The Anticipation

Introduction

Many of us experienced times when you really longing to see someone could come into your help when you are in trouble. Or you wished that something would happen in order to change your situation from chaos into calm and pleasing scene. But what happen if all your anticipation eventually being denied and even ended up worse than before?

I remember many years ago when I was voluntary helping a drug rehab centre by providing bible studies, prayers and pastoral helps. Knowing that we are not experts, the board of directors decided to employ someone who had successfully gone through the rehabilitation process to look after the 10 to 15 inmates. At the beginning, we found the person employed was doing quite well. However, when times go by, we realised something wrong somewhere. Eventually we tried to confront him and unfortunately failed. He not only left the centre, but brought the whole group of people went against us and started his own ministry. He really disappointed us as we held high expectation from him.

Another similar case happened about the same time when I wanted to go full force for mission. I prepared and arranged an assistant minister to take over. After two years of his taking over, we were so disappointed to see the church goers drop to less than half of the origin.

The passage we read today talks about John the Baptist sent his disciples to query whether Jesus was the Messiah promised. As a forerunner of Christ and a preacher of the coming of God’s kingdom, he was expecting to see not only people repent and turned to God, he could have also expected the arrival of God’s kingdom as many people did. However, the reality was that though many turned their evil ways and repent, yet there were so many things that beyond his control as though God was somehow absent from the scene. John was imprisoned. The queen wanted to kill him.

1. John the Baptist doubted about the Kingdom of God

As I preached last Sunday, John the Baptist was the forerunner of Christ. He preached the message of repentance as the Kingdom of God is at hand. His repentance message was not only for ordinary people only. He preached the same message in the palace too but of course the outcome was disastrous. He rebuked King Harold of committed adultery as he married to his sister-in-law Herodias. The price of such preaching was his life - John was beheaded at last. Imagine yourself preaching that the Kingdom of God is at hand and yet there is no sign of any presence of God. John’s doubts were understandable. If God’s kingdom is at hand, there must have something happened. May be God would send some angels to get John out of prison at least. The best perhaps would be God sending his army from heaven to overthrow Harold’s kingship, or send fire from heaven to burn all enemies to ashes as Elijah witnessed once. But nothing of this kind happened, not even till John was beheaded. What a lesson of longsuffering!

2. John the Baptist doubted the righteousness of God

“The righteous suffers” is one of the widely discussed and debated topics in human’s philosophy and theology. Psalms 34:19 - The righteous person may have many troubles, …Job was a righteous person. Yet he suffered from losing possessions initially and then his 7 children’s lives. Later, Job suffered also physically with skin disease that no ordinary person able to bear. Many of the Old Testament prophets were persecuted even to death. “If God is righteous, why does he allow all these to happen? If God is good, why does he allow wars, famine, sickness and all sorts of things to take place?” are questions asked all the time.

3. John the Baptist doubted the Person of Christ

John’s baptism introduced Jesus as Christ and Lamb of God before. But he was imprisoned, he started to doubt Jesus. He sent his disciples and asked Jesus “Are you the one is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Obviously John doubted Jesus’ deity as the Christ sent by God. What a serious contradiction with what he preached and what he believed. Many a times we preach on one thing and believe in another. Preaching with words is far more easier than preaching by our souls.

4. Jesus’ responds to John

By God’s grace, Jesus did not rebuke John of his disbelief. Instead Jesus affirmed John by encouraging him to think of the great things he performed: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. (Matt 11:5).

That is to say, Jesus is alive. He is the God who performs miracles all the time. Many a times we find difficult to tell others who Jesus is, but no one can dispute how Jesus had blessed you! This is the testimonies we can share with our friends. Of course your testimonies must be true and match with your repentance.

Conclusion

a. The righteous suffers because we share not only the life in Christ, we also share his sufferings.

Phil 1:29 - For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him…

b. Suffering is part of life for us to grow in our faith.

James 1: 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

c. Suffering proves the genuineness of our faith.

1 Peter 1: 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.

d. Suffering helps us to yearn for future glory yet to come.

Rom 8: 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Let us press on with the promise of Christ to be with us forever till He returned.

Do not leave out the second part of Psalms 34:19 - The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all…

The Kingdom is at Hand

Introduction

Again I want to mention this: the seasons of Advent is to remind us the comings of Christ. About 2000 years ago, Christ came as a baby in a manger. As He had promised, one day he will return to be our King forever. Jesus’ first coming was to fulfil the promises God swore to Abraham: God will make Abraham a great nation and all nations shall be blessed through him. (Gen 12:1-3). Through Jesus, people from all nations can become children of Abraham. As Paul said in Galatians 3:7 - Understand, then, that those who have faith (in Christ) are children of Abraham.

In the Old Testament time, the children of God rebelled against God by worshiping idols, committed adultery, involving in sorceries and occultisms, not acted righteousness, no justice and mercy…God sent diseases, natural disasters and invasions from other nations to punish His rebellious children. But before these punishments arrived, God always send prophets to rebuke His people and calling them to repent and live. For instance, the prophet Jeremiah rebuked the officials and all the people by saying: “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the LORD your God. Then the LORD will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you…” (Jer 26:12-13)

In Jesus’ time, there were not much changes compare to the time in the OT. People continue to sin against God. John the Baptist was sent by God to challenge the people to repent and believe in the good news of God.

1. John the Baptist called out for repentance

His call was urgent for the Kingdom of God is near. There is no time for relaxation. There is not time for half-heartedness. There is not time for looking for alternatives. When the Kingdom comes, the judgement comes also. In John’s terms, the axe is lying at the roots of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Matt 3:10)

2. John the Baptist reminded that each person is to bear his own responsibility

John reminded the people: “do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham…” (Matt 3:9). The religious people thought that they have been observing all sorts of traditions and were very proud on them. They were confident not on God but on things they have done. They had not faith on God but on their performances. But God wants obedience more than sacrifices. As Samuel rebuke King Saul: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.” (1 Sam 15:22-23).

In John’s words, even if there is no one obey the Lord, God will able to raise his obedient people from stones.

3. John the Baptist urged people for the baptism of repentance

John’s baptism was called the baptism of repentance. This call for repentance is the open door for the baptism to come, the baptism of Christ, the baptism with the Spirit and fire. True repentance is not for outward show off but inner purification by the Spirit of God. True repentance always comes with holiness and fruit of the Spirit.

Paul warned people of his time that the acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft (astrology, fengshui etc); hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. (Gal 5:19-21) He further warned that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Gal 5:22-23)

4. John the Baptist knew that he was the forerunner of Christ

John’s words about he as the forerunner of Christ were mentioned at least 7 times in the NT:

Matt 3:11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Mark 1:7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

Luke 3:16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

John 1:26-27 I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’

Acts 13:25 John was completing his work, he said: ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’

Conclusion

John message was clear: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” It warns us “repentance” is the doorway to salvation just as John was the forerunner of Christ. I know many people would say God is love and will never condemn people to hell. But if we are honest to the whole biblical truth, we know the Day of Judgement will come and the hell of fire is real. Do not be deceived by the devil. Some of such deceptions are:

Death is beautiful. There is not suffering after all. God is all about love, he will not judge. Who cares if there is a world after life. Eat, drink, be happy and be merry. Just a little bit of this and that would be alright, God will not bother anyway….

Repent! For the Kingdom of God is near!

When Christ Returns

Introduction

Advent Sunday is to remind us the coming of Christ. When Christ came for the first time, he came in a humble way. He was born in a manger as a baby who needs protection from the parents when King Harold wanted to get rid of him. He came to his own world but his people did not recognise him and eventually crucified him on the cross. Christ died and was buried but on the third day he rose from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in his glory one day. And His second coming would not be the same as the first. We are therefore need to be aware of His second coming as He will come to judge the living and the dead.

1. The Signs of His second coming

Before Christ returned, there will be signs.

Jesus disciples asked what will be the sign of His coming, and of the end of the age. Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matt 24:3-14 NKJV)

These are the signs:

- deceptions: rising of false prophets, cults, fake Christ…(v5, 11)

- wars: rising of wars and rumours of wars…(v6-7a)

- natural disasters: earthquake, famines, pestilences…(v7b)

- immorality: betrayal, hatred, lawlessness, …(v9, 10, 12a)

- spiritual condition worsened: love grow cold (v12b)

- Mission accomplished: gospel preached in all the world (v14)

2. Reasons of Christ’s returned

a. Christ is to judge the living and the dead

So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matt 19:28 NKJV)

In John’s vision:

11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. (Rev 20:11-15 NKJV)

b. Christ is to create a new heaven and earth for us.

Again in John’s vision,

1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Rev 21:1-4 NKJV)

Conclusion

Let us be alert of things that happening around us.

Serve the Lord whole heartedly as Paul urged: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor 15:58 NKJV)

May our Lord praise us and say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' (Matt 25:21 NKJV)

End Time Mission

Introduction

November is set aside as a month of mission and evangelism. Few years back, the Sydney Diocese has some emphases on mission and evangelism targeting to raise Sydney Anglicans by 10% in few years time. Some of you might be aware that Mission Areas were set up to cater for mission implementations. St Mark is placed in the Mission Area of Parramatta. For the past 2 years, as we do not have a rector and therefore did not involve much in the program. However, it is never too late to start doing something now and pick up.

Church growth is not impossible with God’s help. After the Lambeth Conference in 1998, the Anglican Church of Nigeria began to launch evangelism and mission by creating 10 dioceses. 10 years later, in the 14th Lambeth Conference, it was reported that the Church of Nigeria has 25 millions Anglicans (17.86 % of the total population of 140 million), and became the second-largest province in the Anglican Communion, as measured by baptized membership, after the Church of England.

The Church of the Province of Uganda (or Church of Uganda) has thirty-one dioceses. As of the 2002 Census, 8,782,821 Ugandans (35.9% of the population) consider themselves affiliated with the Anglican Church.

These African Churches set targets and strategies in reaching out the unchurched people and we have a lot of things to learn from them.

The gospel passage today is about the end time signs when Jesus returns. Before the end time comes, let us grasp every opportunity to reach out our friends and relatives. Some of you may ask why should we involve mission and evangelism?

1. The Promises

Before Jesus was crucified, raised from the dead and ascended to heaven, he promised that he will return one day to receive his people. Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. “(John 14:3)

When Jesus returns, he will place us by his side and reign the world with him for a thousand years. (Rev 20: 4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.)

Afterward, we shall inherit eternity in the new heaven and new earth. (Rev 21: 1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”)

2. What is our mission then?

a. Mission is about fulfilling Christ’s commands. As Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Jesus’ mission is to save the lost souls.

“For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) ““My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34)

We are charged to go and not to wait for people to come to church. We are charged to make disciples of all nations and baptise them. We are charged to teach the people God’s word. And Jesus promised to be with us forever.

b. Mission is about meeting people’s needs.

“And Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease and all manner of sickness. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:35-36)

Jesus went about all the places. He taught in synagogues. He preached the gospel of the kingdom. He healed all manner of disease and sickness. He was moved with compassion because they were distressed and scattered as sheep without a shepherd.

c. Mission is about saving souls from the fire of hell.

Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, even the lake of fire. 15 And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.

This is about the second death in the lake of fire. The biblical truth is – if we born once, we will die twice; if we born twice, we will die once. That is to say, all who born naturally will face this second death as described in Rev 20:14. But for those who received the second birth spiritually as described in John 3:3 (Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.), will not face the second death. The second death is the judgement of works while salvation is free gift of God. We are saved by grace and grace alone. Works has no part in God’s salvation. At the end time, God will receive those who acknowledge Christ’s salvation. As Jesus said, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” (Matt 10:32) Rom 3:24 - and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Whoever rejects Christ will be judged by their works. And of course we know that there is not a single person is able to stand before God and say, “I am worthy of your salvation.” Rom 3:23 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Rom 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. We know that there are some good people out there. But all their good deeds is far beyond the standard of God. No good deed is able to save a person. Everybody needs Christ!

Conclusion

I challenge you to join our mission training on 27th Nov. I will give training on how to do evangelism and later on will lead the parishioners to do door to door evangelism. I remember during the past 7 years serving at a Chinese church, I set up teams to do door to door evangelism. We managed to visit 500 people and brought more than 300 people to Christ. Some of these new converts are now involving in mission and evangelism and even became evangelists. In our areas (Parramatta, Granville, Auburn, Merrylands, Guildford etc) there are 50,000 residents. If we are able to reach 1% of them, that is 500 people. If the successful rate is 10%, that is 50 people. If we are able to retain 40 new comers, we will have the church full of people just in few years time.

This is only about the local mission. We need to think about the world mission too. Don’t just give a few dollars to mission organisations and satisfied. Let us walk out from the four walls of the church, walk out of Granville, walk out from Sydney and Australia and reach out to the people all over the world. Let us pray for church growth and offering our parts in mission and evangelism. Let us respond to God as Isaiah did - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” (Isa 6:8)

Be Saints in Christ

Introduction

Many years ago a couple came for prayers. The wife complained about her husband’s dishonesty in their marriage. I started to counsel them and eventually found that the root cause of all these ordeals began with the love of money. The husband was a young business man who always dreams to be a millionaire. His target was to earn a million dollars in order to secure the future of a family of three. Fortunately and unfortunately, his dream came to reality in just a few years. Fortunate because he became a millionaire just at his thirties. Unfortunate because in his mind a new plan began to take place. He thought it was after all not that difficult to get a million dollars, why not get another million since he was still young. Forgetting what he had promised to his wife and daughter, he began going all out again. This time, he expanded his business overseas. I do not need to tell you the rest of the story. His wife began to worry and eventually furious as she found things were getting out of hand. At few desperate moments, she almost took her life and her daughter’s.

What has gone wrong? Is money seeking wrong? Can we dream to be rich?

Another story was told about a company manager was sent for a business trip overseas. After those daily business dealings, people are invited to join for beers and nightlife activities to entertain customers. This man being a strong Christian decided not to join the crowd but stay in the hotel to have his own quiet time. To his colleagues, he seemed to be isolated, like a dull dissocialised lone ranger. To himself, he had great struggle whether to stand alone to please the Lord he serves or to please his boss and colleagues by joining them in their worldly activities. After the business trip, he was called into his boss’ office one day. When the boss handed him an envelope, he thought this time would be the end of his career. To his surprise, he found in the envelope a promotion letter from the boss. Asking why, the boss praised him for his strong will to stand alone even in such difficult and pressurised situation.

The above two stories had similar plots where the two persons involved, had chances to get rich and popular. The first one seemed to get them but eventually almost lost his family. The second one seemed to lose his job and friendship yet eventually gained respect from the boss and others. What a life paradox we can learn from here.

Today gospel reading sounds similar with Matthew 5 – 7. We generally called Matthew 5:1-10 the beatitude of Christ. It is all about the attitude that God wants us to have towards things and issues of the world we are in. It is all about the right attitude of those who are called blessed.

1. Some observations

As recorded in the earlier part of Luke 6, when Jesus had called his disciples, great multitude of people from all over the places came to him. Jesus performed miracles of healing and deliverance and many people got healed. Jesus did not stop there but continue to challenge those who truly wanted to follow him.

The words of Jesus seem stark and inexplicable when one first reads them. "Blessed are you who are poor. Blessed are you who hunger now. Blessed are you who weep now. Blessed are you when men hate you." And, "Woe to you who are rich. Woe to you who are well fed now. Woe to you who laugh now. Woe too when all men speak well of you."

The words seem stark and inexplicable, because they seem at first to contradict common sense. Who would willingly choose the "blessed" circumstances of poverty, hunger, weeping, persecution and hatred? What’s wrong with people who are rich and well fed? Why can’t people have laughter and be well spoken of?

2. What are the lessons?

To understand Jesus’ words, we need to realize that he was not trying to show the contrasts between two sets of circumstances, but between ways people react to life in this world. The contrast is between the saints and other people, and what gives meaning to each group. We can state the two principles that Jesus communicates quite simply: The saints understand that nothing in this world can satisfy them but are happy anyway. Other people are satisfied with what this world has to offer but are always miserable.

We know, for example, that there is nothing wrong with riches. As Paul said, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Tim. 6:17-19 NIV).

That is to say Paul acknowledged there were rich people among the saints and he charged them with right attitude and manner of how shall they use their wealth for the welfare of the church and the body of Christ. So Jesus was not condemning wealth when He pronounced woe on the rich. It is a love of money which is a root of every evil, not money itself. 1 Tim. 6:10 reminds us -- For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grieves.” In desiring wealth, in fixing one's heart on money, a person opens himself up to temptation and calamity.

Conclusion

Today, as we celebrate All Saints Day, may God help us to understand what it means to be saint and the applications in our daily living. The term “saints” was first mentioned in Matthew 27:52 and only time in the 4 gospel, connecting with the resurrection of Jesus, “and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints that had fallen asleep were raised.” (ASV). The term here is believed referring the OT saints of God.

Followed on, “saints” were mentioned 3 times in Acts chapter 9 and 1 time in Act chapter 26 and they all referred to the followers of Jesus in general. Paul used the term “saints” for more than 40 times in his letters where 9 times in Romans and Ephesians respectively. And all of them referred to the faithful including you and me as Paul said we are no more strangers and sojourners, but we are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God (cf. Eph 2:19) and one day Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (cf. 2 Thess 1:10).

The term “saints” and its variations come from ἅγιος (hagios). It can be used to denote people or objects set apart by God. Whatever or whoever being set apart by God with specific purposes is called holy and respected not because of the quality of the person or the object. For instance, when the priest or prophet is set apart, it is God who did all of it and has nothing to do with the merit of the person. Similarly, when a temple, an altar or anything used for worship is being set apart, it has nothing to do with the quality of the building or object.

By saying this, we do not mean the quality of people or object being set apart is not important. For the term ἅγιος (hagios) also carries the quality of character building. In such a case, it means holiness or sanctification. For instance God said to his people, be holy (ἅγιοι) because I am holy (ἅγιος) (Lev 19:2; 1Pet 1:16).

Let us first of all know that we are all saints, separated from the world and consecrated to God. This is what we called positional holiness. Secondly, we must be holy as God is holy. This is practical or personal holiness which is a gradual process towards perfection. The third aspect of holiness is the future perfection yet to come. It will only be happened when we see Christ face to face where we would be totally sanctified.

In short, the positional holiness is all about our faith in Christ while the personal holiness is about love towards God and others where perfect holiness is our hope eternally.

So, it is nothing wrong to be rich. It is only wrong when we think that money is everything and forget others including God himself. It does not matter whether we are rich or poor. The matter is how can we be effective saints of Christ in this world. It does not matter how people look at us. The matter is how are we reacting to people’s criticism and even persecution for Christ’s sake.

May God help us to fulfil his purpose for us in his own ways and his own terms. Amen.

All About Our Faith (Luke 18:15-30)

All About Our Faith

Introduction

A story was told of a farmer who found a hand-like fossil in his field one day. The fossil was like a human fist holding to certain thing tightly. Not knowing what to do with it, he treated it as a decoration and placed it on a table in his living room. One day his wife accidentally broke the fossil and found something sparkling had been hiding inside. With a closer look, she realized there were a handful of ruby and diamond like jewels spread on the floor. With this discovery, they tried to figure out what could have happened right at that place hundreds perhaps thousands years ago. It could perhaps a volcano was erupted and people tried to run for their life. This fossil had shown perhaps a rich man who grasped a handful of precious stones while trying to escape from the natural disaster. Unfortunately he could not make it. He was buried by the volcano lava with the jewels still in his hand. He died with what he grasps. His soul and spirit has gone leaving these precious stones behind so also his physical body. This remind us what Jesus said, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” (Luke 9:25) Today gospel passages are about Jesus welcoming children and the rich man who enquired about eternal life. It was about the contrary between being welcomed into God’s kingdom and trying to get into it.

1. Some observations

In fact most part of Luke 18 talks about prayer. Here we have 4 stories all together.

a. Vs 1-8 is the parable of a persistent widow who kept on begging the judge to deal with her enemy. Here Jesus used contrast in a parable about prayer. He told of a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. (Luke 18:2) A widow appealed to him to deal with her enemy. The judge had the authority and the responsibility, but he would not act. The widow did not give up however. Instead she kept on begging up to a point beyond the judge’s ability to stand anymore. Finally, in exasperation, the judge decided to settle the widow's case. He still didn't care. It was only because she bothered him so much and in order to get rid of such irritation, he finally acted.

b. Vs 9-14 is a parable of the prayers of a Pharisee and a tax-collector. Here Jesus speaks of the self-righteous Pharisee who prays with fake confidence. No doubt the Pharisee did pray. He came to God however only saw himself and for himself. His vision was cluttered and muddled with the show off things he did and did not do. Due to his self-satisfied and self-righteous, he saw neither God nor his own heart clearly. He prayed not to God but about himself. In the contrary, there was also a tax collector, too ashamed to even raise his eyes to heaven. This man came humbling himself before God and found forgiveness. And Jesus said, "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14).

c. Vs 15-17 demonstrated in real life terms how the humble inherits the kingdom of God. Jesus said, "Let the little children come, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Luke 18:15-17). To the adults, including Jesus’ disciples, they thought children have nothing to do with the kingdom of God. But to Jesus, we must be child-like (not childish) in order to inherit God's kingdom. That‘s the simple faith we need! Follow on was a typical example of how complication in our life would jeopardise and endanger our faith in God.

d. Vs18-30 tells of a rich man enquired about how to inherit eternal life. To the children and childlike people, Jesus welcomes and receives them into his kingdom. For people like that rich man, pleaded and begged the possibility of getting in. What’s wrong? This wealthy ruler in Israel wanted to do something in order to inherit the kingdom of heaven. That was the ever biggest mistake we must get away from. The fact is no one ever can do anything to inherit God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom is by invitation just as Jesus invited the children. Jesus listed the commandments that govern relationships between men (Luke 18:20), and heard the ruler claim to have "carefully observed" them from youth. Then, with a single stroke, Jesus revealed the block that kept this man from faith. And Jesus challenged him, "Sell all that you possess . . . and come follow Me" (Luke 18:22). This was no condemnation of riches, nor was it a general command to all disciples. It was a skilled surgeon's competent stroke revealing a cancer. God spoke to the man: "Sell all; follow Me." Which one is easier? Observe the laws or sell all? And the man went away! He went away sad, for he was rich. He chose his wealth over his God!

2. What are the lessons?

a. From the story of the widow who pleaded the judge, we learned to be persevering in our prayer. Sometimes we pray, and when no quick answer comes we thought that God isn't listening. We easily became discouraged and eventually stop praying, feeling that He doesn't hear or care. Or perhaps we have done something wrong to prevent an answer from God. But Jesus wants us to learn to put our trust in Him totally. We may not see immediately what He is doing and what He will do, but we can trust the Lord. Faith, then, is a central element in prayer. Faith moves us to persevere, not desperately, but with confidence in Him. For faith lets us look beyond our circumstances and fix our eyes on the Father who cares.

b. From the story about the Pharisee and tax-collector, we learned to be humble in approaching God. Self-righteousness is one of the worse sins that cut us off from God. The self-righteous trust in himself and does not believe in God’s love and forgiveness. Only faith, a faith that lets us see God, frees us to discover our real selves which need God’s love and forgiveness. The self-righteous would try to hide their sins from God and even from himself. Only the humble will fall on his knees and see with faith God’s love and forgiveness. Similarly, like little children, we must each take our place before God, looking up and see a Father's face of love. And then, in a timeless portrait of what it means to trust, we may reach out, to take the Father's offered hand and opened arms. The rich man who has been observing the laws from young still asking and wanted to know how to inherit eternal life while the little children were already resting at Jesus’ bosom. What a contrary? As the man went sadly away, Jesus remarked to His disciples that it is hard for a man with riches to enter the kingdom (Luke 18:24). Why? Because such men tend to misplace their hearts and their faith. With God set aside in one's life, a person seeks something else to have confidence in—good works, morality, respectability, even adherence to orthodoxy. Yet so many of our lives are empty today of Jesus' new life because we fail to admit that God is not our priority. That our ground of confidence has drifted, and shifted to become something other than Him. The disciples were amazed and asked who then could be saved? (Luke 18:26). The answer is never as clear as this: only those who look to God for what they themselves can never do. Salvation, impossible with men, is like all things, possible for God (Luke 18:27). Let us fix our faith in God. He alone can do the impossible.

Conclusion

a. First and foremost, God is the solid subject of our faith. "Faith" is not just a subjective phenomenon: it is not something simply inside us, whose reality is measured by how "strongly" we believe. Faith must have an object. And faith is only as solid as that object; only as valid as the thing we put our confidence and trust in. If you put your faith in money, your limitation will not supersede what money can do for you. If your faith is all about worldly position and prestige, you know the end result. Let us rest our faith in God and God alone.

b. Secondly, right manner and right attitudes are essential in our prayer to God. If we do not humble ourselves, God will humble us. Let us learn to pray like the persistent widow pleaded the judge to do her a favour yet be humble. God surely hears our prayers whether our prayers are right or not. If our prayers are right, God will answer rightly. If our prayers are wrong, God will answer accordingly. For instance, if we are too proud, God will answer our prayers by humbling us. If we have no patience, God will certainly delay in answering our prayers so that we will be more patience.

In response to the theme today, I challenge you to join me in prayer. As mentioned sometimes ago, I have set every Saturday morning 6.30 to 7.30 for prayer at the church. This coming Saturday, we are going to do things a bit different. We will do prayer walk. That’s mean we will walk around the town and say prayers accordingly. You are welcome to join me. For those who think morning is a problem, I have set another time for you, that is every Wednesday 12.00 noon except the first Wednesday where we have Noontide Eucharist. If you think noon time is not convenient too, Wednesday evening 8pm should be a good one. You see, we are going to have 3 prayer time slots for your choice. If you cannot come to any of these, don’t be down hearted. You can always pray wherever you are.

c. Thirdly, we need to pray specifically. I would like you to concentrate on praying for the lost souls and unchurched people. They could be your family, your friends, your neighbours, even strangers. Pray for the Mandarin service to be launched on 14 Nov. Pray for other ministries and ministries yet to come as well. Please help by filling up a prayer request form so that we know what to pray for. Prayer is not just important. Prayer is essential.

The Spirit of Thankfulness

Luke 17:11-19

¹¹Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus travelled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. ¹²As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance ¹³and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" ¹⁴When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. ¹⁵One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. ¹⁶He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. ¹⁷Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? ¹⁸Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" ¹⁹Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." (NIV)

Introduction

Imagine one day on your way to the market a beggar came to ask you for money. Out of your compassion and kindness, you gave him $6 and left only $1 in your wallet. When the beggar saw that you have another dollar left, instead of feeling sorry for you, his covetousness ruled over, grabbing the $1 remained and ran away. What would be your first reaction towards such a ruthless and unthankful person? Furious? Angry?

Imagine that you are a rich man providing free meals with only one condition: every tenth meal received must be given out for free. Believing that there are still many people struck with hunger, your kind act would help many to survive. And the only condition set would help those who survived, in return helping others also. Unfortunately, one day you found that one of the people you have been helping turned round and exploited the meals you provide. He did not share the tenth meal received with the poor and needy. Worse still, he misused the provided meals for extortion and illegal trades, to earn more than he should have. Again what is your reaction to such an unthankful man then? Will you be angry with him? Will you still provide him with free meals or will you put him to jail until he repaid every cent he owed you?

The story in Luke 17:11-19 is about 10 lepers being healed by the Lord Jesus and only 1 returned to give thanks and praises to God. Where were the other 9 persons? Why were they so ruthless and unthankful? What are the lessons we could learn from here?

1. Some observations

On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus heard 10 lepers calling to Him from a hill some distance away. They stood far away because they were lepers and were considered unclean in those days. They were socially outcast and abandoned by their families. Perhaps they have heard about the miracles of Jesus and that’s why they cried out for mercy (Luke 17:13). In response Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests according to the Jewish customs. A person who had been healed of an infectious skin disease was told in the Law to show himself to a priest so that he might be examined and then certified well. And the declared healed person was then to required offer the prescribed offering to God (Leviticus 13:2).

Hearing what Jesus said, the 10 lepers hurried away to do just this. And the bible says, “as they went, they were cleansed” (Luke 17:14).

The story did not stop there. Unfortunately out of the 10 lepers healed, only 1 turned back, praising God in loud shouts, and thanked Jesus. Interestingly this only 1 returned was a Samaritan, a race that was considered impure by the majority Jews. The other 9 were so called children of God who should have understood what was meant to offer a thanks offering once they found themselves cleaned. Yet they did not perform their duty.

2. What are the lessons?

a. The lepers demonstrated their faith with action.

When the lepers heard that Jesus asked them to go and be examined by a priest, had not waited for the outward evidence of the disease to disappear. That showed the faith they had in Jesus. They went, confident that their need had been met, and that healing was theirs. Faith impels us to obey before we see the full evidence of God's work within us.

Many people said that seeing is believing but real faith is not by sight. Real faith is like a young child resting in his daddy’s bosom, crossing a rough river in the darkest of night. Real faith is like some chicks resting peacefully under the wings of the mother bird in the stormy blasts.

b. Real faith accompanied with real action.

As mentioned above, according to the OT laws, whoever is cleansed from leprosy was required to be examined by a priest. The declared clean person then offers a prescribed offering as thanksgiving to the Lord. The 9 lepers had knowledge about this requirement as they were Jews and yet they did not fulfil it. On the other hand, this Samaritan leper acted accordingly. His faith is accompanied with action in thanksgiving. He took his head knowledge down 18 inches into his heart and made it into action. As James said, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:17)

Conclusion

Though all 10 lepers were cured physically, only 1 cured also spiritually. It is my prayer that all of us are like the one thankful leper who gave thanks to God for his healing.

Do you still remember the imagined story of you being robbed by a beggar? When we are angry with the beggar who robbed the $1 remained, we need to ponder for ourselves. Sometime we acted like the beggar ourselves. God has given us 6 days to work and many a times we wanted to rob the remainder 7^th day.

Again, do you still remember the imagined story of you being the rich man who supplied free meal to the poor and needy with only one condition: that was to give freely to others the tenth meal received? When we feel angry with whoever exploited your good deeds, we need to be mindful of ourselves also. We sometimes do forget to offer one tenth of our income for the house of the Lord. May God help us to be grateful and thankful.

One of the greatest gifts we received from God is salvation in Christ. We were once like the lepers spiritually unclean and humiliated with sins and guilt. This spiritual uncleanness kept us far from God’s presence until one day He met us in Christ. In Christ we are now cleansed thoroughly, washed in His blood and eternally pure in God’s sight. Our spiritual cleanliness is examined by the Holy Spirit as Paul testified: The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. (Rom 8:16)

Also, as the author of Hebrews said, “The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. (Heb 10:15-18)

Since we have received this spiritual healing and cleansing, let us share this extraordinary joy with others. As a gesture of thankfulness, let us offer our time, our talents, our money for God’s ministry.

This year we set the month of November as mission month. In the mission month we will emphasise mission and evangelistic outreach. We also set aside a weekend to train our people for mission and evangelism. Let’s begin with praying for this project, praying for church leaders, praying for all members of St Mark, that we shall work hand in hand and side by side. May God stir our spirits and hearts so that we will be strong and courageous to go and tell all nations that Jesus is Lord. We have plenty of room for new comers, friends and relatives.

Let us dream for the Lord that one day we will see the church be filled with people from all directions and experience a mini scenario as described in Revelation 7:9-10 -- After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Amen.

The Little Faith We Need (Luke 17:5-10)

Introduction

We have people born in Christian families and people converted from other religions. I once was a staunch follower of Chinese folk religion, a kind of mixture of Buddhism and Taoism. By God’s grace and his choice, I became a Christian in 1977.Through the reading of God’s Words and listening to sermons, soon I realised one of the greatest differences between Christianity and all other religions is the saving grace of Christ offered. In all other religions, believers have to work hard and even do sacrifices in hoping to please and gain favour from the deities they worship.

I remember watching a documentary about a follower of certain religion was ordered to stand up day and night and not allowed to sit on chairs not to say to lie on beds. He explained his action was to please the deity so that he might be blessed with good luck etc. Whether sleeping, eating or even doing his big business, that poor man had to be in straight up position. In order for him to stand straight, he had many swing like ropes and hooks everywhere for him to hold on to. He would tie himself straight up when he need a “deep sleep” for instance.

Another story was told by a convert from certain religion. He was a religious guru. Every time they celebrate birthdays of their deities, together with many others, he would have many spears like bars pierce through his tongue, his nose, his chin and many hooks hooked on to his back with ropes attached pulling those status and shrines from a temple to another. In his testimony he said that during that time, people see him as a hero but nobody knows how much he suffered especially the aftermath pain and hurt which usually took many months for him to recover. When he finally turned to Christ, he became a new person, fully free from all those bondages and unnecessary sufferings.

I can tell you many more stories of how people lost their health, their money, their families and even their lives just because they tried to please their deities they served. For those who are in Christ, we experience the opposite. Jesus offers us life abundantly. (cf. John 10:10) Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). When we are in Christ, we shall know the truth, and the truth shall make us free. (cf. John 8:32) Also, as Paul said, “therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Cor 5:17) We are all saved by the grace of God, not by our merits. 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. (Eph 2:8-9) God did not demand anything from us in order for us to be saved. Salvation comes through faith and faith alone, for the death of Jesus purchased our forgiveness and new life granted. This doesn’t mean that Christians should therefore abandon doing good works. Christians do many good works but good works are not done in order to gain salvation and should not be treated as duties performed to gain favour from God. When a person has new life from God, that life will be expressed. Just as a living infant cries and moves, so a person with new life from Christ will express that life—in works. It is not that works bring life, but that those who are alive in Christ will work. These works are good works of mercy and kindness towards others. These are works that bring glory and honour to God, not to bring harm and sufferings to ourselves or to others.

1. Some observations

In the first few verses of Luke 17, Jesus rebuked those who cause others to stumble. Jesus’ words were severe. He said, “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (NKJV) However, if the person repents, we must forgive him. Jesus was very specific. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him" (Luke 17:3). Even if he offended us 7 times and repent, we still have to forgive him. "If he sin against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." We understand that 7 is a complete number. It does not mean that we do not need to forgive that person if he offended us the eighth time.

When the disciples heard this, they were furious and cried out, “Lord, increase our faith!” Apparently they were furious because they did not have enough faith to forgive such persons who constantly offending them. Marvellously Jesus did not answer them directly. Instead of promising needed faith, He seems to dismiss their concern. He said, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you" (Luke 17:6).

Jesus' next words explain His reaction. He asked them about a servant—literally, a bond slave. Doesn't his master have him work and do the tasks assigned? Don't both master and slave expect the servant to put his master's needs before his own? (Luke 17:8) And, when the servant has done what he has been commanded, does he deserve any special commendation? Obviously not. A servant's role is to obey his master. Obedience is nothing extraordinary for a slave. And so Jesus applied the analogy. He said, "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty' " (Luke 17:10).

What did Jesus mean? Jesus had given His disciples a command. When a person sins, he is to be rebuked and forgiven. This is not optional. This is the way every disciple is to live with others. This is a matter of obedience to the Lord! In other words, Jesus said, "Faith is fine for moving mulberry trees, but faith has nothing to do with this!" When it comes to living by Jesus' commands, the issue is not one of faith but of obedience! We don't need extra faith to obey! What we need to do is to remember that Jesus is Lord, and we who are Jesus' servants are called to do as He commands!

This incident revealed the disciple's confusion about the function of faith in the life of a follower of Jesus. It is a confusion that many believers share today. While this incident does not give direct teaching about the nature of faith, Jesus does settle one thing. We can never draw back from doing God's revealed will because we feel we have inadequate faith. As servants of Jesus Christ, we are to obey when He speaks.

2. What are the lessons?

a. Here we learned one of the many aspects of faith. It is about faith in trusting every single word of God and obeys accordingly. As mentioned above, we do not need more faith to forgive our offenders. What we need is obedience to God’s words. Jesus himself set an extreme example of obeying God by dying on the cross for the remission of the sins of the world. Paul described Jesus who humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (cf. Phil 2:8)

b. Another aspect of faith could be found in the NT reading from 2 Tim 1:5 – These are the words of Paul to Timothy his spiritual son, “when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” (NKJV) Here we see that faith was being passed on from one generation to another. Lois did not hold on to her faith and be satisfied herself. Knowing that the faith in Christ was so precious, she passed it on to her daughter Eunice and eventually to Timothy.

This good news of Christ’s salvation is too great to retain by an individual. We see many other examples in the bible where people who came to know Christ’s saving grace, they just could not keep silence without telling others. For instance in Matt 9:29-31, Jesus healed two blind men and warned them not to let others know, yet they spread the news about Him in all that country. Another example found in John 4:39 The Samaritan woman who experienced Christ testified him and eventually many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him.

c. Again in 2 Tim 1:7, we learn that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV) By saying that Paul meant to remind Timothy not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord, who has saved them and called them with a holy calling. (cf. 2 Tim 1:8-9) In other words, the faith granted to us by God’s grace is for us to bear witness for Him boldly without fear.

In the history of the early church, many disciples boldly testified for Christ not with prices to pay. Many of them were persecuted, imprisoned and gone through much hardship. And some even martyred for the gospel sake.

Conclusion

In my conclusion, I think the above 3 points about faith are enough for us to ponder over for the week and beyond. We learn to obey Christ’s command in every single detail not to gain eternal life but as a sign of our faith in Him. That faith makes us different inside, and love for God, not fear of Him. That faith motivates holiness.

We also learned to pass on our faith to our younger generations. In baptism, the parents and sponsors are challenge to express their trust and commitment to the promises of God, and their intention to bring up their children in the faith and practice of the Church. They are requested to set good example in prayers and services in the life and faith of the Christian community.

It is our prayer that our next generation and generations to come shall able to claim as Joshua did in thousands years ago: But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Josh 24:15 NKJV)

The blessing we received should not be retained within ourselves. We want to reach out to as many people as we can. In order to be effective in reaching out, I would like you to digest the words of our Lord in Matthew 28:19-20 -- “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”(NKJV)

Let us set aside some times to pray for St Marks and for each other at least once a week. Besides the time slot for your own, you are welcome to join me at the Dawn Prayer at 6.30am every Saturday morning.

May God revive His church.