禁食须知

    要实践禁食的操练，以下的建议可以考虑。首先要立定心志，不要免强，更不可炫耀比别人属灵。有时候你可以约好数位弟兄姐妹一起禁食，彼此学习和鼓励。找个合适的地点，免得受到搅扰。

    在禁食期间（可以一天、一周或更长），可以作灵修笔记（平日也应该作），唱一些圣诗或短诗，然后读经、默想、祷告。

    期间也可以妥善进食（如果是部分禁食）、喝水和新鲜果汁、菜汁；加少许盐，以防体内电解质不平衡；避免喝蜂蜜、咖啡或茶。喝水是很重要的，除非有神的特别启示，人不可三天没喝水。不可过度劳作、运动、阅读。有精神病、注射胰岛素的糖尿病患者、孕妇，不可禁食。沐浴时不可用过热的水，要多刷牙（不宜吃口香糖）以保持清新。

    你可以从部份禁食逐渐提升到全禁食，再进步到三天、一星期、甚至四十天的禁食。禁食过后要逐步开斋，先吃粥、喝汤，要避免食物过量和过于油腻的食物。

    盼望今年的大斋期的学习给你带来属灵的建造。阿们。

（黄伟华牧师写于2012-03-25，应弟兄姐妹要求，现逐一放上部落格）

禁食的動機（下）

    4.尋求神特殊的啓示：先知但以理在巴比倫擄掠以色列期間（公元前605-538），曾爲著所見的異象禁食禱告求問神，後來神給他解釋異象的意義。這事記載在但以理書9和10章。

    5.面對苦難：以斯帖時期（公元前486-465），猶太人面對滅族之禍，原因是有奸臣哈曼在波斯王亞哈隨魯面前搬弄是非。當時身為王后的以斯帖要求猶太百姓禁食禱告，讓她有膽量、智慧和時機跟王訴苦。（當時文化：王若沒有召喚，任何人都不能去見他，否則面對死刑）。故事發展到後來，神聼了百姓的禱告，以斯帖順利稟告王上，猶太人免死，哈曼最後自食其果，反被處死了。

    6.憂傷痛悔：大衛犯了殺人夫、奪人妻的大罪。後來他與拔示巴在犯奸淫時所生的第一胎病重，大衛禁食禱告七天，嬰孩夭折。大衛重拾仰望神的信心，繼續人生的道路。期間他寫下經典的認罪詩篇，即詩篇51。他禁食禱告的經歷記載在撒母耳記下12章。

縱觀以上數點，我們可以學習禁食的屬靈操練，使我們對屬靈的事情更加敏感，更加願意靠主得勝，而非依靠自己的血氣。

（黄伟华牧师写于2012-03-18，应弟兄姐妹要求，现逐一放上部落格）

禁食禱告的動機 (上)

    禁食祷告是一种属灵的操练，因此必须与我们的属灵光景相称。以赛亚时代的以色列民在禁食的同时，做了许多叫上帝愤怒的事情，以致上帝警告说：“我所拣选的禁食不是要松开凶恶的绳，解下轭上的索，使被欺压的得自由，折断一切的轭吗？”（赛58:6）。

    在新约时代，耶稣同样警告：“你们禁食的时候，不可像那假冒为善的人，脸上带著愁容；因为他们把脸弄得难看，故意叫人看出他们是禁食。我实在告诉你们，他们已经得了他们的赏赐。”（太6:16）。主耶稣提醒我们，禁食的操练是非常个人的，要亲近天父，叫祂喜悅。

    有一次耶稣的門徒趕鬼失败，有劳耶稣亲自出马，后来耶稣说：「非用祷告（有古卷加：禁食二字），这一类的鬼总不能出來（或作：不能趕出他去來）。」（可9:29）。可见，禁食祷告也是属灵战爭的操练。许多圣经伟人（实是信心伟人），像摩西、以利亚、但以理等，他们都非常重视禁食的操練，常在灵里有战爭。

    新約使徒時代，教会也常常有禁食祷告的经历。例如徒13:2-3，他们事奉主、禁食的时候，圣灵说：「要为我分派巴拿巴和扫罗，去做我召他们所做的工。」 於是禁食祷告，按手在他们头上，就打发他们去了。原來在寻求上帝旨意和差派宣教士的事情上，他们都切切祷告，甚至禁食。

    总结以上内容，我们可以说禁食祷告必须有正确的态度，也是属灵战爭的行动，更是寻求上帝旨意的重要过程。愿我们凡事寻求神，依靠祂。

（黄伟华牧师写于2012-03-11，应弟兄姐妹要求，现逐一放上部落格）

禁食的种类 (下)

    3.  全禁食
不吃食物，不喝水的全禁食在犹太人中间是很普遍的。不过都是从早上日出到日落之间。至于四十昼夜，不吃不喝的全禁食则是超自然的禁食。圣经记录的有摩西和耶稣。除非是上帝的吩咐，没有人能作那麽长时间的禁食。

    4.  部份禁食
部分禁食是减少餐次，或禁止酒肉等食物。先知但以理就曾因爲要明白神的意思，而悲伤了三个七日，美味和酒都没入他的口。（但10:1-3）

    5.  禁欲
另类禁食就是禁欲。比如夫妻为要专心祷告，达到共识而暂时分房。（林前7：5）。孩子们 可以为了属灵的操练，而禁止自己看电视、上网一段时间。

    无论那一类的禁食，重点在于上帝而不是禁食的那人。耶稣就曾责备那些想以禁食来炫耀自己比别人属灵人。盼望我们可以学习部分禁食，再进步到全禁食。但孕妇、糖尿病患者基本上不适于禁食，其他病人，最好请教医生的见解，看是否可以禁食。你或许会惊讶发现，一些病患在禁食后反而好转，甚至痊愈。下一期，我将会谈谈禁食的动机。

（黄伟华牧师写于2012-03-04，应弟兄姐妹要求，现逐一放上部落格）

禁食的种类 (上)

    从大斋首日到棕枝主日一共四十天，许多教会会教导信徒多读经、灵修、祷告，甚至学习禁食，还把省下的金钱，作爲克己捐，献出用在周济穷人身上。至于禁食祷告，很多教会鲜少教导，更没鼓励。当然也有教会在特别的情况底下，譬如为布道会、特别的医治大会之前，或为特定事件、个人，而宣布禁食祷告。

    

    也有许多基督徒把禁食的操练当是很个人的事。其实，禁食祷告是基督教属灵的操练之一。它可以是个人的属灵操练，也可以是群体的操练。但，无论如何，我们必须给禁食和绝食作个非常明显的划线。许多人在抗议时的绝食行动不能与圣经所教导的禁食相提并论。想要廋身、苗条的谨慎饮食也不能等同圣经的禁食。

    今天，让我们从圣经的角度看禁食的种类

     1.   个人的禁食

耶稣出来传福音之前，禁食祷告40昼夜。摩西进入云中上山，在耶和华那里四十昼夜，也不吃饭也不喝水。耶和华将这约的话，就是十条诫命，写在两块版上。（出24:18，出  34:28）

    2.   群体

历代志下记载摩押人和亚扪人，又有米乌尼人，一同来攻击约沙法。约沙法便惧怕，定意寻求耶和华，在犹大全地宣告禁食。（代下20：1-3）初期教会在差派宣教同工时，现集聚禁食祷告，最后才差派巴拿巴和扫罗。（徒13:1-3）

（黄伟华牧师写于2012-02-26，应弟兄姐妹要求，现逐一放上部落格）

大斋节期

    大斋期又称斋戒期，是教会记念主耶稣在旷野四十昼夜受试探，参考经文有马太 4：1-11；马可 1：12-12；路加 4：1-13。

    2012年大斋首日是2月22日。大斋首日又称为【灰日】(Ash Wednesday)。传统上在这一日信徒会把往年在棕枝主日收到的棕梠叶制成的十字架带来，交由牧师焚烧成灰，牧师再用灰抺在信徒的额上。这行动代表了认罪悔改，特别有旧约的蒙灰忏悔的意义。

    从大斋首日直到棕枝主日(2012年4月1日)共40天，信徒除了记念主耶稣受试探之外，也受鼓励多读经祷告，学习禁食的操练，把省下的钱去周济穷人。这些日子是提醒我们要有纪律，过清淡生活，多亲近神，关怀别人的需要。其实我们每一天都该如此生活，这节期却大大提醒我们，免得我们入了世界的迷惑。

    欢迎弟兄姐妹索取一张【大斋节期克己捐】传单，把它贴在汔水罐上，当成一个朴满，把平日省下的零钱投进去，并于棕枝主日(2012年4月1日)或复活主日(2012年4月8日)带来奉献，作賙济穷人之用。

    愿主赐福。

（黄伟华牧师写于2012-02-19，应弟兄姐妹要求，现逐一放上部落格）

情人节

    再过两天就是情人节，情人节原是记念初期教会圣徒瓦伦丁(Valentine)。传说瓦伦丁因冒险传教而被捕入狱。他的勇敢行为感动了老狱卒和他一名双目失明的女儿。瓦氏在狱中得到父女的照顾直到行刑那天。行刑之前瓦氏写了一封信向失明的少女示爱。处死当天，失明少女在瓦氏墓前种了一棵开红花的杏树表达思念之情，那一天正是2月14日。

    教会后来记念瓦氏为圣徒，并以2月14日为圣瓦伦丁日，即Saint Valentine’s Day，后期被简称为 Valentine’s Day，中文简称为【情人节】，记念纯真的爱情、爱心行为。

    

    可惜后人滥用这节期，成为滥交、乱性、醉酒放荡的节日，一发不可收拾，成为保守人士敬而远之的节日。后来，因各种因素，罗马教庭于1969年宣布从教会历法里取消这圣徒日。

    今天，如果你有庆祝情人节的话，盼望你能像瓦伦丁一般，用基督的爱去爱身边的人。爱永无止息。

（黄伟华牧师写于2012-02-12，应弟兄姐妹要求，现逐一放上部落格）

基督精兵

    福音在主后头三百年便传遍当时的罗马帝国，其中的因素之一就是信徒勇敢传福音。初期教会自司提反殉道(徒8：1)后，信徒都分散到各处，在避难的同时，也积极传福音。后来教会差派保罗和巴拿巴去宣教时，是以安提阿作为基地，即是说教会从耶路撒冷为中心点转以安提阿为中心。

    

    这个中有什么提示呢？使徒行传头六章记录的都是信徒在耶路撒冷的活动，好像完全没有遵守主耶稣在马太福音28：19-20所颁布的命令，更没有听取圣灵在使徒行传1：8所提到的，即要在耶路撒冷、犹太全地、撒玛利亚直到地极作主的见证。

    教会向内看，处理信徒的生活甚至磨擦，终于在分饭的事情上出问题了(参考徒6：1)。结果是要选出执事来处理。这里除了提醒我们教会行政管理的重要性之外，更提醒我们不能只顾内部需要，更要完成主耶稣所托付的：去使万民作主的门徒。

    

    求神给我力量，成为福音精兵，使万民作主门徒。

（黄伟华牧师写于2012-02-05，应弟兄姐妹要求，现逐一放上部落格）

主耶稣的权柄

   马可福音1：21 - 28记载耶稣在迦百农会堂里讲道。祂讲道非常有权柄、有能力，不像其他的文士。当时，在会堂里有一个被污鬼附身的人，污鬼见了耶稣，即喊叫起来。耶稣遂把污鬼从那人身上赶出。

    当时在会堂里有很多的人，他们都对耶稣有不同的认识，也对耶稣有不同的期望。文士可能会用藐视的心态看耶稣，看祂有什么讲道的恩赐。其他人相信都是慕名而来。按照当时的情况，大部份的人都喜欢听耶稣讲道，但也有许多人是带着需要而来。主耶稣都怜悯他们，医治他们。

    至于污鬼为何也来听耶稣讲道呢？污鬼附在那人身上，是污鬼躯使那人到会堂来的。相信污鬼也想知道耶稣会如何对付它们。污鬼知道审判会来到，却不知会如何发生。如今，审判未到，它们已经被驱赶了。这事件表明了耶稣的权柄是超越万有的，连污鬼也得听祂。

    今天，我们身为神的儿女，带着耶稣的荣耀权柄，所到之处都要见证祂在我们身上所行的奇妙作为。无论是透过言语或行为，我们的权柄都是从主而来。只有从主而来的权柄，才能得胜有余。

 （黄伟华牧师写于2012-01-29，应弟兄姐妹要求，现逐一放上部落格）

得人渔夫

    农历新年是海内外华人极其重视的节日，各地庆祝的方式固然有别，但重点多放在吃「团圆饭」、派「利是」、互拜年。近半个世纪，南方人，特别是东南亚的华人，有所谓「吃鱼生」、「捞鱼生」的活动 (众人围着圆桌，用筷子捞一种甜酸配料的生鱼片)，目的是取其音喻：「越捞越生」，有大展鸿图、生意兴隆、飞煌腾达等意。

    这活动在基督徒圈子里也偶有所见的，但相信基督徒除了揍热闹之外，心中常想的不是个人的发达兴隆，而是神国的兴盛、福音的广传。

    其实主耶稣呼召门徒时，曾应许要使门徒成为得人的渔夫。「得人渔夫」即是传福音，叫人悔改信主得永生的人」。首先，他们都是普通的人，有着自己的维生工作，只是他们愿意放下，反以「传福音」为正业，维生工作为副业；第二，他们凭信心前往主所派的地方与工作，顺服主的带领；第三，他们不分鱼种，一网打尽。这是我们该有的心态，「有传无类」。

    天国的福音就是如此，我们必须全心去传、顺服去传、大胆去传，被捕的鱼就由上帝去筛选，好鱼、坏鱼全入网，不能单挑「好鱼」。

    当然，要成为「得人渔夫」并不简单，需要委身、有奉献精神、有勇气、有信心。盼望这一年，我们都愿意对主说：「我在这里，请差遣我。」

（黄伟华牧师写于2012-01-22，应弟兄姐妹要求，现逐一放上部落格）

耶稣受洗

    耶稣受洗是我们难以了解的一件事。耶稣既是无罪的，是上帝的儿子，是道的本体，为何还要受洗呢？当然，耶稣受的洗是和我们要受的不一样。

    耶稣受洗是尽了人的本份。他是以人必须认罪悔改，接受天国的福音之大前题受洗。他不需要这样作，但他却立下榜样，谦卑接受。这表明了主耶稣道成肉身，亲自来到人间，在软弱的罪人中间，受着罪的压制(却胜过一切的罪)，表达了一个信息：若不透过认罪悔改，人断不能进天国。

   受洗是极其重要的圣礼，如果它不重要，主耶稣就不会接受，也不会提醒，更不会在大使命里命令我们去给人施洗(太28：19-20)。可见洗礼的重要性。

    洗礼是圣礼，与救恩有关联，人不能因洗礼而得救，洗礼却表明了人得救的关键在于上帝给予人的救恩，是白白得来的，因为是神的拣选与神的怜悯。

    试问是我们先相信耶稣还是耶稣先来拯救我们？明显的是耶稣的救恩在先，我们的相信在后。因此，凡接受洗礼的，并不是基于那人的行动，而是基于上帝的拣选和怜悯，这里就提醒所有已信主受洗的人，大使命就是领人归主，给他们施洗，使他们去经历上帝的怜悯与慈爱。

    至于还未受洗的弟兄姐妹，你得赶紧受洗，不要拒绝主给你的呼召，得永生，得能力，为主作美好的见证。

（黄伟华牧师写于2012-01-08，应弟兄姐妹要求，现逐一放上部落格）

Amazing Grace

Introduction

• On a Sabbath Jesus healed a man born blind.
• Like many people Jesus’ disciples queried the connection between a person’s illness and human responsibility—was it because of his sins of anyone’s else?
• In this particular case, the man’s blindness was not caused by his sins or anyone’s sins.
• Jesus said it was for the glory of God.
• We understand what Jesus meant was that through the healing of this blind man, God would be glorified.
• In the healing process, Jesus mixed mud with his saliva and spread over the man’s eyes.
• After he washed his eyes from the pool of Siloam, he had his eye sights restored.
• When the Pharisees saw all these, they did not turn to believe but rather angrier and were trying all out to find loopholes to charge Jesus.
• At the end these Pharisees were shamefully and sarcastically told off by the formerly blind man.

1. A Grace of all Grace

• Apparently the born blind man did not even ask for his eye sight restoration.
• Jesus was passing by and saw him.
• When the disciples doubted the cause of the blindness, Jesus answered them by performing a miracle.
• No one deserve such grace and yet in compassion, Jesus is always more willing to show His mercy and love for us.

2. An Evidence of Sacramental Grace

• When Jesus heals the blind, he mixed mud with his saliva and spread on the man’s eyes.
• We believe that there was no magic power in the mud and Jesus’ saliva.
• In this particular case, the mud and Jesus’ saliva became medium in the healing process.
• In our baptism, God sanctifies and regenerates us with water through the work of the His Spirit.
• In the Holy Communion, the sacramental bread and wine confirm our belonging in the body of Christ.

3. A testimony without dispute

• When the man received his sight, his neighbours could not believe he was the blind man before.
• But he testified, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, `Go to Siloam and wash.' Then I went and washed and received my sight.”
• When he was brought to the Pharisees, again he testified, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.”
• Unsatisfied with so many positive witnesses for Jesus, the Pharisees kept on disbelieve and check on the man’s mother.
• The woman confirmed the blind man was her son but not sure how he gained his sight.
• When the man being asked the third time, he said, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
• The man also loosed his patient when he saw these Pharisee were so stubborn.
• He rebuked them sarcastically by saying, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?”

Conclusion

• We see here were different role-plays
• Jesus the Messiah who loves his people, even the blind man.
• The disciples of Christ showed no compassion upon this blind man. Instead, they had a theological argument about whose sins that causes the blindness.
• The blind man who deserves nothing, received the mercy from Jesus.
• His testimony was about something beyond comprehension—a born blind person received sight.
• His testimony was simple, no exaggeration yet powerful.
• His mother’s testimony about him was not complete due to pressures from the authority to penalise whoever says Jesus was the Messiah.
• The Pharisees who saw a real life testimony, heard what people (including the man’s mother) have said about him, had gone through thorough check on the authenticity of the testimony, yet hardened their hearts and not willing to accept the fact that Jesus was the Messiah. What a shameful missed out.
• May God help us to be true to our testimonies, share them with the people around us, in simple yet powerful terms, as John Newton puts it, “I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now, I see!”

Temptation

Matthew 4:

¹ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ²After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” ⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” ⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. ⁹ “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” ¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” ¹¹ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (NIV)

Introduction

• Jesus is the Word became flesh and was fully human.
• He was just like one of us being tested by everything we human beings are facing.
• The only different between Christ and us is that he has no sin.
• Hebrew 4:15—For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
• When Jesus entered our world He set aside the power and the privileges of Deity.
• When a physically weakened Jesus, after 40 days of fasting in the desert, was tempted by Satan, He did not seek strength from His divine nature to resist!

1. A test on physical needs

• The first and foremost test Jesus faced was about physical needs of food.
• The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” (v3).
• This temptation was absolute real after 40 days of fasting.
• Many of us are able to fast for 4 hours and some may be able to stand for 4 days without food.
• But Jesus fasted for 40 days without food and water.
• In fact that was a supernatural fast.
• Without divine guidance, no one could survive with that long.
• Jesus replied Satan by quoting from the OT in Deuteronomy 8:3— man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

2. A test on real faith

• Satan later took Jesus to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.
• Then Satan tested Jesus and said, “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
• Take note that Satan quoted the Bible from Psalms 91 but in an unbalanced way.
• Satan tried to use the Word of God in a wrong way to test Jesus.
• That’s why in reply, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:16— You shall not tempt the Lord your God…

3. A test on cheap way of success

• Again, the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour.
• Knowing that Jesus came to save the world, the devil offered him a cheap way of success.
• He said, “All this I will give you, if you will bow down and worship me.”
• In reply, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:13— You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him…

Conclusion

• Because Jesus met temptation in His human nature, you and I can find victory too, by meeting our temptations as He met His!
• More so, God will not allow you and I to go through temptation beyond our ability to stand.
• 1Cor 10:13— No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
• In every situation, Jesus quoted the Bible in His reply.
• Let us learn to memorise the Word of God and able to quote them anytime, in anyplace, in any situation, in the right way.
• Heb 4:12— For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
• 2 Tim 3:16-17— All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

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.