Community Church HK Podcast

Surprised By: Love - Dec 22, 2024

Speaker - Pastor Jeff Lam

Surprised By: Peace

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed; yet, amidst the noise, there’s a profound peace that transcends all understanding. As we navigate through the busyness of this year-end season, let’s remember the words of John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” This promise reminds us that true peace is not found in our circumstances but in a deeper connection. Let us embrace this gift of peace and share it with those around us; and may we find comfort in knowing that we are never alone.
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================This Week's Scripture:// Isaiah 9:6-7 //6 For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given,    and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called    Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of his government and peace    there will be no end.He will reign on David’s throne    and over his kingdom,establishing and upholding it    with justice and righteousness    from that time on and for ever.The zeal of the Lord Almighty    will accomplish this.

Surprised By: Hope

As we continue to chase for greater things, it’s easy to overlook the small beginnings that hold immense potential. Just like the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand, every little step we take matters. As we navigate through challenges and uncertainties, let us remember the words from Zechariah 4:10: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.” Each moment of hope, each act of kindness, and every dream nurtured is a foundation for something greater. Join us on Sunday as we kick off a new sermon series centred around Advent and let us embrace our small beginnings together!
If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect
You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links
You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/
================This Week's Scripture:// Zechariah 9:9-13 //The coming of Zion’s kingRejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!    Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!See, your king comes to you,    righteous and victorious,lowly and riding on a donkey,    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.I will take away the chariots from Ephraim    and the war-horses from Jerusalem,    and the battle-bow will be broken.He will proclaim peace to the nations.    His rule will extend from sea to sea    and from the River to the ends of the earth.As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you,    I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit.Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope;    even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.I will bend Judah as I bend my bow    and fill it with Ephraim.I will rouse your sons, Zion,    against your sons, Greece,    and make you like a warrior’s sword.

For the Sake of the World: Gratefulness

In a world that is often filled with rushing around, let us take a moment to pause and reflect on the blessings around us. In the excitement of it all, let us remember to express our gratitude for the opportunities and connections these moments bring. Indeed, Ephesians 5:20 reminds us to “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This season, let's celebrate the spirit of community and togetherness. Whether you're attending a local festival or welcoming visitors from afar in this season, let gratitude be at the heart of our interactions.
If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect
You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links
You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/
================This Week's Scripture:// Key Verses //Luke 24:30-31: When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight.
James 1:17: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

For the Sake of the World: Beauty

Living in a world that often prioritises outward appearances, it is important for us to remember that the true essence of beauty lies within. As 1 Peter 3:4 reminds us, "Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” With this encouragement, let us then seek to cultivate a spirit that shines brightly amidst the chaos. Together, we can inspire others to see beyond the surface, recognise the profound worth of inner beauty, and celebrate our unique journeys to uplift one another!
If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect
You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links
You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/
================This Week's Scripture:// Key Verses //John 3:16-17: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
1 Peter 3:3-4: Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewellery or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Isaiah 53:2-3:He grew up before him like a tender shoot,    and like a root out of dry ground.He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,    nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.He was despised and rejected by mankind,    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.Like one from whom people hide their faces    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

For the Sake of the World: Evangelism

In a world where uncertainty looms and hope often feels distant, we are called to stand firm in our faith. As 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” That is a wonderful reminder that each of us can contribute to a greater narrative of faith and unity, inspiring others to seek and find their own hope in Christ. Together, we can be vessels of God’s love, reaching out to those who feel lost or disconnected. 
If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect
You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links
You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/
================This Week's Scripture:// John 4:4–14 //So [Jesus] came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?"
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

For the Sake of the World: The Call to the Church

In a world where division can often prevail, let's draw inspiration from Acts 2:44: "All the believers were together and had everything in common." As we navigate the challenges of life, let's come together in unity and support. Whether it's through sharing resources, lending a helping hand, or simply being present for one another, our collective strength can bring about positive change. Let's embody the spirit of community and love that binds us. Together, we can make a difference for the sake of the world.
If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect
You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links
You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/
================This Week's Scripture:// Acts 2:43–47 //Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

For the Sake of the World: Goods (Part 2)

In a city as vibrant and dynamic as Hong Kong, we are blessed with opportunities to excel in many areas—faith, speech, knowledge, and love. As we navigate these bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, let's also remember to excel in the grace of giving. In these times of change and growth, let's focus on how we can contribute to our community and the world around us as we are inspired by 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV), which says: "But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” Together, let's make Hong Kong a beacon of hope and kindness.
If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect
You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links
You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/
================This Week's Scripture:// 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19 //But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs...
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

For the Sake of the World: Goods (Part 1)

In a world where we often cling tightly to our possessions, this verse reminds us of a profound truth: everything belongs to God. Indeed, giving isn't just about money—it's a heart matter. When we recognise that all we have is a gift from God, it becomes easier to open our hands and hearts to others. As we go about our week, let's challenge ourselves to see our resources through this lens. How can we use what we've been entrusted with to bless others and make our city a better place?
If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect
You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links
You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/
================This Week's Scripture:// Matthew 6:19-25 //Treasures in Heaven“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Do Not Worry“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

For the Sake of the World: Gifts (Part 2)

As we reflect on our purpose in this vibrant city of Hong Kong, let us remember the words from Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Let us always continue to embrace our calling to uplift one another. Whether through volunteering, supporting local initiatives, or simply spreading kindness, each of us has a unique gift to share. Join us this Sunday as we work together to make a difference and embody the spirit of compassion and community that defines our city.
If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect
You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links
You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/
================This Week's Scripture:// Matthew 13:1-9 //The parable of the sowerThat same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop–a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.’