Hospitality: Welcoming the Stranger vs. Exclusivity
August 10, 2025 • Rev. Kelly Tam • Matthew 25:31–46, 1 Peter 4:9–11
Sermon Notes Rooted Together#5 - Hospitality: Welcoming the Stranger vs. Exclusivity Speaker: Pastor. Kelly J. Tam Scripture: Matt 25:31-46; 1 Peter 4:9-11 Culture of Community --------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------- Culture of Inclusivity | Gratitude & Appreciation Culture of Interdependence | Commitment & Faithfulness Culture of Presence and Participation | Commitment & Faithfulness Culture of Honesty | Truthfulness & Love Culture of Forgiveness and Reconciliation | Truthfulness & Love Culture of a Shared Mission | Hospitality & Belonging Culture of Hospitality (Welcome) | Hospitality & Belonging The practice of hospituality… …fosters belonging and gives an invitation to shared life. …is the intangible way that we make someone feel when they enter our space. …literally and metaphorically making room for anyone who wants to come and belong. Culture of Hospitality: 1. Hospitality Welcomes the Stranger and Creates a Space for Them (verse 35) 2. Hospitality Builds and Sustains Community by Showing That Everyone Is Seen and Valued (verse 40) 3. Hospitality Will Cost Us (verse 44-45) 4. Hospitality Is Countercultural (verse 34) Call to Action:
Hospitality: Welcoming the Stranger vs. Exclusivity
August 3, 2025 • Rev. Kelly Tam • Matthew 25:31–46, 1 Peter 4:9–11
Sermon Notes Rooted Together#5 - Hospitality: Welcoming the Stranger vs. Exclusivity Speaker: Pastor. Kelly J. Tam Scripture: Matt 25:31-46; 1 Peter 4:9-11 Culture of Community --------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------- Culture of Inclusivity | Gratitude & Appreciation Culture of Interdependence | Commitment & Faithfulness Culture of Presence and Participation | Commitment & Faithfulness Culture of Honesty | Truthfulness & Love Culture of Forgiveness and Reconciliation | Truthfulness & Love Culture of a Shared Mission | Hospitality & Belonging Culture of Hospitality (Welcome) | Hospitality & Belonging The practice of hospituality… …fosters belonging and gives an invitation to shared life. …is the intangible way that we make someone feel when they enter our space. …literally and metaphorically making room for anyone who wants to come and belong. Culture of Hospitality: 1. Hospitality Welcomes the Stranger and Creates a Space for Them (verse 35) 2. Hospitality Builds and Sustains Community by Showing That Everyone Is Seen and Valued (verse 40) 3. Hospitality Will Cost Us (verse 44-45) 4. Hospitality Is Countercultural (verse 34) Call to Action:
Mission: Sharing our Hope
June 15, 2025 • Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui • 1 Peter 3:15
Planting Hope, Always: Sharing our Hope Speaker: Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15 We evangelize to share our hope. ——— 1. Are you excited to share your hope? But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord… —1 Peter 3:15 The joyful effects of the gospel motivate us to share our hope. ——— 2. Are you ready to share your hope when people ask? Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…. —1 Peter 3:15 The transformative power of the gospel demands an explanation. Our hope is found in the person, work and return of Jesus: I. In the person of Jesus, God emptied himself of his glory (upside-down aspect) The person of Jesus (incarnation) gives me hope because it teaches me there is a new way to live. II. Through the work of Jesus, God substituted himself for us (inside-out aspect). The work of Jesus (substitution) gives me hope because it tells me God loves me. III. At the return of Jesus, God will make a new world (forward-back aspect). The return of Jesus (resurrection) gives me hope because it declares that better days are ahead. ——— 3. Are you living in such a way that your hope is visible? But do this with gentleness and respect —1 Peter 3:15 The humble nature of the gospel leads us to demonstrate it with gentleness and respect ——— Practical Ways To Share Your Hope: 1. Prepare your story How has the person, work and return of Jesus changed your life? Your story answers the WHY. 2. Pray for opportunities Evangelism is more about sharing than winning 3. Practice presence Be fully present with the people God brings into your life
Mission: Sharing Our Hope
June 15, 2025 • Mike Leung • 1 Peter 3:15
Sharing Our Hope 1 Peter 3:15 Mike Leung Today’s message centers on this truth: We evangelize to share our hope. Introduction: What is Hope? Hope is the confident belief to trust that God will fulfill his promises Why do we share our hope? The Gospel is even more powerful. It’s the cure for the deepest problem in the world: the brokenness caused by sin. The Gospel is Our Hope. How do we share our hope? Pray for those around you ——— Care through acts of Kindness Share your Faith Story Are we ready to share our hope? Not perfectly—but faithfully. Because someone out there needs to hear it from you. ——— Conclusion 1. Prepare your story — This week, write down your personal journey of hope. How has Jesus changed your life? What difference has He made? Be ready to share it in 2-3 minutes. 2. Pray for opportunities — Ask God daily to bring people into your path who need to hear about your hope. 3. Practice presence — Be fully present with the people God brings into your life. Listen well, ask good questions, and look for natural openings to share your hope
Mission: Sharing our Hope
June 8, 2025 • Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui • 1 Peter 3:15
Planting Hope, Always: Sharing our Hope Speaker: Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15 We evangelize to share our hope. ——— 1. Are you excited to share your hope? But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord… —1 Peter 3:15 The joyful effects of the gospel motivate us to share our hope. ——— 2. Are you ready to share your hope when people ask? Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…. —1 Peter 3:15 The transformative power of the gospel demands an explanation. Our hope is found in the person, work and return of Jesus: I. In the person of Jesus, God emptied himself of his glory (upside-down aspect) The person of Jesus (incarnation) gives me hope because it teaches me there is a new way to live. II. Through the work of Jesus, God substituted himself for us (inside-out aspect). The work of Jesus (substitution) gives me hope because it tells me God loves me. III. At the return of Jesus, God will make a new world (forward-back aspect). The return of Jesus (resurrection) gives me hope because it declares that better days are ahead. ——— 3. Are you living in such a way that your hope is visible? But do this with gentleness and respect —1 Peter 3:15 The humble nature of the gospel leads us to demonstrate it with gentleness and respect ——— Practical Ways To Share Your Hope: 1. Prepare your story How has the person, work and return of Jesus changed your life? Your story answers the WHY. 2. Pray for opportunities Evangelism is more about sharing than winning 3. Practice presence Be fully present with the people God brings into your life
使命：分享我們的盼望
May 18, 2025 • 張曉燕牧師 • 1 Peter 3:15
分享我們的盼望 經文：彼得前書3:15 講員：張曉燕牧師 講道大綱 引言：我們傳福音，是為了分享我們的盼望 重溫基督徒的盼望： • 基督徒的盼望從信主開始，貫穿我們在地上的每一天。 願賜盼望的神，因你們的信，用一切喜樂平安充滿你們，使你們靠著聖靈的大能有滿溢的盼望。 羅馬書15:13節《環球聖經譯本》 • 這盼望從神而來，得著永生和天上的基業。 我們主耶穌基督的父神是配受稱頌的。祂照著自己極大的憐憫，藉耶穌基督從死人中復活，重生了我們，使我們有永活的盼望，可以得到基業；這基業不能朽壞、不能玷污、不能衰殘、為你們保留在天上。 彼得前書1:3-4節《環球聖經譯本》 今天我們要一起來思想：基督徒在世上的日子 • 我是否在世上活在這偉大且美好的盼望？ • 我是否跟這盼望的源頭-主耶穌基督緊緊相連，走在充滿盼望的人生旅途上？ • 在我們真實的信仰生活中，我是否活出讓世人好奇、甚至想要追尋的有盼望的生命？ • 我們是否已經準備好，向身邊人傳講福音-有耶穌基督，就有永活的盼望？分享盼望是一個關於動機、解釋與態度的旅程。若我們要有效地分享我們的盼望，我們需要這三樣東西： 一． 動機：福音帶來的喜樂激勵我們去分享 「只要心裡尊主基督為聖。」（彼前3:15a） 這一節經文的開頭提醒我們：傳福音的根基，是我們內心是否真正尊耶穌基督為主。不是出於勉強，也不是為了履行宗教義務，而是出於一顆被基督的愛觸動、甘心順服的心。 1. 使徒彼得用生命去分享盼望的原由-神的愛與大能 2. 使徒彼得語重心長地勸勉激勵基督徒-從心裡想做 3. 福音不是宗教儀式，而是永恆的禮物-有耶穌就有盼望 ✅ 應用問題： • 你是否還記得福音改變你的那一刻？ • 你最近有沒有因為喜樂而「忍不住」想跟人分享你的信仰？ 二． 解釋：福音的大能驅使我們去表達清楚 「有人問你們心中盼望的緣由，就要常做準備……回答各人。」（彼前3:15b） 信仰不是盲目相信，更不是不容提問。彼得提醒我們：當別人提問時，我們要「常做準備」，不僅是態度上的預備，更是內容上的預備。 1. 福音是什麼？ 2. 你準備好分享你自己的故事了嗎？ 徒1:8節說：但是聖靈臨到你們身上時，你們就會得到能力，並且會在耶路撒冷、整個猶太和撒瑪利亞地區，直到地極，做我的見證人。 神不是要我們把這份盼望藏在心裡，而是要我們活出來，並分享出去。有時候，一句溫柔地安慰，一次真實地傾聽，或是一個真誠地見證，就足以讓人看見神給的盼望。 ✅ 應用挑戰： • 你是否能在3分鐘內清楚地講出：耶穌是如何改變你的？ • 你是否能用一句話，講明什麼是「你心中盼望的原由」？ 三．分享盼望：效法耶穌，用溫柔和敬畏的態度去見證 「以溫柔、敬畏的心回答各人。」（彼前3:15c） 聖經提醒我們，分享福音的方式，必須符合我們所傳信息的本質-也就是神的屬性。 • 溫柔：不是軟弱，而是克制的力量，是體恤人的狀態。 • 敬畏：不是怕人，而是敬畏神，尊重人。 1. 城北華基教會的異象 2. 城北華基教會會眾的的回應 結語：行動起來，預備自己在基督里分享盼望 實際行動：三個挑戰，也是本週小組聚會討論的題目： 1. ✍️ 準備你的故事：本週寫下你信主前後的生命旅程。用2–3分鐘錶達：耶穌怎樣改變你？ 2. 🙏 為機會禱告：每天禱告說：「主啊，今天是否有人需要聽我的故事？」 3. 👂 練習在場：和人相處時，練習認真傾聽、關心發問，找尋自然機會，分享你的盼望。
Set Apart: A Compromise to Holiness
February 9, 2025 • Pastoral Intern Evan Ng • 1 Peter 2:7–9, Romans 12:1–2, Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:25
Set Apart - A Compromise to Holiness Pastoral Intern Evan Ng Main Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:7-9, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:16,25 Bottom Line: Holiness rejects compromise. When we compromise ourselves with the culture of the world and sin, we no longer look set apart or different. We look like the rest of the world. Think About This: Compromise isn’t choosing other gods instead of Jesus. It’s trying to include other gods along with our worship of Jesus. “Christians should live in the world, but not be filled with it. A ship lives in the water; but if the water gets into the ship, it goes to the bottom. So Christians may live in the world; but if the world gets into them, they sink.” —D. L. Moody Things we might say: “My sin isn’t that bad…” “I know I shouldn’t do this… but why not?” “I think I’m Christian enough…” “But… they made me do it!” The reality is that it’s hard to be holy. It’s lot easier to just compromise. But, us going to church on a Sunday is already a step towards holiness, and it doesn’t stop there. Conform: To comply with rules, standards, or laws. To be similar. To be molded. Transform: To make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character. Reflection: Pinpoint something in your life that is causing you to compromise a life of holiness. What are you going to do to change? What does it mean to walk by the Spirit? How can you do that in a practical way this week?
深切相愛，活出見證
January 26, 2025 • 施繼坤傳道 • John 13:34–35, 1 Peter 4:7–11
奮進四十（四）：深切相愛，活出見證 經文：約翰福音 13:34-35；彼得前書 4:7-11 講員：施繼坤傳道 講道大綱 引言 在這充滿矛盾衝突、冷酷的世界裡，人饑渴尋找一個真誠相愛的家園。 一家真誠相愛的教會，正是人渴想的所在，能醫治心靈的創傷，彌補人生的裂痕，順從救主耶穌基督的帶領，愛護群羊，熱愛救主，大家攜手齊步向前，成為一個榮神益人的奇妙見證。 但願華人教會都能活出這樣真誠相愛的模式，榮耀救主聖名！ ——高雲瀚牧師《華基教會十周年特刊》 一、愛的深度：基督教導與教會使命的核心 1. 耶穌賜下彼此相愛的新命令 我賜給你們一條新命令，乃是叫你們彼此相愛; 我怎樣愛你們，你們也要怎樣相愛。 （約翰福音 13:34） 你們要彼此相愛，像我愛你們一樣; 這就是我的命令。 人為朋友捨命，人的愛心沒有比這個大的。 （約翰福音15:12-13） 主為我們捨命，我們從此就知道何為愛; 我們也當為弟兄捨命。 （約翰一書3:16） 耶穌教導愛： （1）主動的愛：道成肉身 （2）行動的愛：赦罪、醫治、服事 （3）捨己的愛：十字架 親愛的弟兄啊，我們應當彼此相愛，因為愛是從神來的。 凡有愛心的，都是由神而生，並且認識 神。 沒有愛心的，就不認識神，因為神就是愛。 （約翰一書4:7-8） 2. 彼此相愛是見證基督的方式 所以，你們要去，使萬民作我的門徒，奉父、子、聖靈的名給他們施洗。 凡我所吩咐你們的，都教訓他們遵守，我就常與你們同在，直到世界的末了。 （馬太福音28:19-20） 神愛世人，甚至將他的獨生子賜給他們，叫一切信他的，不至滅亡，反得永生。 因為神差他的兒子降世，不是要定世人的罪，乃是要叫世人因他得救。 （約翰福音3:16-17） 神差他獨生子到世間來，使我們藉著他得生，神愛我們的心在此就顯明瞭。 不是我們愛神，乃是神愛我們，差他的兒子為我們的罪作了挽回祭，這就是愛了。 （約翰一書4:9-10） 你們若有彼此相愛的心，眾人因此就認出你們是我的門徒了。 （約翰福音 13:35） 親愛的弟兄啊，神既是這樣愛我們，我們也當彼此相愛。 從來沒有人見過神，我們若彼此相愛，神就住在我們裡面，愛他的心在我們裡面得以完全了。 （約翰一書4:11-12） 反思： 我們是否以基督的愛彼此相待？ 我們的愛是否真實地見證了我們是基督的門徒？ 二、愛的切實：末世教會要成為深切相愛的群體 1、切實相愛的緊要性 萬物的結局近了，所以你們要謹慎自守，警醒禱告。 最要緊的是彼此切實相愛，因為愛能遮掩許多的罪。 （彼得前書 4:7-8） 神愛我們的心，我們也知道也信。 神就是愛; 住在愛裡面的，就是住在神裡面，神也住在他裡面。 這樣，愛在我們裡面得以完全，我們就可以在審判的日子坦然無懼。 因為他如何，我們在這世上也如何。 （約翰一書4:16-17） 在充滿愛的基督徒團契中，許多小的過失，甚至還有一些大的觸犯，都很容易地被寬恕和遺忘。 但在缺乏愛的地方，每句話都被懷疑，每一個行為都容易引起誤解和衝突，這就使得撒旦異常的高興。 ——美國福音派神學家韋恩·古德姆 愛心能引導和帶領教會經歷風波、陷阱、崎嶇艱險的道路，更能化敵為友，使會眾體驗彼此認罪，彼此饒恕，彼此切實相愛，同心事奉的屬靈境界。 化危機為轉機，引導教會邁向成熟。 ——高雲瀚牧師《健康教會成長要訣》 反思： 今天我們有住在愛裡面嗎？ 什麼是我們很難活出來的愛呢？ 2、切實相愛的具體操練 你們要互相款待，不發怨言。 各人要照所得的恩賜彼此服侍，作神百般恩賜的好管家。 若有講道的，要按著神的聖言講; 若有服侍人的，要按著神所賜的力量服侍，叫神在凡事上因耶穌基督得榮耀。 原來榮耀、權能都是他的，直到永永遠遠。 阿們！ （彼得前書 4:9-11） 我們愛，因為神先愛我們。 人若說“我愛神”，卻恨他的弟兄，就是說謊話的; 不愛他所看見的弟兄，就不能愛沒有看見的神（有古卷：怎能愛沒有看見的神呢）。 愛神的，也當愛弟兄，這是我們從神所受的命令。 （約翰一書 4:19-21） 3、切實相愛的信仰傳承 因此，你們既然是蒙愛的兒女，就要效法神。 行事要憑著愛，好像基督愛我們，為我們捨己，當作馨香的供物和祭物獻給神。 (以弗所書 5:1-2，環球聖經譯本) 反思： 我們是否已經為下一代預備了傳承的道路？ 我們的行動和榜樣，是否讓他們願意接受這份愛的遺產？ 結語: 透過基督徒獨特的群體生活，教會在向世人展示，同時也是在傳遞一種獨特的的生活態度和價值觀。 這是今天教會不應推卸的責任和使命。 「深切相愛，活出見證」不是一個口號，而是我們作為基督徒的身份和使命。 今天，我們要立志： 1. 在個人生命中活出基督的愛，彼此扶持，互相寬容； 2. 在教會中延續愛的實踐，成為眾人面前美好的見證； 3. 將這份愛傳承給下一代，讓他們也能參與神國使命。
Taking Ownership of Your Faith
November 10, 2024 • Pastor Angela Luk • 1 Peter 4:1–11
Discipleship: Faith Lived Out Taking Ownership of Your Faith Speaker: Pastor Angela Luk Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-11 1. Recall the roots of your faith 2. Persecution is an opportunity to bear witness to Jesus in your life 3. This is a call to action…not procrastination! 4. Live a life that is consistent to following Jesus a. Preserve your sanity b. Preserve your prayer life c. Preserve your love Big Idea: We are a people called to bear witness to the saving grace of the gospel in our lives, so let us live lives that are consistent with what it means to follow Jesus.
Take Ownership of Your Faith
November 3, 2024 • Pastor Angela Luk • 1 Peter 4:1–11
Take Ownership of Your Faith Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-11 Pastor Angela Luk 1. Recall the roots of your faith 2. Persecution is an opportunity to bear witness to Jesus in your life 3. This is a call to action…not procrastination! Live a life that is consistent to following Jesus a. Preserve your sanity b. Preserve your prayer life c. Preserve your love Big Idea: We are a people called to bear witness to the saving grace of the gospel in our lives, so let us live lives that are consistent with what it means to follow Jesus.
What was I made for? Mission
October 6, 2024 • Pastoral Intern Evan Ng • Romans 10:14–15, 1 Peter 3:15–17
What was I made for? Mission Romans 10:14-15, 1 Peter 3:15-17 Pastoral Intern Evan Ng What’s driving your life? What is the purpose of your life? In the Mission Purpose… We focus on how we can fulfill God’s purpose for our lives by multiplying; by carrying out God’s message. The Mission Purpose invites us to share Christ with people who are beyond our church family. WHO? (looking at those beyond our church walls) 1. Those who have been hurt by the church 2. Those who misuse or misunderstand Christ and Christianity 3. Those who have never heard the name of Jesus Those who misuse or misunderstand Christ and Christianity will be the people we will most commonly come across. HOW? (How do we carry out God’s message?) 1. Pray! For God to lead you and give you strength. 2. Spiritual CPR a. Cultivate: being with b. Plant: sharing with c. Reap: them receiving Christ 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 and Romans 1:16 Think About These Things: What if you friend is just one ask away from believing in Jesus? You aren’t the only one that has to share the gospel to your friends. You have the whole church. 2 Questions: 1. What intimidates you the most about sharing the gospel to others who are non-Christian? 2. What small step can you do to share Jesus with them?
What Was I Made For? Ministry
September 22, 2024 • Pastoral Intern Evan Ng • 1 Peter 4:10–11, Galatians 5:13–14, Matthew 25:14–30
What Was I Made For? Ministry Purpose 1 Peter 4:10-11, Galatians 5:13-14, Matthew 25:14-30 Pastoral Intern Evan Ng What’s driving your life? What is the purpose of your life? Ephesians 1:11-12 and Colossians 1:16 In the Ministry Purpose… We focus on how we can fulfill God’s purpose for our lives by serving; contributing something back. “It’s true that you can’t pour from an empty cup. But a much bigger truth is that in Christ, our cups are never empty.” (Nehemiah 8:10, Matthew 11:28, John 4:14, John 6:35, Psalm 23:1-3) 3 Questions: 1. Do you want to live a life that desires to be with Christ and a life that’s fueled by Him? 2. Do you know God is inviting you to be a part of His mission of redeeming the whole world? 3. Are you thinking of giving back to God through serving?
Names: Jehovah Rohi
May 12, 2024 • Rev. Joey Ling • 1 Peter 2:25, Psalm 23
Sermon notes Names: Jehovah Rohi Scriptures: Psalm 23:1-6; 1 Peter 2:25 Pastor Joey Ling Jehovah Rohi means “The Lord Is My Shepherd.” A sheep without a shepherd is lost. It cannot survive on its own. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. —Psalm 23:1-6 What Jehovah Rohi does based on Psalm 23 He leads and provides He refreshes & strengthens us He guides us He gives us courage He keeps us safe Victory over death “For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” —1 Peter 2:25 God is the overseer of our souls. He is the shepherd of our souls. Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd, and he made the ultimate sacrifice for us (John 10:11).