编者的话
因疫情的原故，我們已經宅在家裡三個多月了。疫情的形勢在伊州似乎也放慢了腳步。我們的州長按步地開放一些行業可以重新運作。 但病毒仍然是存在的，我們仍然需要保持社交距離和戴口罩。
感謝神，教會的兄弟姐妹們一切都安好；也感謝神，我們開啟了一項covid-19分享的專欄，讓大家可以每周分享。
本期季刊有8篇文章。蒼靈的《 我知誰掌管明天 》，在這突如其來的一場疫戰中, 我們去思想究竟是誰掌管明天。Lily的 《六月裡的困惑與安然》，吐出心聲，解释為何她心裡憂悶，仍能有一顆安穩的心。Celin的《初為基督徒的點滴感悟》，詳述她決志後的學習和關於禱告的分享。我們為她歸入主耶穌基督的大家庭而感恩。Laurie 的《捍衛主的正道》淺談尼希米記的讀後感。胡水林的《從黑人之死看屬靈的争戰》分享他在這事上的看法。洪鷗的《同心合意建立基督的教會》，記錄她回國後參加了一個教會和其建堂的過程。Wilson 牧師的《 So Many Flavors of Christianity 》, 解釋了基督教不同教派的差異和在取決上的標準。Philip 的《 Leaders and Followers 》, 分享了世界領袖處理冠狀病毒的不同方法及尼希米帶領以色列人建城牆的領導方法。
下期季刊是在九月份出版，希望到那個時候我們已經回到教會聚會。願主的平安臨到我們懐恩堂大家庭的每一位成員。
感謝神，教會的兄弟姐妹們一切都安好；也感謝神，我們開啟了一項covid-19分享的專欄，讓大家可以每周分享。
本期季刊有8篇文章。蒼靈的《 我知誰掌管明天 》，在這突如其來的一場疫戰中, 我們去思想究竟是誰掌管明天。Lily的 《六月裡的困惑與安然》，吐出心聲，解释為何她心裡憂悶，仍能有一顆安穩的心。Celin的《初為基督徒的點滴感悟》，詳述她決志後的學習和關於禱告的分享。我們為她歸入主耶穌基督的大家庭而感恩。Laurie 的《捍衛主的正道》淺談尼希米記的讀後感。胡水林的《從黑人之死看屬靈的争戰》分享他在這事上的看法。洪鷗的《同心合意建立基督的教會》，記錄她回國後參加了一個教會和其建堂的過程。Wilson 牧師的《 So Many Flavors of Christianity 》, 解釋了基督教不同教派的差異和在取決上的標準。Philip 的《 Leaders and Followers 》, 分享了世界領袖處理冠狀病毒的不同方法及尼希米帶領以色列人建城牆的領導方法。
下期季刊是在九月份出版，希望到那個時候我們已經回到教會聚會。願主的平安臨到我們懐恩堂大家庭的每一位成員。
我知誰掌管明天
蒼靈
蒼靈
雅各書4:13-15 嗐 ！ 你 們 有 話 說 ： 「 今 天 明 天 我 們 要 往 某 城 裡 去 ， 在 那 裡 住 一 年 ， 做 買 賣 得 利 。 」 其 實 明 天 如 何 ， 你 們 還 不 知 道 。 你 們 的 生 命 是 甚 麼 呢 ？ 你 們 原 來 是 一 片 雲 霧 ， 出 現 少 時 就 不 見 了 。你 們 只 當 說 ： 「 主 若 願 意 ， 我 們 就 可 以 活 著 ， 也 可 以 做 這 事 ， 或 做 那 事 。 」
以上的幾節經文告訴我們誰掌管明天。我們可以有計劃，很多時候我們的計劃不一定能夠如願以償。主若願意，我們就可以活著，也可以做這事，或做那事！
春節過年時，冠狀病毒的疫情叫國內很多城市都變得近乎死城一般，街頭上沒有絲毫的新春氣氛；各家各戶都關在家裡足不出户。中央政府也嚴格地執行宅居限制令。武漢封城去防止疫情擴散到各省各地。我們在美國雖然有警覺，然而沒有想到疫情擴散猛烈，在三月中旬，美國各大城市相繼颁佈宅居令。 一下子我們的生活都變了，原有的計劃都通通被打亂。
疫情來得太快，我先前沒有任何準備，更沒有預先入貨。幸好家裡仍有一些厠紙等用品，但宅在家裡一個月後肯定不夠用。我上網也訂購不到，結果只能購買加油站用的那種商務大卷的厠紙。口罩也斷貨，到哪裡都買不到！幸好以前裝修房子時還剩下一些口罩。很感恩國內有同工愛心捐贈寄上口罩給我們，我還可以分贈給弟兄姐妹。我香港的弟妹都很關心我們，也寄出口罩和手套。教會的好姐妹知道我家沒有消毒的酒精，體貼地送到我家門口。
我們家的二個兒子都從學校回家安住，他們在網上繼續完成春季的課程。我所有的學生演出及我主辦的其他演出都通通取消了，無限期延迟。我感謝主在四月中旬我大部份的舞蹈課都改为在zoom 上授課。其中一個社區演出也在zoom 上舉辦。因疫情的原故，全球有不少的國家都下了宅居令，讓我可以在網上認識從别州，英國和南非的舞蹈老師，因此我開了一個專門為舞蹈老師的課程，現在每周下課後大家會在zoom上 聊天和交流。這是神在這疫情中賜給我的驚喜和祝福。假若沒有這疫情，我們是不會碰頭的。
自從3/21日安宅在家後, 我搞了三周的大掃除，整理我和老公的工作室。現在我有兩個工作坊；一個是跟老公一起用的工作室，另一個是地下室的舞蹈坊。 我可以工作、網上教課、練工和開會，每天生活都排滿了。
感謝主給我更多的時間讀聖經。偶然在周六或周日下午有網上敬拜舞蹈聚會和信息分享，也跟同行可以彼此交流和領舞。這多月來我在家覺得很滿足，我也沒有太大的慾望要出門。
這一個疫情是會過去的，然而卻失去好多的生命。我們一家能在神的保守下平安地待在家，彼此相親相愛，這是祂所賜的恩典！求主幫助我們在疫情中成為別人的祝福。這一場疫情讓我們更清晰地看到人類的有限、無助和無奈。這個世界確是有一位真神, 祂是那一位與我們同在和同行的神。很多事情都不是我們能掌控的，當我們謙卑承認自己的不能才有出路。我們不知下周或下月的情况如何，但我們信靠神的人都知道誰掌管明天。我們要每天好好地活，認真地活，倚靠主才能在疫情中有安穩。
我們儘量不要去人多的地方聚集，出入買菜做好防預工作, 但也不應過度提心吊胆。我們一生的年日都在神的手里，在世多久的日子，神都知道。生命不在我們的手裡，一場意外，一個病毒，一個天災都可以随時奪走人的生命。生命的本質如此的脆弱，靠自己真的靠不了！
疫情剛開始時看到人人都在搶購，人心惶惶。我不反對積稻防饑，但那種缺乏安全感和像打仗般的搶購和入貨叫我看到貧富的差距。貧窮的群體想入貨也沒有經濟能力，那怕用信用卡也沒有高額的信用。新聞報導有些不良份子趁火打刧，大量收購必需用的物資後漲三陪高價去銷售，人性的醜惡和贪婪在此表露無遺！
我是醫生太太，丈夫每天都要面對病人。雖然他不在病毒病房或急診部門，仍要在醫院照顧病人。三月初時他連續十天查房，每天工作十多個小時，因為當時很缺人手。我祈禱仰望我的主我的神，保守他在幫助病人的每一天, 有主的守護天使與他同在。我也作好了心理準備，他若染上病毒，我們便要隔離, 所以我打掃好客房隨時給他用。那段日子，我是有擔心的，但神的話能安慰和滋潤我的心，祂知道我需要這一段經文，有一天早上我讀到詩篇91: 5 "你 必 不 怕 黑 夜 的 驚 駭 ， 或 是 白 日 飛 的 箭 ，6 也 不 怕 黑 夜 行 的 瘟 疫 ， 或 是 午 間 滅 人 的 毒 病 。7 雖 有 千 人 仆 倒 在 你 旁 邊 ， 萬 人 仆 倒 在 你 右 邊 ， 這 災 卻 不 得 臨 近 你 。" 我的心很平安，因我的神是坐在寳座上為王的，祂是掌管明天的神，祂是我家的主，我可以完全交託給祂。
最感恩是我丈夫在疫情高峯期醫院查房的時間表一次又一次地延後。可能因他年事已高，又有糖尿病，是屬於高危族類，他那一組的醫生們都互相調整，儘量安排我丈夫遲些才去醫院查房。他説每一周都以為自己下一周去醫院上班，卻收到通知他不用去了。讓他留在診所電話診症和照顧有些病人來看門診。神的安排真的是超出我們所想所求，祂是掌管明天的神。
目前我們仍是要跟病毒共存，直等有疫苗有效為止才算安全。集體免疫是遙不可及，也不能保證患者被病毒感染後是100%免疫的。連科學專家和醫學界對這病毒都束手無策時，我們只能仰望掌管明天的神。
過去的人類克服了疾病和疫毒，他們渴望與之抗爭並征服它。甚至聲稱他們再次獲勝並且可以不敗。但是當你查看疫毒的歷史時，總是有新病毒冒起，而人類試圖一次又一次地征服它。每一個疫戰都失去這麼多生命，這一個冠狀病毒不僅致命，被感染的患者必須獨自死亡，離世時旁邊沒有家人陪伴走完最後一程，是叫我最傷心難過的。你能想像他們生命中沒有上帝嗎，他們如何獨自掙扎走最後的旅程？他們的希望在哪裡？家人的希望在哪裡？失去的人是永遠的。
參加過基督徒追思禮拜的人，他們最深刻印像是那份説不出平安和盼望。因為我們相信那些“睡著”的兄弟姐妹的靈魂是安息在神的懷中。在地上的家人最大的安慰是知道至愛的親人住在永恆家郷。
神是掌管我們的明天，祂不是一個暴君要懲罰我們。祂愛我們，並將愛的臂膀伸向那些來到祂跟前的人。 祂知道祂兒女們的年日和道路。我們可以靠著從祂而來力量過每一天，就像泉水永不枯竭，知道唯有祂擁有我們的明天是莫大有應許, 我們能活著可以做這事或做那事！
以上的幾節經文告訴我們誰掌管明天。我們可以有計劃，很多時候我們的計劃不一定能夠如願以償。主若願意，我們就可以活著，也可以做這事，或做那事！
春節過年時，冠狀病毒的疫情叫國內很多城市都變得近乎死城一般，街頭上沒有絲毫的新春氣氛；各家各戶都關在家裡足不出户。中央政府也嚴格地執行宅居限制令。武漢封城去防止疫情擴散到各省各地。我們在美國雖然有警覺，然而沒有想到疫情擴散猛烈，在三月中旬，美國各大城市相繼颁佈宅居令。 一下子我們的生活都變了，原有的計劃都通通被打亂。
疫情來得太快，我先前沒有任何準備，更沒有預先入貨。幸好家裡仍有一些厠紙等用品，但宅在家裡一個月後肯定不夠用。我上網也訂購不到，結果只能購買加油站用的那種商務大卷的厠紙。口罩也斷貨，到哪裡都買不到！幸好以前裝修房子時還剩下一些口罩。很感恩國內有同工愛心捐贈寄上口罩給我們，我還可以分贈給弟兄姐妹。我香港的弟妹都很關心我們，也寄出口罩和手套。教會的好姐妹知道我家沒有消毒的酒精，體貼地送到我家門口。
我們家的二個兒子都從學校回家安住，他們在網上繼續完成春季的課程。我所有的學生演出及我主辦的其他演出都通通取消了，無限期延迟。我感謝主在四月中旬我大部份的舞蹈課都改为在zoom 上授課。其中一個社區演出也在zoom 上舉辦。因疫情的原故，全球有不少的國家都下了宅居令，讓我可以在網上認識從别州，英國和南非的舞蹈老師，因此我開了一個專門為舞蹈老師的課程，現在每周下課後大家會在zoom上 聊天和交流。這是神在這疫情中賜給我的驚喜和祝福。假若沒有這疫情，我們是不會碰頭的。
自從3/21日安宅在家後, 我搞了三周的大掃除，整理我和老公的工作室。現在我有兩個工作坊；一個是跟老公一起用的工作室，另一個是地下室的舞蹈坊。 我可以工作、網上教課、練工和開會，每天生活都排滿了。
感謝主給我更多的時間讀聖經。偶然在周六或周日下午有網上敬拜舞蹈聚會和信息分享，也跟同行可以彼此交流和領舞。這多月來我在家覺得很滿足，我也沒有太大的慾望要出門。
這一個疫情是會過去的，然而卻失去好多的生命。我們一家能在神的保守下平安地待在家，彼此相親相愛，這是祂所賜的恩典！求主幫助我們在疫情中成為別人的祝福。這一場疫情讓我們更清晰地看到人類的有限、無助和無奈。這個世界確是有一位真神, 祂是那一位與我們同在和同行的神。很多事情都不是我們能掌控的，當我們謙卑承認自己的不能才有出路。我們不知下周或下月的情况如何，但我們信靠神的人都知道誰掌管明天。我們要每天好好地活，認真地活，倚靠主才能在疫情中有安穩。
我們儘量不要去人多的地方聚集，出入買菜做好防預工作, 但也不應過度提心吊胆。我們一生的年日都在神的手里，在世多久的日子，神都知道。生命不在我們的手裡，一場意外，一個病毒，一個天災都可以随時奪走人的生命。生命的本質如此的脆弱，靠自己真的靠不了！
疫情剛開始時看到人人都在搶購，人心惶惶。我不反對積稻防饑，但那種缺乏安全感和像打仗般的搶購和入貨叫我看到貧富的差距。貧窮的群體想入貨也沒有經濟能力，那怕用信用卡也沒有高額的信用。新聞報導有些不良份子趁火打刧，大量收購必需用的物資後漲三陪高價去銷售，人性的醜惡和贪婪在此表露無遺！
我是醫生太太，丈夫每天都要面對病人。雖然他不在病毒病房或急診部門，仍要在醫院照顧病人。三月初時他連續十天查房，每天工作十多個小時，因為當時很缺人手。我祈禱仰望我的主我的神，保守他在幫助病人的每一天, 有主的守護天使與他同在。我也作好了心理準備，他若染上病毒，我們便要隔離, 所以我打掃好客房隨時給他用。那段日子，我是有擔心的，但神的話能安慰和滋潤我的心，祂知道我需要這一段經文，有一天早上我讀到詩篇91: 5 "你 必 不 怕 黑 夜 的 驚 駭 ， 或 是 白 日 飛 的 箭 ，6 也 不 怕 黑 夜 行 的 瘟 疫 ， 或 是 午 間 滅 人 的 毒 病 。7 雖 有 千 人 仆 倒 在 你 旁 邊 ， 萬 人 仆 倒 在 你 右 邊 ， 這 災 卻 不 得 臨 近 你 。" 我的心很平安，因我的神是坐在寳座上為王的，祂是掌管明天的神，祂是我家的主，我可以完全交託給祂。
最感恩是我丈夫在疫情高峯期醫院查房的時間表一次又一次地延後。可能因他年事已高，又有糖尿病，是屬於高危族類，他那一組的醫生們都互相調整，儘量安排我丈夫遲些才去醫院查房。他説每一周都以為自己下一周去醫院上班，卻收到通知他不用去了。讓他留在診所電話診症和照顧有些病人來看門診。神的安排真的是超出我們所想所求，祂是掌管明天的神。
目前我們仍是要跟病毒共存，直等有疫苗有效為止才算安全。集體免疫是遙不可及，也不能保證患者被病毒感染後是100%免疫的。連科學專家和醫學界對這病毒都束手無策時，我們只能仰望掌管明天的神。
過去的人類克服了疾病和疫毒，他們渴望與之抗爭並征服它。甚至聲稱他們再次獲勝並且可以不敗。但是當你查看疫毒的歷史時，總是有新病毒冒起，而人類試圖一次又一次地征服它。每一個疫戰都失去這麼多生命，這一個冠狀病毒不僅致命，被感染的患者必須獨自死亡，離世時旁邊沒有家人陪伴走完最後一程，是叫我最傷心難過的。你能想像他們生命中沒有上帝嗎，他們如何獨自掙扎走最後的旅程？他們的希望在哪裡？家人的希望在哪裡？失去的人是永遠的。
參加過基督徒追思禮拜的人，他們最深刻印像是那份説不出平安和盼望。因為我們相信那些“睡著”的兄弟姐妹的靈魂是安息在神的懷中。在地上的家人最大的安慰是知道至愛的親人住在永恆家郷。
神是掌管我們的明天，祂不是一個暴君要懲罰我們。祂愛我們，並將愛的臂膀伸向那些來到祂跟前的人。 祂知道祂兒女們的年日和道路。我們可以靠著從祂而來力量過每一天，就像泉水永不枯竭，知道唯有祂擁有我們的明天是莫大有應許, 我們能活著可以做這事或做那事！
六月裡的困惑與安然
Lily
Lily
上次在主內分享的時候，我的心情是平和的，我記得我分享的是，因為被困在家裡什麼都做不了，不如接受現實安靜下來，認真的學習做飯提高廚藝，為家人提供美食，那時候我真的很感恩，神籍著做飯讓我走出憂慮，學習沉思的功課。
在整個疫情期間，我的生活基本都是平靜的，心情雖然偶有鬱悶，但更多的卻是有所盼望。原以為疫情快要結束了，我們的生活就會恢復到從前的狀態，為了解封的那一天，我曾設想了種種快樂的慶祝畫面，Ginny姐帶領的姐妹小組甚至商量著後院party。
誰又能料到呢？這世界變化是如此之快之巨大！疫情尚未完全結束，社會已近乎於分裂。
細數六月的每一天，每一頁日曆都在見證百年難遇的歷史。
從佛洛依德被跪壓窒息而起，席捲全美甚至全球多個國家的抗議浪潮，從憤怒而正義的抗爭演變到失去理智的砸毀店鋪哄搶商家，從為黑人種族反思平權到各族裔跪地支持，不跪不罷休不跪不足以表達支持。疫情期間我們熱愛警察叔叔感恩警察叔叔的無私付出，疫情過後卻發生撤銷整改警局的事情。曾經的中美友誼你儂我儂甜如蜜，如今卻反目成仇斷航制裁各種互罵。一夜之間我熱愛的美國大地卻發生了那麼多不可思議令我困惑的事情，這還是我們嚮往的美國嗎？
如果關掉電視關掉電腦關掉手機，不看新聞不刷朋友圈，在這陽光明媚的季節裡絲毫感覺不到世上的混亂。可是，我們畢竟活在地上，地上發生的每一件事都會影響我們的日常和心情。我做不到漠不關心，做不到兩耳不聞窗外事。
六月的這兩週，我很難過很擔憂。為不幸去世的人們難過，每一個Covid-19 離世的數字背後都是一個破碎悲傷的家庭，雖然我暫時沒成為數字，但那些冰冷的數字真的讓我不寒而栗。還有對於未來的擔憂，我看不清未來中美之間的道路，一邊是生我養我的父母之地，一邊是我安家立業的所在地，左手右手都是愛，可是左手右手卻打起架來，夾著在中間的我們該怎麼辦？
有那麼些日子，我問神，為什麼呀？為什麼這世界驟然間變得這麼混亂呀？壞人變成了英雄，英雄變成了壞人，是我的認知出現了問題嗎？為什麼禱告救不回無辜的生命？為什麼向您求也求不來社會的平安？
我真的有陣子很鬱悶，我知道神是愛我的，但我不知道神讓卑微如塵的我在這混沌亂世中得到怎樣的試煉，學習怎樣的功課？
解封之後，我的日子驟然忙碌起來，甚至忙碌的沒有時間做飯，家裡又開始重複以前買外賣的生活，這讓我甚至懷念起疫情初期安然宅在家裡琢磨廚藝的那段似乎歲月靜好的慢節奏的日子。但是，我內心還是嚮往忙碌的，因為忙碌代表著生機與活力，代表著收入的復蘇，這讓我感恩我所有擁有的一切。該安靜的時候安靜，該忙碌的時候忙碌，我始終堅信神在引領著我和我全家的道路，看顧著我們生活，讓我們不會挨餓，也不會癲狂。
有許多人說，誰能指示我們什麼好處。耶和華啊，求你仰起臉來，光照我們。你使我心裡快樂，勝過那豐收五穀新酒的人。我必安然躺下睡覺，因為獨有你耶和華使我安然居住。 （詩篇1:6）
在整個疫情期間，我的生活基本都是平靜的，心情雖然偶有鬱悶，但更多的卻是有所盼望。原以為疫情快要結束了，我們的生活就會恢復到從前的狀態，為了解封的那一天，我曾設想了種種快樂的慶祝畫面，Ginny姐帶領的姐妹小組甚至商量著後院party。
誰又能料到呢？這世界變化是如此之快之巨大！疫情尚未完全結束，社會已近乎於分裂。
細數六月的每一天，每一頁日曆都在見證百年難遇的歷史。
從佛洛依德被跪壓窒息而起，席捲全美甚至全球多個國家的抗議浪潮，從憤怒而正義的抗爭演變到失去理智的砸毀店鋪哄搶商家，從為黑人種族反思平權到各族裔跪地支持，不跪不罷休不跪不足以表達支持。疫情期間我們熱愛警察叔叔感恩警察叔叔的無私付出，疫情過後卻發生撤銷整改警局的事情。曾經的中美友誼你儂我儂甜如蜜，如今卻反目成仇斷航制裁各種互罵。一夜之間我熱愛的美國大地卻發生了那麼多不可思議令我困惑的事情，這還是我們嚮往的美國嗎？
如果關掉電視關掉電腦關掉手機，不看新聞不刷朋友圈，在這陽光明媚的季節裡絲毫感覺不到世上的混亂。可是，我們畢竟活在地上，地上發生的每一件事都會影響我們的日常和心情。我做不到漠不關心，做不到兩耳不聞窗外事。
六月的這兩週，我很難過很擔憂。為不幸去世的人們難過，每一個Covid-19 離世的數字背後都是一個破碎悲傷的家庭，雖然我暫時沒成為數字，但那些冰冷的數字真的讓我不寒而栗。還有對於未來的擔憂，我看不清未來中美之間的道路，一邊是生我養我的父母之地，一邊是我安家立業的所在地，左手右手都是愛，可是左手右手卻打起架來，夾著在中間的我們該怎麼辦？
有那麼些日子，我問神，為什麼呀？為什麼這世界驟然間變得這麼混亂呀？壞人變成了英雄，英雄變成了壞人，是我的認知出現了問題嗎？為什麼禱告救不回無辜的生命？為什麼向您求也求不來社會的平安？
我真的有陣子很鬱悶，我知道神是愛我的，但我不知道神讓卑微如塵的我在這混沌亂世中得到怎樣的試煉，學習怎樣的功課？
解封之後，我的日子驟然忙碌起來，甚至忙碌的沒有時間做飯，家裡又開始重複以前買外賣的生活，這讓我甚至懷念起疫情初期安然宅在家裡琢磨廚藝的那段似乎歲月靜好的慢節奏的日子。但是，我內心還是嚮往忙碌的，因為忙碌代表著生機與活力，代表著收入的復蘇，這讓我感恩我所有擁有的一切。該安靜的時候安靜，該忙碌的時候忙碌，我始終堅信神在引領著我和我全家的道路，看顧著我們生活，讓我們不會挨餓，也不會癲狂。
有許多人說，誰能指示我們什麼好處。耶和華啊，求你仰起臉來，光照我們。你使我心裡快樂，勝過那豐收五穀新酒的人。我必安然躺下睡覺，因為獨有你耶和華使我安然居住。 （詩篇1:6）
初為基督徒的點滴感悟
Celin Chen
Celin Chen
今年4月，我做了決志禱告，正式成為了一名基督徒。從去年9月參加西北大學的團契開始真正認識上帝，我的心裡就一直有一種嚮往。上帝其實在我還是十歲的小孩子時就已經在我心裡播下了一顆種子，沒有想到直到30多年後，這顆種子才算真正開了花。
初為基督徒，心裡面有一種興致勃勃。好像一個小孩子，來到了一個深宅大院，既怕不懂規矩挨罵，又迫不及待的想去探寶。這二種心情促使我拿起聖經甘之如飴的讀起來，並且在前輩的指導之下，懵懵懂懂的開始每天的禱告。一開始禱告得非常笨拙，不知道該說什麼話語，好在還是前輩指引，告訴我可以從“在基督裡長進”這本書開始學。
閱讀這本書確實明白了很多，至少對於如何禱告有了一點基本的感覺。那句“禱告的內容可以是你覺得心裡有負擔的東西”好像一記鐘聲敲響了我的頭腦之鑼，在此之前，我的禱告就像是以前去廟裡面拜菩薩時求這個求那個，要達成的願望一籮筐，還特別具體。現在我知道，不必如此絮叨，首先弄清楚自己心裡面主要的負擔，再告訴親愛的天父，請求他按照他的心意來指引我就可以了。
關於禱告，還有一小段故事，讓我來跟大家分享一下。
4月份正是疫情肆虐的時間，我每天的禱告中，都向天父傾訴了希望平安的願望，不料，禱告堅持了二個禮拜後，我竟然生病了！自打來了美國就沒有再患的慢性頭疼毛病沒有任何預兆的突然又一次降臨，而且這次比以往任何一次都要厲害。我在床上躺了整整4天。心裡面不由得有些兒打鼓，這禱告聲，難道我親愛的天父沒有聽見嗎？為何以前不禱告，反倒頭不疼，而現在開始禱告了，卻突然生出這麼的身體痛苦？
也是很巧，從床上起來後的第一天，正好聽到馮秉誠牧師的培靈會，馮牧師說到一段他牧師朋友的經歷：當時朋友的兒子病得非常厲害，朋友每天向上帝禱告，兒子絲毫沒有好轉。朋友心裡面非常痛苦。但是，最終由於兒子的病，朋友得到了在平時幾無可能得到的美國簽證，順利來到美國，開始了他服侍上帝的生涯。而兒子的病也慢慢開始好轉。此時，朋友終於明白，原來天父早就為他安排好了一切。聽到此處，我感覺這個故事好像就是特地講給我聽的。我忽然明白了，也許這次的生病，也是親愛的天父的安排，雖然我並不知曉天父的用意，但是我應該全心的去相信我的天父。
有意思的是，幾天後我的專業老師出題考試，其中有一個非常專業的心理術語，我學習了二個學期都似懂非懂，但是，此次的生病的種種，竟然全部都套進了這個術語裡面，如醍醐灌頂般，我忽然百分百明白了這個術語的所有含義！而這個術語，可以說是我目前所學專業的最重要的術語，如果搞不明白，意味著整個二年的研究生課程將無法完整的串聯！
這一刻，我終於明白了天父的心意。
2020-6-15
初為基督徒，心裡面有一種興致勃勃。好像一個小孩子，來到了一個深宅大院，既怕不懂規矩挨罵，又迫不及待的想去探寶。這二種心情促使我拿起聖經甘之如飴的讀起來，並且在前輩的指導之下，懵懵懂懂的開始每天的禱告。一開始禱告得非常笨拙，不知道該說什麼話語，好在還是前輩指引，告訴我可以從“在基督裡長進”這本書開始學。
閱讀這本書確實明白了很多，至少對於如何禱告有了一點基本的感覺。那句“禱告的內容可以是你覺得心裡有負擔的東西”好像一記鐘聲敲響了我的頭腦之鑼，在此之前，我的禱告就像是以前去廟裡面拜菩薩時求這個求那個，要達成的願望一籮筐，還特別具體。現在我知道，不必如此絮叨，首先弄清楚自己心裡面主要的負擔，再告訴親愛的天父，請求他按照他的心意來指引我就可以了。
關於禱告，還有一小段故事，讓我來跟大家分享一下。
4月份正是疫情肆虐的時間，我每天的禱告中，都向天父傾訴了希望平安的願望，不料，禱告堅持了二個禮拜後，我竟然生病了！自打來了美國就沒有再患的慢性頭疼毛病沒有任何預兆的突然又一次降臨，而且這次比以往任何一次都要厲害。我在床上躺了整整4天。心裡面不由得有些兒打鼓，這禱告聲，難道我親愛的天父沒有聽見嗎？為何以前不禱告，反倒頭不疼，而現在開始禱告了，卻突然生出這麼的身體痛苦？
也是很巧，從床上起來後的第一天，正好聽到馮秉誠牧師的培靈會，馮牧師說到一段他牧師朋友的經歷：當時朋友的兒子病得非常厲害，朋友每天向上帝禱告，兒子絲毫沒有好轉。朋友心裡面非常痛苦。但是，最終由於兒子的病，朋友得到了在平時幾無可能得到的美國簽證，順利來到美國，開始了他服侍上帝的生涯。而兒子的病也慢慢開始好轉。此時，朋友終於明白，原來天父早就為他安排好了一切。聽到此處，我感覺這個故事好像就是特地講給我聽的。我忽然明白了，也許這次的生病，也是親愛的天父的安排，雖然我並不知曉天父的用意，但是我應該全心的去相信我的天父。
有意思的是，幾天後我的專業老師出題考試，其中有一個非常專業的心理術語，我學習了二個學期都似懂非懂，但是，此次的生病的種種，竟然全部都套進了這個術語裡面，如醍醐灌頂般，我忽然百分百明白了這個術語的所有含義！而這個術語，可以說是我目前所學專業的最重要的術語，如果搞不明白，意味著整個二年的研究生課程將無法完整的串聯！
這一刻，我終於明白了天父的心意。
2020-6-15
捍衛主的正道
Laurie
Laurie
尼希米記講到尼希米面對耶路撒冷有大難，受凌辱，城牆被毀，城門被火焚燒，就禁食禱告，蒙神憐憫帶人回去建城牆。透過這段歷史記載一個什麼信訊呢？與我們有什麼關係？
現今世代，暴力和疫情遍滿全球，加上媒體報導對世人的影響，是非不分，不公不正，世人不斷地變，基督徒也在變，有些基督徒忘記了初心，愛世界多過愛神，沒有將神放在第一位。尼希米為我們作了一個非常寶貴的榜樣，藉建成牆來提醒我們現今的基督徒，凡事求告神，裝備齊全，捍衛主的正路，起來建造適合的環境，各盡其職，同工配搭，使神的國度得到拓展，耐心等候主耶穌基再來。
現今世代，暴力和疫情遍滿全球，加上媒體報導對世人的影響，是非不分，不公不正，世人不斷地變，基督徒也在變，有些基督徒忘記了初心，愛世界多過愛神，沒有將神放在第一位。尼希米為我們作了一個非常寶貴的榜樣，藉建成牆來提醒我們現今的基督徒，凡事求告神，裝備齊全，捍衛主的正路，起來建造適合的環境，各盡其職，同工配搭，使神的國度得到拓展，耐心等候主耶穌基再來。
從黑人之死看屬靈的爭戰
胡水林
胡水林
罪惡疊加疊加罪惡，災難連著災難。疫情還沒結束，人們還在焦慮中等待。明尼蘇達州白人警察過度執法至黑人喪命導致的遊行示威而引起的漣猗效應，迅速蔓延全美乃至世界部分國家和地區。從表面的” 黑人的命也是命”的反對種族歧視的公正訴求活動而發展到打，砸，搶，燒，的暴力破壞犯罪行為。這次亊件之所以引起蝴蝶效應的全美的騷亂，有其剪不斷，理還亂的錯綜複雜的諸多因素。種族歧視，民主黨與共和黨之間的糾結，精英階層人士與貧民的對立。貧富差距的擴大。極端組織的幕後操縱。而這次新冠肺炎疫情的影響造成屢創新高的失業率，連續數月的封城禁足，逐步升高了低層民眾的不滿情緒是造成這次風潮的催化劑。也是壓垮駱駝的最後一根稻草。
美國是被上帝眷顧的國家。一六六二年，歐洲一批受當局打壓的清教徒，為了信仰的自由和神的榮耀。背井離鄉搭乘：五月花號帆船，經過66天的海上航行，克服一切困難到達美洲大陸。這批被上帝看顧的基督徒，他們在上帝面前立誓。簽定了五月花號公約，初步形成了立國的根基。在隨後的幾百年中經過幾代基督徒的不斷努力。逐步建立和完善的一套憲法，法規，憲章，條令等法律體系框架。即使經過獨立戰爭，南北戰爭和解放黑奴運動也沒有動搖其立國根基，反而更加壯大。在上帝的恩賜下。經過全體國民的不懈努力，美國變得越來越強盛！經歷兩次世界大戰後，世界格局發生重大變化。美國成為世界上唯一的科技，軍事，經濟，教育文化的超級大國。
進入二十世紀，世界各地大量移民湧入美國，帶來了各種不同的宗教信仰，加上末世時代的魔鬼更加猖獗， 它變化萬千，不斷誘獲征服人心。現今的美國社會開始離經叛道，信仰逐漸模糊，世風日下，精神空虛，倫理道德喪失。表現出是大量的犯罪。吸毒，淫亂，同性婚姻合法化，腐敗和強暴。這次黑人之死引發的全美騷亂。其背後是撒旦的興風作浪。是信仰的倒退。是屬靈爭戰的世俗反映。如今的美國已經離上帝的道漸行漸遠。昔日的輝煌已成過去。但屬靈的爭戰遠未結束。
兄弟姐妹們！你們生活在這塊上帝曾經保佑的地方，你們的前輩或你們不遠萬里，背井離鄉，來到這裡落地生根。這裡是你們屬世社會中賴以生存的家園，你們或你們的子孫後代將會永遠生活在這美麗富饒且被上帝眷顧的地方。因為你們是美國國民。讓我們用一顆感恩的心向上帝禱告：願我們的主基督通過聖靈運行我們中間。趕走撒旦，捆綁魔鬼，願上帝祝福重新降臨美國！讓美國重歸正道！使美國再次強大，繁榮，穩定，和平！
美國是被上帝眷顧的國家。一六六二年，歐洲一批受當局打壓的清教徒，為了信仰的自由和神的榮耀。背井離鄉搭乘：五月花號帆船，經過66天的海上航行，克服一切困難到達美洲大陸。這批被上帝看顧的基督徒，他們在上帝面前立誓。簽定了五月花號公約，初步形成了立國的根基。在隨後的幾百年中經過幾代基督徒的不斷努力。逐步建立和完善的一套憲法，法規，憲章，條令等法律體系框架。即使經過獨立戰爭，南北戰爭和解放黑奴運動也沒有動搖其立國根基，反而更加壯大。在上帝的恩賜下。經過全體國民的不懈努力，美國變得越來越強盛！經歷兩次世界大戰後，世界格局發生重大變化。美國成為世界上唯一的科技，軍事，經濟，教育文化的超級大國。
進入二十世紀，世界各地大量移民湧入美國，帶來了各種不同的宗教信仰，加上末世時代的魔鬼更加猖獗， 它變化萬千，不斷誘獲征服人心。現今的美國社會開始離經叛道，信仰逐漸模糊，世風日下，精神空虛，倫理道德喪失。表現出是大量的犯罪。吸毒，淫亂，同性婚姻合法化，腐敗和強暴。這次黑人之死引發的全美騷亂。其背後是撒旦的興風作浪。是信仰的倒退。是屬靈爭戰的世俗反映。如今的美國已經離上帝的道漸行漸遠。昔日的輝煌已成過去。但屬靈的爭戰遠未結束。
兄弟姐妹們！你們生活在這塊上帝曾經保佑的地方，你們的前輩或你們不遠萬里，背井離鄉，來到這裡落地生根。這裡是你們屬世社會中賴以生存的家園，你們或你們的子孫後代將會永遠生活在這美麗富饒且被上帝眷顧的地方。因為你們是美國國民。讓我們用一顆感恩的心向上帝禱告：願我們的主基督通過聖靈運行我們中間。趕走撒旦，捆綁魔鬼，願上帝祝福重新降臨美國！讓美國重歸正道！使美國再次強大，繁榮，穩定，和平！
同心合意建立基督的教會
洪鷗
洪鷗
這裡有神的同在, 這裡有神的言語。
這裡有聖靈的恩膏,這裡是另一個天地。
2017年10月16日 这天是我永生難忘的日子, 我在美國芝加哥懷恩堂受洗了, 這是神給我特別的恩典和愛, 因衪藉著耶穌基督的救贖, 讓我得以重生, 成為新造的人, 聖經說: 若有人在基督裡, 他就是新造的人, 舊事己過, 都變成新的了。（林後5:17）走上基督徒喜樂永生的道路, 感謝神的大愛和恩賜。
2018年2月 回國後, 神帶領我走進了家鄉小城的教會(漳平桂林基督教堂), 這座教會成立於1998年, 當時沒有場所, 信徒從七個人的查經會發展至現在有三、四百人, 當時敬拜場所是借用一信徒家的客廳, 到2003年 購置一處倒閉的廠房, 修建成可容納100多人的聚會, 但因著場所的窄小, 又處在居民區內, 不適合教會聖工的開展, 所以弟兄姐妹們迫切地禱告,求神為我們再預備一個場所, 感謝主!神垂聽了弟兄姐妹們同心合意迫切地禱告。
2012年政府劃撥了一塊近9畝(5921平方米)崎嶇的山地給漳平桂林基督教作為新堂建設用地,於2015年6月13日舉行了奠定典禮, 建設工期2年,弟兄姐妹們心裡別提有多高興了, 因為建成後將有了自己寬敞明亮的敬拜場所, 弟兄姐妹們可以到自己溫馨的家園敬拜神, 為新堂建設用地,於2015年6月13日舉行了奠定典禮, 建設工期2年,弟兄姐妹們心裡別提有多高興了, 因為建成後將有了自己寬敞明亮的敬拜場所, 弟兄姐妹們可以到自己溫馨的家園敬拜神,更主要的是能讓更多的人走進教會認識神,接受福音,使更多的靈魂得救。因為我們是山區教會,又是年老沒有工作的弟兄姐妹較多。感謝上帝!為了聖殿能早日建成,在建堂的過程中,為了節省資金,除了技術性的活有請師傅,其他弟兄姐妹不怨其煩不知次數地頂著夏季的炎熱和冬季的嚴寒在工地上勞動。感謝主!一百三十三根地下樁,每根都二十多米深,直徑一米二寬,用了四十天全部完工(24小時不間斷的輪流作業)。為了神家的需要,弟兄姐妹們願意奉獻神所賜的人力、物力、財力、和智慧,為了籌集資金,姐妹們發揮神所賜的智慧,自己動手繡十字繡、繪農民畫編珠串十字珠、書法等義賣,弟兄姐妹們的這種熱心,愛心、信心和奉獻的心只有在神的國度裡才能做到的,因此讓我看到神奇妙的大能,也看到弟兄姐妹們同心合意完成神所託負的使命。
在神的感動和帶領,不僅本堂的弟兄姐妹以及全球各界海內外的弟兄姐妹他們看到神家的需要,也都積極的參與了奉獻,經過二年多的艱苦奮鬥,感謝主!除主堂至今還沒有裝修外, 其他都用黑白裝修完成, 於2017年聖誕節進入使用。一座莊嚴、神聖、宏偉的聖殿屹立在漳平這座小城市中, 彰顯著神的偉大, 十字架的光芒, 要照耀著這座的城市，祂將要成為這座城市的祝福。
我是2018年初才進入桂林教會參加敬拜活動的,建堂初期的艱苦勞動我沒參加,但是看到初期兄弟姐妹的勞動經 過,我能體會到他們愛主的心。這二年我進入教會, 對於建設中的後期的工程：路面、圍牆和綠化都需要促進完善的施 工。特別在這次因教堂後面的地，政府開發要出讓, 所以, 政府要求我們要把正式的圍牆建起來才不會凌亂 因此教會開始了建圍牆以及室外完善的工程。為了節省資金，牧師又再多次地組織兄弟姐妹們參加勞動,雖是新冠病毒疫情期間,國家命令封城,教會也關門了,所有團契和主日敬拜活動都在線上舉行,但是大家還是惦記著教會,在教會需要勞動的時候,在牧師的帶領下,不管是白天還是晚上大家都戴著口罩一次次地參加勞動,我也都有參加,感謝主!在勞動中大家都充滿著喜樂。本來建堂還有欠債,再加上現在建圍牆,所以,現在資金還有缺口,也請我們懷恩堂的弟兄姐妹們,為我們漳平桂林教會所需的資金禱告,也讓弟兄姐妹們在我們國內教堂的建設上有自己的一份力量,願上帝紀念祝福大家!
願這殿後來的榮耀必大過先前的榮耀:在這地方我必賜平安。這是萬軍之耶和華說的。（哈該書2:9）
因為疫情的緣故，封了四個月的教會在6月7日終於開放了,我們大家都用微信視頻線上聚會,但是有許多年老的弟兄姐妹們,他們沒有微信無法上線,但他們聽見教會恢復聚會時,有多少老兄另姐妹們心情無比激動的說:今天又能到神的殿中親近神了,看到此情此景,讓我很感動,兩年時間讓我見證了神的功效,這種愛主的精神在世俗人的眼裡是看不到的,而且也是做不到的,無論是從2015年2017年間我在美國芝加哥懷恩堂,還是2018年至今的漳平桂林堂, 我所見所聽都讓我感受到這些基督的愛,兄弟姐妹和睦相處,親如一家,吃苦耐勞的精神,只有在神的國度裡才能有的,感謝神的恩典,現在我們有了寬敞明亮敬拜神的場所, 雖然設備凳子等都是舊的,但是弟兄姐妹們已經很感恩了, 感謝神,帶領我們同心合意的建立了基督教會,這一切的榮耀都要歸於耶和華我們的神!我一生一世歸向你, 直到永遠!
看那弟兄和睦同居 何等的善何等的美
如同那黑門的甘露 降在錫安山地
愛在這裡 和平在這裡 光明在這裡 生命在這裡
耶和華所命定的福 都在這裡
你若想要得到祂 在耶穌基督裡
這裡有聖靈的恩膏,這裡是另一個天地。
2017年10月16日 这天是我永生難忘的日子, 我在美國芝加哥懷恩堂受洗了, 這是神給我特別的恩典和愛, 因衪藉著耶穌基督的救贖, 讓我得以重生, 成為新造的人, 聖經說: 若有人在基督裡, 他就是新造的人, 舊事己過, 都變成新的了。（林後5:17）走上基督徒喜樂永生的道路, 感謝神的大愛和恩賜。
2018年2月 回國後, 神帶領我走進了家鄉小城的教會(漳平桂林基督教堂), 這座教會成立於1998年, 當時沒有場所, 信徒從七個人的查經會發展至現在有三、四百人, 當時敬拜場所是借用一信徒家的客廳, 到2003年 購置一處倒閉的廠房, 修建成可容納100多人的聚會, 但因著場所的窄小, 又處在居民區內, 不適合教會聖工的開展, 所以弟兄姐妹們迫切地禱告,求神為我們再預備一個場所, 感謝主!神垂聽了弟兄姐妹們同心合意迫切地禱告。
2012年政府劃撥了一塊近9畝(5921平方米)崎嶇的山地給漳平桂林基督教作為新堂建設用地,於2015年6月13日舉行了奠定典禮, 建設工期2年,弟兄姐妹們心裡別提有多高興了, 因為建成後將有了自己寬敞明亮的敬拜場所, 弟兄姐妹們可以到自己溫馨的家園敬拜神, 為新堂建設用地,於2015年6月13日舉行了奠定典禮, 建設工期2年,弟兄姐妹們心裡別提有多高興了, 因為建成後將有了自己寬敞明亮的敬拜場所, 弟兄姐妹們可以到自己溫馨的家園敬拜神,更主要的是能讓更多的人走進教會認識神,接受福音,使更多的靈魂得救。因為我們是山區教會,又是年老沒有工作的弟兄姐妹較多。感謝上帝!為了聖殿能早日建成,在建堂的過程中,為了節省資金,除了技術性的活有請師傅,其他弟兄姐妹不怨其煩不知次數地頂著夏季的炎熱和冬季的嚴寒在工地上勞動。感謝主!一百三十三根地下樁,每根都二十多米深,直徑一米二寬,用了四十天全部完工(24小時不間斷的輪流作業)。為了神家的需要,弟兄姐妹們願意奉獻神所賜的人力、物力、財力、和智慧,為了籌集資金,姐妹們發揮神所賜的智慧,自己動手繡十字繡、繪農民畫編珠串十字珠、書法等義賣,弟兄姐妹們的這種熱心,愛心、信心和奉獻的心只有在神的國度裡才能做到的,因此讓我看到神奇妙的大能,也看到弟兄姐妹們同心合意完成神所託負的使命。
在神的感動和帶領,不僅本堂的弟兄姐妹以及全球各界海內外的弟兄姐妹他們看到神家的需要,也都積極的參與了奉獻,經過二年多的艱苦奮鬥,感謝主!除主堂至今還沒有裝修外, 其他都用黑白裝修完成, 於2017年聖誕節進入使用。一座莊嚴、神聖、宏偉的聖殿屹立在漳平這座小城市中, 彰顯著神的偉大, 十字架的光芒, 要照耀著這座的城市，祂將要成為這座城市的祝福。
我是2018年初才進入桂林教會參加敬拜活動的,建堂初期的艱苦勞動我沒參加,但是看到初期兄弟姐妹的勞動經 過,我能體會到他們愛主的心。這二年我進入教會, 對於建設中的後期的工程：路面、圍牆和綠化都需要促進完善的施 工。特別在這次因教堂後面的地，政府開發要出讓, 所以, 政府要求我們要把正式的圍牆建起來才不會凌亂 因此教會開始了建圍牆以及室外完善的工程。為了節省資金，牧師又再多次地組織兄弟姐妹們參加勞動,雖是新冠病毒疫情期間,國家命令封城,教會也關門了,所有團契和主日敬拜活動都在線上舉行,但是大家還是惦記著教會,在教會需要勞動的時候,在牧師的帶領下,不管是白天還是晚上大家都戴著口罩一次次地參加勞動,我也都有參加,感謝主!在勞動中大家都充滿著喜樂。本來建堂還有欠債,再加上現在建圍牆,所以,現在資金還有缺口,也請我們懷恩堂的弟兄姐妹們,為我們漳平桂林教會所需的資金禱告,也讓弟兄姐妹們在我們國內教堂的建設上有自己的一份力量,願上帝紀念祝福大家!
願這殿後來的榮耀必大過先前的榮耀:在這地方我必賜平安。這是萬軍之耶和華說的。（哈該書2:9）
因為疫情的緣故，封了四個月的教會在6月7日終於開放了,我們大家都用微信視頻線上聚會,但是有許多年老的弟兄姐妹們,他們沒有微信無法上線,但他們聽見教會恢復聚會時,有多少老兄另姐妹們心情無比激動的說:今天又能到神的殿中親近神了,看到此情此景,讓我很感動,兩年時間讓我見證了神的功效,這種愛主的精神在世俗人的眼裡是看不到的,而且也是做不到的,無論是從2015年2017年間我在美國芝加哥懷恩堂,還是2018年至今的漳平桂林堂, 我所見所聽都讓我感受到這些基督的愛,兄弟姐妹和睦相處,親如一家,吃苦耐勞的精神,只有在神的國度裡才能有的,感謝神的恩典,現在我們有了寬敞明亮敬拜神的場所, 雖然設備凳子等都是舊的,但是弟兄姐妹們已經很感恩了, 感謝神,帶領我們同心合意的建立了基督教會,這一切的榮耀都要歸於耶和華我們的神!我一生一世歸向你, 直到永遠!
看那弟兄和睦同居 何等的善何等的美
如同那黑門的甘露 降在錫安山地
愛在這裡 和平在這裡 光明在這裡 生命在這裡
耶和華所命定的福 都在這裡
你若想要得到祂 在耶穌基督裡
So Many Flavors of Christianity
Dr. Johnny L. Wilson
Dr. Johnny L. Wilson
Before I discovered Oberweis Ice Cream, I used to very occasionally visit Baskin-Robbins (Most of you know that even though I’m overweight, I’m trying to be careful.). I bring that up not to make you want ice cream, but because I remember going into the shop and having to make up my mind from the 31 flavors the company claims to have represented. Sometimes, they would run out of a flavor and there would be an empty spot in the display case. Even if the flavor I’d intended to choose was still in the case, I felt just a little cheated. Humans like variety.
There is a reason that humans like variety. It’s because God made us all different. In fact, reading the gospel, you’ll notice that Jesus seems to treat every person He encounters individually. So, is it surprising that there are at least 31 flavors of Christianity? Recently, a person attending our church asked a lot of questions from another member. God willing, I hope to answer all those questions in articles, sermons, and Bible Study lessons over the next six months. At first, I intended to make this article an answer to: “Why are those names in the Bible so long and so hard to pronounce?” But then, I realized that, “Why are there so many different types of Christianity if Jesus is the only way to be saved?” As I noted, God treats every individual according to their need. And humans tend to have both common needs and different needs.
So, there are similarities within the denominations (as different flavors of Christianity are called), but there are differences that distinguish us from each other. Those labels of denominations (Catholic, Episcopal, Orthodox, Foursquare, Full Gospel, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, Church of Christ, Brethren, Congregationalist, Church of God Holiness, Reformed, Assembly of God, United Church of Christ, Evangelical Free, Quakers, and even, I hope, Seventh Day Adventists) are designed to help people find the kind of worship style, accountability, teaching, and opportunities for service which is most likely to meet their need. What’s missing here? Well, even though Grace Chinese Christian Church began as a Baptist church, it doesn’t identify with any of these specific denominations or flavors. It is called non-denominational because it doesn’t want to be labeled with the biases and tendencies of some of the others. I’d like to think we could identify ourselves as Biblical and Evangelical. Of course, most of these other “flavors” would identify with that idea, as well.
7-11 Songs and Smells and Bells
Perhaps, the most obvious difference between “flavors” is the way they worship. Certainly, when we think of worship, we usually think of music. There are basically two polarities in worship: free and liturgical. The first form gravitates to lively hymns and contemporary praise songs. The second form has a relatively rigid worship style where certain elements must be in every service and music more in accord with classical music or hymns that can be played to advantage on the organ or with an orchestra are sung. Those who like the second form best tend to mock the first form as using “7-11 Songs,” and they mean that they think of praise songs as singing the same seven (7) words eleven (11) times. Those who like the first form best see the symbolic rituals (some using incense or candle lighting) as “Smells and Bells,” and they mean that there is incense (smells), high sounding instruments like organs and bell choirs (bells).
Because of this polarity, Christianity has suffered from what some have called “worship wars.” Some congregations rid themselves of hymns altogether in favor of a pure diet of praise songs while others avoided praise songs as being “shallow and irreverent.” Churches that saw the need for both were labeled “blended worship” congregations, and church growth experts claimed that they were so stuck in worship clichés that they couldn’t appeal to either side. They judged them as compromising. Grace Chinese Christian Church doesn’t have a pipe organ, but we still try to include both types of worship music in our services. Frankly, I like that. Praise songs have the advantage of allowing us to express timeless truth in fresh ways. Hymns and classical cantatas/requiems/masses have the advantage of helping worshipers hang onto their roots, terms and phrases God has blessed for generations and which still have meaning if we pay reverent attention.
Looking at our “flavors,” we can “roughly” (but not definitively) divide them into those two groups, though some more than others.
7-11: Baptists, Evangelical Free, Assembly of God, Foursquare, Full Gospel, Pentecostals, Quakers, Congregationalists, most non-denominational churches, and, maybe, Church of Christ (voices only with no accompaniment by instruments), Seventh Day Adventist, and Church of God Holiness (though the last three clearly emphasize hymns and gospel music more than praise songs)
Smells and Bells: Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Orthodox (although using unaccompanied voices—no instruments), Presbyterians, Reformed churches, and United Church of Christ congregations.
We could just as easily call this informal and formal, respectively. But this is just the first and most obvious difference. Other differences may be more substantial (pun intended).
Symbol, Substance, and Status
All of these churches feature some type of Communion or Lord’s Supper to remember the blood and body of our Lord who died for us. But how they understand this is as divided (or more so) as the worship styles. Basically, the difference lies in how literally one takes the idea of the body and blood of our Lord.
Transubstantiation: This means that those who believe this are convinced that the elements of the wine and bread are miraculously changed physically into the body and blood of the Lord. When one takes the wafer and drinks the wine, that miracle takes place and you become one with the Lord in a very special way. These would include the Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans (although they simply call it the “real presence of Christ” which some call “Consubstantiation” meaning “Christ with the elements” rather than “Transubstantiation” meaning “the elements become Christ’s body”).
There is even a difference in the way most of these churches serve the Communion/Eucharist/Lord’s Supper. In most (including some, but not all Lutherans) of them, the worshipers come forward to the rail/balustrade/table to receive the elements. The worshipers received the elements either kneeling (most common) or standing. See below for other styles used by some Lutherans and most “Symbolists.”
Symbolism: Except for Luther, when Protestants broke away from the Catholic tradition, they believed that the bread and wine (eventually, grape juice in many churches) were symbols which allowed the Holy Spirit to communicate God’s presence to the worshiper. Ulrich Zwingli emphasized that this ceremony was intended to stir the memory in the mind to affect the worshiper. John Calvin emphasized the “spiritual” presence of Christ as a part of the ceremony to make sure people knew that this was, mysteriously, more than the intellectual memory taught by Zwingli but not as physical as what Luther and the Catholic/Orthodox traditions taught. Calvin wrote: “To overestimate the elements and their significance is to obscure the mysteries themselves.” (quoted in Thielicke, Helmut, The Evangelical Faith: Volume III: The Holy Spirit, The Church, Eschatology, p. 296). Grace Chinese Christian Church, as well as Assembly of God churches, Baptists, Church of Christ congregations, Church of God Holiness bodies, Congregationalist assemblies, Evangelical Free congregations, Foursquare churches, Methodists, Presbyterians, Reformed congregations, Seventh Day Adventists, and United Church of Christ assemblies, follow this understanding.
Prior to the era of the English Puritans (and before the founding of the U.S.A.), almost all congregations had those partaking of the Lord’s Supper come to the front to receive the elements. The Puritans began bringing the elements to the worshipers. So, instead of kneeling or standing, most of the groups listed above receive the Lord’s Supper sitting down. There are, of course a few variations. Some of these groups use actual wine rather than grape juice. In the Netherlands, some congregations leave the sanctuary to sit around a table in the nave (entryway, foyer, something like our fellowship hall where we greet people rather than the cafeteria). A few take the Lord’s Supper by intinction, dipping the bread into the wine/juice and taking the body and blood together.
Dunking or Sprinkling?
One major difference between these flavors of Christianity is their understanding of baptism. Many of the groups practice infant baptism, believing that salvation is so dependent upon baptism that babies need to be baptized to protect them from hell. Others insist that the person being baptized know what they are doing.
Infant Baptism: Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists, Orthodox, Presbyterians, Reformed, and United Church of Christ practice this, though some believe this baptism is more of a commitment by the parents and church congregation than having a salvific effect on the child. Naturally, because most of the persons being baptized in these congregations (though not all) are babies, the ceremony uses only a little bit of water sprinkled or poured on the individuals head rather than full immersion (dunking).
Individual Baptism: It is my understanding that the Assembly of God denomination, the Church of Christ, and the Church of God Holiness believe baptism is necessary for salvation. It is not uncommon for a person who accepts our Lord in the Church of Christ to be rushed to the church building (or even the nearest creek or swimming pool) to be baptized and “seal” the deal. Along with Baptists, Evangelical Free, Foursquare, and many non-denominational churches like Grace Chinese Christian Church, Assembly of God, Church of Christ, and Church of God Holiness baptize by immersion. These churches dunk the whole body in the water to symbolize the death (standing), burial (dunking), and resurrection (rising from water) of our Lord. There is also a symbolism of the washing away of sins. All of these denominations take seriously the fact that the word for baptism in the New Testament is baptizo, to dip or immerse.
Tongues of Fire or Tongues of Confusion?
One major difference in worship styles has to do with the use and abuse of an “unknown tongue” or “prayer language.” Taking their cue from Romans 8:26 where the Holy Spirit intercedes for believers with “groanings too deep for words” (New American Standard Bible) and the fiery tongues of Acts as a model, some denominations believe every believer should demonstrate the Holy Spirit in their lives by speaking in an “unknown tongue.” They do not consider that the miracle in Acts 2 is that every person heard their own language and that the word used for tongues also means language. In addition, they do not consider that 1 Corinthians 14:9 emphasizes intelligible speech as more important than unintelligible speech, as does 1 Corinthians 14:14. Yet, this is important to the worship/devotional/prayer experience of many believers. Why?
Remember where we started this article? God deals with us as individuals, not as a herd. I believe that some believers are wired to need to let go in their worship. I believe that allowing their bodies and tongues to move without their conscious guidance is part of their surrender to God. They long for the feeling that their body has been entered by some Other. Without that letting go, they feel like they are coldly, rationally citing facts about God.
So, why do some avoid this idea of speaking in tongues? It is because the Bible doesn’t indicate that speaking in an unknown tongue is a requirement of spirituality. As with the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 14, they believe it is more important to be intelligible and rational in both their worship an evangelism. I have seen people swiftly go out the back door of a tongues-speaking congregation because they were frightened. I certainly wouldn’t want anything that I do to scare anyone away from hearing the gospel. Most importantly, the demand of many tongues-speakers that everyone “attain” this “gift” is divisive. Many churches have splintered and split because of the spiritual arrogance of tongues-speakers and the intolerant traditionalism of some who don’t demonstrate such “utterings.” Both sides need to let God deal with individuals without letting their prejudices get in the way. Even Grace Chinese Christian Church was once weakened by such controversy.
Tongues Speakers: Assembly of God, Church of God Holiness, Foursquare, Full Gospel, and Pentecostal churches are well-known for supporting and seeking “tongues.” In addition, there are some people who belong to more traditionalist, rationalist denominations who feel the need (or conviction) to “speak” in an “unknown tongue.” (There are even Charismatic Catholics who speak in tongues.)
Rationalist/Traditionalists: Except for small groups of charismatics within each, the following denominations generally do not speak in “tongues:” Baptist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Congregationalist, Evangelical Free, Lutheran, Methodist, Orthodox, Presbyterian, Reformed, Seventh-Day Adventist, and United Church of Christ. Most non-denominational churches such as Grace Chinese Christian Church would fit here, as well.
Such are some of the big differences between the “flavors” of Christianity. Each denomination takes these differences seriously and each denomination points to some historical event or revival/reformation that acted upon the importance of these differences. God’s grace covers all of these despite unreasonable restrictions in some denominations and despite irresponsible freedom in some others. In general, though, believers join the church where they feel they can most reasonably expect God to speak to and deal with them. You see, it isn’t so much a matter of “flavor,” but whether one depends solely on Jesus Christ’s death, resurrection, and gracefully given righteousness. Do you depend on Jesus or are you measuring by some different and inadequate standard?
Leaders and Followers
Philip Wong
Because I consider them more intellectual and balanced as English language newscasts, I listen to BBC and NPR for international news. . I don’t watch TV much or get news on the computer as I don’t have much discretionary time because of trying to keep up with medical, Biblical and spiritual studies in addition to my family, work, and church responsibilities. I can listen to the radio and do things like washing my face or driving, etc.
This morning on BBC was a big discussion on the world situation regarding the pandemic, how it is and how it should be. Of course, the US and China are the most important countries that are under discussion. The leaders and the followers are being looked at by BBC as well as NPR. The views of some Chinese American experts are especially interesting to me.
Of course, the two countries are very different in terms of the political systems, history, and culture. The Chinese American scholars are proud of the success that the Chinese government has demonstrated over COVID control, especially compared to the US. The US now has the largest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths among all the countries in the world while China, with a much bigger, indeed the world’s largest population, has significantly less cases and deaths due to COVID. The US also spends far more on healthcare than any other country (~18% GDP, compared to ~9% for Germany, the next one in Healthcare spending), and way more than China. So, China’s government is considered much more effective and efficient even after its initial coverup. So, is the authoritarian government better than the democratic system?
The largest democracy, India, is also in big trouble with COVID. Brazil and Russia are also leading the world behind the US in COVID-19 cases and deaths. It seems that the countries and areas with leaders that try to minimize the severity of the disease tend to delay their effective measures and end up with more loss of lives. Maybe they do not care about the lives that are lost. An ex-White House official just mentioned in his book that the US President seems to confuse his own interest with the national or the people’s interest. This also seems to be the case with many politicians and other leaders. So, as followers, we need to be aware of our leaders’ interests.
Nehemiah, as a great leader that we have been studying recently in our Chinese Sunday School, showed great sacrifice for the interests of his fellow-Israelites. (I hope my son, named after him, will follow his great example.). But he was also effective as a leader because he prayed to God all the time as well as listened to the people. He loved God and also loved His people. He was wise even when angry and passionate.
He acted appropriately before the King and among the other leaders. He also worked closely with Ezra, the great religious leader of his time. But he was also cognizant of the false prophets and bad leaders who were working with the enemies.
So, he united his people to accomplish great results against all the enemies inside and outside. I hope we all learn to be both good leaders and good followers who can discern who great leaders are. All of us need to know God’s words really well so we can do the right things. As Christians we all are supposed to be Christ-followers, or His disciples and disciple-makers. according to His Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20.
[Note: On Saturday July 18th, starting at 1 PM and going through 4 PM (if there is sufficient interest), Pastor Johnny will lead a webinar on Leadership in and out of the Church. We will look at types of authority, use some questionnaires to determine our leadership tendencies, consider the spiritual gifts from Romans 12 (the so-called motivational gifts), and examine some ideas about small groups which have worked in other churches. In some ways, all of us have a leadership role of some type or another. Let’s learn together how we can become better at doing so.]
There is a reason that humans like variety. It’s because God made us all different. In fact, reading the gospel, you’ll notice that Jesus seems to treat every person He encounters individually. So, is it surprising that there are at least 31 flavors of Christianity? Recently, a person attending our church asked a lot of questions from another member. God willing, I hope to answer all those questions in articles, sermons, and Bible Study lessons over the next six months. At first, I intended to make this article an answer to: “Why are those names in the Bible so long and so hard to pronounce?” But then, I realized that, “Why are there so many different types of Christianity if Jesus is the only way to be saved?” As I noted, God treats every individual according to their need. And humans tend to have both common needs and different needs.
So, there are similarities within the denominations (as different flavors of Christianity are called), but there are differences that distinguish us from each other. Those labels of denominations (Catholic, Episcopal, Orthodox, Foursquare, Full Gospel, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, Church of Christ, Brethren, Congregationalist, Church of God Holiness, Reformed, Assembly of God, United Church of Christ, Evangelical Free, Quakers, and even, I hope, Seventh Day Adventists) are designed to help people find the kind of worship style, accountability, teaching, and opportunities for service which is most likely to meet their need. What’s missing here? Well, even though Grace Chinese Christian Church began as a Baptist church, it doesn’t identify with any of these specific denominations or flavors. It is called non-denominational because it doesn’t want to be labeled with the biases and tendencies of some of the others. I’d like to think we could identify ourselves as Biblical and Evangelical. Of course, most of these other “flavors” would identify with that idea, as well.
7-11 Songs and Smells and Bells
Perhaps, the most obvious difference between “flavors” is the way they worship. Certainly, when we think of worship, we usually think of music. There are basically two polarities in worship: free and liturgical. The first form gravitates to lively hymns and contemporary praise songs. The second form has a relatively rigid worship style where certain elements must be in every service and music more in accord with classical music or hymns that can be played to advantage on the organ or with an orchestra are sung. Those who like the second form best tend to mock the first form as using “7-11 Songs,” and they mean that they think of praise songs as singing the same seven (7) words eleven (11) times. Those who like the first form best see the symbolic rituals (some using incense or candle lighting) as “Smells and Bells,” and they mean that there is incense (smells), high sounding instruments like organs and bell choirs (bells).
Because of this polarity, Christianity has suffered from what some have called “worship wars.” Some congregations rid themselves of hymns altogether in favor of a pure diet of praise songs while others avoided praise songs as being “shallow and irreverent.” Churches that saw the need for both were labeled “blended worship” congregations, and church growth experts claimed that they were so stuck in worship clichés that they couldn’t appeal to either side. They judged them as compromising. Grace Chinese Christian Church doesn’t have a pipe organ, but we still try to include both types of worship music in our services. Frankly, I like that. Praise songs have the advantage of allowing us to express timeless truth in fresh ways. Hymns and classical cantatas/requiems/masses have the advantage of helping worshipers hang onto their roots, terms and phrases God has blessed for generations and which still have meaning if we pay reverent attention.
Looking at our “flavors,” we can “roughly” (but not definitively) divide them into those two groups, though some more than others.
7-11: Baptists, Evangelical Free, Assembly of God, Foursquare, Full Gospel, Pentecostals, Quakers, Congregationalists, most non-denominational churches, and, maybe, Church of Christ (voices only with no accompaniment by instruments), Seventh Day Adventist, and Church of God Holiness (though the last three clearly emphasize hymns and gospel music more than praise songs)
Smells and Bells: Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Orthodox (although using unaccompanied voices—no instruments), Presbyterians, Reformed churches, and United Church of Christ congregations.
We could just as easily call this informal and formal, respectively. But this is just the first and most obvious difference. Other differences may be more substantial (pun intended).
Symbol, Substance, and Status
All of these churches feature some type of Communion or Lord’s Supper to remember the blood and body of our Lord who died for us. But how they understand this is as divided (or more so) as the worship styles. Basically, the difference lies in how literally one takes the idea of the body and blood of our Lord.
Transubstantiation: This means that those who believe this are convinced that the elements of the wine and bread are miraculously changed physically into the body and blood of the Lord. When one takes the wafer and drinks the wine, that miracle takes place and you become one with the Lord in a very special way. These would include the Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans (although they simply call it the “real presence of Christ” which some call “Consubstantiation” meaning “Christ with the elements” rather than “Transubstantiation” meaning “the elements become Christ’s body”).
There is even a difference in the way most of these churches serve the Communion/Eucharist/Lord’s Supper. In most (including some, but not all Lutherans) of them, the worshipers come forward to the rail/balustrade/table to receive the elements. The worshipers received the elements either kneeling (most common) or standing. See below for other styles used by some Lutherans and most “Symbolists.”
Symbolism: Except for Luther, when Protestants broke away from the Catholic tradition, they believed that the bread and wine (eventually, grape juice in many churches) were symbols which allowed the Holy Spirit to communicate God’s presence to the worshiper. Ulrich Zwingli emphasized that this ceremony was intended to stir the memory in the mind to affect the worshiper. John Calvin emphasized the “spiritual” presence of Christ as a part of the ceremony to make sure people knew that this was, mysteriously, more than the intellectual memory taught by Zwingli but not as physical as what Luther and the Catholic/Orthodox traditions taught. Calvin wrote: “To overestimate the elements and their significance is to obscure the mysteries themselves.” (quoted in Thielicke, Helmut, The Evangelical Faith: Volume III: The Holy Spirit, The Church, Eschatology, p. 296). Grace Chinese Christian Church, as well as Assembly of God churches, Baptists, Church of Christ congregations, Church of God Holiness bodies, Congregationalist assemblies, Evangelical Free congregations, Foursquare churches, Methodists, Presbyterians, Reformed congregations, Seventh Day Adventists, and United Church of Christ assemblies, follow this understanding.
Prior to the era of the English Puritans (and before the founding of the U.S.A.), almost all congregations had those partaking of the Lord’s Supper come to the front to receive the elements. The Puritans began bringing the elements to the worshipers. So, instead of kneeling or standing, most of the groups listed above receive the Lord’s Supper sitting down. There are, of course a few variations. Some of these groups use actual wine rather than grape juice. In the Netherlands, some congregations leave the sanctuary to sit around a table in the nave (entryway, foyer, something like our fellowship hall where we greet people rather than the cafeteria). A few take the Lord’s Supper by intinction, dipping the bread into the wine/juice and taking the body and blood together.
Dunking or Sprinkling?
One major difference between these flavors of Christianity is their understanding of baptism. Many of the groups practice infant baptism, believing that salvation is so dependent upon baptism that babies need to be baptized to protect them from hell. Others insist that the person being baptized know what they are doing.
Infant Baptism: Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists, Orthodox, Presbyterians, Reformed, and United Church of Christ practice this, though some believe this baptism is more of a commitment by the parents and church congregation than having a salvific effect on the child. Naturally, because most of the persons being baptized in these congregations (though not all) are babies, the ceremony uses only a little bit of water sprinkled or poured on the individuals head rather than full immersion (dunking).
Individual Baptism: It is my understanding that the Assembly of God denomination, the Church of Christ, and the Church of God Holiness believe baptism is necessary for salvation. It is not uncommon for a person who accepts our Lord in the Church of Christ to be rushed to the church building (or even the nearest creek or swimming pool) to be baptized and “seal” the deal. Along with Baptists, Evangelical Free, Foursquare, and many non-denominational churches like Grace Chinese Christian Church, Assembly of God, Church of Christ, and Church of God Holiness baptize by immersion. These churches dunk the whole body in the water to symbolize the death (standing), burial (dunking), and resurrection (rising from water) of our Lord. There is also a symbolism of the washing away of sins. All of these denominations take seriously the fact that the word for baptism in the New Testament is baptizo, to dip or immerse.
Tongues of Fire or Tongues of Confusion?
One major difference in worship styles has to do with the use and abuse of an “unknown tongue” or “prayer language.” Taking their cue from Romans 8:26 where the Holy Spirit intercedes for believers with “groanings too deep for words” (New American Standard Bible) and the fiery tongues of Acts as a model, some denominations believe every believer should demonstrate the Holy Spirit in their lives by speaking in an “unknown tongue.” They do not consider that the miracle in Acts 2 is that every person heard their own language and that the word used for tongues also means language. In addition, they do not consider that 1 Corinthians 14:9 emphasizes intelligible speech as more important than unintelligible speech, as does 1 Corinthians 14:14. Yet, this is important to the worship/devotional/prayer experience of many believers. Why?
Remember where we started this article? God deals with us as individuals, not as a herd. I believe that some believers are wired to need to let go in their worship. I believe that allowing their bodies and tongues to move without their conscious guidance is part of their surrender to God. They long for the feeling that their body has been entered by some Other. Without that letting go, they feel like they are coldly, rationally citing facts about God.
So, why do some avoid this idea of speaking in tongues? It is because the Bible doesn’t indicate that speaking in an unknown tongue is a requirement of spirituality. As with the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 14, they believe it is more important to be intelligible and rational in both their worship an evangelism. I have seen people swiftly go out the back door of a tongues-speaking congregation because they were frightened. I certainly wouldn’t want anything that I do to scare anyone away from hearing the gospel. Most importantly, the demand of many tongues-speakers that everyone “attain” this “gift” is divisive. Many churches have splintered and split because of the spiritual arrogance of tongues-speakers and the intolerant traditionalism of some who don’t demonstrate such “utterings.” Both sides need to let God deal with individuals without letting their prejudices get in the way. Even Grace Chinese Christian Church was once weakened by such controversy.
Tongues Speakers: Assembly of God, Church of God Holiness, Foursquare, Full Gospel, and Pentecostal churches are well-known for supporting and seeking “tongues.” In addition, there are some people who belong to more traditionalist, rationalist denominations who feel the need (or conviction) to “speak” in an “unknown tongue.” (There are even Charismatic Catholics who speak in tongues.)
Rationalist/Traditionalists: Except for small groups of charismatics within each, the following denominations generally do not speak in “tongues:” Baptist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Congregationalist, Evangelical Free, Lutheran, Methodist, Orthodox, Presbyterian, Reformed, Seventh-Day Adventist, and United Church of Christ. Most non-denominational churches such as Grace Chinese Christian Church would fit here, as well.
Such are some of the big differences between the “flavors” of Christianity. Each denomination takes these differences seriously and each denomination points to some historical event or revival/reformation that acted upon the importance of these differences. God’s grace covers all of these despite unreasonable restrictions in some denominations and despite irresponsible freedom in some others. In general, though, believers join the church where they feel they can most reasonably expect God to speak to and deal with them. You see, it isn’t so much a matter of “flavor,” but whether one depends solely on Jesus Christ’s death, resurrection, and gracefully given righteousness. Do you depend on Jesus or are you measuring by some different and inadequate standard?
Leaders and Followers
Philip Wong
Because I consider them more intellectual and balanced as English language newscasts, I listen to BBC and NPR for international news. . I don’t watch TV much or get news on the computer as I don’t have much discretionary time because of trying to keep up with medical, Biblical and spiritual studies in addition to my family, work, and church responsibilities. I can listen to the radio and do things like washing my face or driving, etc.
This morning on BBC was a big discussion on the world situation regarding the pandemic, how it is and how it should be. Of course, the US and China are the most important countries that are under discussion. The leaders and the followers are being looked at by BBC as well as NPR. The views of some Chinese American experts are especially interesting to me.
Of course, the two countries are very different in terms of the political systems, history, and culture. The Chinese American scholars are proud of the success that the Chinese government has demonstrated over COVID control, especially compared to the US. The US now has the largest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths among all the countries in the world while China, with a much bigger, indeed the world’s largest population, has significantly less cases and deaths due to COVID. The US also spends far more on healthcare than any other country (~18% GDP, compared to ~9% for Germany, the next one in Healthcare spending), and way more than China. So, China’s government is considered much more effective and efficient even after its initial coverup. So, is the authoritarian government better than the democratic system?
The largest democracy, India, is also in big trouble with COVID. Brazil and Russia are also leading the world behind the US in COVID-19 cases and deaths. It seems that the countries and areas with leaders that try to minimize the severity of the disease tend to delay their effective measures and end up with more loss of lives. Maybe they do not care about the lives that are lost. An ex-White House official just mentioned in his book that the US President seems to confuse his own interest with the national or the people’s interest. This also seems to be the case with many politicians and other leaders. So, as followers, we need to be aware of our leaders’ interests.
Nehemiah, as a great leader that we have been studying recently in our Chinese Sunday School, showed great sacrifice for the interests of his fellow-Israelites. (I hope my son, named after him, will follow his great example.). But he was also effective as a leader because he prayed to God all the time as well as listened to the people. He loved God and also loved His people. He was wise even when angry and passionate.
He acted appropriately before the King and among the other leaders. He also worked closely with Ezra, the great religious leader of his time. But he was also cognizant of the false prophets and bad leaders who were working with the enemies.
So, he united his people to accomplish great results against all the enemies inside and outside. I hope we all learn to be both good leaders and good followers who can discern who great leaders are. All of us need to know God’s words really well so we can do the right things. As Christians we all are supposed to be Christ-followers, or His disciples and disciple-makers. according to His Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20.
[Note: On Saturday July 18th, starting at 1 PM and going through 4 PM (if there is sufficient interest), Pastor Johnny will lead a webinar on Leadership in and out of the Church. We will look at types of authority, use some questionnaires to determine our leadership tendencies, consider the spiritual gifts from Romans 12 (the so-called motivational gifts), and examine some ideas about small groups which have worked in other churches. In some ways, all of us have a leadership role of some type or another. Let’s learn together how we can become better at doing so.]