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  • TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E1

    TWL - Ecclesiastes S6E1
    2025/09/11
    # Truth Worth Living: Embracing Ecclesiastes In today's session of Truth Worth Living, we delve into the profound and often misunderstood book of **Ecclesiastes**, a text that challenges our conventional pursuit of meaning and success. This session is part of our ongoing journey to understand God's word so we can live in His will. ## The Demotivational Parallel Pastor Chris begins by drawing a parallel between the satirical company Despair Inc. and the book of **Ecclesiastes**. Despair Inc. is known for its "demotivational" posters that cynically critique the motivational industry. These posters, with slogans like "None of us are as dumb as all of us" and "The purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others," humorously highlight the futility in certain pursuits. Similarly, **Ecclesiastes** is often seen as the "demotivational poster" of the Bible. It opens with stark declarations like **Ecclesiastes 1:2**: "Meaningless! Meaningless! says the Teacher. Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." Such statements seem to contradict the uplifting messages we typically expect from scripture. ## The Search for Meaning The core message of **Ecclesiastes** is a profound critique of our attempts to find fulfillment through worldly achievements. The Teacher, traditionally believed to be Solomon, explores various avenues such as intellectual pursuits, wealth, luxury, and politics, only to conclude that all are ultimately futile in the face of death. In **Ecclesiastes 2**, the Teacher reflects on the toil and anxiety of human labor: "What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless." The book challenges the notion that success and accomplishments can provide lasting satisfaction. ## A Call to Fear God Despite its seemingly bleak outlook, **Ecclesiastes** offers a crucial lesson: the pursuit of worldly success is empty without a foundation in faith. The Teacher concludes his reflections in **Ecclesiastes 12:13-14**: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." This conclusion shifts the focus from human endeavors to a divine perspective, emphasizing the importance of living a life centered on God's commandments. ## An Invitation to Reflect Pastor Chris encourages us to read **Ecclesiastes** before the next session. This book, though challenging, is essential for today's culture as it exposes the fallacy of finding meaning in success alone. Instead, it invites us to ground our lives in the eternal truths of God's word. By embracing the lessons of **Ecclesiastes**, we can navigate the complexities of life with a deeper understanding of what truly matters. Join us next time as we continue to explore these timeless truths and their relevance to our daily lives. --- **Join the Conversation:** Share your thoughts and reflections on **Ecclesiastes** in the comments or with your small group. Let's journey together in discovering truth worth living.
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    7 分
  • Our Mission Week 4

    Our Mission Week 4
    2025/09/09
    # Our Mission: Telling the Truth of God's Salvation In the fourth week of our mission series, we delve into the critical importance of truth-telling within the Christian faith. Using the story from **2 Kings 7** as a foundation, we explore how sharing the truth of God's salvation is not just a privilege but a duty. ## The Story of the Four Lepers The sermon recounts the story from **2 Kings 7:3-10**, where four lepers, outcasts from their community, stumble upon the abandoned camp of the Arameans. God had caused the Arameans to flee, leaving behind all their provisions. The lepers, initially keeping the discovery to themselves, eventually realize the importance of sharing this life-saving news with their city. - **2 Kings 7:3-4**: The lepers face a dire choice—stay and die, enter a besieged city and die, or surrender to the Arameans, who might spare them. - **2 Kings 7:5-8**: Upon discovering the deserted camp, they find food, clothing, and wealth, recognizing the abundance of God's provision. - **2 Kings 7:9**: They acknowledge their moral responsibility to share the good news, fearing the question, "Why didn't you tell us?" ## The Mission of Truth-Telling The story of the lepers is a powerful metaphor for the Christian mission. Just as the lepers found salvation and abundance, Christians have found salvation through Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes: - **Truth and Freedom**: Truth-telling is essential because it offers freedom to those who hear it. Without sharing the truth, people remain "trapped in the dark city," unaware of the salvation available to them. - **Mission of the Church**: The overarching mission is to make friends, meet needs, and make disciples. This involves sharing the truth of the human condition and the transformative hope found in Jesus Christ. - **Avoiding Regret**: By sharing the truth, believers avoid the regret of having someone ask, "Why didn't you tell me?" This question signifies a missed opportunity to guide someone to freedom. ## Application to Our Lives The sermon challenges us to reflect on our position in the story: 1. **Outside the City Gates**: Some may still be seeking answers from the world, unaware of the salvation offered through Christ. 2. **In the Camp**: Believers enjoying the blessings of salvation but keeping it to themselves. 3. **On the Road to the City**: Those who actively share the truth of God's salvation, fulfilling their mission. ## Conclusion The call to action is clear: we must not remain silent. The truth of God's salvation through Jesus Christ is a "day of good news" that we are compelled to share. By doing so, we not only fulfill our mission but also experience the joy and freedom of knowing we have done our part in God's plan. The sermon concludes with an invitation to reflect on where we stand in our journey of faith and encourages us to step boldly into the mission of truth-telling for the glory of God and the good of those we love.
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    34 分
  • Our Mission Week 2

    Our Mission Week 2
    2025/08/26
    # Our Mission: Meeting Needs with Wisdom and Generosity In the second week of our mission series, we explored the theme of meeting needs with wisdom and generosity. The sermon was anchored in the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda from **John 5:1-15**. This narrative provided a backdrop to discuss how we as a community can discern which needs to meet and how to do so in a way that aligns with God’s will. ## Key Themes ### 1. **Understanding Needs vs. Resources** One of the challenges highlighted is that needs often outpace available resources. This is akin to the eternal balance between questions and answers. There will always be more needs than what can be met, just as there are more questions than answers. Jesus himself acknowledged this reality in **Matthew 26:11** when he said, "The poor you will always have with you." This indicates the perpetual presence of need in our world. ### 2. **Determining Which Needs to Meet** The sermon emphasized the importance of discerning which needs to address. Not every need is meant to be met by us because need itself can be a catalyst for change. Jesus, although capable, did not heal every person he encountered. This selective approach is seen in **John 5:1-15**, where Jesus heals one man among many at Bethesda. This teaches us that sometimes, the presence of unmet needs can lead individuals to turn towards God, seeking hope and placing their faith in Jesus. ### 3. **The Role of Generosity** Generosity is a hallmark of God's children, as seen in **1 John 3:16-18**. Meeting needs should start within the family of believers, ensuring that our brothers and sisters in faith are cared for first. This practice reflects the love of Christ, who laid down his life for us. When we see a brother or sister in need and have the means to help, we should act with compassion and not merely with words. ### 4. **Practical Steps for Meeting Needs** - **Eagerly Practice Generosity:** Be actively looking for opportunities to give, as God loves a cheerful giver. - **Start with Family:** Prioritize meeting the needs of those within our church family, as instructed in **1 Timothy 5:3-4**. - **Evaluate Needs:** Discern whether meeting a specific need will empower or enable the person. This involves asking if the help provided will be a "hand up" rather than a "hand out." - **Support Those Who Cannot Help Themselves:** As **James 1:27** states, pure religion involves looking after orphans and widows in distress. - **Respond to God’s Prompting:** When God lays a need on your heart, act on it, trusting that He is inviting you to join Him in His work. ## Conclusion Meeting needs is a complex but vital aspect of our mission. As we strive to make friends and make disciples, we must approach this task with wisdom, ensuring that our efforts are fruitful and God-glorifying. Through our generosity, we not only meet immediate needs but also point others to Jesus, who meets our deepest need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Let us be faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, investing in His kingdom and expanding His glory on earth as it is in heaven.
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    44 分
  • Our Mission Week 1

    Our Mission Week 1
    2025/08/19
    # Our Mission: Making Friends In this first week of our new series on "Our Mission," we explore the profound theme of friendship within the church community. Drawing from biblical narratives, we discuss how the church can address the pervasive loneliness in our world today by fostering genuine friendships. ## Key Biblical Passages - **Job 1:1** - The story of Job, a man of integrity who faced immense suffering. - **Mark 2:1-12** - The account of the paralytic man and his friends who brought him to Jesus. ## The Mission of the Church The mission of the church is to free people from their "grave clothes," symbolizing the vestments of a life bound by sin, and to help them live the victorious life offered by Jesus. This mission is encapsulated in our church's approach: **making friends, meeting needs, and making disciples**. ### Making Friends The concept of a "God-shaped hole" in every human heart is well-known, but Pastor Chris introduces another critical void: the "human-shaped hole." God designed us to be enriched and fulfilled through human relationships, as evidenced in the creation narrative where God declared it "not good for man to be alone" (**Genesis 2:18**). ### The Epidemic of Loneliness Despite being the most connected generation, society suffers from an epidemic of loneliness. Statistics reveal that 30% of people experience extreme loneliness, with young adults aged 18-24 being the loneliest group. This loneliness leads to various societal issues, including lower educational performance and higher crime rates, as noted by Robert Putnam in his book, *Bowling Alone*. ### Friendship in Community Friendship takes on different forms throughout our lives, but true friendship is marked by the ability to call on someone in times of need. The church is called to fill the "human-shaped hole" by being a community where anyone can find friendship and support. ## Lessons from Biblical Friendships ### Job's Friends Initially, Job's friends demonstrated true friendship by simply being present with him in his suffering (**Job 2:11-13**). However, they later failed by offering judgmental sermons instead of compassionate support, focusing on the reasons for Job's suffering rather than seeking resolution. ### The Paralytic's Friends In contrast, the paralytic's friends in **Mark 2:1-12** exemplified true friendship by prioritizing resolution over reasons. They went to great lengths to bring their friend to Jesus, demonstrating faith and compassion without seeking recognition for themselves. ## Maxims of Friendship 1. **Resolution Over Reasons**: Focus on helping rather than analyzing the cause of someone's predicament. 2. **Service Over Sermons**: Offer practical support and understanding rather than judgment. 3. **Compassion Over Comparison**: Show genuine empathy without comparing oneself to others. ## Conclusion The church is entrusted with the mission of making friends to combat loneliness and establish credibility for the gospel message. By embodying these principles, we can point others to Jesus, who fills the deepest needs of the heart. As a church, let us commit to being a community where friendship and support are readily available, fulfilling our mission to make disciples through love and service.
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    38 分
  • Miracles Week 11

    Miracles Week 11
    2025/08/12
    # Miracles Week 11: The Power, Passion, and Purpose of Jesus In the final sermon of our series on miracles, we explore the profound significance of two pivotal miracles in the Bible: the Exodus and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. These events are examined through the lens of three benchmarks: **Power**, **Passion**, and **Purpose**. ## The Miracle of the Exodus - **Power**: The Exodus is a testament to God's almighty power. Only the Almighty could part the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Egyptian bondage on dry ground. - **Passion**: This miracle reveals God's passion for freedom. He heard the cries of the Israelites and delivered them from slavery, demonstrating His deep care for His people. - **Purpose**: God's purpose was to lead His people to a land of peace and harmony, a vision for mankind that highlights His intent for human flourishing. ## The Miracle of Raising Lazarus Our focus shifts to the New Testament and the miracle of raising Lazarus, recorded in **John 11**. - **Background**: Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, falls gravely ill. His sisters, Mary and Martha, send for Jesus, hoping for a miracle. However, Jesus delays His visit until Lazarus is dead, setting the stage for a profound demonstration of His power. - **Power**: Jesus' ability to raise Lazarus after four days in the tomb is a powerful testament to His mastery over death. This miracle shows that Jesus' power extends beyond healing to resurrecting life itself. - **Passion**: Jesus weeps at Lazarus' tomb, illustrating His deep sorrow over the effects of sin and death on humanity. His tears reflect His compassion and His mission to overcome the devastation caused by sin. - **Purpose**: The raising of Lazarus reveals Jesus as the "resurrection and the life" (**John 11:25**). It underscores the hope and victory over death that Jesus offers to all who believe in Him. ## The Role of the Believers An often overlooked aspect of this miracle is the involvement of the community. After Lazarus emerges from the tomb, Jesus instructs those present to "take off the grave clothes and let him go" (**John 11:44**). This act symbolizes the role of the community in helping individuals shed the remnants of their old life and embrace the new life Jesus offers. - **Community Involvement**: Just as Lazarus needed help to remove his grave clothes, believers today need the support of the church community to overcome the "grave clothes" of sin and old habits. - **Privilege and Responsibility**: Participating in another's journey to freedom is a significant privilege and responsibility for believers. It is a call to actively engage in the work of healing and transformation within the community. ## Conclusion The miracles of the Exodus and the raising of Lazarus highlight God's immense power, His compassionate heart, and His divine purpose for humanity. They remind us that through faith in Jesus, we can experience new life and freedom from the bondage of sin. As believers, we are called to support one another in this journey, helping each other to fully embrace the abundant life that Jesus offers. These miracles are not just historical events; they are living testimonies of God's enduring power and love, inviting us to participate in His redemptive work today.
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    36 分
  • Miracles Week 10

    Miracles Week 10
    2025/08/05

    # Miracles Week 10: The True Mission of Jesus

    In the tenth week of our series on miracles, we explored the intriguing relationship between Jesus' miraculous works and his ultimate mission. This sermon challenges the notion that Jesus sought to promote his miracles for popularity, drawing a parallel with the promotional tactics of the Ringling Brothers Circus.

    ## **Mark 1:23-45**

    ### Key Themes:

    - **Misconceptions About Miracles:**

    - Pastor Chris begins by drawing a parallel between the promotional strategies of the Ringling Brothers Circus and the way Jesus’ miracles were perceived. The circus used vibrant promotion to draw crowds, but Jesus did not seek to advertise his miraculous works.

    - The sermon emphasizes that Jesus never used miracles to draw a crowd or gain fame. Instead, he often instructed those he healed to remain silent about their experiences.

    - **Jesus’ True Mission:**

    - The sermon highlights that Jesus' primary mission was not to perform miracles but to offer forgiveness and establish the kingdom of God. This is evident in **Mark 2:1-12**, where Jesus forgives a paralyzed man's sins before healing him physically.

    - Jesus’ miracles served as signs pointing to his divine authority and the coming kingdom, but they were not the main focus of his ministry.

    - **The Importance of Discretion:**

    - Pastor Chris discusses the need for wisdom in sharing our personal experiences with God. Not every divine encounter or miracle is meant to be shared publicly, as they can sometimes distract from the true message of the Gospel.

    - **Mark 1:40-45** illustrates this point, where Jesus heals a leper and instructs him to tell no one. The leper’s disobedience led to Jesus having to stay in lonely places due to the overwhelming crowds.

    - **The Greatest Miracle: Forgiveness of Sins:**

    - The sermon underscores that the most significant miracle Jesus offers is the forgiveness of sins, which reconciles us with God and grants us eternal life.

    - This miracle of salvation is accessible to all through faith in Jesus Christ, as emphasized in **Ephesians 2:8-9**: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

    ### Conclusion

    The sermon concludes by urging believers to focus on sharing the core message of the Gospel: the miracle of salvation through Jesus Christ. While personal testimonies of divine encounters can be powerful, they should always point back to the central truth of Jesus’ mission—our redemption and forgiveness.

    In essence, while miracles can draw attention, the true miracle we must proclaim is the transformative power of Jesus’ forgiveness and the new life it brings. This is the story we are compelled to share, a story that transcends our personal experiences and points to the eternal hope we have in Christ.
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    43 分
  • Miracles Week 9

    Miracles Week 9
    2025/07/29
    # Miracles Week 9: The Power of Humility In our ongoing series on miracles, we delve into the story of Naaman from **2 Kings 5:1-19**. This narrative is a compelling illustration of how humility can create space for divine intervention, while pride can obstruct it. ## The Story of Naaman Naaman, a revered commander of the army of Aram, was a man of great power and prestige. However, he suffered from leprosy, a condition that no amount of status or wealth could cure. This story is not just about his physical healing but a profound transformation of his heart. ### Key Themes - **Humility vs. Pride**: The sermon emphasizes that humility opens the door for God to act in our lives. Naaman's journey underscores this truth as his initial pride prevents him from accepting the simple solution offered by the prophet Elisha. It is only through humbling himself and obeying God's directive to wash in the Jordan River that he finds healing. - **God's Use of the Humble**: A pivotal character in Naaman's story is a nameless, enslaved Hebrew girl who suggests that Naaman seek out the prophet in Samaria. Her humble, compassionate whisper sets the miracle in motion, highlighting how God often uses the overlooked and powerless to achieve His purposes. - **Divine Healing and Transformation**: Naaman's healing is not just physical but spiritual. His willingness to obey the simple, humble command to wash in the Jordan signifies a surrender that leads to a deeper transformation. The story illustrates that true healing involves a change of heart and a recognition of God’s sovereignty. ## Lessons from Naaman’s Journey 1. **Pride Obstructs Divine Grace**: Naaman's initial reaction to Elisha's instructions is one of anger and pride. His expectation of a grand gesture reflects a common human tendency to value status and spectacle over simple obedience. **Proverbs 16:18** warns, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall," a truth evident in Naaman's journey. 2. **The Role of Humility in Healing**: Naaman’s story teaches that healing and redemption begin when pride ends. The simple act of washing in the Jordan becomes a symbol of his humility and obedience, leading to his restoration. 3. **God's Sovereignty in Healing**: The narrative demonstrates that God’s methods may seem simple or beneath us, but they are effective. Naaman's transformation from a proud commander to a humble worshiper of the true God is a testament to the power of God’s grace. ## Conclusion Naaman’s story is a powerful reminder that God’s miracles often require us to lay down our pride and embrace humility. As we reflect on this narrative, we are encouraged to consider the areas in our lives where pride may be hindering us from experiencing God's full blessings. By stepping into the metaphorical Jordan River of our lives, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace. In closing, remember the words from **James 4:10**: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." Let us strive to live lives marked by humility, allowing God to work His miracles in and through us.
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    34 分
  • Miracles Week 8

    Miracles Week 8
    2025/07/22

    Miracles Week 8: Finding Thin Places

    In the eighth installment of our "Miracles" series, we delve into the concept of "thin places"—moments where God breaks into our world to reveal His love, power, and glory. These moments, though rare today, were abundant during Jesus' time on Earth, particularly through His miracles.

    ## **John 1:14** - The Incarnation as a Thin Place

    The sermon highlights the incarnation of Jesus as the ultimate "thin place." As described in **John 1:14**, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Jesus' presence on Earth was a continual revelation of God's glory, bridging the gap between heaven and earth.

    ## Learning from Miracles

    The sermon focuses on two miracles that exemplify how we can cooperate with God to create these "thin places":

    ### **John 2:1-11** - Water into Wine

    - **Setting**: A wedding in Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine.

    - **Key Figures**: The servants, who filled the jars with water at Jesus' instruction, played a crucial role.

    - **Lesson**: The servants' obedience and trust in Jesus' instructions allowed them to witness and participate in a miracle. This teaches us the importance of making ourselves available to God, even when the task seems mundane or illogical.

    ### **Matthew 14:13-21** - Feeding the Five Thousand

    - **Setting**: A remote location where a large crowd gathered to hear Jesus.

    - **Key Figures**: The disciples, who distributed five loaves and two fish to feed thousands.

    - **Lesson**: The disciples' willingness to offer what little they had and follow Jesus' instructions resulted in a miracle. This illustrates that God can multiply our limited resources when we trust Him.

    ## Four Key Lessons on Creating Thin Places

    1. **God's Desire for Our Involvement**: God wants us to participate in His divine work. As seen in these miracles, our involvement strengthens our faith and demonstrates that "we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength" (**Philippians 4:13**).

    2. **As You Go Principle**: Miracles often occur in the midst of our daily lives. We must be sensitive to God's voice and embrace the opportunities He presents as we go about our routines.

    3. **Offering What We Have**: Whether it's time, energy, or resources, offering what we have to Jesus allows Him to use it for His glory.

    4. **Trusting Jesus**: Trust is foundational. Neither the servants nor the disciples knew Jesus' plans, yet their trust led to miraculous outcomes. We must trust Jesus with both our lives and our circumstances.

    ## Conclusion: Trust and Obedience

    The sermon concludes with a call to trust Jesus as the way to experience the ultimate "thin place"—a personal relationship with Him. By trusting in His sacrifice, we receive forgiveness and eternal life. This trust extends beyond salvation to every aspect of our lives, as we follow His lead and participate in His kingdom work.

    As we reflect on these lessons, let us strive to be available, obedient, and trusting, so that we may witness and partake in the miracles God desires to perform in and through us.
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    36 分