Community Church HK Podcast

For the Sake of the World: Gifts (Part 1): The Bigger Picture of Gifts

In a world that often feels divided, the power of gifts—both tangible and intangible—can bridge gaps and foster connection. Inspired by Acts 16:15, where Lydia opens her home to Paul and his companions, we are reminded of the beauty of hospitality and generosity. Lydia's invitation wasn’t just about offering a place to stay; it was an act of faith and community that transformed her life and the lives of those around her.
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================This Week's Scripture:// Acts 16:12-15 //From there we travelled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshipper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptised, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us.

For the Sake of the World: Generations

In a time when our world faces unprecedented challenges, let us remember the enduring goodness and love of the LORD. As Psalm 100:5 reminds us, "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Let us continue to stand united in faith and hope, knowing that our actions today shape the world for tomorrow. Together, we can create a legacy of love and resilience that will inspire those who follow us.
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================This Week's Scripture:// Key Verses //Proverbs 16:31: Grey hair is a crown of splendour; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Psalm 92:14 (NIV)They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green… 
Psalm 8:2 (NIV)Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies…

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

As we reflect on our role in caring for creation, let’s remember the profound words from Genesis 2:15: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Indeed, we are witnessing the need for Christian stewardship more than ever as pressing issues like air pollution, plastic waste, and biodiversity loss are impacting our beloved city. The recent climate reports remind us that we must act now to protect our environment for future generations. Let us continue moving on this journey of creation care as we strive to live in harmony with nature and fulfil our responsibility to protect God's creation.
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================This Week's Scripture:// Colossians 1:15-20 //The supremacy of the Son of GodThe Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

For the Sake of the World: Ground (Part 1): It’s More than Just Trees

Last month, Hong Kong celebrated National Ecology Day 2024, so it is also good for us to reflect on how God has called us to be stewards of His creation. Creation care goes beyond just planting trees of course—it's about living in harmony with the world that God has entrusted to us. In the face of pressing environmental challenges like climate change and pollution, we have a responsibility to make choices that honour God's creation. Let us also be inspired to put our faith into action. We are God's masterpieces, created to do good works that make a difference in caring for His world.
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================This Week's Scripture:// Genesis 1:1-19 //In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘day’, and the darkness he called ‘night’. And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.
And God said, ‘Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.’ So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault ‘sky’. And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.
And God said, ‘Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.’ And it was so. God called the dry ground ‘land’, and the gathered waters he called ‘seas’. And God saw that it was good.
Then God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.’ And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.
And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.’ And it was so. God made two great lights – the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.

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

In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, it's crucial to hold onto the hope that sustains us. Inspired by 1 Peter 3:15, we are reminded to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." This hope is not just a fleeting feeling but a profound conviction rooted in faith and the promise of a brighter future; it empowers us to respond with grace and courage, even when faced with adversity. It's a hope that inspires us to perform acts of kindness and compassion, reflecting the love and mercy of God.
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================This Week's Scripture:// Key Passages //Luke 4:18-21: The Spirit of the Lord is on me,    because he has anointed me    to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners    and recovery of sight for the blind,to set the oppressed free,    to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’
John 6:68-69: Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.’

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

In a world filled with challenges, especially here in Hong Kong, we are reminded of our calling as servants of Christ. As we navigate through economic struggles and the pressing need for compassion, let us hold onto the truth found in 1 Corinthians 4:1: “This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.” We are not merely passive observers; we are active participants in sharing the gospel and embodying love in action.
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================This Week's Scripture:// Matthew 4:18-22 //Jesus calls his first disciplesAs Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Discipleship in an Instant World: Blessings on Those Who Minister by Night

In the quiet hours when the world sleeps, there are those who tirelessly serve, bringing light to the shadows. As we reflect on the words of Matthew 6:3, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” let us remember the beauty of selfless giving; because amidst the hustle and bustle of life in Hong Kong, many face challenges that often go unnoticed. Together then, let’s continue to uplift one another and spread love throughout our community and city.
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================This Week's Scripture:// Psalm 134 //A song of ascents.Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD    who minister by night in the house of the LORD.Lift up your hands in the sanctuary    and praise the LORD. 
May the LORD bless you from Zion,    he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.

Discipleship in an Instant World: The Blessing of Unity

In the spirit of "Unity in Community," we draw inspiration from Psalm 133, which beautifully reminds us, "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" As we navigate through the challenges of our times, let us come together to celebrate our diverse backgrounds and shared dreams. Just like the precious oil that flows down, we let our kindness and compassion flow freely among us, creating a bond that strengthens our community. Join us this Sunday in this journey of togetherness where every voice matters and every heart beats in harmony.
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================This Week's Scripture:// Psalm 133 //A song of ascents. Of David.How good and pleasant it is    when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,    running down on the beard,running down on Aaron’s beard,    down on the collar of his robe.It is as if the dew of Hermon    were falling on Mount Zion.For there the LORD bestows his blessing,    even life for evermore.

Discipleship in an Instant World: Trusting an Unexpected God

In the midst of Hong Kong's hottest summer, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the unexpected—whether that be sudden rain or just how hot things have suddenly gotten! Yet, in these moments, we are reminded to lean on an unexpected God who strengthens us from within. As Ephesians 3:16 (NIV) shares, "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” God often works in ways we least expect, providing hope and strength in the most surprising circumstances. So let us stay strong and trust in the unexpected God who fortifies us from within.
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================This Week's Scripture:// Psalm 132 //A song of ascents.LORD, remember David    and all his self-denial.
He swore an oath to the LORD,    he made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:‘I will not enter my house    or go to my bed,I will allow no sleep to my eyes    or slumber to my eyelids,till I find a place for the Lord,    a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.’
We heard it in Ephrathah,    we came upon it in the fields of Jaar:‘Let us go to his dwelling-place,    let us worship at his footstool, saying,“Arise, Lord, and come to your resting place,    you and the ark of your might.May your priests be clothed with your righteousness;    may your faithful people sing for joy.”’
For the sake of your servant David,    do not reject your anointed one.
The LORD swore an oath to David,    a sure oath he will not revoke:‘One of your own descendants    I will place on your throne.If your sons keep my covenant    and the statutes I teach them,then their sons shall sit    on your throne for ever and ever.’
For the LORD has chosen Zion,    he has desired it for his dwelling, saying,‘This is my resting place for ever and ever;    here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it.I will bless her with abundant provisions;    her poor I will satisfy with food.I will clothe her priests with salvation,    and her faithful people shall ever sing for joy.
‘Here I will make a horn grow for David    and set up a lamp for my anointed one.I will clothe his enemies with shame,    but his head shall be adorned with a radiant crown.’

Standalone Message: Who Is the GOAT in the Kingdom of God?

In today's world, we often hear debates about who the "Greatest of All Time" (GOAT) is in sports, music, and other fields. But in the Kingdom of God, the answer might surprise you. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). This powerful verse reminds us that greatness in God's eyes is not about power, fame, or achievements. Instead, it’s about humility, innocence, and a pure heart. Just as children trust and depend on their parents, we are called to trust and depend on God with childlike faith.
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================This Week's Scripture:// Matthew 18:1–14 //At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung round their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. 
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.”