Sin

Thanks to Ping On for leading us into a detailed study of sin at the last House Group.

Indeed, as he suggested at the very beginning of our sharing, sin is detestable, ugly and devastating.  However, as most of us know, sin is also the centre of our Christian belief and the basis of our Salvation.  

Without sin in the world, there would not be human beings; just Adam and Eve living in the Garden of Eden forever.  You and I will not exist, and there is no need of Christ’ birth at Christmas or His resurrection on Easter. There will not be the Bible, prophets or churches/ministries.  Neither will there be death or everlasting life. Can you imagine what kind of “world” that would be?

Sin was introduced in Genesis (beginning of the Bible) and concluded in Revelation (the last book) with the final judgment and second coming of Christ to rule the world. Rather than looking at sin by itself, is it not more appropriate to view sin as the major foundation of God’s Salvation plan?

Definitely, it would enhance the many Bible passages such as…

“ Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—“ (Romans 5:12)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“…..made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ”  (Ephesians 2:5)

Not to mention John 3:16, the heart of our belief.

Following the Anglican calendar, our church is studying Romans at this time about Salvation through Grace (justification through Faith).  Definitely, sin cannot be separated from Grace of God in the Gospel message.

I am a sinner.  I sin every day.  To me, there is not one sin more deadly than another, because all sin (as small as a white lie or negligence) fall short of the glory of God.  Whether it is the wrongs that I have done or the rights that I have not done (according to our confession prayer), I am guilty of sinning.  But the good news is, Jesus’ death on the cross justified my sins, so that I can be cleansed in the eyes of God.  Theologically speaking, putting an end to our sin through Faith and repentance is our only chance to Salvation!!!

Praise our Lord for forgiving my sins in the past, present and future!!!  Amen!!!

Anglican priest in HK speaking up!!

The following was forwarded to me to include into the RHG sharing blog......

Hi Ping On,
 
I am sorry that I cut into your sharing on Sunday.
Can you share more?
I like to hear your side of the story and maybe put it on our web so that we can all learn from you (or others who are interested) as well?
 
Thank you for the way you serve!!!

Jane

--------------------------------------------

As I am waiting to see my eye docor, try to reply your mail.

Celine quoted a saying that "Evil thrives when Christians do not voice out against injustice". It came to my mind that the Anglican archbishop of HK spoke against anti government speeches, demonstration & the pastor who promotes Occupy Central District

But his extreme pro-communist stance was denounced & laughed at by many. Anyway, political issues can be controversial sometimes and Christians do need carefully voice out despite legal challenge. In 1989. I supported my pastor friend who led a big first time against Tienamen Massacre demonstration and I took my church members to march outside Chinese Embassy on Granville .

The then Senior pastor in my church did not say or speak against me as his co-pastor. We do have responsibility to voice out in proper manner, 5 hundred yrs ago, Martin Luther condemned  injustice despite persecution, monastery rules and even death. If it were not the 12 disciples‘ preaching under death threat, we may not have Christian Church around the whole world today. 

You may help me to put on blog,

Seeing Dr. now

by Ping On

Words of Wisdom ….. (1) by Jane

Aba   = Father  (universal language, even in baby’s)

FAT   = Faithful Accountable Teachable (better than all you can eat)

GPS   = God’s Positioning System  (free and no need of update)

JOY   = Jesus Others Yourself   (in this sequence only)

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Words of Comfort (14) Purpose Driven Church

Lately, a lot of unexpected crisis (both personal and Spiritual) crossed my path.  I felt very helpless until the Lord intervened.  He opened my eyes to the many ways I have sinned.  

God is Merciful and Forgiving.  After I confessed and repented of my sins, He humbled me to see His Will.

In the process, His Words (especially the following passages) sustained me.  It also led me to re-think my gifts, my weaknesses and my calling…

 “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”  (Psalm 127:1)

 Parable of the sower (Matthew 13). When a seed is planted in good soil, it will bear fruit and grow.  However, the same seed planted in poor soil (roadside, rocks or thorns), there is no possibilities of growth.

 “He who has ears, let him hear.”  (Matthew 13:9, 43)

 “And He (Jesus) did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.”  

(Matthew 13:58)

Words of Comfort (13) (See?)

1. “Come,” Jesus replied, and you will see.”  So they went and saw where he was staying.  (John 1:39)
2. “Come and see,” said Philip.  (John 1:46)
3. “Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”  (John 1:48)
4. “Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree.  You will see greater things than that.”(John 1:50)
5. “Very truly I tell you, you will see “heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Reading through John 1, I cannot help but noticed “see/saw” was repeated seven times within twelve short verses (John 1:39-51).

Although most people can relate to “seeing is believing”, it was doubting Thomas that helped prove to us that the Lord will bless those who believe without seeing.

At the beginning of a new year, I think the Lord is telling me to search deep and examine myself as to what I see (both right and wrong) and what I cannot see (goods of others and wrongs of myself).

More importantly, it is how the Lord sees me (as I truly am) and how I can live my life to bring Him Glory.

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

“I have appeared to you to appoint you as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.”  (Acts 26:16)

Two of my favorite hymns came to mind….

“Search me O Lord” (Psalm 139:23) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz6yx3hJQ18

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st5E8_bIzn8

By jane

年首到年終

     來到一年最後一天了,早上祈禱之時,忽然想起我們家庭聚會的一班弟兄姊妹,腦

海中泛出一張張熟識的臉......


               詩篇 65: 11 你 以 恩 典 為 年 歲 的 冠 冕 . 你 的 路 徑 都 滴 下 脂 油 。


     但願當我們踏進新的一年之初,神以恩典編織冠冕戴在我們的頭上,祂的恩惠如

脂油滴下,滴到髮尾,滴到腳尖,恩上加恩,力上加力,由年首到年終 ,無窮無盡......


若詩