Chong's Bethany House

Who can understand his error? Psalm 19:12 Thank the Lord that His Word helps us understand our errors and be warned (vs 11). But beware of the subtlity of the thoughts and acts of sins. Note the progression... 1. Secret faults (vs 12) 2. Presumptuous sins (vs 13) 3. Great transgressions (vs 13) May we be greatly rewarded in keeping His Word (vs 11)!

The land of Israel was - given as a promise by God  - deeded as a possession (Gen 23:18) in the presence of the inhabitants Hence, there should not be a dispute of why they do not have the rights to the land! 

Abraham is called - a prophet (Gen 20:7) - a mighty prince (Gen 23:6) - the friend of God (Jam 2:23)

Tree of life - sustenance and healing for the physical body ... the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:2)  Bread of life - sustenance and life giving for the soul I am that bread of life..., if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever (John 6:48‭, ‬51 ) Water of life  (Rev 22:1) - sustenance for the spirit and bearing witness with our spirit that we're sons of God (Rom 8:16) If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me,... out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake he of the Spirit... (John 7:37‭-‬39) 

For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father , the Word , and the Holy Spirit ; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit , the water , and the blood ; and these three agree as one. I John 5:7‭-‬8 The 3 witnesses in Heaven   1. The Father prepared the body (Heb 10:5) 2. The Holy Spirit produced the body (Mat 1:20) 3. The Son possessed the body (Jn 1:14) The 3 witnesses on earth 1. The Spirit speaks of His incarnation - commencement of His Manhood 2. The water speaks of His baptism - commencement of His Servanthood 3. The blood speaks of His crucifixion - commencement of His High Priesthood

The OT sacrifices can never take away sins (Heb 10:11), neither can they make man perfect (Heb 10:1) - foreshadowed the slaying of the Lamb of God - temporary appeased God, and have sins forgiven - but lacked the power to overcome sins The sacrifice of Christ, once and for all, have perfected those who believed (Heb 10:12-14) - foreshadowing being in the presence of the Lamb once slain - gives power of His resurrection to overcome sins, freed us from the bondage - but lacks the complete eradication of sins This sacrifice for sins will have its fullness and finality when He comes again (Heb 8:11). And there will be no more remembrance of sins, nor the need for any sin offering (Heb 10:18) - the complete fulfillments of the OT foreshadows and the NT absence of the Lord bodily - the bodily presence of the Lord eradicates sins totally  - no more remembrance of sins, neither is there a need of the sin offering!  - sins forgotten Praise the Lord! 

Hebrews 6:4-6, 10:26-29 It is impossible for them to be saved , because they did it knowingly! It is camparable to the unpardonable sin, which the pharisees ascribed the work of the Holy Spirit to the work of Satan. William Macdonald believes that it's similar to the sin leading to death (1Jn 5:16). Look at what seemingly are their signs of salvation, but take heart they are not able to deceive the eyes of God! They are not truly born again . Their actions are equivalent to crucifying Christ again and putting Him to an open shame. They only have things that accompany salvation (近乎得救), but not the substance thereof! (vs 9) See what vs 4 to 6 say about them: - enlightened but rejected the Light - tasted but never ate nor drank (Jn 6:35) - partakers but never were indwelt by the Holy Spirit  - tasted the good word but never bore fruits (Mt 13:20,21) - tasted the power of the millennium but did not believe (2Tim 3:5) - sinned wilfully (Heb 10:26) The conditions of the apost...

弟兄姊妹们，请 不要停留在得救的位置 ！ 1. 作大丈夫（林前 16:13) 2. 作完全人（林后 13:11) 3. 长大成人（弗 4:13) 4. 竭力进入完全地步（来 6:1)

The message of the Gospel (Heb 2:3-4) 1. Spoken by the Lord 2. Confirmed by the disciples 3. Authenticated through signs , wonders , miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit

A skeptic may ask: 1. "Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? " Rom 3:5 Certainly not! (vs 6) But why? This is because there is none righteous (vs 10), and the whole world is guilty before God (vs 19). For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (vs 23). So God is right to judge all unrighteousness! 2. "Is God unjust when He forgives sins?" Certainly not! But why? This is because sinners are justified by the redemption of the blood of Christ (Rom 3:24-25). So God is just, and the justifier of sinners who exercise faith in Him (vs 26) Praise God, for He is both just and righteous when He condemns sinners to hell and when He pardons sinners unto eternal life! 

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God . 1 Cor 1:24 The wisdom of God is in the crucifixion of Christ to save men from sins. It is concealed as a mystery in the OT and revealed in the NT (1Cor 2:7-8) The power of God is in the resurrection of Christ. It raises the dead to live, changes men from sinners to saints, transforms the old man to the new man! May it be our prayers: That I may know him , and the power of his resurrection , and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Phi 3:10

The Father loved the Son before the foundation of the world (John 17:24).  The Lamb foreordained (1Pet 1:20) and slained (Rev 13:8) before the foundation of the world.  The believers chosen in Him (Eph 1:4) to inherit the kingdom (Mat 25:34) before the foundation of the world. 

Luke 19:11-27 In this parable, there 3 groups of people. Which group are you in?  1. The two faithful servants who multiplied their Lord's properties, they received their due rewards , and even those from the unfaithful servant, and a commendation from their Lord.  2. The unfaithful servant who did not put his master's mina to good use and blamed his master for his unfaithfulness, he suffered loss and a repremand.  3. The enemies of the Lord who rejected His rule, they were destroyed .  The first group represents the faithful Christians, who built with gold, silver and precious stones , receiving their rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  The second group represents the unfaithful Christians who built using wood, hay and stubble , suffering loss at the testing with fire, but salvation remains.  The third group are the unbelievers who will be judged at the Great White Throne and be cast into hell for eternal punishment. 

Jesus as the Servant of Jehovah - prophecised in Isaiah (Mat 12:18) - actualized in the Gospels (Mat 20:28) - glorified in Acts (Acts 3:13) - exemplified in the Epistles as the bond servant for believers to emulate (Phi 2:7)

【约6:37】凡父所赐给我的人，必到我这里来；到我这里来的，我总不丢弃他。 【约6:44】若不是差我来的父吸引人，就没有能到我这里来的；到我这里来的，在末日我要叫他复活。 【约6:65 】耶稣又说：“所以我对你们说过，若不是蒙我父的恩赐，没有人能到我这里来。” 1. 父所 赐 我的人  2. 父所 吸引 的人 3. 蒙父恩典 的人 这一切的人都必来，总不被丢弃！

The Lord will come even before all places are evangelised. Really?  1. The Lord said so (Mat 10:23) 2. The fullest of the Gentile (Rom 11:25) is the number of Gentiles to be saved which no one knows and it should be reaching its quota soon 3. God has given other witnesses like His creation (Rom 1:20) and man's conscience (Rom 2:15)

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Mat 10:8 Effects of sins on our spiritual conditions   - paralysed and sick 疾病 - unclean like a leper 污秽 - dead and separated from God 死亡 - bondage in darkness by devils 捆绑 But the efficay of Christ's work is able to bring about - healing of the distortion sins brought about in our lives 医治 - cleansing our unrighteouness 洁净 - restoring us from dead unto life 复活 - delivering us from the bondage of darkness and translating us into the kingdom of light 释放

Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance . Luke 8:1‭-‬3 Food for thought 1. Are you at the front line heralding the gospel? 2. If not, are you contributing to the supply line by supporting the front line? If your answer is neither, then it's time to soul search how you've been multiplying your talents in expanding the Lord's kingdom.

Take heed  what you hear  (Mark 4:24)   你们所听的要留心 - focus is on the accuracy of the heralding Take heed how you hear (Luke 8:18) 你们应当小心怎样听 - focus is on the attitude of the hearer

【路8:11】“这比喻乃是这样：种子就是　神的道。 【路8:12】那些在路旁的，就是人听了道，随后魔鬼来，从他们心里把道夺去，恐怕他们信了得救； 【路8:13】那些在磐石上的，就是人听道，欢喜领受，但心中没有根，不过暂时相信，及至遇见试炼就退后了； 【路8:14】那落在荆棘里的，就是人听了道，走开以后，被今生的思虑、钱财、宴乐挤住了，便结不出成熟的子粒来； 【路8:15】那落在好土里的，就是人听了道，持守在诚实、善良的心里，并且忍耐着结实。” Luke 8: 11-15 落在路旁 － 不相信 unbelieving ，让魔鬼蒙蔽 Satan's blinding  落在磐石 － 暂时信 believe for a while ，肉体软弱，又没有根，而退后 weakness of the flesh 落在荆棘 － 放弃信 gave up believing ，世上的私欲，选择世界，不结果实 choosing the world rather than God 落在好土 － 真正信 true believing ，持守、忍耐、结实 keeping, waiting and bearing fruit 

“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.  Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.  Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” Matthew 12:43‭-‬45 - The man is Israel - The unclean spirit is their evil works The Lord is referring to Israel, who although purged out idolatry, they didn't fully turn to God. Hence they are in a worse state, because their hearts are hardened towards their Messiah!

主对 3 位人物的反应（路 7） vs 9 祂对百夫长稀奇他的大信 vs 13 祂对寡妇怜悯她的大哭 vs 48 祂给女人赦免她的大罪 这都是因为主的愿意，以及人的谦卑

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 - The ultimate act of faith is by hearing the word of God, i.e. the word of God convicting the heart, bringing about confession of sins, and conversion of souls - Signs cannot bring about similar effects because signs are for authentication of His Messiahship and not conviction of sins. Hence many of the Pharisees believe in His signs, yet not believing in His Person. Mat 11:20 虽行了许多异能，但还是终不悔改

The Book of Judges speaks of the depressing dark history of the children of Israel. When it comes to Ruth, it gives a glimpse of light and hope. What a contrast with the book of Judges! Taken from Uplook Ministry by Jabe Nicholson Ruth is like a lovely lily in a stagnant pool...  Here, instead of unfaithfulness , is loyalty .  And instead of immorality , is purity .  Here, instead of battle fields are harvest fields . And instead of warriors' shout , is the gleaner's song !  https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158644413384455&id=34081284454

The disobedient leper (Mk 1:40-45) The leper had the faith in Jesus to be cleasned and he was, because the Lord was moved with compassion. Yet, when he was cleansed, he did not obey the instructions to show himself to the priests and offer an offering as a testimony to the priests. Instead, he went and proclaimed the matter freely , which he was told not to, causing Jesus not to be able to openly enter the city.  Only things done in God's way will bring glory to His name! 

The Lord Jesus came and was sent for this purpose ... (3 times mentioned by Himself)  1. To preach and to cast out demons 传道、赶鬼 (Mk 1:38-39), to give light into darkness 2. To preach the gospel and to heal the sick 传福音、医治疾病 (Lk 4:43, Mt 4:23), to give live to the dead 3. To give His life a ransom for many (Jn 12:27-28) 为人舍己, to glorify the Father and to show love to men

Mark 1:16-20 【可1:16】耶稣顺着加利利的海边走，看见西门和西门的兄弟安得烈在海里 撒网 ，他们本是打鱼的。 【可1:17】耶稣对他们说：“ 来跟从我！我要叫你们得人如得鱼一样 。” 【可1:18】 他们就立刻舍了网，跟从了他 。 【可1:19】耶稣稍往前走，又见西庇太的儿子雅各和雅各的兄弟约翰在船上 补网 。 【可1:20】耶稣随即招呼他们， 他们就把父亲西庇太和雇工人留在船上 ，跟从耶稣去了。 得人与打鱼 Fishermen & Fishers of men 1. 打鱼的工作包括撒网 (casting nets) 和补网 (mending nets)  2. 得人的工作也是如此，传福音 preaching（撒网）、牧导 shepherding（补网） 跟从与舍弃 Following & Forsaking 1. 两对兄弟都选择跟从耶稣 2. 一对舍弃了职业，一对舍弃了家人 这就是主工的性质，跟从的代价！

撒马利亚夫人为主作见证的功效（约4：29-42） 1. 分享 亲身经历 （29节） 2. 叫人也来 信靠（39节） 3. 他人 亲身体验 （42节） 信徒的见证固然重要，他人的亲身体验更为宝贵！朋友，你也愿意来尝试体验信耶稣、得生命的美好滋味吗？

Revelation 21 1. vs 2 - the New Jerusalem as the bride of God 2. vs 9 - the church as the wife of the Lamb 3. vs 12 - Israel 4. vs 24 - the nations  

Rev 15:3 Sang the song of Moses - which celebrates the Power of redemption Sang the song of the Lamb - which celebrates the Person of the redeemer

The seven seals - natural disasters and conflicts of man - one quarter attacked and died  The seven trumpets - more intensed natural disasters - one third attached and died - satanic creatures torturing men Rev 8:13 Mark the spike in intensity of the 3 woes, which attack directly on men via torments and plagues (5th, 6th and 7th trumpet) The seven bowls - direct attacks on those who remain and worshipped the beast

Chronology of Events in the Judgment  Rev 14:18-20 - the beginning of the Great Tribulation Rev 16 - the 7 bowls judgment on the followers of the beast - i.e. the rest of the world Rev 17:1 - judgment on the vehicle of the beast - i.e. the great harlot , Roman Catholicism  Rev 18:2 - judgment on the commercial system of the beast - i.e. Babylon Rev 19:20 - judgment on the beast and the false prophet   Rev 20:2 - judgment on the devil, Satan

An exclamation after  completion of...  the first creation , God said "It is very good!" Gen 1:31 the redemption on the cross, the Lord cried "It is finished" Joh 19:30 the consummation of His plan, God said "It is done!" Rev 21:6

And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain , having seven horns and seven eyes , which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. (Rev 5:6) Seven horns - His omnipotence Seven eyes - His omniscience Seven Spirits - His omnipresence He is also known as  - the Lion of the tribe of Judah - the Root of David - the Lamb that was slain

Church in Smyrna (suffering) and Philadelphia (brotherly love), Rev 2 and 3 1. Poor and of little strength, that the power and glory of God may be displayed 2. Stood up against Satan and his lies 3. One went through tribulations (Symrna) but the other was spared (Philadelphia)  4. Both were given the crown of life

1. The way of Cain - who thought he could please God with his own righteousness - note: salvation cannot be by works 2. The error of Balaam - who thought that God can be manipulated through man's whims and fancies - note: God is not mocked, neither can He lie, He is faithful to His promises 3. The rebellion of Korah - who thought that God's leaders can be overthrown - note: submit to authorities, especially Christian leadership

This is a song which has touched me many years ago, and when listening to it recently, it touched my heart again. Touched by the very fact that even though i may feel ashamed to see my Lord on the day of judgment for the many mistakes and sins committed, yet His promise is that they will be forgiven and forgotten.  The Lord is indeed faithful and true. May He give grace to all who love His appearing, so that we can run our best in this last lap here and be able to stand before Him unashamed, giving account of all that what we've done! I really hope to hear those words coming out from His mouth, "Well done! Good and faithful servant!" Recently the Lord showed me 3 times the verse from 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith". I'm just wondering if I could say that when I see Him. Certainly, it's really my desire to be able to echo them on that great day. And let it not be mine alone, but also that of a...

This song is really fun! Recorded for Sunday School singing on 10 May 2020. First time using penal presentation. 

Another song recorded for Sunday School singing on 10 May 2020. First time trying out recording on different panels and using iMovie to put them together. It was really fun!

One of the songs recorded for Sunday School on 10 May 2020. Song written by  Joni Eareckson and it was used in Children's Corner many years ago. 

Glad to collaborate in this singing project with other kids, Sathvik, Praneeth and Rayner. 

Jude 1-2 (ESV)  To those who are called , beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:   May mercy , peace , and love be multiplied to you. 1. We're called by His mercy , not on our own merits 2. We're loved as beloved in God the Father  3. We're kept for Jesus Christ by His peace   Praise the Lord! 

2 John 10-11 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him, for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. Beware of these deceivers and antichrists 1. Receive not into the assembly 2. Greet not in agreement with them 3. Shares not in their evil deeds Rather, receive such: - those who went forth for His name's sake, taking nothing of the Gentiles  - love thr brethren and strangers 3 John 5-8

Christ is precious 1. To God, because He was chosen to be the Chief Cornerstone, though He was rejected by men (1Pet 2:4) 2. To the believers, because He shed His precious blood (1Pet 1:19, 2:7) The Christians are precious too, because of 1. Their genuine faith (1Pet 1:7) 2. Their faithfulness in living a holy life (1Pet 3:4, 2Pet 1:4)

What does it mean when Jesus says "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." Jn 14:14? Two criteria: 1. Ask according to His will (1Jn 5:14) 2. Do not ask amiss (for selfish reason) Jas 4:3

Passed from death to life! People of the world value 出生入死, but those who are of Christ value the fact that we have already 出死入生 in Him ! Christ as our Example  - He laid down His life (John 3:16)  - so that we who believe in Him can 出死入生 (Jn 5:24) Christians as imitators - love our brothers as an evidence to our 出死入生 (1Jn 3:14) and  - so that we can be willing to die for them (1Jn 3:16)

We can be like Jesus now, on earth!  2 Cor 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image (变成主的形状)  from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit if the Lord. We will be like Him in Heaven! 1 John 3:2 but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him , for we shall see Him as He is. To Be Like Jesus, To Be Like Jesus All I Ask To Be Like Him; All Through Life’s Journey From Earth To Glory All I Ask To Be Like Him; To Be Like Jesus, To Be Like Jesus All I Ask To Be Like Him; Not In A Measure But In Its Fullness All I Ask To Be Like Him. Praise the Lord! Let us walk worthy of this high calling in Him! 

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen. Substance - not based on empty, blind nor out of our imagination. It's God who spoke, promised and gave. The object of our faith is substantial.  Evidence - tried, tested, and proven by many who have lived. The results are repeatable, if only we're willing to try. Isn't this part and parcel of our scientific work? 1. Hypothesis using past evidence 2. Experimentation by exercising faith 3. Observation through our experience of God

Spiritual children bears spiritual characters We are called sons of Abraham when we exercise faith like him (Gal 3:7) We are also called daughters of Sarah when we practice submission like her (1 Peter 3:6) Let us follow exemplary characters and imitate them who walk in the footsteps of Christ! 

Bearing witness in Heaven The Trinity of the Persons - the Father - the Word, the Son - the Holy Spirit Bearing witness on earth The trinity of Jesus' works - His incarnation through the unique birth by the Holy Spirit - His baptism by water recived commendation of a pecfect life - His crucifixion on the cross for the forgiveness of sins through the shedding of His blood

What is the rebirth all about? Ye must be born again! Jn 3:7 Born of God in 1 John 1. The criteria - believes that Jesus is the Christ (5:1) 2. The characteristics - does not sin (3:9, 5:18) - loves (4:7) 3. The confidence from God - overcomes the world (5:4) - keeps himself from the flesh (5:18) - the wicked one does not touch him (5:18)

5 times mentioned in the NT, all by the apostle John. Each mention describes the unique attribute and role of God's precious and beloved Only Begotten Son , our Lord Jesus Christ.  John 1:14 It speaks of His humanity , the Word became flesh, displaying His moral glory, full of grace and truth John 1:18 It speaks of His deity , the invisible God, yet He appeared to declare to men who God the Father is John 3:16 It speaks of His redemption , given as a sin offering to the world, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but lives John 3:18 It speaks of His judgment , who will come as the Judge of this world, that whoever does not believe in Him will be condemned 1 John 4:9 This is a summary of the whole purpose of sending His Son, that we may understand and experience His love for us , for God is love, and hence we ought to love one another Therefore, God sent His Son as a  1. Manifestation of His love 1Jn 4:9 2. Propitiation for our sins 1Jn 4:10 3. Demonstration how we o...

The story of Another Father's Day... How deep the Father's love for us How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss The Lord God turns His face away As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel , and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. 1Pet 3:7 Different in composition (just like a metal vessel and a glass vessel are different)  - phisically - emotionally - spiritually, cos her desire is towards her husband Similar in position - heirs to the inheritance  - grace unto salvation

Corncening the world and the flesh 1. Flee fornication (1Cor 6:18) 2. Flee idolatry , which covetousness is a form Col 3:5 (1Cor 10:14) 3. Flee the love of money (1Tim 6:11) 4. Flee youthful lust (2Tim 2:22) Concerning the devil 5. Resist the devil and he will flee from you! (Jas 4:7, 1Pet 5:9)

The Lord Jesus Christ is called the 1. Saviour of the Body (Eph 5:23) - towards the church, the believers 2. Saviour of all men (1Tim 4:10) - towards all men, especially those who believe find Him precious  3. Saviour of the world (1Jn 4:14) - towards the universe, whoever is willing can be saved

1. Personal desire - There needs to be a personal desire (1Tim 3:1) 2. Men's recognition - Others can recognise his work and calling (Tit 1:5) 3. The Holy Spirits's appointment  - The Holy Spirit is the One who appoints (Act 20:28)

1. As a chastisement , with repentence in view 1 Cor 5:5 For the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit might be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 2. As a deterrence , with compliance in view 1Tim 1:20 ... whom I delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. 

Nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but work with labour and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have an authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. 2 The 3:8-9 Purpose of tent making 1. Not to be a financial burden for the believers 2. Set to be an example to all ministers to follow

Gal 3:26-28 anyone can be part of the adoption - one in Christ! Col 3:10-11 anyone can be part of the new creation - Christ is all and in all! There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:28-29 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Col 3:11

Phi 2:6 form of God (morphe) - His nature and essence Col 1:15 image of the invisible God (ikon) - His representation and expression Heb 1:3 express image of His Person (charaktar) - character and ethics 

1. The true meaning of circumcision (Col 2:11, Rom 6:3-4) - putting off (separating) the body of sins of the flesh 2. True meaning of baptism (Col 2:12) - death, burial and resurrection with Christ, completely  putting off the old man and putting on the new man

Christ as the Example Christ has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet Smelling Aroma. Eph 5:2 Christians as the imitators Therefore be imitators of God. Eph 5:1 ...having received from Epaphrotitus the things sent from you, a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. Phi 4:18 Praise the Lord! 

Paul addressing himself as 1. an apostle of Jesus Christ, through the will of God (9 times) - his calling   2. a bondservant (3 times) - his surrendering 3. a prisoner (3 times) Pilm 1:1, 9 - his suffering   There is an increase of humility and greater affinity to the Lord. Phillipians 3:10 illustrates all these titles - That I may know Him (as a bondslave for his master)  - And the power of His resurrection (as an apostle in his witnessing)  - And the fellowship of His suffering (as a prisoner in his chains) 

In the letter to the Ephesians, the church is described as 1. a building (Eph 2:21) - emphasis is on the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the Chief Corner Stone, and believers are added on 2. a body  (Eph 4:16) - emphasis is on the effective working together that brings about growth of everyone into the stature of Christ 3. a bride  (Eph 5:25) - emphasis is on His love, sacrifice, sanctification, cleansing and presentation of her as a glorious, spotless precious object before God How precious is the church to our Lord Jesus Christ! As much as the above are collective truth , we as an individual , need to be responsible and accountable for our actions in relation to the growth of the church, before the Judgment Seat of Christ .  1. Take heed how we build in this building (1Cor 3:9) 2. Take heed how we treat our brethren (Rom 14:10) in the Body of Christ 3. Take heed what we do in our body (2Cor 6:10) when we think of the Bride as the ob...

Ephesians 2:4-10 God's mercy is rich, His love is great!  Even when we were dead in our trespasses, He...  1. made us alive together with Christ 2. raised us up together 3. made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast...

The Natural Man in Eph 2:1-3  When we were dead in trespasses and sins, we walked...  1. according to the course of this world 2. according to the Prince of the power of the air 3. fulfilling the lust and desires of the flesh The Spiritual Man in Christ This is what he does... 1. love not the world (1Jn 2:15) 2. submit to God , resist the Devil and he will flee from you (Jas 4:7) 3. walk in the Spirit and do not fulfil the lust of the flesh (Gal 5:16) What a contrast! Dear believers, let us be aware not to backslide into our previous condition. But let's work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, for we were bought with a price. May we love Him, walk with Him and live unto Him for His good pleasure and eternal glory. Amen! 

Many a time we ask God, "What You want me to do for You?" But I realise that we've kind of missed the point. Do we covet the position more than the Person? Or the work more than our walk? Or to sacrifice more than simply obeying. To be put into any service, it's His perogative and His will, not ours. Therefore whatever work, service or position He puts us in, it should not affect our faithfulness and devotion for Him.  If we understand God's heart, we should be happy and to pursue the following to the fullest! 1. In the NT, we're first called to be saints , not servants. Sanctification 2. In the OT, the Nazirite vow (a voluntary one) is all about separation unto holiness and nothing to do with service. Separation 3. The presentation of our body as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1-2) that Paul talks about concerns our holy living as an offering to worship God. We are the sacrifice itself, not the act of sacrifice, hence there's no service involved too!  Holy ...

What are they? 1. Relationship with the Father through adoption vs 5 2. Redemption through the blood of the Son vs 7 3. Reservation of the inheritance through dealing of the Holy Spirit vs 13 Praise the Lord for the abundance of His grace through His predestination and choosing of His own! Division of this section in the Eph 1:3-14 To the praise of the glory of His grace - vs 3-6 adoption - vs 7-12 redemption - vs 13-14 inheritance 

The two months of Circuit Breaker not only gave us much time for family bonding, we also realized we had many undesirable qualities whenever we offended one another. Yet, as a family, we still loved and accepted one another’s faults and weaknesses; we still loved one another even when we were unlovely. This led us to think of the Lord Jesus Christ. John 15:13 - Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. But... we weren’t even His friends when He was on the cross. Romans 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. He has certainly paid a precious price for us. Thank you Abel for suggesting that we sing “No Greater Love” by Don Moen. The words really spoke to our hearts. ❤️

1. Paul is a debtor to the Gentiles in preaching the gospel to them Rom 1:14 2. Believers are debtors to God and not to the flesh Rom 8:12 3. Gentiles are debtors to the Jews for whom the gospel forts came Rom 14:27

Definition of sin 1. Disobeying the law (lawlessness) 1Jn 3:4 2. Unrighteousness 1Jn 5:17 3. Missing the mark and failing to do what we're supposed to do Rom 3:23 Failure to do what we are supposed to do is also a sin! 1. Exercise faith Rom 14:23 2. Do good Jam 4:17 3. Praying for others 1Sam 12:23

Giving account for... 1. How we have treated our brethren (Rom 14:10) 2. How we have contributed to God's building , the church (1Cor 3:13) 3. What we have done in our body (2Cor 5:10) Let us be press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phi 3:14

God's creation is a witness Rom 1:20  神给我们理性来明白世界有个创造者 Our conscience is a witness Rom 2:15 神给我们悟性来认识对于错、善与恶 The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God Rom 8:16 神给我们灵性来认识祂，与圣灵同正

Rom 3:25-26 God is righteous to judge because we have all fallen short of His glory and sinned God is also righteous to pass over our sins because of His redemption through Christ and the propitiation by His blood

- Justified by His blood Rom 5:9 - Coming of His Person 1The 1:10 - Hath not appointed us unto wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ 1 The 5:9

Rom 6:9-10 1. Christ raised from the dead and died no more, unlike the others like Lazarus 2. He died to sin once and for all 3. He lives to God forevermore  Indeed, His life of resurrection is an example for us to emulate! To die to sin and to live for God. Amen! 

1. God the Father raised Him (Rom 6:4, Gal 1:1) 2. The Son has the power to lay it down and power to take it again (John 10:18, John 2:19) 3. The Holy Spirit raised Him from the dead (Rom 8:11, 1Pet 3:18)

Rom 9 - God's sovereignty in choosing Israel for His purpose Rom 10 - God's mercy in extending salvation to all nations through Israel Rom 11 - God's mercy in preserving the remnant and saving Israel despite their failure

Luke 21:24, Rom 11:25 1. Gracious waiting for as many Gentiles to believe before condemnation (that whoever believers in Him should not perish)  2. Merciful waiting for the Israelites to repent before the great wrath (for all believing Israel will be delivered) 

1. The armour of light (Rom 13:12) is to combat the flesh 2. The armour of righteousness (2Cor 6:7) is to combat the world 3. The armour of God (Eph 6:13) is to combat the Devil

1. Authorities in the country (Rom 13:1-2) 2. Elders in the assembly  (Heb 13:17) 3. Husband in the family (Eph 5:23) But when these leadership go against God, then we ought to obey God rather than men . Acts 5:29

1. Privileged to be chosen by God to receive His oracles 2. But not all Israel (naturally descendent) are of Israel (only those believing and are spiritually born) Rom 9:6 3. Paul's prayer is that many of the Israelites will be saved. Rom 10:1 4. At the end of the day, the believing Israelites will be delivered from wrath unto the millennium kingdom. Rom 11:26

We should obey God rather than man - when the authorities disobeyed God - when the authorities have no integrity: they asked for the blood of the Lord Jesus to be on them and their children but yet they denied it now - when the authorities actually murdered their Messiah

The power from the Holy Spirit - healing - believing - scared to join them (selfish, may get into trouble) 

What we feel when we read this passage? 1. Fear of God's wrath 2. God takes sin very seriously 3. Scared because the punishment is great 4. God knows all our thoughts 

Acts 4:32-37 Evidence of the “great power” of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: 1) they were of one heart and one soul 2) they had all things in common 3) the apostles gave witness  4) Barnabas gave encouragement  5) the people gave their possessions 

野地的花 Flowers of the Field (Mat 6:25-34) 野地的花 (马太福音 6:25-34) 野地的花，穿着美丽的衣裳， 天空的鸟儿，从来不为生活忙。 慈爱的天父，天天都看顾， 祂更爱世人，为他们预备永生的路。 一切需要，天父已经都知道， 若心中烦恼，让祂为你除掉。 慈爱的天父，天天都看顾， 祂是全能的主，信靠祂的人真是有福。

Fews nights of heavy thunderstorms last week sent our little girl into our room to co-sleep with us for a couple of nights. This was not unusual with our boys too when they were at her age. Today we share with you a psalm we taught our kids. We pray they will always remember the Lord is their Shepherd. He knows their every need, cares for every pain they feel, and promises to deliver from every trial. Yes, this time we progressed a bit and tried singing in Cantonese. 在这段非常时期，希望这首歌《耶和华是爱》能带给大家平安与鼓励！因为我们的主深知我们的所需，关心我们的痛楚，并且会带领我们度过一切难关！ May this song bring peace and comfort during this time of uncertainty, for our Lord knows our needs, feels our pain and leads us out of every trial. 1:12  /  5:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

A paper cutting activity and John 3:16 剪纸活动