無神論的基督徒？

本年粵語堂的講道系列名為 “無神論的基督徒？- 約翰壹書系列” (the Chinese sermon title is largely inspired by Craig Groeschel's book - Christian Atheist)，主要探討一個普遍現象，很多自認為基督徒的人，卻活像沒有神存在一樣。透過約翰壹書，上帝要幫助屬祂的人成為真實的基督徒，榮耀祂的聖名。

Feeling God's leading in an intimate way (Day 8 & 9)

During this 2nd weekend, I've been feeling great, and have become more and more sensitive to God's leading. Like this morning, as I was praying and reading the Scripture in the very early morning, I have found some treasure - the resurrected Christ commanded the disciples to "receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22b). On this Easter Day, I suddenly realized that the resurrected Christ has in store for each and every one of His followers that they be filled with the Holy Spirit!

When I was driving to church, that verse together with the idea of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and revival have been in my mind. I felt compelled to share that in today's service (even though it's a special Thanksgiving & Testimony Service). Therefore after many testimonies, I boldly as a pastor, rose and did a bit of "wrap up" and pointed out that a powerful Christian witness & life has its root and rests entirely upon the filling and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, whom the risen Christ has promised.

Then I went on (after a few minutes of sharing only) to make an altar to those who would like to live a victorious life and be a more effective Christian witness in their life. At least 12 people responded and we prayed after the service. In particular, I laid hand on each of them, praying specifically as God led me and I asked the Holy Spirit to fill them and to rule their heart and life. These 12 people are made up of some students, housewives, & businessmen etc. This is really an interesting mix (namely, Archer, 表弟, Jane, Terence, Tony, Kevin, David, Kalvin, Tin Lok, Dannie, Stephen, and Malcolm who left earlier). I am so sure it's God's leading and I just learned to be responsive. Glory to God!

A wonderful choir @ PAC

Traditional Chinese churches still like the idea of a choir which will regularly present songs at Sunday worship service. We are no exceptions. Our choir has grown gradually over the years under the leadership of Pauline Yick. A soprano herself, Pauline is very determined to raising up and training people who offer musical items to God.

At the moment, we have some 20+ people who comprise the choir, many of whom are students. Below are some pics at the last song offering this year, with Pauline officially and publicly thanked before they offered the last song.

Listening and responding to God

Recently I was preaching in our church English's service on hearing and responding to God. I didn't plan for it, but the song leader that day chose the song: Potter's Hands, which I think perfectly fits my theme.

Find the lyrics and song below. Be blessed as you endeavour to listen and respond to Him.

Let's pray for 12/4 (Day 32-34)

Out of the "journey", an urge to see the lost souls claimed and returned to Christ is increasing. I don't see revival as an end result. It's a complete turnaround for everything we've been doing. I believe revival will not only bring about inner spiritual change, but because of closer walk with God, we will want to reach out to the lost and bring them to Christ.

Therefore, I've challenged the congregation to pray and bring in their friends and families to Christ when we have the Easter Sunday service on 12/4. For that purpose, the Sunday service will be rather different from conventional service, with testimonies, short skit, and a brief sermon, followed by lunch. Each group/fellowship is asked to pray and lead 5 NEW people to the service that day. 

Revival is not for the faint-hearted, it's something stretching us for God's glory!

7:50pm at Riverside Drive (Day 18)

 

These are the pics taken at around 7:50pm on the riverside drive. It's the sky just over the Swan River. Nice? Aren't they?

 

I took these photos while I was walking alone, feeling that I am in great need of God's presence. Earlier, I had an extraordinary experience in the service today. I have never felt God so close while I preached. I have never felt so convicted and passionate about what I was saying, because it really seems that God "spoke" through me. He gave courage to me so that I could pour out my heart without any reserve! 

I've witnessed God calling almost 1/4 of the congregation to come forth to confess and repent of their sins, and saying that they need God, and seek for God's revival to their life, family and the church. Truly, I've never seen such a power from God through my ministry. Glory to God!

講道時的衣著

最近不斷反省，究竟點樣的衣著係最適合？

1. 打tie + 西褲 + 恤衫係咪一個must？會眾見到牧者著得formal，係咪容易D投入崇拜？慕道朋友又會點睇？
2. Less formal (eg 恤衫或有領T-shirt + 西褲或斜褲) 的衣著又點？慕道朋及青年人會唔會感到舒服D？但這會否令中年會友跌倒？

保羅講的自由 (林前9章) 真係好難完全掌握，究竟 "one size fits all" 的觀念能在教會中應用嗎?這個仍在思想中。

各位，有乜高見？

佈道年3、4、5月的講道配合

教會今年係佈道年，為配合這主題，將在講壇事奉上定下3個sub-主題﹕

1. 以愛結連 - 3月
   
2. 發掘恩賜 - 4月
   
3. 齊齊出動 - 5月
   

這3個sub-主題唔係講下而已，因為最重要的不單是主日齋講；我地為幫助弟兄姊妹在小組中能有反省、回應及深化的機會，小組 (先從青年團契開始) 的活動及教導會在相關的月份積極配合。再者，更希望在不久的將來透過online forum俾弟兄姊妹交流及comment一下，以助平時互動的機會。

請賜教 ... 請代禱！