Here's Alice's favourite :) Shame they didn't sing it yesterday, it's so good...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJuw6dzlYNw
1. Savior I come
Quiet my soul
Remember
Redemptions hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as lost
Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, lead me to the cross
2. You were as I
Tempted and trialed
Human
The word became flesh
Bore my sin and death
Now you're risen
Bridge:
To your heart
To your heart
Lead me to your heart
Lead me to your heart
Saturday, May 26, 2007
We must go
A friend sent this video to me earlier, I think it's so relevant to yesterday's message at the concert... I am really interested in what God has spoken to you at the concert, do you think we should have a sharing time later?
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
回報
回報?主耶穌基督道成肉身被釘在十字架上有否和我們講回報?好，神和人不能相比。那麼彼得約翰保羅等使徒又有否講回報?歷世歷代尤其是大逼害時期的殉道者又向誰取回報?十五六世紀往亞洲的傳教士又應該向誰取回報呢?這些人都沒有講回報，我們又憑什麼講回報呢?單是憑主被釘在十字架上為我們而死這事，就已經有足夠的理由要我們下半世做盡「沒有回報」的事了。
Monday, May 14, 2007
How to be a contagious Christian (part 1)
Here are some of the notes I took at the 2nd part of the workshop I attended at AFC last Saturday about evangelism, especially to people our age.
The point about this workshop is that, to share our faith, it's not just talk, it's not "hard sell" our faith (which to be honest is how many people I know perceive Christians), but to be a contagious Christian whom other people want to hang around with because of what they see through our changed life. We are called to be Salt and Light, one to make people thirsty, the other to be the guide in darkness, so that people can taste and see what following Jesus means. We are not called to be annoying telemarketers, but also beware not to be a candle hiding under the basket.
This is relational evangelism: sharing our faith through our life. To let others see our life, the first requirement, then, obviously is to have a transparent life. It might be hard to do this, because we are sometimes afraid to share too much of our life, not to mention to strangers. But this is an act of faith that we must take, because opening up is the only way to build any relationship. We must have the wisdom to know when and what to share, but we must also trust that God will keep us from harm. When we open up our life, we build trust with people around us, and we give them the opportunity to open up. Not only do we gain a stronger friendship, but we will be able to more intimately share what God has done in our lives.
I like the analogy they used to illustrate the Christian Life. Is your Christianity just a computer software that you open on Sundays and when you need it, like Office, and close it when you are done? If so, then nothing repels more than an inconsistent Christian. Let your Christianity be the Operating System (Windows) that runs the computer itself, controlling every single functioning component. Be a consistent Christian.
OK, so here are a few characteristics/requirements that marks a contagious Christian:
1. Good relationship with God, obviously. You'll see why in a moment.
2. Authenticity (no hypocrisy nor wearing masks)
2.1 Authentic identity - you are who you really are, not what you think a Christian should be like. Having the right relationship with God is crucial here. If your life has not even been changed by God, you are just preaching something you are not.
2.2 Authentic emotional life - Be true to your emotions. A Christian is not perfect, he/she still has moments of weakness, sadness, anger. Don't hide them. Who wants to be a Christian who is not allowed to be weak, sad or angry.
2.3 Authentic confession - A Christian is not perfect, and don't be afraid to admit our mistakes. It takes a lot of courage and character to admit we are wrong.
2.4 Living by genuine conviction - Stand firm on what you believe in. Who likes a person who is 沒腰骨 ?
3. Compassion
A contagious Christian is marked by compassion for other people, thinking about others first before herself. Sometimes it is hard for us to be compassionate for other people, because we are constantly in an environment devoid of compassion; others are not compassionate to me, why should I be? But love is a decision, not a feeling. Love authentically, not out of duty, so it is important that you are first filled with God's love. That's why the right relationship with God is the utmost important point, everything else flows from there.
4. Sacrifice
Nothing touches hearts more than a sacrificial love. “There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend". Practically, we can sacrifice 3 things:
4.1 Time - Spending time with a person is the best way to build a relationship.
4.2 Money, or material things - Helping someone financially, giving cards or gifts, are you willing to do this?
4.3 Lifestyle - Are you willing to give up certain aspects of your own lifestyle (e.g not using downloaded software) for God? (This one is hard...)
The more I write, the more I would like to be around a Christian like that. I have met some people before that truly embody all of the above, and I cannot describe how much respect I had for them, and how comfortable and fun it was to be around them. May we also bear these fruits.
I will attend part 2 in two weeks, I'll share more after that.
Any thoughts?
The point about this workshop is that, to share our faith, it's not just talk, it's not "hard sell" our faith (which to be honest is how many people I know perceive Christians), but to be a contagious Christian whom other people want to hang around with because of what they see through our changed life. We are called to be Salt and Light, one to make people thirsty, the other to be the guide in darkness, so that people can taste and see what following Jesus means. We are not called to be annoying telemarketers, but also beware not to be a candle hiding under the basket.
This is relational evangelism: sharing our faith through our life. To let others see our life, the first requirement, then, obviously is to have a transparent life. It might be hard to do this, because we are sometimes afraid to share too much of our life, not to mention to strangers. But this is an act of faith that we must take, because opening up is the only way to build any relationship. We must have the wisdom to know when and what to share, but we must also trust that God will keep us from harm. When we open up our life, we build trust with people around us, and we give them the opportunity to open up. Not only do we gain a stronger friendship, but we will be able to more intimately share what God has done in our lives.
I like the analogy they used to illustrate the Christian Life. Is your Christianity just a computer software that you open on Sundays and when you need it, like Office, and close it when you are done? If so, then nothing repels more than an inconsistent Christian. Let your Christianity be the Operating System (Windows) that runs the computer itself, controlling every single functioning component. Be a consistent Christian.
OK, so here are a few characteristics/requirements that marks a contagious Christian:
1. Good relationship with God, obviously. You'll see why in a moment.
2. Authenticity (no hypocrisy nor wearing masks)
2.1 Authentic identity - you are who you really are, not what you think a Christian should be like. Having the right relationship with God is crucial here. If your life has not even been changed by God, you are just preaching something you are not.
2.2 Authentic emotional life - Be true to your emotions. A Christian is not perfect, he/she still has moments of weakness, sadness, anger. Don't hide them. Who wants to be a Christian who is not allowed to be weak, sad or angry.
2.3 Authentic confession - A Christian is not perfect, and don't be afraid to admit our mistakes. It takes a lot of courage and character to admit we are wrong.
2.4 Living by genuine conviction - Stand firm on what you believe in. Who likes a person who is 沒腰骨 ?
3. Compassion
A contagious Christian is marked by compassion for other people, thinking about others first before herself. Sometimes it is hard for us to be compassionate for other people, because we are constantly in an environment devoid of compassion; others are not compassionate to me, why should I be? But love is a decision, not a feeling. Love authentically, not out of duty, so it is important that you are first filled with God's love. That's why the right relationship with God is the utmost important point, everything else flows from there.
4. Sacrifice
Nothing touches hearts more than a sacrificial love. “There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend". Practically, we can sacrifice 3 things:
4.1 Time - Spending time with a person is the best way to build a relationship.
4.2 Money, or material things - Helping someone financially, giving cards or gifts, are you willing to do this?
4.3 Lifestyle - Are you willing to give up certain aspects of your own lifestyle (e.g not using downloaded software) for God? (This one is hard...)
The more I write, the more I would like to be around a Christian like that. I have met some people before that truly embody all of the above, and I cannot describe how much respect I had for them, and how comfortable and fun it was to be around them. May we also bear these fruits.
I will attend part 2 in two weeks, I'll share more after that.
Any thoughts?
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Hillsong - None But Jesus
A video to share with you all, one of my all-time favorites, I never tire of this one... If you hear carefully, there is only one instrument involved. It's amazing how there is so much power in such simplicity, when hearts are truly worshiping. Sometimes things can be so simple. When hearts pour out to God, God does some really amazing things out of the simple and ordinary.
The woman is Darlene Zschech, the one who composed Shout to the Lord, and the guitarist is Reuben Morgan, who composed Still.
Hope you guys enjoy :)
The woman is Darlene Zschech, the one who composed Shout to the Lord, and the guitarist is Reuben Morgan, who composed Still.
Hope you guys enjoy :)
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
生前下殺耶穌令 希律王陵墓出土
生前下殺耶穌令 希律王陵墓出土 2007年5月9日
【明報專訊】以色列考古學家經過35年的挖掘，周二宣布發現羅馬時代猶太王——希律王(King Herod)的陵墓，解開了這個2000年的重大考古之謎。根據《聖經》記載，希律王曾擔心「新生王」耶穌出生會威脅其王位，下令屠殺伯利恆的男嬰。
行宮辦公地 坐落人工小山
希伯來大學表示，3周前在希律堡(Herodium)發現相信是希律王的石棺碎片，石棺用耶路撒冷的紅色石灰岩造成，並有花形裝飾。希律堡是希律王在耶城南部12公里外的一座皇宮城堡。它是希律王統治猶太人期間的最大宮殿，坐落在一人工小山上，外圍由兩層防護牆組成，是他的行宮、辦公地點兼陵墓。
希伯來大學教授內策爾表示，雖然沒有找到希律王骸骨，但結合發現地點、石棺特點及歷史記載，相信這是希律王陵墓，因為他的兒子葬在別處，所以石棺不會屬於其子，但考古學家並沒有發現碑文。他表示，石棺已被打碎成數百塊，顯然是遭刻意破壞。他估計，石棺於公元66至72年間在第一次猶太人反抗羅馬帝國時被破壞。內策爾指出，發現墓穴有助研究希律王對基督徒的態度。
石棺碎成數百塊 擁花形裝飾
專家一直相信，希律王葬於希律底山，但過去數十年未都有發現。一世紀著名的猶太歷史學家約瑟夫就記載了該墓地及裏內的排場。而這次發現的墓地位於希律王建造的宮殿附近，以前未有人挖掘過。希律王於公元前74年出生，公元前4年病逝。公元前40年，羅馬帝國任命希律為猶太王。他執政期間在凱撒利亞及耶利哥等地大興土木，包括擴建第二聖殿。希律王結婚10次，為人嫉妒且殘暴，曾下令殺死第二任妻子瑪利亞、3個兒子及施洗約翰。
《聖經》記載，耶穌也是在希律王時代誕生，當時東方三聖人看到星象異象，到以色列找尋新誕生的王，並見過希律王，希律王擔心王位會葬送在剛出世的新「猶太王」手裏，遂下令「屠殺無辜人民」，要殺死所有跟耶穌同年在伯利恆出生的男嬰。約瑟和瑪利亞為躲避屠殺，帶着小耶穌逃到埃及，在希律王死後才回以色列。
美聯社/法新社/德通社
內策爾舉起希律王石棺的碎片。（歐新社）
【明報專訊】以色列考古學家經過35年的挖掘，周二宣布發現羅馬時代猶太王——希律王(King Herod)的陵墓，解開了這個2000年的重大考古之謎。根據《聖經》記載，希律王曾擔心「新生王」耶穌出生會威脅其王位，下令屠殺伯利恆的男嬰。
行宮辦公地 坐落人工小山
希伯來大學表示，3周前在希律堡(Herodium)發現相信是希律王的石棺碎片，石棺用耶路撒冷的紅色石灰岩造成，並有花形裝飾。希律堡是希律王在耶城南部12公里外的一座皇宮城堡。它是希律王統治猶太人期間的最大宮殿，坐落在一人工小山上，外圍由兩層防護牆組成，是他的行宮、辦公地點兼陵墓。
希伯來大學教授內策爾表示，雖然沒有找到希律王骸骨，但結合發現地點、石棺特點及歷史記載，相信這是希律王陵墓，因為他的兒子葬在別處，所以石棺不會屬於其子，但考古學家並沒有發現碑文。他表示，石棺已被打碎成數百塊，顯然是遭刻意破壞。他估計，石棺於公元66至72年間在第一次猶太人反抗羅馬帝國時被破壞。內策爾指出，發現墓穴有助研究希律王對基督徒的態度。
石棺碎成數百塊 擁花形裝飾
專家一直相信，希律王葬於希律底山，但過去數十年未都有發現。一世紀著名的猶太歷史學家約瑟夫就記載了該墓地及裏內的排場。而這次發現的墓地位於希律王建造的宮殿附近，以前未有人挖掘過。希律王於公元前74年出生，公元前4年病逝。公元前40年，羅馬帝國任命希律為猶太王。他執政期間在凱撒利亞及耶利哥等地大興土木，包括擴建第二聖殿。希律王結婚10次，為人嫉妒且殘暴，曾下令殺死第二任妻子瑪利亞、3個兒子及施洗約翰。
《聖經》記載，耶穌也是在希律王時代誕生，當時東方三聖人看到星象異象，到以色列找尋新誕生的王，並見過希律王，希律王擔心王位會葬送在剛出世的新「猶太王」手裏，遂下令「屠殺無辜人民」，要殺死所有跟耶穌同年在伯利恆出生的男嬰。約瑟和瑪利亞為躲避屠殺，帶着小耶穌逃到埃及，在希律王死後才回以色列。
美聯社/法新社/德通社
內策爾舉起希律王石棺的碎片。（歐新社）
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
中國人的宗教
很多龍的傳人認為佛教(Buddhism)是中國人的宗教就選擇信佛教。佛教的始創人是釋迦牟尼(Sakyamuni)，姓喬達摩(Gotama)。以我所知，中國的百家姓中是沒有喬達摩這個姓氏。恕我見識少，我從來沒有聽過印度曾經是中國的一部份或中國曾經是印度的一部份之類的言論。如果話那個被稱為聖雄甘地(Gandhi)的印度國父是姓甘名地的中國人起馬看起來會合理些少。以我有限的知識告訴我，中國人古時信奉上蒼，即是被稱為老天爺的那個天。位於北京的那個天壇就是祭壇，即是「中國教」的教堂，北京就即是「中國教」的耶路撒冷。南無阿彌陀佛，什麽是中國人的宗教，不要話我知是佛教。
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
創造論，進化論
聽過唔少人批評基督徒支持創造論是迷信，因為創造論(creationism)不科學(not scientific)。而進化論(evolution theory)是科學的，是理性的(rational)。其實這些人的指控卻是很諷刺(ironic)，在這班人之中，究竟有幾多人知道進化論是什麽，了解科學是什麽。難道盲目支持進化論是理性的嗎？聽過科學也是一種信仰(religion)嗎？進化論是能夠被證明的嗎？
創造論和進化論兩者都只是學說(theory)，兩者至今沒有被證實過是對的，也沒有被證實過是錯的。你可以繼續信進化論，我也有權信創造論。大家各有各信。
創造論和進化論兩者都只是學說(theory)，兩者至今沒有被證實過是對的，也沒有被證實過是錯的。你可以繼續信進化論，我也有權信創造論。大家各有各信。
Casting Crowns - Can Anybody Hear Her?
1. She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind
Chorus:
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
2. She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away
Bridge:
If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her
He is running a hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
AFC Vancouver calendar added
AFC Vancouver (使者) have just created their Google calendar of events. I have subscribed to it in our fellowship calendar so we can more easily keep track of their events.
Please sign in to http://calendar.google.com to check out the events.
Please sign in to http://calendar.google.com to check out the events.
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