May 5, 2020
Our Confession, Conviction, Commitment
Rev. Yuen-King Wan
Our Confession:
“I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth” (The Apostles’ Creed). It is our confession. After Jesus resurrected, His first words to His disciples were: “Peace be with you” (John 20:19,21,26). Paul told us the miraculous power of the peace promised. “The peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). As children of the Almighty Father, we are secure and safe despite the threats that may surround us. Even if He chooses to allow trials to fall upon us, it is to draw us closer to Him to shape us into His image. However, we have to confess our sins. We have allowed our lust to nurture our ego at the expense of others. We have abused our earth, exploited the natural resources and upset the balance of the ecology. May we pray as taught by the prophet Hosea: “Return, Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” (Hosea 14:1-2)
Our Conviction:
Despite the challenges and the threats of COVID-19, we strongly believe that our God is an Almighty God. With conviction, we may pray as Jesus taught us. “Our Father in heaven, …deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever, Amen” (The Lord’s Prayer). He saved us before and is our Saviour even today. In His time, the whole earth will be consumed, and a new heaven and new earth will be established with His second coming. Let us pray for His mercy and grace even today. God’s heart is touched by our grief. Let us hold on with conviction and stand firm as a powerful testimony, for this is our calling and our commitment.
My Commitment:
We are asked to go and make disciples. We are part of the Holy Church to bear the testimony that Jesus is the Saviour. Despite the overshadowing darkness, He is the light of life. We will be anointed by the Holy Spirit to bear His testimony even in the darkest hour. As Paul taught us, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Let us have our faith anchored in the Almighty God, and then we can have hope. Let us commit to pray for the leaders so that they can make the right decisions. Pray for the medical professionals that they will be protected. Pray for those who suffer from this troubled economy that they can receive additional resources to support their daily life. Pray that Christians would demonstrate their faith and love. Yes, let us commit to love one another. LOVE is a verb. May we be willing not only to pray, but to encourage, to share, and to be a faithful steward of what we are entrusted with. Amen.
May 5, 2020
Our Confession, Conviction, Commitment
Rev. Yuen-King Wan
Our Confession:
“I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth” (The Apostles’ Creed). It is our confession. After Jesus resurrected, His first words to His disciples were: “Peace be with you” (John 20:19,21,26). Paul told us the miraculous power of the peace promised. “The peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). As children of the Almighty Father, we are secure and safe despite the threats that may surround us. Even if He chooses to allow trials to fall upon us, it is to draw us closer to Him to shape us into His image. However, we have to confess our sins. We have allowed our lust to nurture our ego at the expense of others. We have abused our earth, exploited the natural resources and upset the balance of the ecology. May we pray as taught by the prophet Hosea: “Return, Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” (Hosea 14:1-2)
Our Conviction:
Despite the challenges and the threats of COVID-19, we strongly believe that our God is an Almighty God. With conviction, we may pray as Jesus taught us. “Our Father in heaven, …deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever, Amen” (The Lord’s Prayer). He saved us before and is our Saviour even today. In His time, the whole earth will be consumed, and a new heaven and new earth will be established with His second coming. Let us pray for His mercy and grace even today. God’s heart is touched by our grief. Let us hold on with conviction and stand firm as a powerful testimony, for this is our calling and our commitment.
My Commitment:
We are asked to go and make disciples. We are part of the Holy Church to bear the testimony that Jesus is the Saviour. Despite the overshadowing darkness, He is the light of life. We will be anointed by the Holy Spirit to bear His testimony even in the darkest hour. As Paul taught us, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Let us have our faith anchored in the Almighty God, and then we can have hope. Let us commit to pray for the leaders so that they can make the right decisions. Pray for the medical professionals that they will be protected. Pray for those who suffer from this troubled economy that they can receive additional resources to support their daily life. Pray that Christians would demonstrate their faith and love. Yes, let us commit to love one another. LOVE is a verb. May we be willing not only to pray, but to encourage, to share, and to be a faithful steward of what we are entrusted with. Amen.
April 28, 2020
Corona Insights
Rev. Peter Au
- Upward Looking: Let us focus not just downwardly on the coronavirus pandemic, but upwardly to the Corona of Glory, the Shekinah Glory of God. He is the All-Mighty (Pan-potent, Omnipotent), All-Present (Pan-present, Omnipresent), All-Knowing (Pan-scientia, Omniscient) God.
- Forward Looking: Let us look forward to the future instead of looking at the doom and gloom of the present. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. His nature and promises never change. He is still holding the future. Tomorrow is going to be better and brighter.
- Inward Looking: Let us look inwardly to examine ourselves and search the innermost being of our hearts. How is our relationship with God, with ourselves, with our family, with our church, with our society? Let us get more involved with loving God, Family, Church, Community, Society, Mankind, and Nature.
- Backward Looking: Let us look back in our lives and see if there is anything that has fallen short of the glory of God. An unexamined life is not worth living. We need to examine our lives in the light of God’s grace.
April 28, 2020
Corona Insights
Rev. Peter Au
- Upward Looking: Let us focus not just downwardly on the coronavirus pandemic, but upwardly to the Corona of Glory, the Shekinah Glory of God. He is the All-Mighty (Pan-potent, Omnipotent), All-Present (Pan-present, Omnipresent), All-Knowing (Pan-scientia, Omniscient) God.
- Forward Looking: Let us look forward to the future instead of looking at the doom and gloom of the present. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. His nature and promises never change. He is still holding the future. Tomorrow is going to be better and brighter.
- Inward Looking: Let us look inwardly to examine ourselves and search the innermost being of our hearts. How is our relationship with God, with ourselves, with our family, with our church, with our society? Let us get more involved with loving God, Family, Church, Community, Society, Mankind, and Nature.
- Backward Looking: Let us look back in our lives and see if there is anything that has fallen short of the glory of God. An unexamined life is not worth living. We need to examine our lives in the light of God’s grace.
April 21, 2020
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
It is difficult to find the right words in these difficult times. Many of us have been affected by this pandemic in one way or the other, and words of would be sufficient at this point. Instead, I would like to draw from the lessons Jesus taught in response to a situation that is not so different than ours.
With the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in the sixth-century BC, the people of God lost their land and their temple. Many were forced into exile, and they struggled to find meaningful ways to worship God after the fall of the Jerusalem temple. In distant lands, they focused on three spiritual practices as they sought to worship God: almsgiving, praying, and fasting. Through the centuries, these three practices (that were often mentioned together in Jewish literature) became ways they lived out their faith. But these practices quickly became self-centered acts: almsgiving became means of elevating one’s own social status, prayers turned into mere expressions of one’s own needs and desires, and fasting became a way to manipulate God.
In response to the way his contemporaries struggled in their suffering, Jesus provided his own teachings on almsgiving, praying, and fasting in Matthew 6:1-18. For us in the twenty-first century, as it is for the Jews in the first, times of difficulty can become an excuse for being self-centered as we focus on our own survival. In response to such an instinct, Jesus reminds us to direct our attention away from ourselves even in these difficult times.
In commenting on almsgiving, rather than using acts of charity as means to elevate ourselves as benefactors (6:2), we are called to direct our attention to others who are in need, without being recognized. This would include caring for our neighbors, our colleagues, and brothers and sisters in our church. Even in the time of crisis when our survival instinct may have taken over, we need to continue to show our love and care to those around us. After all, the early Church was only able to win over the entire Roman Empire by their love for orphans and widows.
In commenting on praying, rather than using prayers as a means to fulfill our own desires and agenda as the Gentiles do (6:8), we are called to focus on “our father” (6:9) and “his kingdom” (6:10). Even the brief note on our basic necessities (6:11) is qualified by a detailed call to “seek first the kingdom of God” (6:25-34). Times of difficulties are no excuse for not focusing on God and his Kingdom. Even in the midst of struggles, we would need to continue to fight against “the evil one” (6:13).
In commenting on fasting, Jesus again reminded us not to use this as an occasion to show off our religiosity. Instead, fasting is to be an occasion for repentance so that we can be rewarded by God’s final forgiveness (6:18). Calamities and crises remind us to be humbled before the Lord as we search our hearts to see how we had fallen from our first love for Him. Being confronted by the reality of our own frailty, we need to turn to God so that we are indeed prepared when we do return to Him.
Rather than thirsting for a return to a “normal life,” we should turn this into an occasion of love, worship, and repentance. By doing so, we can continue to participate in this spiritual battle for God and his glory.
May God be with you all, till we meet again face to face.
David Pao
April 21, 2020
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
It is difficult to find the right words in these difficult times. Many of us have been affected by this pandemic in one way or the other, and words of would be sufficient at this point. Instead, I would like to draw from the lessons Jesus taught in response to a situation that is not so different than ours.
With the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in the sixth-century BC, the people of God lost their land and their temple. Many were forced into exile, and they struggled to find meaningful ways to worship God after the fall of the Jerusalem temple. In distant lands, they focused on three spiritual practices as they sought to worship God: almsgiving, praying, and fasting. Through the centuries, these three practices (that were often mentioned together in Jewish literature) became ways they lived out their faith. But these practices quickly became self-centered acts: almsgiving became means of elevating one’s own social status, prayers turned into mere expressions of one’s own needs and desires, and fasting became a way to manipulate God.
In response to the way his contemporaries struggled in their suffering, Jesus provided his own teachings on almsgiving, praying, and fasting in Matthew 6:1-18. For us in the twenty-first century, as it is for the Jews in the first, times of difficulty can become an excuse for being self-centered as we focus on our own survival. In response to such an instinct, Jesus reminds us to direct our attention away from ourselves even in these difficult times.
In commenting on almsgiving, rather than using acts of charity as means to elevate ourselves as benefactors (6:2), we are called to direct our attention to others who are in need, without being recognized. This would include caring for our neighbors, our colleagues, and brothers and sisters in our church. Even in the time of crisis when our survival instinct may have taken over, we need to continue to show our love and care to those around us. After all, the early Church was only able to win over the entire Roman Empire by their love for orphans and widows.
In commenting on praying, rather than using prayers as a means to fulfill our own desires and agenda as the Gentiles do (6:8), we are called to focus on “our father” (6:9) and “his kingdom” (6:10). Even the brief note on our basic necessities (6:11) is qualified by a detailed call to “seek first the kingdom of God” (6:25-34). Times of difficulties are no excuse for not focusing on God and his Kingdom. Even in the midst of struggles, we would need to continue to fight against “the evil one” (6:13).
In commenting on fasting, Jesus again reminded us not to use this as an occasion to show off our religiosity. Instead, fasting is to be an occasion for repentance so that we can be rewarded by God’s final forgiveness (6:18). Calamities and crises remind us to be humbled before the Lord as we search our hearts to see how we had fallen from our first love for Him. Being confronted by the reality of our own frailty, we need to turn to God so that we are indeed prepared when we do return to Him.
Rather than thirsting for a return to a “normal life,” we should turn this into an occasion of love, worship, and repentance. By doing so, we can continue to participate in this spiritual battle for God and his glory.
May God be with you all, till we meet again face to face.
David Pao
April 14, 2020
How does it feel like when being isolated?
Dr. Milton Wan
because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.
Philippians 1:5, 7; 4:11-14 (NIV)
I once had the opportunity to discuss this with a friend who was imprisoned in solitary confinement for a number of years. In the beginning, he felt that it was a new experience for him. Before his imprisonment, he had led a hectic and stressful life. This sudden pause in his busy life was an opportunity for relief and more private time. However, he soon entered into a very difficult and painful stage. Life seemed meaningless with long, uneventful and mundane days. For some reason, he was in anticipation every day, but what was he waiting for? Was it a countdown to the day of his release? But that was too far ahead. He was miserable day in and day out. To his surprise, after a few months, he began to settle down. Instead of expecting something new to happen, he began to focus on his inner being and connection with God. He, being a Christian, started to meditate on Bible verses and write letters to his family. He discovered that each day he could have a new experience, gain new understanding, and even find new joy and interest in what he did. He began to gain a better understanding of the experience of an old Christian lady who lived in the 5th century in Italy. She confined herself for over ten years without stepping out into society. When someone asked her how she spent her long days of confinement, she answered, “Am I imprisoned? No! Every day I am making progress on my (spiritual) journey!” True, our bodies may be imprisoned, but “yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day”. (2 Co. 4:16)
The Fulfillment with the presence of God
I believe that this is what Paul had felt and experienced when he wrote the Book of Philippians in prison. That is why he said, “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Php 4:11-12) His being content was not due to his self-pity nor intentionally boasting that this confinement did not matter to him. In reality, deep in his heart, he experienced a fulfillment that met all his needs. In every detail of his daily life, he found new discoveries and experiences in God, and he enjoyed His closeness and presence. This is what he meant by he ‘has learned’ the ‘secret’ (v.12). You do not have to wait for important events or big crises to happen before you can anticipate and enjoy God’s true presence and wonder. In ordinary days, you can see God’s hands at work — calming down bored and restless children at home, finding internal peace even in times of worry and fear … In our thanksgiving, we can count God’s abundant provisions and anticipate His wonderful plans for our lives … Each day we can have new discoveries, new experiences and new ventures.
The Fulfillment with the presence of brothers and sisters in Christ
In addition to the presence of God, Paul also experienced much joy and fulfillment brought by many brothers and sisters in Christ. How could he enjoy their companionship when he was isolated in prison? Paul wrote, “…since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.” (Php 1:7) Although Paul could not see or touch any of his Christian friends in prison, they could be ‘in his heart’. For Paul, they had never left him. This ‘in touch’ feeling was mutual: Although his brothers and sisters of the Philippian Church were thousands of miles away and could not be by his side, Paul was confident that deep in their hearts, they had never forgotten him. They held him dearly in their hearts no matter if he was in prison, or not. This is why Paul could say that he could feel their presence even though he was physically alone during his interrogation (“defending and confirming the gospel’). Paul, though he was by himself, knew that these brothers and sisters would always support him, and were trying their best to save him. That is why he was convinced that when he was in chains, his brothers and sisters in Christ would still back him up, sharing in God’s grace with him. He was ‘alone’ yet ‘not alone’.
Nowadays, we have much more advanced communication technologies than Paul’s time. We are in a much better position to put into practice the idea that ‘we may be isolated, but we are not apart’. You are being isolated at this moment due to the Coronavirus pandemic. But how do you feel now?
Prayer:
Dear forever present God, loving and caring Lord! Help me to make good use of this isolation days. Help me discover your true and close presence with me. Help me treasure the heartfelt sweetness fellowship of other brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
April 14, 2020
How does it feel like when being isolated?
Dr. Milton Wan
because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.
Philippians 1:5, 7; 4:11-14 (NIV)
I once had the opportunity to discuss this with a friend who was imprisoned in solitary confinement for a number of years. In the beginning, he felt that it was a new experience for him. Before his imprisonment, he had led a hectic and stressful life. This sudden pause in his busy life was an opportunity for relief and more private time. However, he soon entered into a very difficult and painful stage. Life seemed meaningless with long, uneventful and mundane days. For some reason, he was in anticipation every day, but what was he waiting for? Was it a countdown to the day of his release? But that was too far ahead. He was miserable day in and day out. To his surprise, after a few months, he began to settle down. Instead of expecting something new to happen, he began to focus on his inner being and connection with God. He, being a Christian, started to meditate on Bible verses and write letters to his family. He discovered that each day he could have a new experience, gain new understanding, and even find new joy and interest in what he did. He began to gain a better understanding of the experience of an old Christian lady who lived in the 5th century in Italy. She confined herself for over ten years without stepping out into society. When someone asked her how she spent her long days of confinement, she answered, “Am I imprisoned? No! Every day I am making progress on my (spiritual) journey!” True, our bodies may be imprisoned, but “yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day”. (2 Co. 4:16)
The Fulfillment with the presence of God
I believe that this is what Paul had felt and experienced when he wrote the Book of Philippians in prison. That is why he said, “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Php 4:11-12) His being content was not due to his self-pity nor intentionally boasting that this confinement did not matter to him. In reality, deep in his heart, he experienced a fulfillment that met all his needs. In every detail of his daily life, he found new discoveries and experiences in God, and he enjoyed His closeness and presence. This is what he meant by he ‘has learned’ the ‘secret’ (v.12). You do not have to wait for important events or big crises to happen before you can anticipate and enjoy God’s true presence and wonder. In ordinary days, you can see God’s hands at work — calming down bored and restless children at home, finding internal peace even in times of worry and fear … In our thanksgiving, we can count God’s abundant provisions and anticipate His wonderful plans for our lives … Each day we can have new discoveries, new experiences and new ventures.
The Fulfillment with the presence of brothers and sisters in Christ
In addition to the presence of God, Paul also experienced much joy and fulfillment brought by many brothers and sisters in Christ. How could he enjoy their companionship when he was isolated in prison? Paul wrote, “…since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.” (Php 1:7) Although Paul could not see or touch any of his Christian friends in prison, they could be ‘in his heart’. For Paul, they had never left him. This ‘in touch’ feeling was mutual: Although his brothers and sisters of the Philippian Church were thousands of miles away and could not be by his side, Paul was confident that deep in their hearts, they had never forgotten him. They held him dearly in their hearts no matter if he was in prison, or not. This is why Paul could say that he could feel their presence even though he was physically alone during his interrogation (“defending and confirming the gospel’). Paul, though he was by himself, knew that these brothers and sisters would always support him, and were trying their best to save him. That is why he was convinced that when he was in chains, his brothers and sisters in Christ would still back him up, sharing in God’s grace with him. He was ‘alone’ yet ‘not alone’.
Nowadays, we have much more advanced communication technologies than Paul’s time. We are in a much better position to put into practice the idea that ‘we may be isolated, but we are not apart’. You are being isolated at this moment due to the Coronavirus pandemic. But how do you feel now?
Prayer:
Dear forever present God, loving and caring Lord! Help me to make good use of this isolation days. Help me discover your true and close presence with me. Help me treasure the heartfelt sweetness fellowship of other brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
