Community Church HK Podcast

Discipleship in an Instant World: We Have Escaped

This week, in the hustle of Hong Kong's vibrant streets, amidst the towering skyscrapers and the relentless pursuit of success, we've found a moment of profound liberation. Matthew 13:44 reminds us that, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” And here, In a city that never sleeps, where the race for more can be all-consuming, we've discovered that true wealth isn't found in the material, but in the spiritual treasures that await us. We are not alone in our discipleship journey. Together, we have escaped the fleeting and embraced the everlasting. Let's continue to seek the hidden treasures in our lives and in our city.
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================This Week's Scripture:// Psalm 124 //Thanksgiving for Israel’s DeliveranceA Song of Ascents. Of David.If it had not been the LORD who was on our side    —let Israel now say—if it had not been the LORD who was on our side,    when our enemies attacked us,then they would have swallowed us up alive,    when their anger was kindled against us;then the flood would have swept us away,    the torrent would have gone over us;then over us would have gone    the raging waters.
Blessed be the LORD,    who has not given us    as prey to their teeth.We have escaped like a bird    from the snare of the fowlers;the snare is broken,    and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,    who made heaven and earth.

Discipleship in an Instant World: Waiting on God

This week, we reflect on the words from Micah 7:7 as we navigate the complexities of our time: "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." This passage speaks to the heart of our city, encouraging us to look forward with hope and trust in the midst of uncertainty. In the stillness of anticipation, we find strength and reassurance that our voices are heard, and our aspirations are not forgotten. Indeed, we wait together, not in idleness, but in active hope, for a future where our city shines brighter than ever before.
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:// Psalm 123 //A song of ascents.I lift up my eyes to you,    to you who sit enthroned in heaven.As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,    as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress,so our eyes look to the LORD our God,    till he shows us his mercy.
Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy on us,    for we have endured no end of contempt.We have endured no end    of ridicule from the arrogant,    of contempt from the proud.

Discipleship in an Instant World: The Power of Worship

This Sunday, we embrace "The Power of Worship" and the profound peace it brings, as promised in Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Amidst the hustle and ever-changing tides of our city, worship stands as a beacon of hope, a practice that goes beyond Sunday rituals—it's a transformative force that renews our spirit daily. It's in worship that we find the strength to rise above our challenges, to see beyond the turmoil, and to anchor ourselves in the steadfast love and sovereignty of God.
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:// Psalm 122 //A song of ascents. Of David.I rejoiced with those who said to me,    “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”Our feet are standing    in your gates, Jerusalem.Jerusalem is built like a city    that is closely compacted together.That is where the tribes go up—    the tribes of the Lord—to praise the name of the Lord    according to the statute given to Israel.There stand the thrones for judgment,    the thrones of the house of David.Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:    “May those who love you be secure.May there be peace within your walls    and security within your citadels.”For the sake of my family and friends,    I will say, “Peace be within you.”For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,    I will seek your prosperity.

Discipleship in an Instant World: Pilgrim or Tourist

This Sunday, we will begin a new series that explores how to be a disciple in an instant world. In our busy city, where every second counts, we face a choice in our spiritual walk: to be pilgrims or tourists. As pilgrims, we embark on a journey of discipleship, delving deep into the heart of our faith, committing to a path that shapes our very being. As tourists, we may only skim the surface, seeking instant gratification without the transformative experience. Yet no matter the pace of our city or the instant nature of our world, nothing can sever the bond we share with the divine as Romans 8:38-39 so aptly puts it: For I am convinced that neither death nor life [...] nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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:// Psalm 121 //A song of ascents.I lift up my eyes to the mountains—    where does my help come from?My help comes from the LORD,    the Maker of heaven and earth.He will not let your foot slip—    he who watches over you will not slumber;indeed, he who watches over Israel    will neither slumber nor sleep.The LORD watches over you—    the LORD is your shade at your right hand;the sun will not harm you by day,    nor the moon by night.The LORD will keep you from all harm—    he will watch over your life;the LORD will watch over your coming and going    both now and forevermore.

Flourishing Faith: The Importance of Community

Amidst the ebb and flow of life, the spirit of community remains our strongest ally. As Hong Kong navigates its waves of challenges, it's the strength and warmth of our collective efforts that shines through. As we deepen our bonds with God and one another through our all-church weekend Retreat, we pray that you look forward to a powerful time that forges our sense of togetherness and shared vision for the city. As it says in Hebrews 10:24, ”Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds..."
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
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Flourishing Faith: Wounded Healer

This Sunday, we will look at how it is easy to overlook the wounds we carry within us. Yet it is in acknowledging our vulnerabilities that we find true strength and healing. As we navigate through the complexities of life in Hong Kong, let's take a moment to reflect on the profound message of Isaiah 53:5. "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
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
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================This Week's Scripture:// John 20:19-20 //On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Flourishing Faith: The Faith of a Friend

As we ready our hearts for Sunday, let's take a moment to reflect on the profound wisdom of Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Let us always continue to remember that the true strength of our community lies in our unity and our willingness to uplift one another. Together, we can embody the faith of a friend and, in doing so, fulfil the law of Christ by spreading love, compassion, and understanding throughout our vibrant 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:// Mark 2:1-11 //A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”

Flourishing Faith: The Resurrection and the Life

As we reflected on the sorrow that marked Holy Week, we now look forward to the enduring message of hope and renewal in the coming Sunday. As we witness the city’s continued resilience, we are reminded of the profound words of Jesus, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die…" (John 11:25). In every corner of our city, we see life blooming anew in the midst. Let's carry this spirit of rebirth in our hearts, believing in the possibility of new beginnings and the promise of a brighter future. For in faith and unity, we find the strength to rise, again and again.
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 20:1-2: Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
John 20:15-17: He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
John 20:19-20: On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Flourishing Faith: Getting a Feel for God's Work in the World

As we navigate the vibrant streets of Hong Kong, let's pause and reflect on the divine presence in every corner of our world. This Sunday, join us for a sermon that will inspire you to perceive and participate in God's work around us. The words of Luke 19:39-40 remind us that the message of faith will continue to resound: Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” Jesus replied, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
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================This Week's Scripture:// Luke 19:29-40 //As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:     “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”     “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Flourishing Faith: Faith in the Wilderness

Amidst the vibrant energy of Hong Kong, let's pause to embrace the quiet strength of "Faith in the Wilderness.” As we witness the city's transformation with Hong Kong’s annual Flower Show, let us also cultivate a faith within us that can move mountains. Indeed, as Matthew 17:20 says, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Join us this Sunday as we continue to journey through this Lenten season, finding faith that sustains us, even in the wilderness of life's uncertainties.
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 //Psalm 23:1-4:The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.     He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters,     he refreshes my soul.He guides me along the right paths    for his name’s sake.Even though I walk    through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil,    for you are with me;your rod and your staff,    they comfort me.
Matthew 26:36-44:Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.