Skip to main content

It is all about the relationship with God

March 25/26, 2023

From the Pastor’s Desk – Rev. Mark Liu

Hello, brothers and sisters, thank God for giving me the opportunity to share with you some of my thoughts through this channel.

If I tell you that everyone will face suffering, I believe no one will disagree. Maybe you are in suffering right now. There are many kinds of suffering. First, we cannot and should not judge the suffering others are facing. Because at one level, this type of thinking is pride.

Regarding suffering, the Bible stresses more about how to get out of suffering rather than knowing why suffering happens. Job is a good example. It seems to the end, Job was not told about why sufferings happened to him.  He thought he deserved an answer but God did not give Job the answer.  God gives Job more: Himself.  In fact, when we think carefully, we will find that knowing the cause of suffering is not what we most want to know. Although, our instinctive reaction is to ask “why”. But, in all fairness, do we really want to know why? Or do we want to know the way out of suffering?

When Moses told the Israelites to obey God’s commandments, or they would face difficulties, the Israelites thought that they needed to maintain their relationship with God through a set of behaviors. But they did not know that behaviors are just the sign, and what is more important is the relationship with God. The first and second of the Ten Commandments speak of the importance of a relationship with God.

When we care about a relationship, our whole life will be changed because of this relationship. First, the cross of Jesus Christ enables us to restart our relationship with God that was broken by sin. By accepting salvation, we can re-establish our relationship with God. However, this is just the beginning. Many times we only stay at the beginning stage, but we do not cultivate the relationship with God. In the Bible, when it comes to the verb “cultivate”, it is often used in the present continuous tense. This means that we must persevere in building a relationship with God. This relationship is actually not equal, because we are not in the same position as God. God is the Creator and we are created by Him.

In John 17:1-26, Jesus Christ allows His disciples and us to hear His prayer up close and know His close relationship with His Father. This relationship with Heavenly Father helped Jesus faced suffering. If this is the case, we can also learn from this. When we care about our relationship with God, we will look at our lives from a higher perspective with a wider dimension. In Jesus’ prayer, He said all of these are to glorify God. Can suffering glorify God? Yes. The answer lies in our relationship with God. Are we willing to use our lives to glorify this God who loves us? Perhaps this is the crux of facing suffering.

May God bless you all.  May God bless RCAC.

His servant,
Rev. Mark Liu

與神的關係

2023.03.25/26

弟兄姊妹大家好,感謝神的恩典,讓我能夠在這裡透過文字和你們分享一些想法。

如果我告訴你,每一個人都會面對苦難,相信沒有人會有異議。可能你現在就是在苦難中。苦難有很多種。首先,我們沒有辦法,也不應該評斷別人的苦難。因為在某一個層面來說,這種評斷就是驕傲。

對於苦難,聖經用了不少的篇幅來告訴我們如何走出苦難,而不是知道為什麼苦難會發生在我們的身上。約伯就是一個很好的例子。其實,當我們細心思考時,就會發現,知道苦難的來由並不是我們最想知道的。雖然,我們的本能反應就是會問【為什麼】。但是,平心而論,我們真的想要知道為什麼嗎?還是我們想要知道能夠走出苦難的方法呢?

在舊約,當摩西告訴以色列人要遵守神的誡命,要不然就會面對困難的時候,以色列人以為是透過一堆的行為來維持與神的關係。卻不知道,行為其實只是表徵而已,更重要的就是與神的關係。十誡的第一和第二條就是講到與神的關係的重要性。

當我們在意一段關係的時候,整個人的生命都會因為這個關係而改變。首先,耶穌基督的十字架讓我們能夠與神重新開始因著罪而破裂的關係。接受了救恩,我們就可以與神重新建立關係。但是,這個只是開始。我們很多時候只停留在開始這個階段,卻沒有好好建立與神的關係。在聖經裡,當講到“建立”這個動詞的時候,往往都是用上現在進行式的。這個就代表了要持之以恆地與神建立關係。這個關係其實不是對等的,因為我們與神不是處在相同的位置上。神是創造主,我們是被造的。

在約翰福音17:1-26,耶穌基督讓門徒和我們能夠近距離聆聽祂的禱告,從而知道祂與天父的關係是如何密切。與天父的關係幫助耶穌面對苦難。如果是這樣的話,我們也可以開始學習。當我們在意與神的關係的時候,我們會在一個更高的角度,更寬的維度來看自己的生命。在耶穌的禱告中,祂說這一切都是榮耀神。苦難也可以榮耀神的嗎?可以的。答案就在與神的關係上。我們願意用生命來榮耀這一位愛我們的神嗎?可能這個就是面對苦難的癥結所在。

願神祝福你們。願神祝福列宣家。

主僕,
劉展權牧師

家訊(2023.03.25/26)

家事報告:

  1. 歡迎您與我們一起敬拜神!若閣下第一次參加本堂崇拜,請向司事索取「來賓咭」,填妥後交回司事員,以便本會繼續與您聯絡。
  2. 粵語祈禱會:逢週二8-9pm 在Zoom平台進行。Zoom ID及密碼將電郵給長執及團契再轉發給各會眾,3月28日為婚姻與家庭部及以賽亞團祈禱。
  3. 傳道部第二十屆啟發課程(粵語)定於6月5至7月24日(逢週一)晚7:30時實體聚會(包括簡便晚餐),合共八次聚會。請大家為事工的籌備及邀請嘉賓祈禱。課程將於下週開始接受報名,鼓勵大家積極邀請未信主家人及朋友參加。事工現開始招募隊工,有意參與事奉,請與辦公室聯絡。
  4. 復活節浸禮定於4月8日及9日,按受浸肢體參與的崇拜群體,分別在各堂崇拜中以灑水禮形式舉行。我們共有14位弟兄姊妹申請受浸:
  • 英崇:Steven Yang;
  • 國崇:譚超、管凌雪(Sophia)、邰怡(Nancy)、王良煊(Victor);
  • 週六午崇:王建軍(Aaron)、黎美蘭(Polly)、陳保家(Paul);
  • 週六青崇:胡淑芬(Joyce)、黃碧麗(Tracy);
  • 主日午崇:曹潔儀(Cindy)、杜顯輝(William)、黎慧麗(Vivien)、馮樂平(David)
  1. 列宣讚美操4月7日星期五(受苦節)10:00am -11:15 am在教會體育館舉行實體
    及網上Zoom平台同步進行,主題 「成了!」。透過信息分享,齊跳讚美操; 讓我們深思主耶穌偉大的救恩,誠意邀請大家參加,並歡迎邀請家人及朋友。詳情參閱活動宣傳單張。Zoom Meeting ID: 853 0515 3506,Passcode:  2233
  2. 受難節崇拜 星期五47日-主題:「真正的犧牲」,中文崇拜(粵語及國語)下午5:00-6:00時;英文崇拜晚上7:00-8:00時。
  3. 啟發課程(國語)定於4月20至6月8日逢週四晚上7:00-9:00於教會103室進行,共八次聚會。課程即日起接受報名,報名表格可於辦公室及禮堂司事枱索取,鼓勵大家邀請未信主的家人朋友參加。此外,事工需要弟兄姊妹參與,配搭事奉,有意參與事奉者,請聯絡國語事工長老楊劉宜家姊妹或劉展權牧師。
  4. 英語青少年事工-由4月14日起,提摩太團(7-9年級)及馬可團(10-12年級),改為逢週五晚上8:15-9:45在201室聚會。
  5. 兒童事工暑期活動
  • 兒童日營(7月10至8月18日)有待5月公佈確定,敬希垂注-服侍對象是列宣家及未認識教會的在職父母的孩子。
  • 暑期聖經班(VBS)(8月21-25日)-只接受列宣家及未認識教會的孩子參加,查詢請聯絡關潔玲傳道(karen.quan@rcac.ca)。
  1. 【成人教育部2023年第二季(4-6月)成人聖經課程(粵語)】繼續於ZOOM網上平台教授,上課時間上午9:00-10:00,以方便弟兄姊妹上課後能參加實體崇拜或參與崇拜事奉。報名截止日期為本主日326。請點擊以下連結報名https://bit.ly/3SsNl8t 。
  2. 傳道部粵語外展事工再次推出中西美食班和拉筋伸展運動班,盼望藉著這些興趣小組接觸社區的新朋友。詳情請參閱教會入口處的海報。另大堂備有邀請咭,歡迎索取用以邀請新朋友參加。查詢及報名604-271-9333。
  3. 緊急援助基金(GERF) – 就上月土耳其/敍利亞發生7.8級大地震,造成嚴重傷亡,宣道會呼籲弟兄姊妹為當地的災民祈禱及透過奉獻支援他們的需要。請大家在奉獻上註明「緊急援助基金」或 (GERF)。

肢體及牧者消息與代禱

  1. 二零二三年四月一及二日崇拜講員:周力行牧師(週六國語、週六及主日粵語、陳貴康(週六青崇)、張志成牧師(主日英語)。
  2. 身體不適肢體:李慕慈、鄧陳有、劉黃玉蓮、葉周煥萍、高唐瑞英、陳張惠姬、關廣、廖余秀潔。每週二粵語祈禱會我們將更具體為他們代禱。

宣教/機構消息:

  1. 加拿大遠東廣播於4月1日上午10:30時及2日晚上7:30時,假列治文華人播道會舉辦粵語專題講座「明辨異端」,講員:黃吳劍麗師母。查詢請電604-676-4115 或605-676-4116。
  2. 第51屆大溫哥華研經培靈會將於4月27-30日晚上7:30時假大溫哥華聖道堂舉行,主題:「餘民Remnant使命與盼望」,講員:董家驊牧師(世界華福中心總幹事)。大會並於4月29日上午9:30時舉辦宣教座談會,主題:「使命門徒-宣教使命的基礎」(太28:16-20)。

週六國語及週六、主日粵語
講員:劉展權牧師
經文:約翰福音17-1-26
講題:與神合而為一

合而為一的基礎 (1-5)
合而為一的現實 (6-18)
合而為一的原因 (19-23)
合而為一的祝福 (24-26)

AYAYA 週六青崇
講員:李楊敏賢姊妹
經文:約翰福音17-1-26
講題:祈禱,求咩好?

引言:約翰福音17章整段經文是主耶穌離開門徒之前的一個禱告,也是福音書記載主耶穌最長的一個禱告。主耶穌為了什麼而求?我們的禱告又是為什麼而求呢?

講題預告:

2023年主題:進深靈命、擴闊視野
1-4月主題:耶穌之生命進深典範 (約翰福音1-21章選讀)

  • 4.01/02   (聖餐)(棕枝主日) 耶穌之被捕與受審  (約18:1-27)
  • 4.08/09   (復活節)  耶穌與空墳墓 (約20:1-9)
  • 4.15/16   耶穌與祂復活的顯現 (約20:11-29)
  • 4.22/23   生命的再造 (約21:3-7; 15-23)
  • 4.29         (週六午崇) 願你們因信得生  (約1:1-4, 14; 20:31)
  • 4.30         (主日午崇) 耶穌:真葡萄樹與枝子 (約15:1-10)

教會行事年曆

  • 4.01/02   成人聖經班第二季課程
  • 4.07        受難節崇拜
  • 4.08/09   復活節崇拜暨復活節浸禮
  • 4.10        復活節公眾假期
  • 4.16        長議會會議#4
  • 4.20-6.8   啟發課程(國語)
  • 4.29         週六崇拜愛宴
  • 5.13/14   母親節崇拜
  • 5.21         長議會會議#5
  • 5.26         基督少年軍頒禮
  • 6.2           教會46週年暨差傳大會
  • 6.5-7.24   啟發課程(粵語)
  • 6.15         電話關懷
  • 6.17/18   父親節崇拜
  • 6.18         長議會會議#6
  • 6.24         週六崇拜愛宴

Higher Ground

2023.03.18/19

From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Raphael Chow

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

When Christians pray to God, we sometimes ask according to our own desires. Perhaps we have been a Christian for a long time, but there are times when we ask for our own longings, which may not necessarily be God’s will. Often, God does not grant us what we ask for, but prepares something far better for us. As it is written in the Scriptures: “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isaiah 55:8-9) And as Paul said: “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’— the things God has prepared for those who love him—” (1 Corinthians 2:9; see also Isaiah 64:4)

To God I ask for strength to achieve success, He gives me weakness to trust in Him no less.
To God I pray for health to accomplish grandeurs, He gives me frailty to attain goodness.
To God I seek for wealth to bring me happiness, He gives me poverty to grant me wisdom’s finesse.
To God I plead for all to enjoy life’s pleasures, He gives me life itself to savor every treasure.
To God I crave for power to receive people’s praise, He gives me humbleness to be showered in His grace.
To God I desire smooth paths to reach my goals, He gives me hardships to mold my character’s roles. [1]
To God I wish for fame to attract many a face, He gives me obscurity to glorify Him in my space.
To God I implore for talents to expand His Kingdom, He gives me obstacles to follow Him with wisdom.
To God I pray for wisdom to solve life’s trials, He gives me insight to obey Him in all my styles.
To God I seek for eloquence to sway the crowd, He gives me pain to show compassion and love aloud.
To God I ask for judgment to point out mistakes, He gives me introspection to know my own breaks.
To God I beg to remove challenges for happiness, He gives me a heavier cross to taste joy’s fullness.

Although believers may pray for temporary blessings in this world, the Lord often gives eternal blessings to those who belong to Him. Eternal blessings may not bring physical comfort, and sometimes even lead believers into difficulty and challenges. However, if believers can persevere by the grace of the Lord, what they ultimately receive will be priceless, eternal blessings. May you be filled with abundant blessings.

[1] Gordon Lee, Open Mine Eyes

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Raphael Chow

更美的意念

2023.03.18/19

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

 當信徒向神禱告,不時會按著自己的本情及喜悅而祈求。也許我們信主年日不短,但總有些時候也是因應自己的渴想而求告,而不一定是神的心意。很多時候,神不按我們所求的應允我們,卻為我們預備了更好的。如經上所記:「8耶和華說、我的意念、非同你們的意念、我的道路、非同你們的道路。9天怎樣高過地,照樣,我的道路高過你們的道路;我的意念高過你們的意念。」(賽55:8-9) ,又如保羅所說的:「神為愛他的人所預備的,是眼睛未曾看見,耳朵未曾聽見,人心也未曾想到的。”」(林前2:9; 參賽64:4)。有信徒如此分享:

 我向神求能力,使我可以成功;祂給我輭弱,使我可以信靠。
我向神求健康,使我可以成大事;祂給我衰弱,使我可以作美事。
我向神求財富,使我可以快樂;祂給我貧窮,使我可以聰明。
我向神求萬物,使我可以享受生命;祂給我生命,使我可以享受萬物。
我向神求權柄,使我可以得人的稱讚;祂給我卑微,使我可以得神的恩惠。
我向神求順利,使我可以達成目標;祂給我艱難,使我可以鍛鍊品德。[1]
我向神求名聲,使我可以吸引多人;祂給我默默無聞,使我可以專一榮耀祂。
我向神求才幹,使我可以擴展天國;祂給我挫折,使我可以單一跟從祂。
我向神求聰明,使我可以解決難題;祂給我智慧,使我可以凡事聽從祂。
我向神求能以雄辯,使我可以折服眾人;祂給我傷痛,使我可以憐憫眾人。
我向神求判斷力,使我可以指出錯誤;祂給我省察力,使我可以敏銳自己的不足。
我向神求去除挑戰,使我可以快樂渡日;祂給我更重十架,使我可以充滿喜樂。

雖然信徒或許祈求世上暫時的恩惠,主卻往往賜給屬祂的人永遠的祝福。永遠的祝福不一定帶來肉身的舒適,有時甚至把信徒帶入艱難及挑戰之中。但若然信徒能靠主的恩典堅持到底,最終所得的必然是無價的、永恆的祝福。願你得到的祝福滿滿。

[1]摘自 李順長,打開心靈的視窗

主僕
周力行牧師

家訊(2023.03.18/19)

家事報告:

  1. 歡迎您與我們一起敬拜神!若閣下第一次參加本堂崇拜,請向司事索取「來賓咭」,填妥後交回司事員,以便本會繼續與您聯絡。
  2. 粵語祈禱會:逢週二8-9pm 在Zoom平台進行。Zoom ID及密碼將電郵給長執及團契再轉發給各會眾,3月21日為資訊科技部祈禱。
  3. 受難節崇拜 星期五47日-主題:「真正的犧牲」,中文崇拜(粵語及國語)下午5:00-6:00時;英文崇拜晚上7:00-8:00時。
  4. 英語青少年事工-由4月14日起,提摩太團(7-9年級)及馬可團(10-12年級),改為逢週五晚上8:15-9:45在201室聚會。
  5. 兒童事工暑期活動
  • 兒童日營(7月10至8月18日)有待5月公佈確定,敬希垂注-服侍對象是列宣家及未認識教會的在職父母的孩子。
  • 暑期聖經班(VBS)(8月21-25日)-只接受列宣家及未認識教會的孩子參加,查詢請聯絡關潔玲傳道(karen.quan@rcac.ca)。
  1. 啟發課程(國語)定於4月20至6月8日逢週四晚上7:00-9:00於教會103室進行,共八次聚會。課程即日起接受報名,報名表格可於辦公室及禮堂司事枱索取,鼓勵大家邀請未信主的家人朋友參加。此外,事工需要弟兄姊妹參與,配搭事奉,有意參與事奉者,請聯絡國語事工長老楊劉宜家姊妹或劉展權牧師。
  2. 【成人教育部2023年第二季(4-6月)成人聖經課程(粵語)】繼續於ZOOM網上平台教授,上課時間上午9:00-10:00,以方便弟兄姊妹上課後能參加實體崇拜或參與崇拜事奉。報名截止日期為326。請點擊以下連結報名https://bit.ly/3SsNl8t 。
  3. 同心圓敬拜者使團
  • 他們將於本週末蒞臨本會帶領週六及主日粵語午堂詩歌敬拜及證道。鼓勵弟兄姊妹邀請家人朋友出席。
  • 本主日3月19日下午2:30時於本會200室舉辦「崇拜事奉人員工作坊」,已報名之弟兄姊妹請依時出席。
  • 本週六及主日午堂崇拜時段,大堂設同心圓奉獻箱,邀請會眾自由奉獻支持同心圓事工。奉獻可直接用現金或支票抬頭「同心圓敬拜福音平台有限公司」或「One Circle Limited」。此奉獻不列入本會奉獻收據,敬希垂注。
  1. 傳道部粵語外展事工再次推出中西美食班和拉筋伸展運動班,盼望藉著這些興趣小組接觸社區的新朋友。詳情請參閱教會入口處的海報。另大堂備有邀請咭,歡迎索取用以邀請新朋友參加。查詢及報名604-271-9333。
  2. 緊急援助基金(GERF) – 就上月土耳其/敍利亞發生7.8級大地震,造成嚴重傷亡,宣道會呼籲弟兄姊妹為當地的災民祈禱及透過奉獻支援他們的需要。請大家在奉獻上註明「緊急援助基金」或 (GERF)。

肢體及牧者消息與代禱

  1. 二零二三年三月二十五及二十六日崇拜講員:劉展權牧師(週六國語、週六及主日粵語、李楊敏賢姊妹(週六青崇)、張志成牧師(主日英語)。
  2. 身體不適肢體:李慕慈、鄧陳有、劉黃玉蓮、葉周煥萍、高唐瑞英、陳張惠姬、關廣、廖余秀潔。每週二粵語祈禱會我們將更具體為他們代禱。

宣教/機構消息:

  1. 建道神學院/國際學院海外課程“教會歷史(三)”將於5月25至31日假本拿比宣道會舉行,由梁家麟牧師主講(粵語)。查詢及報名請聯絡 Walter Pang (604-442-5992) ,email: waltonpang.abs@gmail.com。5月11日截止報名。
  2. 加拿大遠東廣播於4月1日上午10:30時及2日晚上7:30時,假列治文華人播道會舉辦粵語專題講座「明辨異端」,講員:黃吳劍麗師母。查詢請電604-676-4115 或605-676-4116。

週六國語
講員:吳鐵漢弟兄
經文:約翰福音15:1-10
講題:真葡萄樹與枝子-生命的連接 

  1. 一.基督是真理的源頭
  2. 二.基督是生命的源頭
  3. 三.基督是生命動力的源頭

週六、主日粵語
經文:詩篇27
證道:同心圓敬拜者使團
講題:等候神

AYAYA 週六青崇
講員:陳榮基牧師
經文:約翰福音15:1-10
講題:修剪是為結更多果子

引言:葡萄園主人修剪葡萄樹的時候,會將已死的枝子,不結果子的枝子,不依循引導生長的枝子,一同剪去。剩下來仍然與樹幹連結,並且結果子的枝子,他也會修剪,讓它們可以在下一個季節,結出更多果子。我們的屬靈生命在上帝的手中,也是如此。我們在冬天被修剪,就是為了在夏天能夠結出更多,更大、更甜美的果子。

講題預告:

2023年主題:進深靈命、擴闊視野
1-4月主題:耶穌之生命進深典範 (約翰福音1-21章選讀)

  • 3.25/26      耶穌為門徒代求   (約17:1-26)
  • 4.01/02     (聖餐)(棕枝主日) 耶穌之被捕與受審   (約18:1-27)
  • 4.08/09     (復活節) 復活節:耶穌與空墳墓 (約20:1-9)
  • 4.15/16     耶穌與祂復活的顯現 (約20:11-29)
  • 4.22/23     生命的再造 (約21:3-7; 15-23)
  • 4.29           願你們因信得生  (約1:1-4, 14; 20:31)
  • 4.30           耶穌:真葡萄樹與枝子 (約15:1-10)

教會行事年曆

  • 3.18/19   「同心圓」詩歌敬拜(粵午崇)
  • 3.19          長議會會議#3
  • 4.01/02     成人聖經班第二季課程
  • 4.07          受難節崇拜
  • 4.08/09    復活節崇拜暨復活節浸禮
  • 4.10          復活節公眾假期
  • 4.16          長議會會議#4
  • 4.20-6.8    啟發課程(國語)
  • 4.29          週六崇拜愛宴
  • 5.1-6.19    啟發課程(粵語)
  • 5.13/14     母親節崇拜
  • 5.21          長議會會議#5
  • 5.26          基督少年軍頒禮
  • 6.2            教會46週年暨差傳大會
  • 6.15          電話關懷
  • 6.17/18    父親節崇拜
  • 6.18         長議會會議#6
  • 6.24         週六崇拜愛宴

Love God, Love One Another

March 11/12, 2023

From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev.Jason Cheung

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

There are two kinds of people you meet in life: those who love you, and those who use you.

Even parents can use their children. Unfulfilled dreams of our past can be burdened onto our children.  Inordinate pressure to be successful in certain vocations, for certain incomes, for certain lifestyles, for certain prestige.

Our supervisors at work may also, at the bottomline of things, be drawing the most productivity out of us.  Nothing wrong with this; efficiency and wise management can be a virtue of stewardship.  But, where is the line between good business and being a good human?

Using people to benefit you, ultimately, is image marring.  The Scriptures attest to God’s design and plan, that each person is created in his image (Genesis 1:27), and if the basic ethic woven in humans is love, then any type of using another is not only unloving, but also harmful.

The vision of the kingdom of God, that Jesus speaks of – and lived out – is essentially a reverberation of the core design of humans: to love God and to love one another.  Love.

Stamped deeper within than our DNA is a desire to be known, and to know the other.  Andy Crouch, in his book, The Life We’re Looking For, begins “Recognition is the first human quest.”  From every infant’s first breath they are searching for a face, to see and be seen.  Crouch writes, “They are looking for a face, and when they find one–especially a face that gazes back at them–they fix their eyes on it, having found what they were most urgently looking for.”

This ‘looking for a face,’ stays with us our entire lives, I believe, because it is part of our ‘image-of-God’ bearing nature.

This is a cornerstone reason why Christians gather together.

Some regard small groups or fellowships or bible studies as one of either social gatherings or for Chrisitian discipleship (or education).  This is true.  But, seeing only these categories assumes the Christian life is fragmented into the social or educational realms.  (We have these same categories for our children)

But, if we rigidly apply this same fragmented framework to discipleship we miss out, and miss out big.  Instead, we are made to face God and face one another – face to face.

At the heart of our faith is a relationship with the Holy, Almighty God – Yahweh, who reveals himself as the Triune God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  And as we learn more of who he is, and how he loves us, and how he created us – “made in his image” – we learn more of who we really are.

So, for those who argue, “I only need God, I don’t need the church (or to fellowship with others)” – not only is this view  theologically shallow, it will lead to a wafer-thin Christian life.

For those who say, “I only need people (brothers and sisters in Christ), and I don’t need to worship God” – the danger here is of idolizing human relationships (or at least, whatever benefits I gain from others).

These views are deficient because, first, both are bent to use the other (God and people) for their own purpose, and second, both neglect Jesus’ command that both loving God and loving others are the most important commandments in the kingdom of God.   Matthew 22:36-40 –

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Sisters and brothers, our church is not merely to be a place for gathering socially.  Neither is it a place only for transcendent worship, reaching into the mystery through Scripture and song.  Our church is for both – gazing into the face of our Lord Jesus, resplendent in glory and grace, and seeing one another, face-to-face, bearers of the image of God, basking in the love of God together.

May the Spirit grow this fruit in us, the fruit of love.

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Jason Cheung

愛上帝,彼此相愛

2023.03.11/12

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

人生裡你會遇到兩種人,一種是愛你的人,另一種是利用你的人。

甚至父母也會利用他們的孩子,他們從前未能實現的夢想,或會成為孩子的重擔。父母的期望使孩子為了在職業、收入、生活方式、名聲上取得成功,而構成龐大的壓力。

職場上的上司也一樣,他們要在各人身上汲取最高的生產力,這沒有錯。效率和明智的管理可以是管理的優點。但是,一盤成績卓越的業務和做一個善待他人的人的界線在哪裡?

利用他人為自己謀利益最終是在損害形象。聖經印證上帝的設計和計劃,每一個人都是按照神的形象被造的(創世記1:27),如果人類的基本道德是愛,那麼任何形式的利用他人不僅缺乏愛心,而且是有害。

上帝國度的異象是愛,愛上帝和彼此相愛,是神造人核心的設計,耶穌已闡明並彰顯在祂生命中。

深究我們人類的基因是渴望被認識並認識對方。安迪·克勞奇 (Andy Crouch) 在他的書《我們正在尋找的生活》(The Life We’re Looking For) 開始說:“認可是人類的首要探索” 從每個嬰兒的第一口呼吸開始,他們就在尋找一張臉孔,想要看到和被看到。克勞奇寫道,“他們正在尋找一張臉孔,當他們找到一張臉孔時-尤其是一張回望著他們的臉孔-他們會盯著他看,因為他們已經找到了他們最迫切想要尋找的東西。”

我相信,這種“尋找臉孔”會伴隨我們一生,因為它是我們擁有“上帝形象”的本性的一部分。這是基督徒聚集在一起的基石原因。

有些人將小組或團契或查考聖經視為社交聚會或基督徒訓練(或教育)之一,這是真確的。但是,只看到這些類別就假設基督徒的生活被分割成社交或教育領域(我們的孩子也有這些相同的類別),特別是如果將同樣的框架應用於門徒訓練,我們就錯過了許多。相反,我們被造是為了面對上帝和彼此面對,面對面。

我們信仰的中心是與聖潔全能的上帝耶和華的關係,祂將自己啟示為三位一體的上帝,聖父,聖子和聖靈。隨著我們更多的認識祂是誰,祂如何愛我們,以及祂如何創造我們-“按照他的形象創造”-我們會更多的了解我們到底是誰。

所以,對於那些爭辯 「我只需要上帝,我不需要教會(或與別人有團契生活)」的人來說-這種觀點不僅在神學上留於表面,而且會導致基督徒的生活變得淺薄。

對於那些「我只需要與人(主內的弟兄姊妹)一起,我不需要敬拜上帝」的人來說-這裡的危險是崇拜人際關係(或者至少,從別人身上得到的任何好處)。

這兩個觀點都有不完善的地方。首先,兩者都傾向於利用對方(上帝和人)來達到自己的目的,其次,兩者都忽視了耶穌的吩咐,即愛上帝和愛別人是上帝國度中最重要的誡命,馬太福音 22:36-40已經說明了。

弟兄姊妹,我們的教會不僅僅是一個社交聚會的場所。它也不僅僅是透過聖經和詩歌進入奧秘,超然敬拜的地方。我們的教會是為兩者而設的-注目在我們主耶穌的面容,在榮耀和恩典中熠熠生輝,並面對面地看到彼此擁有上帝的形象,一起沐浴在上帝的愛中。

主僕
張志成牧師

家訊(2023.03.11/12)

家事報告:

  1. 歡迎您與我們一起敬拜神!若閣下第一次參加本堂崇拜,請向司事索取「來賓咭」,填妥後交回司事員,以便本會繼續與您聯絡。
  2. 粵語祈禱會:逢週二8-9pm 在Zoom平台進行。Zoom ID及密碼將電郵給長執及團契再轉發給各會眾,3月14日為英語青年事工及兒童事工祈禱。
  3. 英語青少年事工-由4月14日起,提摩太團(7-9年級)及馬可團(10-12年級),改為逢週五晚上8:15-9:45在201室聚會。
  4. 兒童事工暑期活動
  • 兒童日營(7月10至8月18日)有待5月公佈確定,敬希垂注-服侍對象是列宣家及未認識教會的在職父母的孩子。
  • 暑期聖經班(VBS)(8月21-25日)-只接受列宣家及未認識教會的孩子參加,查詢請聯絡關潔玲傳道(karen.quan@rcac.ca)。
  1. 啟發課程(國語)定於4月20至6月8日逢週四晚上7:00-9:00於教會103室進行,共八次聚會。課程即日起接受報名,報名表格可於辦公室及禮堂司事枱索取,鼓勵大家邀請未信主的家人朋友參加。此外,事工需要弟兄姊妹參與,配搭事奉,有意參與事奉者,請聯絡國語事工長老楊劉宜家姊妹或劉展權牧師。
  2. 【成人教育部2023年第二季(4-6月)成人聖經課程(粵語)】繼續於ZOOM網上平台教授,上課時間上午9:00-10:00,以方便弟兄姊妹上課後能參加實體崇拜或參與崇拜事奉。報名截止日期為326。請點擊以下連結報名https://bit.ly/3SsNl8t 。
  3. 同心圓敬拜者使團
  • 他們將於3月18及19日蒞臨本會帶領週六及主日粵語午堂詩歌敬拜及證道。鼓勵弟兄姊妹邀請家人朋友出席。
  • 3月19日下午2:30時於本會200室舉辦「崇拜事奉人員工作坊」,誠邀現任崇拜事奉人員及有心志參與崇拜事工的弟兄姊妹參加,請大家把握機會裝備學習,費用每位20元,報名及付費,請與教會辦公室聯絡。詳情請參閱張貼於教會入口及報告版海報。
  • 另3月18及19日午堂崇拜時段,大堂設同心圓奉獻箱,邀請會眾自由奉獻支持同心圓事工。奉獻可直接用現金或支票抬頭「同心圓敬拜福音平台有限公司」或「One Circle Limited」。此奉獻不列入本會奉獻收據,敬希垂注。
  1. 傳道部粵語外展事工再次推出中西美食班和拉筋伸展運動班,盼望藉著這些興趣小組接觸社區的新朋友。詳情請參閱教會入口處的海報。另大堂備有邀請咭,歡迎索取用以邀請新朋友參加。查詢及報名604-271-9333。
  2. 緊急援助基金(GERF) – 就上月土耳其/敍利亞發生7.8級大地震,造成嚴重傷亡,宣道會呼籲弟兄姊妹為當地的災民祈禱及透過奉獻支援他們的需要。請大家在奉獻上註明「緊急援助基金」或 (GERF)。
  3. 辦公室消息
  • 龔敏光牧師於3月13-17休假。
  • 由3月13日起,辦公時間回復早上九時至下午五時,星期一至五。

肢體及牧者消息與代禱

  1. 二零二三年三月十八及十九日崇拜講員:吳鐵漢弟兄(週六國語)、同心圓敬拜者使團(週六及主日粵語)、陳榮基牧師(週六青崇)、張志成牧師(主日英語)。
  2. 身體不適肢體:李慕慈、鄧陳有、劉黃玉蓮、葉周煥萍、高唐瑞英、陳張惠姬、關廣、廖余秀潔。每週二粵語祈禱會我們將更具體為他們代禱。

宣教/機構消息:

  1. 建道神學院/國際學院海外課程“教會歷史(三)”將於5月25至31日假本拿比宣道會舉行,由梁家麟牧師主講(粵語)。查詢及報名請聯絡 Walter Pang (604-442-5992) ,email: waltonpang.abs@gmail.com。5月11日截止報名。
  2. 加拿大遠東廣播於4月1日上午10:30時及2日晚上7:30時,假列治文華人播道會舉辦粵語專題講座「明辨異端」,講員:黃吳劍麗師母。查詢請電604-676-4115 或605-676-4116。

週六國語及AYAYA 週六青崇
講員:劉展權牧師
講題:耶穌是我們的唯一

天家-心之所向(1-4)
耶穌為我們預備地方

天父-心之所屬(5-11)
耶穌讓我們認識天父

榮耀-心之所慕(12-14)
耶穌讓我們做更大的事 

週六、主日粵語
講員:周力行牧師
講題:放心,安心

– 耶穌基督的應許(14:1-4)
– 多馬的疑惑(14:5)
– 耶穌基督的宣告(14:6-7)
– 腓力的請求(14:8)
– 耶穌基督的應許(14:9-14)

講題預告:
2023年主題:進深靈命、擴闊視野
1-4月主題:耶穌之生命進深典範 (約翰福音1-21章選讀)

  • 3.18/19     由《同心圓敬拜者使團》帶領
  • 3.25/26     耶穌為門徒代求    (約17:1-26)
  • 4.01/02     (聖餐)(棕枝主日) 耶穌之被捕與受審 (約18:1-27)
  • 4.08/09     (復活節) 復活節:耶穌與空墳墓 (約20:1-9)
  • 4.15/16      耶穌與祂復活的顯現 (約20:11-29)
  • 4.22/23      生命的再造 (約21:3-7; 15-23)
  • 4.29           願你們因信得生  (約1:1-4, 14; 20:31)
  • 4.30           耶穌:真葡萄樹與枝子 (約15:1-10)

教會行事年曆

  • 3.12           夏令時間開始
  • 3.18/19    「同心圓」詩歌敬拜(粵午崇)
  • 3.19           長議會會議#3
  • 4.01/02      成人聖經班第二季課程
  • 4.07           受難節崇拜
  • 4.08/09      復活節崇拜暨復活節浸禮
  • 4.10           復活節公眾假期
  • 4.16           長議會會議#4
  • 4.25-6.1 3  啟發課程(國語)
  • 4.29           週六崇拜愛宴
  • 5.1-6.19     啟發課程(粵語)
  • 5.13/14      母親節崇拜
  • 5.21           長議會會議#5
  • 5.26           基督少年軍頒禮
  • 6.2             教會46週年暨差傳大會
  • 6.15            電話關懷
  • 6.17/18      父親節崇拜
  • 6.18           長議會會議#6
  • 6.24           週六崇拜愛宴

He has made everything beautiful in its time….

2023.03.04/05

From the Pastor’s Desk:Rev.Collins Kung

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

Reflecting on the loss of my mother recently reminds me of this verse from Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die…a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”

When we are born and when we die is not something we can control or decide, it is determined by God.

My mother once told me that she wanted to return to heavenly home early, because she felt that her health was deteriorating, and she is living in the torment of illness every day, and it was difficult to continue to live in such a way. When I heard her saying this, I felt sad in my heart, but I also understood her desire. I felt the conflict in my heart. As her son, I don’t want to see her suffering indefinitely nor wanting her to die early.

I still remember that our family always gave her positive energy every time we visited her through the video call in the hospital or nursing home. We comforted her with the words of the Bible and hymns. We prayed for her too, asking God to give her strength and mercy, peace and joy to go through each day. I did not ask our Heavenly Father to take her away as soon as possible, but asked the merciful Lord to give her strength to live every day.

Her passing recently reminded me that God has His time to make everything beautiful in its time.

First of all, the day of her death (Hong Kong time: February 8th) happened right after our church’s Tuesday prayer meeting. I firmly believe that God has heard all of our prayers, and according to His good will, let her rest from her labors on the earth and rest in the arms of the Lord. After the prayer meeting, I received the message from my family that the nursing home informed us that my mother lost consciousness and was sent to the hospital where her death was confirmed. According to the daily routine in the nursing home, she had a shower that morning, she had lunch, and she rested. She went with the Lord in her sleep. No one knows, neither the staff at the nursing home nor my family, not even herself, only God knows.

Secondly, after the prayer meeting on Tuesday, it was Wednesday, which happened to be my Sabbath. I was riding a bicycle alone, passing the woods and seaside to meditate quietly. I cried while cycling, and I released all my suppressed emotions. God let me cry for the whole day, and I gradually calmed down.

Thirdly, when I was preparing to preach the following week, I had scheduled the story of the resurrection of Lazarus long time ago. God comforted me with His words when I prepared the message, John 11:25 Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live”, God himself wiped away my tears.

Fourthly, I recalled the video call with my mother a week before she passed away. At that time, she was well and more responsive than any previous visits in the past. She asked us questions and answered our questions. So I encouraged her to recite the Lord’s Prayer to us, and she recited it verbatim. (Unlike in the past she just followed us to read in broken sentences). At the end of the visit on video, I prayed for her and she responded with amen. Although I can no longer talk to her now, this conversation allowed me to witness the kindness of God, and I have no regrets.

Finally, God has made a way for me to return to Hong Kong to attend my mother’s funeral. Originally, I was scheduled to preach on March 18/19, instead we have “One Circle” worship team to lead the worship and to preach that week, which had lessened my work load. I have arranged to return to Hong Kong from March 13-17, the impact on the church’s ministries will be reduced to the minimal between the two Sundays during my absence. Furthermore, the travel restriction between China and Hong Kong had been uplifted, our uncles, aunts and other relatives can also come to Hong Kong from the mainland China to attend the funeral service. This is a good opportunity for them to hear the gospel. May God use Mother’s funeral service as an opportunity to witness the gospel.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”

May all glory to our Heavenly Father, amen!

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Collins Kung