DATE: 2009/2/22
CALL TO WORSHIP: I John 3:18-19
SCRIPTURE READING: Hebrews 10:32-39
SERMON: Be a Man of Integrity
讲道题目: 做个有诚信的人
CONGREGATION & CHURCH CONCERNS:
1. Annual Congregational Meeting was held last Sunday. 7 council members were elected. They are Brother Frank Pan, Brother Liang Yi, Brother Wei Wang, Brother Bruce Newman, Brother Simon Ma, Brother Tie Qiang Hu and Brother Winson Orr. We look forward to a vibrant church ministry under their leadership.
2. This Friday Feb. 27, 2009 evening 8 pm Rev. Wilson Chan will lead Bible study and prayer in the dinning hall. We are studying the methodology of how to establish a prayer ministry. We will pray for our church as well as for individuals’ blessings. All are welcome.
3. This Saturday Feb 28, 2009 evening 6:00 pm Chinese Scholars’ Evangelist Testimony on DVD will be held in the dinning hall featuring the 7th lesson on “the way of faith” by Rev. Hong Yu Jian. All are welcome.
4. Lent is commencing this Wednesday Feb. 25 called Ash Wednesday for a period of 40 days. Please take this time to fast and pray for the preparation of Christ’s saving act on the cross.
5. Elderly Sister Wing Chu fell and broke her thigh bone at her home in Glebe Center last Sunday. We pray for a successful operation to recover her injury. May God’s healing comfort be with her.
6. Congratulations to Brother Shupang Chou who won the group A table tennis championship title in the 2009 Family Sports Day event held last Monday in McNabb Community Center. Our church shares the honour and joy of achievement with him.
会友与教会关怀：
1. 教友大会已於上主日举行，选出7位堂会职员，他们是：潘文弟兄，梁毅弟兄，王蔚弟兄，Bruce Newman弟兄，马文豪弟兄，胡铁强弟兄和柯文生弟兄。愿主祝福本堂在新一届堂会领导下继续发展天国圣工。
2. 本星期五2月27日下午8点，陳偉甡牧师将带领查经和祷告。我们现在研究如何建立强有力的祷告事工。我们也为教友的事情和教会的事工，同心合意祷告
3. 本星期六2月28日下午6时，中国学者传道人布道光碟见证晚会有『洪予健讲道集』。第七讲"信心之道"，请带新朋友来参加。
4. 为期40天的大斋节於本星期三2月25日（灰的星期三）开始。请弟兄姊妹多作禁食祷告。预备迎接救主在受难节和复活节所成就的救赎大功。
5. 我们年长的朱莹姊妹上星期天在家中跌倒折断了腿骨，需要动手术医治。愿主保护安慰她早日康复。
6. 恭喜周树邦弟兄上星期一在2009年家庭同乐日运动会比赛荣获甲组兵兵球冠军，我们为他勇夺殊荣感到高兴。
本周默想分享
一个有诚信的人,是一个慎始而敬终的人.一个信耶稣的人,更加是一个不会半途而废的人.希伯来书十章三十六节说:“你们必须忍耐,使你们行完了神的旨意,就可以得着所应许的.” 信徒从信主得救後, 他的一生就是遵行神旨意的一生.这是进天国的道路,得应许的条件,蒙福的根源.然而却不是容易的,因为一直有自己的意思在哪里.有自己的喜好,要求,愿望,虽不是容易看得出来的罪,但是从肉体和属世的生命出来的,常是与神的旨意相反.随从自己的意思或顺从神的旨意,这两种力量在信徒里面的争战是激烈的,长期的,痛苦的.这问题不解决,是没有法子走灵程的.
首先应当认识到,只有神的旨意是正确的,永存的,对我们有益的.在神的旨意之外,既或暂时有所成就,终必败坏,归於无有.而且今生也是有害的,将来永远的损失就更大了.所以不要以为自己的意思得以成就,就一定是最好的.神的旨意成就不合乎自己的意思就一定是不好的.这是极其错误的想法.
在信徒的心中,许多时候都能知道神的旨意是最好的,但却胜不过自己的意思.这就需要惊醒祷告,求神加添力量,光照,启示,以致能甘心乐意地遵行神的旨意.有决心放弃自己的意思.圣灵对我们的感动正是为此.罗马书八章二十七节说: “监察人心的,晓得圣灵的意思,因为圣灵照着神的旨意替圣徒祈求.”希伯来书十三章二十一节说: “在各样善事上成全你们,叫你们遵行他的旨意;又藉着耶稣基督在你们心里行他所喜悦的事.”
今天的经文告诉我们行完了神的旨意,就可以得到所应许的.这并不是说不行神的旨意,也可以得到所应许的.那是错误,自欺欺人的想法.神为我们所定的旨意,有诚信的基督徒,在世的时候,一定把它行完.正如大卫在世的时候,遵行了神的旨意,就睡了.(徒13:36).
Spiritual Thought for the Week
A man of integrity is a man who is sincere and trustworthy. He knows what he is doing. When he begins a job he will not leave the job until it is completely finished. A Christian is a man who by the grace of his saviour Jesus Christ does the will of God until his life purpose is accomplished. In Hebrews 10:36,it says, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” The mission of a Christian is to accomplish the will of God. This is the way to heaven, the fulfilment of the covenant and the assurance of blessedness. Such undertaking is not easy because selfish desire always gets in the way. Pride and self centeredness may not seem to be obvious sins. But when we recognize they are derived from the flesh, we know they are in conflict with the will of God. Do we listen to the voice of our earthly nature or do we listen to the voice of the divine will? This is a stern and hard spiritual war we have to fight everyday. If we don’t stand up against the foe, we will never be able to advance in our spiritual pilgrimage.
The foremost important procedure is to recognize that God’s way is the best way. God’s will is the best will. Even though sometimes our way seems to prevail over God’s way, yet eventually we reap failure and disaster. The outcome produces nothing for us in this life. Not to mention in the life after. So lets not pray for our own will be done. Pray for God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Why wouldn’t we pray for God’s will be done? The reason is not because we don’t know His will. It is because we don’t want His will be done. We do not want to surrender our will under God’s will. It is time we should ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for us and grant us that willingness. In Romans 8:27, it says, “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will” If we surrender our will to Jesus, then he would, “equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him.” (Hebrews 13:21)
A man of integrity will see to it that God’s will be done. He will not rest until he finishes his job. “For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.” (Acts 13:36)
——End——
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Congreation & Church Concerns 2009/3/1
DATE: 2009/3/1
CALL TO WORSHIP: Matthew 5:3
SCRIPTURE READING: Col. 3:5-14
SERMON: Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
讲道题目: 主怎样饶恕了你，你也要怎样饶恕人。
CONGREGATION & CHURCH CONCERNS:
1. New council meeting was held last Wednesday. New officers have been elected They are: Brother Frank Pan (Chairman, Christian Education, Pastoral Care and Ministry & Personnel）, Brother Liang Yi (Treasurer), Brother Wei Wang (Secretary and Property), Brother Bruce Newman (English, Property, Ministerial & Personnel and Presbytery Representative), Brother Simon Ma (Treasurer), Brother Tie Qiang Hu (Christian Education), Brother Shupang Chou (Outreach, Christian Education and Ministerial & Personnel), and Brother Winson Orr (Worship and Ministerial & Personnel). We look forward to a vibrant church ministry under their leadership.
2. This Friday March 6, 2009 evening 8 pm Rev. Gerry Fuller and his wife Norma will lead Bible study and prayer in the dinning hall. We are studying Jesus’ sermons on the mount. We will pray for our church as well as for individuals’ blessings. All are welcome.
3. Lent has begun starting from last Wednesday Feb. 25 called Ash Wednesday for a period of 40 days. Please take this time to fast and pray for the preparation of Christ’s saving act on the cross.
4. The March-April Chinese devotional “Proclaim” has arrived and is displayed on the foyer table. Please claim your copy and do your daily devotional with it at home.
5. 2009 Joint Mandarin Devotional Meeting will be held April 24-26 (Friday to Sunday) evenings 7:30 pm at the Emmanuel Alliance Church Ottawa. Theme speaker Rev. Felix Lau encourages us to enter into a program of fasting and praying relay which last 40 days starting from March 15 and ending on April 23. You can fast one meal per week. With another 20 people signing up one form we will cover every meal with a person praying and fasting for the event. Please pray for personal need, church revival, families, seekers to the faith and all others that have specific needs when you fast.
会友与教会关怀：
1. 第一次堂会会议已于上周三举行，选出8位堂会职员，他们是：潘文弟兄(堂会主席兼基督教教育，牧养关怀，教牧人事)，梁毅弟兄（司库），王蔚弟兄（堂会书记兼楼业管理），Bruce Newman弟兄（英语事工兼楼业管理，教牧人事，区会代表）马文豪弟兄（司库），胡铁强弟兄（基督教教育），周树邦弟兄（外展布道兼基督教教育，教牧人事）和柯文生弟兄（崇拜兼教牧人事）。愿主祝福本堂在新一届堂会领导下继续发展天国圣工。
2. 本星期五3月6日下午8点，GERRY牧师和太太NORMA女士将带领查经和祷告。我们现在查考耶稣登山宝训的经文。我们为教友的事情和教会的事工，同心合意祷告
3. 为期40天的大斋节於上星期三2月25日（灰的星期三）开始。请弟兄姊妹多作禁食祷告。预备迎接救主在受难节和复活节所成就的救赎大功。
4. 三四月份的[传]灵修小册已放在门口桌子上，请领一本回家作个人每天灵修之用。
5. 2009年国语联合培灵大会定4月24至26日星期四至星期天下午7：30分在渥太华主恩宣道会举行。大会讲员刘富理牧师呼吁我们推动四十天的连锁禁食祷告。参加特会的弟兄姊妹，每人每周至少禁食祷告一次，而且每餐都有人为这特会禁食祷告。陈牧师已制作了表格，您可以签名在其上。让我们在禁食祷告中，为个人，为教会的复兴，为家庭，为慕道友，为有需要的人迫切祷告。
本周默想分享
在大斎节期间我们要听耶稣的宝训，祂说：“虚心的人有福了！因为天国是他们的。”（马太5：3）圣经原文的意思是：灵里面贫穷的人 有福了，因为神的国度是他们的。灵里贫穷的人是一个承认自己是个灵性破产的人。这样的人已经是神国度里的一分子了。因为只有这样的人会在神面前谦卑认罪，得到神的怜悯，享受天堂无穷的恩典和祝福。我们有时得不着恩典和祝福，会不会是因为我们太骄傲，不肯承认自己是个灵里贫穷的人，以至神的怜悯和恩典永远不能进到我们的心里呢？
耶稣在路加福音6章更直接了当地说，“你们贫穷的人有福了。。。但你们富足的人有祸了。”让我们反省，我们是不是一个灵里贫穷的人？我们谦卑，就得怜悯，变成一个有福的人。还是我们坚持要做一个灵里富足的人，因骄傲，我们不需要神的怜悯，得不到神的祝福，变成一个有祸的人？
过去我们犯过要坚持灵里富足的罪。我们说在这礼拜堂里没有灵性餧养，我们得不到我们应得的富足。我们只问我们要怎样填满礼拜堂的座位。我们没有问填满了座位是为荣耀神还是荣耀我们自己。倘若为荣耀神的话，神不用我们的力量也必能把这些座位填满。倘若不是为荣耀神的话，神自始至终都不会让这事成就的。我们又何必勉强神呢？
马利亚说：“我心尊主为大；我灵以神我的救主为乐。因为他顾念他使女的卑微，从今以後，万代要称我有福。那有全能的，为我成就了大事，他的名为圣。他怜悯敬畏他的人，直到世世代代。她用膀臂施展大能；那狂傲的人，正心里妄想就被他干散了。他叫有权柄的失位，叫卑贱的升高；叫饥饿的得飽美食，叫富足的空手回去。”(路1：46-53)
在禁食祷告的期间，我们要忏悔认罪，我们要承认自己是个灵性破产的人。求主怜悯。叫我们能够有一个谦卑的心接受祂的拯救。
Spiritual Thought for the Week
In this season of Lent let us listen to the words from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) In other words, you are blessed when you feel you are spiritually bankrupt. It is because only those who humbly admit their spiritual bankruptcy will ask help from God. Then God will give them grace and forgiveness. Eventually they become blessed citizens in the kingdom of God. Sometimes we find ourselves outside of that blessedness. Could it be because we are too proud to admit that we are poor in spirit? Our pride keeps God’s grace and mercy from entering into our hearts.
Jesus spoke the same message in Luke with even more direct words. He said, “Blessed are you who are poor…But woe to you who are rich.” (Luke 6:20&24) Let us search our own souls in light of this Scripture. Are we poor? Do we acknowledge our need for help? Do we ask God for help and seek his mercy? Have we experienced his forgiveness and become blessed members in his kingdom? Or do we insist we are never poor? We are proud. We don’t need God’s mercy. We don’t need his blessings. We couldn’t care less even when Jesus says ‘woe to you who are rich’ because we are rich.
Until recent days we as the church have sinned by insisting we are rich. We complain we are treated with poor spiritual nourishment. We deserve richer spiritual nourishment than this. We are concerned merely on how to fill up our pews. We are not concerned about filling up our pews in this particular case would mean only glorification to men and not to God. If filling up our pews can glorify God, God would have done this long time ago with or without our help. The fact that God does not make this happen is proof that filling up our pews can not glorify God. Why do we have to force God to do things He never meant for us?
‘And Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.”’ (Luke 1:46-53)
In this season of fasting and praying, let us confess the corporate sin of our church. Let us ask God to make this church poor. So that the blessing that Jesus promised, “Blessed are you who are poor” will be fulfilled in this church.
——End——
CALL TO WORSHIP: Matthew 5:3
SCRIPTURE READING: Col. 3:5-14
SERMON: Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
讲道题目: 主怎样饶恕了你，你也要怎样饶恕人。
CONGREGATION & CHURCH CONCERNS:
1. New council meeting was held last Wednesday. New officers have been elected They are: Brother Frank Pan (Chairman, Christian Education, Pastoral Care and Ministry & Personnel）, Brother Liang Yi (Treasurer), Brother Wei Wang (Secretary and Property), Brother Bruce Newman (English, Property, Ministerial & Personnel and Presbytery Representative), Brother Simon Ma (Treasurer), Brother Tie Qiang Hu (Christian Education), Brother Shupang Chou (Outreach, Christian Education and Ministerial & Personnel), and Brother Winson Orr (Worship and Ministerial & Personnel). We look forward to a vibrant church ministry under their leadership.
2. This Friday March 6, 2009 evening 8 pm Rev. Gerry Fuller and his wife Norma will lead Bible study and prayer in the dinning hall. We are studying Jesus’ sermons on the mount. We will pray for our church as well as for individuals’ blessings. All are welcome.
3. Lent has begun starting from last Wednesday Feb. 25 called Ash Wednesday for a period of 40 days. Please take this time to fast and pray for the preparation of Christ’s saving act on the cross.
4. The March-April Chinese devotional “Proclaim” has arrived and is displayed on the foyer table. Please claim your copy and do your daily devotional with it at home.
5. 2009 Joint Mandarin Devotional Meeting will be held April 24-26 (Friday to Sunday) evenings 7:30 pm at the Emmanuel Alliance Church Ottawa. Theme speaker Rev. Felix Lau encourages us to enter into a program of fasting and praying relay which last 40 days starting from March 15 and ending on April 23. You can fast one meal per week. With another 20 people signing up one form we will cover every meal with a person praying and fasting for the event. Please pray for personal need, church revival, families, seekers to the faith and all others that have specific needs when you fast.
会友与教会关怀：
1. 第一次堂会会议已于上周三举行，选出8位堂会职员，他们是：潘文弟兄(堂会主席兼基督教教育，牧养关怀，教牧人事)，梁毅弟兄（司库），王蔚弟兄（堂会书记兼楼业管理），Bruce Newman弟兄（英语事工兼楼业管理，教牧人事，区会代表）马文豪弟兄（司库），胡铁强弟兄（基督教教育），周树邦弟兄（外展布道兼基督教教育，教牧人事）和柯文生弟兄（崇拜兼教牧人事）。愿主祝福本堂在新一届堂会领导下继续发展天国圣工。
2. 本星期五3月6日下午8点，GERRY牧师和太太NORMA女士将带领查经和祷告。我们现在查考耶稣登山宝训的经文。我们为教友的事情和教会的事工，同心合意祷告
3. 为期40天的大斋节於上星期三2月25日（灰的星期三）开始。请弟兄姊妹多作禁食祷告。预备迎接救主在受难节和复活节所成就的救赎大功。
4. 三四月份的[传]灵修小册已放在门口桌子上，请领一本回家作个人每天灵修之用。
5. 2009年国语联合培灵大会定4月24至26日星期四至星期天下午7：30分在渥太华主恩宣道会举行。大会讲员刘富理牧师呼吁我们推动四十天的连锁禁食祷告。参加特会的弟兄姊妹，每人每周至少禁食祷告一次，而且每餐都有人为这特会禁食祷告。陈牧师已制作了表格，您可以签名在其上。让我们在禁食祷告中，为个人，为教会的复兴，为家庭，为慕道友，为有需要的人迫切祷告。
本周默想分享
在大斎节期间我们要听耶稣的宝训，祂说：“虚心的人有福了！因为天国是他们的。”（马太5：3）圣经原文的意思是：灵里面贫穷的人 有福了，因为神的国度是他们的。灵里贫穷的人是一个承认自己是个灵性破产的人。这样的人已经是神国度里的一分子了。因为只有这样的人会在神面前谦卑认罪，得到神的怜悯，享受天堂无穷的恩典和祝福。我们有时得不着恩典和祝福，会不会是因为我们太骄傲，不肯承认自己是个灵里贫穷的人，以至神的怜悯和恩典永远不能进到我们的心里呢？
耶稣在路加福音6章更直接了当地说，“你们贫穷的人有福了。。。但你们富足的人有祸了。”让我们反省，我们是不是一个灵里贫穷的人？我们谦卑，就得怜悯，变成一个有福的人。还是我们坚持要做一个灵里富足的人，因骄傲，我们不需要神的怜悯，得不到神的祝福，变成一个有祸的人？
过去我们犯过要坚持灵里富足的罪。我们说在这礼拜堂里没有灵性餧养，我们得不到我们应得的富足。我们只问我们要怎样填满礼拜堂的座位。我们没有问填满了座位是为荣耀神还是荣耀我们自己。倘若为荣耀神的话，神不用我们的力量也必能把这些座位填满。倘若不是为荣耀神的话，神自始至终都不会让这事成就的。我们又何必勉强神呢？
马利亚说：“我心尊主为大；我灵以神我的救主为乐。因为他顾念他使女的卑微，从今以後，万代要称我有福。那有全能的，为我成就了大事，他的名为圣。他怜悯敬畏他的人，直到世世代代。她用膀臂施展大能；那狂傲的人，正心里妄想就被他干散了。他叫有权柄的失位，叫卑贱的升高；叫饥饿的得飽美食，叫富足的空手回去。”(路1：46-53)
在禁食祷告的期间，我们要忏悔认罪，我们要承认自己是个灵性破产的人。求主怜悯。叫我们能够有一个谦卑的心接受祂的拯救。
Spiritual Thought for the Week
In this season of Lent let us listen to the words from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) In other words, you are blessed when you feel you are spiritually bankrupt. It is because only those who humbly admit their spiritual bankruptcy will ask help from God. Then God will give them grace and forgiveness. Eventually they become blessed citizens in the kingdom of God. Sometimes we find ourselves outside of that blessedness. Could it be because we are too proud to admit that we are poor in spirit? Our pride keeps God’s grace and mercy from entering into our hearts.
Jesus spoke the same message in Luke with even more direct words. He said, “Blessed are you who are poor…But woe to you who are rich.” (Luke 6:20&24) Let us search our own souls in light of this Scripture. Are we poor? Do we acknowledge our need for help? Do we ask God for help and seek his mercy? Have we experienced his forgiveness and become blessed members in his kingdom? Or do we insist we are never poor? We are proud. We don’t need God’s mercy. We don’t need his blessings. We couldn’t care less even when Jesus says ‘woe to you who are rich’ because we are rich.
Until recent days we as the church have sinned by insisting we are rich. We complain we are treated with poor spiritual nourishment. We deserve richer spiritual nourishment than this. We are concerned merely on how to fill up our pews. We are not concerned about filling up our pews in this particular case would mean only glorification to men and not to God. If filling up our pews can glorify God, God would have done this long time ago with or without our help. The fact that God does not make this happen is proof that filling up our pews can not glorify God. Why do we have to force God to do things He never meant for us?
‘And Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.”’ (Luke 1:46-53)
In this season of fasting and praying, let us confess the corporate sin of our church. Let us ask God to make this church poor. So that the blessing that Jesus promised, “Blessed are you who are poor” will be fulfilled in this church.
——End——
Saturday, February 21, 2009
cogregation & church concerns 2009/2/22
CONGREGATION & CHURCH CONCERNS:
1. Annual Congregational Meeting was held last Sunday. 7 council members were elected. They are Brother Frank Pan, Brother Liang Yi, Brother Wei Wang, Brother Bruce Newman, Brother Simon Ma, Brother Tie Qiang Hu and Brother Winson Orr. We look forward to a vibrant church ministry under their leadership.
2. This Friday Feb. 27, 2009 evening 8 pm Rev. Wilson Chan will lead Bible study and prayer in the dinning hall. We are studying the methodology of how to establish a prayer ministry. We will pray for our church as well as for individuals’ blessings. All are welcome.
3. This Saturday Feb 28, 2009 evening 6:00 pm Chinese Scholars’ Evangelist Testimony on DVD will be held in the dinning hall featuring the 7th lesson on “the way of faith” by Rev. Hong Yu Jian. All are welcome.
4. Lent is commencing this Wednesday Feb. 25 called Ash Wednesday for a period of 40 days. Please take this time to fast and pray for the preparation of Christ’s saving act on the cross.
5. Elderly Sister Wing Chu fell and broke her thigh bone at her home in Glebe Center last Sunday. We pray for a successful operation to recover her injury. May God’s healing comfort be with her.
6. Congratulations to Brother Shupang Chou who won the group A table tennis championship title in the 2009 Family Sports Day event held last Monday in McNabb Community Center. Our church shares the honour and joy of achievement with him.
会友与教会关怀：
1. 教友大会已於上主日举行，选出7位堂会职员，他们是：潘文弟兄，梁毅弟兄，王蔚弟兄，Bruce Newman弟兄，马文豪弟兄，胡铁强弟兄和柯文生弟兄。愿主祝福本堂在新一届堂会领导下继续发展天国圣工。
2. 本星期五2月27日下午8点，陳偉甡牧师将带领查经和祷告。我们现在研究如何建立强有力的祷告事工。我们也为教友的事情和教会的事工，同心合意祷告
3. 本星期六2月28日下午6时，中国学者传道人布道光碟见证晚会有『洪予健讲道集』。第七讲"信心之道"，请带新朋友来参加。
4. 为期40天的大斋节於本星期三2月25日（灰的星期三）开始。请弟兄姊妹多作禁食祷告。预备迎接救主在受难节和复活节所成就的救赎大功。
5. 我们年长的朱莹姊妹上星期天在家中跌倒折断了腿骨，需要动手术医治。愿主保护安慰她早日康复。
6. 恭喜周树邦弟兄上星期一在2009年家庭同乐日运动会比赛荣获甲组兵兵球冠军，我们为他勇夺殊荣感到高兴。
本周默想分享
一个有诚信的人,是一个慎始而敬终的人.一个信耶稣的人,更加是一个不会半途而废的人.希伯来书十章三十六节说:“你们必须忍耐,使你们行完了神的旨意,就可以得着所应许的.” 信徒从信主得救後, 他的一生就是遵行神旨意的一生.这是进天国的道路,得应许的条件,蒙福的根源.然而却不是容易的,因为一直有自己的意思在哪里.有自己的喜好,要求,愿望,虽不是容易看得出来的罪,但是从肉体和属世的生命出来的,常是与神的旨意相反.随从自己的意思或顺从神的旨意,这两种力量在信徒里面的争战是激烈的,长期的,痛苦的.这问题不解决,是没有法子走灵程的.
首先应当认识到,只有神的旨意是正确的,永存的,对我们有益的.在神的旨意之外,既或暂时有所成就,终必败坏,归於无有.而且今生也是有害的,将来永远的损失就更大了.所以不要以为自己的意思得以成就,就一定是最好的.神的旨意成就不合乎自己的意思就一定是不好的.这是极其错误的想法.
在信徒的心中,许多时候都能知道神的旨意是最好的,但却胜不过自己的意思.这就需要惊醒祷告,求神加添力量,光照,启示,以致能甘心乐意地遵行神的旨意.有决心放弃自己的意思.圣灵对我们的感动正是为此.罗马书八章二十七节说: “监察人心的,晓得圣灵的意思,因为圣灵照着神的旨意替圣徒祈求.”希伯来书十三章二十一节说: “在各样善事上成全你们,叫你们遵行他的旨意;又藉着耶稣基督在你们心里行他所喜悦的事.”
今天的经文告诉我们行完了神的旨意,就可以得到所应许的.这并不是说不行神的旨意,也可以得到所应许的.那是错误,自欺欺人的想法.神为我们所定的旨意,有诚信的基督徒,在世的时候,一定把它行完.正如大卫在世的时候,遵行了神的旨意,就睡了.(徒13:36).
Spiritual Thought for the Week
A man of integrity is a man who is sincere and trustworthy. He knows what he is doing. When he begins a job he will not leave the job until it is completely finished. A Christian is a man who by the grace of his saviour Jesus Christ does the will of God until his life purpose is accomplished. In Hebrews 10:36,it says, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” The mission of a Christian is to accomplish the will of God. This is the way to heaven, the fulfilment of the covenant and the assurance of blessedness. Such undertaking is not easy because selfish desire always gets in the way. Pride and self centeredness may not seem to be obvious sins. But when we recognize they are derived from the flesh, we know they are in conflict with the will of God. Do we listen to the voice of our earthly nature or do we listen to the voice of the divine will? This is a stern and hard spiritual war we have to fight everyday. If we don’t stand up against the foe, we will never be able to advance in our spiritual pilgrimage.
The foremost important procedure is to recognize that God’s way is the best way. God’s will is the best will. Even though sometimes our way seems to prevail over God’s way, yet eventually we reap failure and disaster. The outcome produces nothing for us in this life. Not to mention in the life after. So lets not pray for our own will be done. Pray for God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Why wouldn’t we pray for God’s will be done? The reason is not because we don’t know His will. It is because we don’t want His will be done. We do not want to surrender our will under God’s will. It is time we should ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for us and grant us that willingness. In Romans 8:27, it says, “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will” If we surrender our will to Jesus, then he would, “equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him.” (Hebrews 13:21)
A man of integrity will see to it that God’s will be done. He will not rest until he finishes his job. “For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.” (Acts 13:36)
1. Annual Congregational Meeting was held last Sunday. 7 council members were elected. They are Brother Frank Pan, Brother Liang Yi, Brother Wei Wang, Brother Bruce Newman, Brother Simon Ma, Brother Tie Qiang Hu and Brother Winson Orr. We look forward to a vibrant church ministry under their leadership.
2. This Friday Feb. 27, 2009 evening 8 pm Rev. Wilson Chan will lead Bible study and prayer in the dinning hall. We are studying the methodology of how to establish a prayer ministry. We will pray for our church as well as for individuals’ blessings. All are welcome.
3. This Saturday Feb 28, 2009 evening 6:00 pm Chinese Scholars’ Evangelist Testimony on DVD will be held in the dinning hall featuring the 7th lesson on “the way of faith” by Rev. Hong Yu Jian. All are welcome.
4. Lent is commencing this Wednesday Feb. 25 called Ash Wednesday for a period of 40 days. Please take this time to fast and pray for the preparation of Christ’s saving act on the cross.
5. Elderly Sister Wing Chu fell and broke her thigh bone at her home in Glebe Center last Sunday. We pray for a successful operation to recover her injury. May God’s healing comfort be with her.
6. Congratulations to Brother Shupang Chou who won the group A table tennis championship title in the 2009 Family Sports Day event held last Monday in McNabb Community Center. Our church shares the honour and joy of achievement with him.
会友与教会关怀：
1. 教友大会已於上主日举行，选出7位堂会职员，他们是：潘文弟兄，梁毅弟兄，王蔚弟兄，Bruce Newman弟兄，马文豪弟兄，胡铁强弟兄和柯文生弟兄。愿主祝福本堂在新一届堂会领导下继续发展天国圣工。
2. 本星期五2月27日下午8点，陳偉甡牧师将带领查经和祷告。我们现在研究如何建立强有力的祷告事工。我们也为教友的事情和教会的事工，同心合意祷告
3. 本星期六2月28日下午6时，中国学者传道人布道光碟见证晚会有『洪予健讲道集』。第七讲"信心之道"，请带新朋友来参加。
4. 为期40天的大斋节於本星期三2月25日（灰的星期三）开始。请弟兄姊妹多作禁食祷告。预备迎接救主在受难节和复活节所成就的救赎大功。
5. 我们年长的朱莹姊妹上星期天在家中跌倒折断了腿骨，需要动手术医治。愿主保护安慰她早日康复。
6. 恭喜周树邦弟兄上星期一在2009年家庭同乐日运动会比赛荣获甲组兵兵球冠军，我们为他勇夺殊荣感到高兴。
本周默想分享
一个有诚信的人,是一个慎始而敬终的人.一个信耶稣的人,更加是一个不会半途而废的人.希伯来书十章三十六节说:“你们必须忍耐,使你们行完了神的旨意,就可以得着所应许的.” 信徒从信主得救後, 他的一生就是遵行神旨意的一生.这是进天国的道路,得应许的条件,蒙福的根源.然而却不是容易的,因为一直有自己的意思在哪里.有自己的喜好,要求,愿望,虽不是容易看得出来的罪,但是从肉体和属世的生命出来的,常是与神的旨意相反.随从自己的意思或顺从神的旨意,这两种力量在信徒里面的争战是激烈的,长期的,痛苦的.这问题不解决,是没有法子走灵程的.
首先应当认识到,只有神的旨意是正确的,永存的,对我们有益的.在神的旨意之外,既或暂时有所成就,终必败坏,归於无有.而且今生也是有害的,将来永远的损失就更大了.所以不要以为自己的意思得以成就,就一定是最好的.神的旨意成就不合乎自己的意思就一定是不好的.这是极其错误的想法.
在信徒的心中,许多时候都能知道神的旨意是最好的,但却胜不过自己的意思.这就需要惊醒祷告,求神加添力量,光照,启示,以致能甘心乐意地遵行神的旨意.有决心放弃自己的意思.圣灵对我们的感动正是为此.罗马书八章二十七节说: “监察人心的,晓得圣灵的意思,因为圣灵照着神的旨意替圣徒祈求.”希伯来书十三章二十一节说: “在各样善事上成全你们,叫你们遵行他的旨意;又藉着耶稣基督在你们心里行他所喜悦的事.”
今天的经文告诉我们行完了神的旨意,就可以得到所应许的.这并不是说不行神的旨意,也可以得到所应许的.那是错误,自欺欺人的想法.神为我们所定的旨意,有诚信的基督徒,在世的时候,一定把它行完.正如大卫在世的时候,遵行了神的旨意,就睡了.(徒13:36).
Spiritual Thought for the Week
A man of integrity is a man who is sincere and trustworthy. He knows what he is doing. When he begins a job he will not leave the job until it is completely finished. A Christian is a man who by the grace of his saviour Jesus Christ does the will of God until his life purpose is accomplished. In Hebrews 10:36,it says, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” The mission of a Christian is to accomplish the will of God. This is the way to heaven, the fulfilment of the covenant and the assurance of blessedness. Such undertaking is not easy because selfish desire always gets in the way. Pride and self centeredness may not seem to be obvious sins. But when we recognize they are derived from the flesh, we know they are in conflict with the will of God. Do we listen to the voice of our earthly nature or do we listen to the voice of the divine will? This is a stern and hard spiritual war we have to fight everyday. If we don’t stand up against the foe, we will never be able to advance in our spiritual pilgrimage.
The foremost important procedure is to recognize that God’s way is the best way. God’s will is the best will. Even though sometimes our way seems to prevail over God’s way, yet eventually we reap failure and disaster. The outcome produces nothing for us in this life. Not to mention in the life after. So lets not pray for our own will be done. Pray for God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Why wouldn’t we pray for God’s will be done? The reason is not because we don’t know His will. It is because we don’t want His will be done. We do not want to surrender our will under God’s will. It is time we should ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for us and grant us that willingness. In Romans 8:27, it says, “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will” If we surrender our will to Jesus, then he would, “equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him.” (Hebrews 13:21)
A man of integrity will see to it that God’s will be done. He will not rest until he finishes his job. “For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.” (Acts 13:36)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Congreation & Church Concerns 2009/2/15
CONGREGATION & CHURCH CONCERNS:
1. Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for today Feb. 15, 2009 at 1:30 pm following the fellowship luncheon. New church council members will be elected. Ministry reports will be received. Please take a copy (English or Chinese) of the 2008 Annual Report which is placed on the table at the end of the sanctuary.
2. This Friday Feb. 20, 2009 evening 8 pm Rev. Gerry Fuller and his wife Norma will lead Bible study and prayer in the dinning hall. We are studying Jesus’ sermons on the mount. We will pray for our church as well as for individuals’ blessings. All are welcome.
3. Arthur Alberelli, our beloved caretaker has resigned. We are grateful for the 10 years of faithful service to OCUC. We wish him well in his new position at Lob laws. Please give the names and résumé to Frank Pan, Winson Orr or Bruce Newman for replacement. The deadline to submit resumes is today Feb. 15, 2009. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
4. The “Mission O Retreat” for equipping leaders for intercessory prayer warriors will be held on Tuesday Feb. 17 to Thursday Feb. 19 in Camp Iawah Ontario. Rev. Fred Milnes and Rev. Wilson Chan are attending this workshop so that they can come back with more resources to lead the leadership training program. Please pray for the prayer ministry of our church.
5. Individual annual offering receipt for the year 2008 has been issued. Please approach Treasurer Brother Liang Yi to claim your receipt for tax return purpose.
6. This Saturday Feb. 21 in Brother Frank Pan and Sister Linda Yi’s house Bible study and fellowship will be held beginning at 7:30 pm. Please come and bring a friend if possible to expand our fellowship of love and care..
会友与教会关怀：
1. 教友大会定於2009年今天2月15日下午1点半崇拜及午餐後举行。新堂会职员将被选出。去年工作报告将被接纳。请在礼堂後面的桌子上取一份中文或英文2008年周年报告书，并参加教友大会。
2. 本星期五2月20日下午8点，GERRY牧师和太太NORMA女士将带领查经和祷告。我们现在查考耶稣登山宝训的经文。我们为教友的事情和教会的事工，同心合意祷告
3. 本堂清洁工友Arthur Alberelli先生服务本堂十年後现须转职在Lob law’s工作。有意填补空缺者可於今天（2月15日）将履历交潘文，柯文生或Bruce Newman考虑。合则约见。
4. 本星期二2月17日到星期四19日，陈伟甡牧师和Frd Milns牧师将往Camp Iawah Ontario参加“Mission O Retreat”祈祷勇士使命退休会。他们会把大会所得带回来发展祈祷勇士领袖训练事工。请为本堂的祈祷事工代祷。
5. 2008年教友个别捐款收据已经制妥。请向司库梁毅弟兄领取您的全年收据以作报税之用。
6. 本星期六2月21日下午7点半在潘文弟兄和衣晓霞姊妹的家庭有查经团契。请带你的朋友一起来，扩大这个爱的团契。
本周默想分享
今天是周年教友大会主日。我们年复一年的开这大会。我们有没有问过这大会的宗旨是甚麽吗？保罗在提多书2章13节告诉我们它的宗旨是甚麽。他说：“等候所盼望的福，并等候至大的神和我们救主耶稣基督的荣耀显现。”没有追求的目标和盼望的对象，就使人散漫迟钝，不肯努力向前。许多信徒不冷不热，走入歧途，也就是由此而来。追求世界的一切不过是捕风捉影，毫无意义，只是欺骗，迷惑，虚空，痛苦而已。有人是在这里追求属灵的事，但也无所适从，感到困难，究竟要怎样做才好呢？
圣经中给我们有一个很清楚的指示，能解决我们许多属灵追求的问题。将这样事抓住，其他就能迎刃而解，这件事不是别的，就是专心盼望主耶稣基督再来，等候那所盼望的无比的福分。有了这个目标，心就定了，路就直了，灵性生活工作都有了方向。若知道这个为前提，为依归，为中心，事情就简单了，力量也有了。
我们可以问问自己，是不是天天盼望主的显现，等候并迎接祂的再来，为此已作好准备。或是别有所追求，盼望，没有为此作好准备，那样将来的损失太大了。懊悔是无法挽回的，趁着还有一点点的时候，将一切摆上唯恐不及，哪里还有闲时馀力去想别的呢？
甚麽时候失去这个有福的盼望，不预备等候基督荣耀的显现，属灵的生命就发生问题了，就要停顿，甚至退後了。让这个盼望如极大的磁石不住地吸引我们，如极亮的晨星一直照明我们，使我们摆脱一切连累，奔那前面的路程，直到见主的面。
Spiritual Thought for the Week
Today is Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday. We hold this meeting year after year. Is it a formality we have to go through or is it a vision we have to affirm every year? Paul knew what he was doing with church when he admonished Titus in these words: “while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:13). Without vision and hope, a man will run without an aim. He will work but lacks incentive. Many believers grow into neither cold nor hot believers. They go off the track because they miss this vision. They go after success which promises them worldly results. They end up in vanity. They find themselves deceived. They came with a noble reason and a spiritual motive. But they left with their worldly purpose not being realized.
What advice can we give to these unfortunate people? The Bible gives us a very clear direction. It calls us back to the vision. If we grab hold of this vision, other pieces will fall into place. This vision is nothing else but the waiting for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we have this vision and hope, we are the most blessed believers of Christ. When we have hope, our fear is gone, our path is straightened, our spiritual life has direction, our destination is focused and our strength is renewed.
Let us ask ourselves these questions every day. Are we hoping for Christ’s glorious reappearing? Are we welcoming His return? Are we ready any time for His return? Or are we caught up with another endeavor for another hope? Is another hope taking up all of our time and energy leaving us no time for Christ’s return? If we lost our hope, our loss will be great and irreversible. Regrets will not get us anywhere. But repentance will. There is not much time left. We will never have enough time to get ready for Jesus. Why bother wasting time on other hopes and goals?
Whenever we lose the hope of Christ’s return, our problems arise, our progress stop, our spiritual life decline. Let this hope attract us like magnet attracts iron, like morning star leads us to find Christ. Let us put aside things that get in our way and strive on the journey until one day we meet our Lord in His face.
——End——
1. Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for today Feb. 15, 2009 at 1:30 pm following the fellowship luncheon. New church council members will be elected. Ministry reports will be received. Please take a copy (English or Chinese) of the 2008 Annual Report which is placed on the table at the end of the sanctuary.
2. This Friday Feb. 20, 2009 evening 8 pm Rev. Gerry Fuller and his wife Norma will lead Bible study and prayer in the dinning hall. We are studying Jesus’ sermons on the mount. We will pray for our church as well as for individuals’ blessings. All are welcome.
3. Arthur Alberelli, our beloved caretaker has resigned. We are grateful for the 10 years of faithful service to OCUC. We wish him well in his new position at Lob laws. Please give the names and résumé to Frank Pan, Winson Orr or Bruce Newman for replacement. The deadline to submit resumes is today Feb. 15, 2009. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
4. The “Mission O Retreat” for equipping leaders for intercessory prayer warriors will be held on Tuesday Feb. 17 to Thursday Feb. 19 in Camp Iawah Ontario. Rev. Fred Milnes and Rev. Wilson Chan are attending this workshop so that they can come back with more resources to lead the leadership training program. Please pray for the prayer ministry of our church.
5. Individual annual offering receipt for the year 2008 has been issued. Please approach Treasurer Brother Liang Yi to claim your receipt for tax return purpose.
6. This Saturday Feb. 21 in Brother Frank Pan and Sister Linda Yi’s house Bible study and fellowship will be held beginning at 7:30 pm. Please come and bring a friend if possible to expand our fellowship of love and care..
会友与教会关怀：
1. 教友大会定於2009年今天2月15日下午1点半崇拜及午餐後举行。新堂会职员将被选出。去年工作报告将被接纳。请在礼堂後面的桌子上取一份中文或英文2008年周年报告书，并参加教友大会。
2. 本星期五2月20日下午8点，GERRY牧师和太太NORMA女士将带领查经和祷告。我们现在查考耶稣登山宝训的经文。我们为教友的事情和教会的事工，同心合意祷告
3. 本堂清洁工友Arthur Alberelli先生服务本堂十年後现须转职在Lob law’s工作。有意填补空缺者可於今天（2月15日）将履历交潘文，柯文生或Bruce Newman考虑。合则约见。
4. 本星期二2月17日到星期四19日，陈伟甡牧师和Frd Milns牧师将往Camp Iawah Ontario参加“Mission O Retreat”祈祷勇士使命退休会。他们会把大会所得带回来发展祈祷勇士领袖训练事工。请为本堂的祈祷事工代祷。
5. 2008年教友个别捐款收据已经制妥。请向司库梁毅弟兄领取您的全年收据以作报税之用。
6. 本星期六2月21日下午7点半在潘文弟兄和衣晓霞姊妹的家庭有查经团契。请带你的朋友一起来，扩大这个爱的团契。
本周默想分享
今天是周年教友大会主日。我们年复一年的开这大会。我们有没有问过这大会的宗旨是甚麽吗？保罗在提多书2章13节告诉我们它的宗旨是甚麽。他说：“等候所盼望的福，并等候至大的神和我们救主耶稣基督的荣耀显现。”没有追求的目标和盼望的对象，就使人散漫迟钝，不肯努力向前。许多信徒不冷不热，走入歧途，也就是由此而来。追求世界的一切不过是捕风捉影，毫无意义，只是欺骗，迷惑，虚空，痛苦而已。有人是在这里追求属灵的事，但也无所适从，感到困难，究竟要怎样做才好呢？
圣经中给我们有一个很清楚的指示，能解决我们许多属灵追求的问题。将这样事抓住，其他就能迎刃而解，这件事不是别的，就是专心盼望主耶稣基督再来，等候那所盼望的无比的福分。有了这个目标，心就定了，路就直了，灵性生活工作都有了方向。若知道这个为前提，为依归，为中心，事情就简单了，力量也有了。
我们可以问问自己，是不是天天盼望主的显现，等候并迎接祂的再来，为此已作好准备。或是别有所追求，盼望，没有为此作好准备，那样将来的损失太大了。懊悔是无法挽回的，趁着还有一点点的时候，将一切摆上唯恐不及，哪里还有闲时馀力去想别的呢？
甚麽时候失去这个有福的盼望，不预备等候基督荣耀的显现，属灵的生命就发生问题了，就要停顿，甚至退後了。让这个盼望如极大的磁石不住地吸引我们，如极亮的晨星一直照明我们，使我们摆脱一切连累，奔那前面的路程，直到见主的面。
Spiritual Thought for the Week
Today is Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday. We hold this meeting year after year. Is it a formality we have to go through or is it a vision we have to affirm every year? Paul knew what he was doing with church when he admonished Titus in these words: “while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:13). Without vision and hope, a man will run without an aim. He will work but lacks incentive. Many believers grow into neither cold nor hot believers. They go off the track because they miss this vision. They go after success which promises them worldly results. They end up in vanity. They find themselves deceived. They came with a noble reason and a spiritual motive. But they left with their worldly purpose not being realized.
What advice can we give to these unfortunate people? The Bible gives us a very clear direction. It calls us back to the vision. If we grab hold of this vision, other pieces will fall into place. This vision is nothing else but the waiting for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we have this vision and hope, we are the most blessed believers of Christ. When we have hope, our fear is gone, our path is straightened, our spiritual life has direction, our destination is focused and our strength is renewed.
Let us ask ourselves these questions every day. Are we hoping for Christ’s glorious reappearing? Are we welcoming His return? Are we ready any time for His return? Or are we caught up with another endeavor for another hope? Is another hope taking up all of our time and energy leaving us no time for Christ’s return? If we lost our hope, our loss will be great and irreversible. Regrets will not get us anywhere. But repentance will. There is not much time left. We will never have enough time to get ready for Jesus. Why bother wasting time on other hopes and goals?
Whenever we lose the hope of Christ’s return, our problems arise, our progress stop, our spiritual life decline. Let this hope attract us like magnet attracts iron, like morning star leads us to find Christ. Let us put aside things that get in our way and strive on the journey until one day we meet our Lord in His face.
——End——
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Congreation & Church Concerns 2009/2/8
CONGREGATION & CHURCH CONCERNS:
1. This Saturday Feb 14 2009 evening 6:00 pm Chinese Scholars’ Evangelist Testimony on DVD will be held in the dinning hall featuring the 7th lesson on “the source of science” by Rev. Hong Yu Jian. All are welcome.
2. This Friday Feb. 13, 2009 evening 8 pm Rev. Wilson Chan will lead Bible study and prayer in the dinning hall. We are studying the methodology of how to establish a prayer ministry. We will pray for our church as well as for individuals’ blessings. All are welcome.
3. Arthur Alberelli, our beloved caretaker has resigned. We are grateful for the 10 years of faithful service to OCUC. We wish him well in his new position at Lob laws. Please give the names and résumé to Frank Pan, Winson Orr or Bruce Newman for replacement. The deadline to submit resumes is Feb. 15, 2009. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
4. Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for Feb. 15, 2009 at 1:30 pm after Sunday worship and luncheon. New church council members will be elected. The nominating committee has prepared nomination forms to be filled by the congregation. We need 10 members to fill the 8 ministry departments in the new council. Please cast your vote by filling out the form and drop it into the election box at the end of the sanctuary hall. Nomination will be closed on Feb. 8, 2009 after worship service.
5. Individual annual offering receipt for the year 2008 has been issued. Please approach Treasurer Brother Liang Yi to claim your receipt for tax return purpose.
6. Sister Yang Yue was not feeling well last week because she has allergy rash. We pray that the Lord will help doctors to identify the cause and cure her from this ailment.
会友与教会关怀：
1. 本星期六2月14日下午6时，中国学者传道人布道光碟见证晚会有『洪予健讲道集』。第七讲"科学渊源"，请带新朋友来参加。
2. 本星期五2月13日下午8点，陳偉甡牧师将带领查经和祷告。我们现在研究如何建立强有力的祷告事工。我们也为教友的事情和教会的事工，同心合意祷告
3. 本堂清洁工友Arthur Alberelli先生服务本堂十年後现须转职在Lob law’s工作。有意填补空缺者可於2月15日前将履历交潘文，柯文生或Bruce Newman考虑。合则约见。
4. 教友大会定於2009年2月15日下午1点半崇拜及午餐後举行。新堂会将诞生。提名委员会已制了提名表格。我们需要10个新堂委来担任8个工作部门。请把提名表格填妥投入礼堂後面的投票箱内。提名截止是2月8日崇拜散会之时。
5. 2008年教友个别捐款收据已经制妥。请向司库梁毅弟兄领取您的全年收据以作报税之用。
6. 杨钰姊妹上周身体不舒适，因为皮肤敏感，求神赐她医生有智慧，找出敏感的原因，早日恢复健康。
本周默想分享
新的年度又重新开始了，我们要自己问自己，今年我要奉献多少给神呢？关於奉献财物，旧约要求十分之一，新约要求甘心情愿，乐意自动的奉献，不拘多少。真实被主救赎的人，知道连自己这个人都是属主的，一切都当归主。可是有多少人是愿意完全将自己和一切所有的都献给主呢？像那个寡妇，肯把一切养生的都摆上的人是太少了，表面上，口头上，我们可能都说："我愿意将所有的奉献"，但实际上却可能像亚拿尼亚，同他的妻子撒非喇一样，卖了田产，把价银私自留下几分，其馀的几分拿来放在使徒脚前。（徒5：2）
我们跟随主，只愿意跟随到某个程度，不愿意跟随得太尽，因为还想为自己留有馀地，甚至相当一段距离，不肯再往前走。不能完全为主，不能彻底摆上，总需要有所保留。光阴也好，精力也好，钱财也好，产业也好，都要为自己留下几分，不愿意受主的控制和管理，仍要由自己随意使用，支配。
这私自留下的几分，自己是知道的，接近的人也知道。不但神知道，别人也能知道，一个全心为神的人和一个表面为神的人，是很有分别的，其结果也很不相同。人愿得着神完全的恩典和赐福，却不愿意有完全的奉献和顺服。这是幻想，是撒但的诡计。其实所留下的几分，又有甚麽用处呢？能够多活，多用几多年呢？欺哄圣灵是当堂死亡的，亚拿尼亚，同他的妻子撒非喇不能多活一天。他们是太愚昧了。 但愿我们新的一年立志，将我们受神所托管的金钱，力量，时间，和产业都完全奉献给神，不私自留下分文。
Spiritual Thought for the Week
In the New Year, we need to renew our commitment with God. We have to ask ourselves, “How much am I going to give to God this year?” In regards to giving the Old Testament requires us to give one tenth of our income. The New Testament does not mention any amount. It only asks that we give out of willingness and cheerfulness. In fact anyone who is really grateful to the Lord’s saving grace will concede that he owes the Lord his life, and that the Lord deserves everything in his life. How many people will give everything he/she has to the Lord? So few people give like the poor widow who gave all that her livelihood relied. By our lips it is easy to say, “I am willing to give everything I have.” But in our guts we are like Ananias, who sold a piece of property, kept back part of the money for himself, with his wife Sapphira’s full knowledge, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 5:1-2)
We say we follow the Lord, but to a certain extent only. We don’t want to go too far with Him. We want to be a bit more reserved. After going for a while, we don’t want to move any more further. We can not surrender everything unconditionally. We can not give without a limit. There is got to be somewhere for us to say, “enough is enough.” Whether it be time; energy; money; or property, we have to set a limit. We have to reserve our right to take control and claim influence over the things we have given to God.
The desire to hold back things from God is a sin we recognize ourselves. Those who are close to us also recognize it. Not only God recognizes it. Everybody else recognizes it. You can easily distinguish a man who gives everything to God from another man who gives to God nominally. Their dispositions are very different and so are their consequences. If you want all of God’s grace and all of God’s blessings but do not want to give everything you have in exchange, you are just making impractical dreams. In fact this is not a dream from God. It is a nightmare from Satan.
Say, even if you do keep back something for your own use, how much more life can you enjoy? How many years more can you out live your greedy life? In the case of Ananias and his wife Sapphira, the price of deceiving the Holy Spirit is death at once, right on the spot. Not even one day more can they live, no matter how much they wanted it. They were so foolish.
Let us make new resolution for the New Year. It is to give to God everything He has entrusted us on earth. Everything means our money, our time, our energy and our property. We surrender them all. We do not keep back anything for our own interests.
——End——
1. This Saturday Feb 14 2009 evening 6:00 pm Chinese Scholars’ Evangelist Testimony on DVD will be held in the dinning hall featuring the 7th lesson on “the source of science” by Rev. Hong Yu Jian. All are welcome.
2. This Friday Feb. 13, 2009 evening 8 pm Rev. Wilson Chan will lead Bible study and prayer in the dinning hall. We are studying the methodology of how to establish a prayer ministry. We will pray for our church as well as for individuals’ blessings. All are welcome.
3. Arthur Alberelli, our beloved caretaker has resigned. We are grateful for the 10 years of faithful service to OCUC. We wish him well in his new position at Lob laws. Please give the names and résumé to Frank Pan, Winson Orr or Bruce Newman for replacement. The deadline to submit resumes is Feb. 15, 2009. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
4. Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for Feb. 15, 2009 at 1:30 pm after Sunday worship and luncheon. New church council members will be elected. The nominating committee has prepared nomination forms to be filled by the congregation. We need 10 members to fill the 8 ministry departments in the new council. Please cast your vote by filling out the form and drop it into the election box at the end of the sanctuary hall. Nomination will be closed on Feb. 8, 2009 after worship service.
5. Individual annual offering receipt for the year 2008 has been issued. Please approach Treasurer Brother Liang Yi to claim your receipt for tax return purpose.
6. Sister Yang Yue was not feeling well last week because she has allergy rash. We pray that the Lord will help doctors to identify the cause and cure her from this ailment.
会友与教会关怀：
1. 本星期六2月14日下午6时，中国学者传道人布道光碟见证晚会有『洪予健讲道集』。第七讲"科学渊源"，请带新朋友来参加。
2. 本星期五2月13日下午8点，陳偉甡牧师将带领查经和祷告。我们现在研究如何建立强有力的祷告事工。我们也为教友的事情和教会的事工，同心合意祷告
3. 本堂清洁工友Arthur Alberelli先生服务本堂十年後现须转职在Lob law’s工作。有意填补空缺者可於2月15日前将履历交潘文，柯文生或Bruce Newman考虑。合则约见。
4. 教友大会定於2009年2月15日下午1点半崇拜及午餐後举行。新堂会将诞生。提名委员会已制了提名表格。我们需要10个新堂委来担任8个工作部门。请把提名表格填妥投入礼堂後面的投票箱内。提名截止是2月8日崇拜散会之时。
5. 2008年教友个别捐款收据已经制妥。请向司库梁毅弟兄领取您的全年收据以作报税之用。
6. 杨钰姊妹上周身体不舒适，因为皮肤敏感，求神赐她医生有智慧，找出敏感的原因，早日恢复健康。
本周默想分享
新的年度又重新开始了，我们要自己问自己，今年我要奉献多少给神呢？关於奉献财物，旧约要求十分之一，新约要求甘心情愿，乐意自动的奉献，不拘多少。真实被主救赎的人，知道连自己这个人都是属主的，一切都当归主。可是有多少人是愿意完全将自己和一切所有的都献给主呢？像那个寡妇，肯把一切养生的都摆上的人是太少了，表面上，口头上，我们可能都说："我愿意将所有的奉献"，但实际上却可能像亚拿尼亚，同他的妻子撒非喇一样，卖了田产，把价银私自留下几分，其馀的几分拿来放在使徒脚前。（徒5：2）
我们跟随主，只愿意跟随到某个程度，不愿意跟随得太尽，因为还想为自己留有馀地，甚至相当一段距离，不肯再往前走。不能完全为主，不能彻底摆上，总需要有所保留。光阴也好，精力也好，钱财也好，产业也好，都要为自己留下几分，不愿意受主的控制和管理，仍要由自己随意使用，支配。
这私自留下的几分，自己是知道的，接近的人也知道。不但神知道，别人也能知道，一个全心为神的人和一个表面为神的人，是很有分别的，其结果也很不相同。人愿得着神完全的恩典和赐福，却不愿意有完全的奉献和顺服。这是幻想，是撒但的诡计。其实所留下的几分，又有甚麽用处呢？能够多活，多用几多年呢？欺哄圣灵是当堂死亡的，亚拿尼亚，同他的妻子撒非喇不能多活一天。他们是太愚昧了。 但愿我们新的一年立志，将我们受神所托管的金钱，力量，时间，和产业都完全奉献给神，不私自留下分文。
Spiritual Thought for the Week
In the New Year, we need to renew our commitment with God. We have to ask ourselves, “How much am I going to give to God this year?” In regards to giving the Old Testament requires us to give one tenth of our income. The New Testament does not mention any amount. It only asks that we give out of willingness and cheerfulness. In fact anyone who is really grateful to the Lord’s saving grace will concede that he owes the Lord his life, and that the Lord deserves everything in his life. How many people will give everything he/she has to the Lord? So few people give like the poor widow who gave all that her livelihood relied. By our lips it is easy to say, “I am willing to give everything I have.” But in our guts we are like Ananias, who sold a piece of property, kept back part of the money for himself, with his wife Sapphira’s full knowledge, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 5:1-2)
We say we follow the Lord, but to a certain extent only. We don’t want to go too far with Him. We want to be a bit more reserved. After going for a while, we don’t want to move any more further. We can not surrender everything unconditionally. We can not give without a limit. There is got to be somewhere for us to say, “enough is enough.” Whether it be time; energy; money; or property, we have to set a limit. We have to reserve our right to take control and claim influence over the things we have given to God.
The desire to hold back things from God is a sin we recognize ourselves. Those who are close to us also recognize it. Not only God recognizes it. Everybody else recognizes it. You can easily distinguish a man who gives everything to God from another man who gives to God nominally. Their dispositions are very different and so are their consequences. If you want all of God’s grace and all of God’s blessings but do not want to give everything you have in exchange, you are just making impractical dreams. In fact this is not a dream from God. It is a nightmare from Satan.
Say, even if you do keep back something for your own use, how much more life can you enjoy? How many years more can you out live your greedy life? In the case of Ananias and his wife Sapphira, the price of deceiving the Holy Spirit is death at once, right on the spot. Not even one day more can they live, no matter how much they wanted it. They were so foolish.
Let us make new resolution for the New Year. It is to give to God everything He has entrusted us on earth. Everything means our money, our time, our energy and our property. We surrender them all. We do not keep back anything for our own interests.
——End——
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)