會才能蓬勃地發展。其中之一的途徑是建立更多的小組(關顧小組),並好好與在線崇拜結合,例如,於在線崇拜(Zoom視頻崇拜)之前後的分享和分組討論室,或建立更多共同分享的興趣和重點小組,即從敬拜轉向團契,相輔相成。
Heidi A. Campbell (2020) 總結了進行在線教會的三種策略。 (參“宗教團體在嘗試進行在線教會時需要考慮什麼” 一文)就是1. 轉移(transfer); 2.翻譯(translate); 3.轉型(transform) 。首先通過「轉移」,策略是將我們離線進行的一切轉移到在線。另外通過「翻譯」,我們嘗試修改崇拜的“儀式”(流程)和空間以適合有限的屏幕,就像表現節目的格式(有如我們現已在一些團契中所做的那樣)。最後通過「轉型」,意即實施使用在線平台(先錄後廣播),並將崇拜聚會改為“家居傾談”(爐邊聊天) 。
顯然,這些策略較為適合北美教會。儘管如此,我認為Heidi A. Campbell的評論很有見地。她認為:“成功的在線群體和教會的經歷在於能夠致力在培育與會友之間的彼此關係。教會應以轉向數碼崇拜視為創造對話的機會,關心和鼓勵的獨特空間的維繫,該空間著重於加緊與共同信仰群體內的人際關係。社交媒體和數碼平台的交互功能可以提供教會成員和領導者之間更深層次的個人聯繫,而不僅提供以廣播為中心的單向教會服侍。數碼媒體可用以建立親密而富有同理心的交流,而不是以牧師作為智慧的源泉,可容讓會眾和教會領袖在如何能度過這個不確定的時期內以聖經見解分享鼓勵和造就的話。”

我認為,除了回到初期家庭教會的基礎模式之外,我們還需要充分利用數碼科技,但必須保持平衡。並且,“作為教會”在今天也存在著文化和社會因素,實在是沒有“一個適合所有人的模式”。由於我們在列宣家的各有不同特色中,我們擁有獨特的語言和不同年齡組別兩文三語的會眾,因此每個組別也必須找出最適合他們的方式,設立更多的小組,並善用在線崇拜以發揮最大限度。儘管初期教會的基督徒有所不同,但在基督和聖靈中卻是合一的。讓我們為著能實現這些目標團結一致同心祈禱。

主僕
李耀全牧師

家訊(2020.08.22/23)

家事報告:
1. 歡迎您與我們一起敬拜神!因新冠肺炎大流行,自3月14/15日起,暫停所有教會聚會,大家可透過www.rcac.ca 網上收看或收聽崇拜證道。
2. 粵語祈禱會 :逢週二8-9pm在Zoom網上進行。祈禱事項及Zoom ID及密碼將以電郵發給大家。8月25日為差傳部及路加團祈禱。
3. 「聖言齊齊翻」– 請保留答案至另行通知,凡交回答案者可得紀念品一份作獎勵。八月聖經問題可於網上填寫https://bit.ly/2ZY1Cka 。
4. 成人教育部邀請了聖言資源中心加拿大分會總幹事藍志誠牧師,在本會以Zoom互聯網視聽平台主辦粵語「十步釋經法基礎」研習班,裝備列宣家弟兄姊妹進深學習研讀聖經及帶領查經。報名請登入:https://bit.ly/3i9obIK,本主日8月23日截止
• 日期:2020年9月5, 12, 19, 26, 及10月3, 10日(逢星期六);
• 時間:2:00-4:00 p.m.
5. 本週六準時7:30pm,AYAYA Online 會上載於教會網站,歡迎弟兄姊妹任何時間參與我們的網上崇拜。本週講題:「聽從人不服從神的神人 」,經文:列王紀上13:7-32。
6. 「匯」20期 電子格式已在列宣網頁出版。請聯絡教會辦公室索取瀏覽密碼。
7. 教會奉獻:自本年四月初實施,感謝弟兄姊妹透過“Tithe.ly”網上奉獻。為了方便大家及減低手續費用,由6月1日起,本會新增電子轉賬奉獻方法,直接透過你的銀行賬戶轉賬到列宣銀行戶口,收款人請填寫“treasurer@rcac.ca”,並在電子轉帳訊息欄中填寫你的姓名、奉獻號碼及奉獻類別,以便我們記錄。會眾仍然可以透過“Tithe.ly”以信用咭在網上奉獻。
8. 本年度差傳預算為190,000元,至今奉獻收到90,688元,與目標還有一大距離;約90%的預算都用以支持宣教機構及宣教士,請切切為事工的需要代禱。如欲經濟上支持事工,請於奉獻封上註明「差傳」。
9. 2021長老提名委員會:施尚哲、黃世棋、吳子強、歐樂妍及主席李耀全牧師已展開長老提名工作,請大家代禱。長議會現有3個長老任滿退任:黃世棋、施尚哲及巫尚威。
10. 9月5/6日基教/青年崇拜,證道經文為詩篇119:9-16,粵語崇拜將由青年事工負責帶領。
11. 重返教會– 由8月1日開始,我們歡迎小組返回列宣進行實體聚會。聚會地點除指定之200室及103室外,新搭建四個帳篷在戶外停車場作聚會地點。詳情可參閱刊網上《重返教會指南(RTC)》8月4日更新版,2.8. 我可以使用的地點?
12. 9月5/6日聖餐崇拜,歡迎弟兄姊妹回教會領取聖餐餅/杯,預備於聖餐崇拜時一同領受。
13. 每週崇拜週刊的詳細內容可於列宣網頁查看,www.rcac.ca,請瀏覽細閱有關連結(Link) – 家訊、教牧心聲等。
14. 辦公室代禱:
• 劉展權傳道於8月24-28日休假。

肢體及牧者消息及代禱:
1. 八月二十九日及三十日 崇拜講員:吳子強弟兄(週六青崇)、李耀全牧師(週六、主日粵語及主日普通話)、張志成牧師(主日英語)。
2. 身體不適肢體:李慕慈、鄧陳有、黃益松夫婦、鍾德和、劉黃玉蓮、吳葉菁、葉周煥萍、陳見三、余鄧玉瑤、陳黃雪芳、梁伯中。每週二祈禱會我們將更具體為他們代禱。
3. 李君雋(Ivan)弟兄與葉慧敏(Wai-man) 姊妹於8月23日舉行婚禮,願主賜福,共偕白首,永結同心。

宣教/機構消息:
1. BC內陸短宣及Hazelton短宣,現因新冠肺炎疫情而暫緩 ,敬希垂注。

講道大綱及筆記:
週六、主日粵語及普通話崇拜
講員:周力行牧師
講題:王國分列(2):講題:警告之再,恩典之終
經文:列王紀上13:7-32
A 耶羅波安的惡行 (12:25-33)

B 直接警告 (13:1-10)
B’ 間接警告 (13:11-32)

A’ 耶羅波安的惡行 (13:33-34)

講題預告:
2020年:開到水深之處 III:
7-9月主題:國度興衰、匹夫有責 (1)•列王紀上、下之經訓
• 8.29/30 王國分裂(3):詭詐受罰 (王上14:1-20)
• 9.05/06 (聖餐) 基教/青年崇拜 (詩119:9-16)
• 9.12/13 王國分裂(4):改革復興 (王上15:1-24)
• 9.19/20 聖樂崇拜/差傳(經文: 待定)
• 9.26/27 王國分裂(5):變本加厲 (王上15:25-16:7)
2020年:開到水深之處 IV:10-12月主題:事奉主真是喜樂(腓立比書研讀)
• 10.03/04 釋放得自由崇拜 (經文: 待定)
• 10.10/11 (聖餐)感恩信息 (經文: 待定)
• 10.17/18 歡歡喜喜的感恩-引言及概論 (腓1:1-11)
• 10.24/25 存喜樂的心事奉 (腓1:12-30)
• 10.31/11.01 喜樂的成全-以基督的心為心 (腓2:1-11)

教會行事年曆
• 8.24-28 暑期兒童日營 #4
• 8.09 Community Meal (E)(取消)
• 8.15/16 敬老崇拜
• 8.16 敬老愛筵(延期)
• 8.16 申請感恩節受浸截止報名
• 8.18 Prayer Meeting (E)
• 8.21-23 傳福音訓練(取消)
• 8.29 福音晚會(取消)
• 9.05-07 普通話事工退修會(取消)
• 9.05-10.10 「十步釋經法基礎」研習班(逢週六)
• 9.07 勞動節公眾假期
• 9.11 兒童事工奉人員訓練
• 9.12/13 基教崇拜
• 9.13 兒童主日學教訓練
• 9.15 Prayer Meeting (E)
• 9.23 AWANA 開始
• 9.18 Jr. High F’Ship 團契
• 9.19 Mark F’Ship 團契
• 9.19/20 聖樂崇拜
• 9.20 兒童/青年主日學開始
• 9.20 兒童主日學家長會議
• 9.20 普通話愛筵(取消)
• 9.20 長議會會議#5
• 9.25 AWANA 家長會議

Autumn Harvest

Aug 15-16, 2020
Rev. Raphael Chow

Cool wind breezing, clear moon shining, sunset gleaming, twilight captivating – this is autumn.

Spring is mixed with cold and warmth, shying people away from time to time; the aggressive summer sometimes makes people breathless; and the winter, the tyrannical winter simply puts people stay away. When autumn quietly comes, she simply transforms the sky and the earth without rush and force. The dawn was dressed in golden and reddish colored clothes, the sun became gentle, and the trees were hung with brown-red and light-yellow coats, and the geese who scraped and talked lined up and flew over the sky, and the red and crimson clouds in the distance took the blue sky. Such a noble scene just suspended the time.

Autumn is also a time of joy. Farmers plow in spring, cultivate in summer, harvest in autumn, store in winter. They prepare the soil and plant seeds to start cultivation in spring, irrigate and fertilize in summer. Autumn is the day to harvest crops. Farmers celebrated with joy on the autumn harvest day. This happens around the world: Pentecost in Israel, Thanksgiving in many North American and European countries, and autumn harvest festivals in the East such as China and Vietnam, to name but a few. After much sweating, the fields of jade become sea of gold ready for harvesting, budding of flowers turned into fruits ready for picking. The joy of the farmer is certainly incomprehensible.

This, I think, is similar to spiritual life. Seeds planted in our hearts as we have accepted God’s Word (Matthew 13:3-23; Luke 8:4-15), and Heavenly Father sends His servants to water it (1 Corinthians 3.6). But our hearts must accept and persevere (Luke 8.12) the Words – persevere against trials (Luke 8.13), overcome the temptation of riches and pleasures of life (Luke 8:14), and eventually bear fruit in patience (Luke 8:15), just like good seeds. Matured crop, I perceive, does not meant works. Rather, it is the Christ-like character (Gal. 5:22-23). Work merely reflects our spiritual character. Otherwise, we might be trapped in delusion, just like those keep working and even do many mighty works in the name of the Lord but are not remembered by the Lord (Matthew 7:22-23).

Have you harvested anything this autumn? Can our Heavenly Father harvest any fruit in your heart? Would that be love, joy (happy and contented in God), peace (harmonious living), patience (keeping calm in provocation), kindness (good for others, generosity), goodness (focus on the benefits of others), faithfulness (trustworthiness), gentleness (humility), self-control (control of one’s emotions, impulses, or desires) (Gal. 5:22-23) that He gets? Yes, this is easier said than done. But the Lord will help us (John 15:2). If we continue to endure without giving up, we will stand firm in victory eventually.

May the Lord be satisfied and filled with the bountiful harvest of our serving hearts. May the name of our Lord be glorified.