Ark Channel

Hey! The Resurrection In Sight!

1. Death – Man who lives in Adam is running straight towards death and perdition!
2. Life – Man who lives in Christ is running straight towards life and life that lasts forever!

今日聖經: 1 Co 15a
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* Bro. Francis YEOH/楊肅斌 , successful entrepreneur in Malaysia, refused to worship idols after getting married. Despite being rejected, he shared the gospel with every member at home, inviting his siblings to read the Bible with him. By the power of the Bible reading, they all turned to repent in Christ a year later. His full story:

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* While I live will I praise Jehovah: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. (Psalm 146:2)
Psalm 146-150: “While I live will I praise Jehovah” this is our approach with a joyful life! Let us make every step along the way singing and praising.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Hear The Word Of God:

1. Desire to prophesy — Only when we fear and submit to Him, and learn to hear the Word of God, can we then speak for God.
2. Do not forbid speaking in tongues — We have to be receptive of each other’s different gifts, to preserve unity.

今日聖經: 1 Co 14b
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* Bro. Francis YEOH/楊肅斌 (Malaysia) was only 16 when his family was close to bankruptcy. On a Friday, he committed his life to Christ after confiding in a pastor, and on Sunday his family’s financial situation was turned around. The Lord heard the pleading of a new believer; later on, all 27 people in his family (2 generations) came to Christ.

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*The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.(Psalms 145:18)
Psalms 142-145: “call on him in truth” is the way to have your prayers heard, and is the gateway through which one walks in fellowship with God.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Seek That Ye May Abound Unto The Edifying Of The Church. (v12):

1. Be simple and feeble like an infant when being zealous of spiritual gifts.
2. Be mature and strong like a grown-up when being exercising gifts in edifying the church.

今日聖經: I Co 14a
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* ZM HSU/ 徐宗敏 was born at the time of war and chaos. Her mother fled with her on the last boat for Kaohsiung. In the midst of turmoil while escaping, a new born as she was, she was dropped on the floor and a man behind stepped over her. She was reckoned dead on the spot. When her mother picked her up, the cough in the baby girl brought her back to life. Later the entire house of Hsu believed in the Lord and ZM has been travelling around the world with Bro. Dixon IP/葉特生, preaching the Word of God. Story in this month’s Chinese Today (by Chinese Christian Ministry/中信月刊).

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* How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:17)
Psalm 138-141: ‘How precious also are thy thoughts unto me”! What God promises and commits is everlasting. He will never give up on what He has created.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Be A Christian Soldier

1. Of courage – The church faces dark forces, be watchful, be of faith, be courageous and strong. (v13)

2. In love – Within the church, “Do everything in love”, brotherly love, strengthening each other. (v14)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  I Corinthians 16

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* In August, bible scholar D.A.Carson came to HK. One evening we quietly talked about prayer. His wife was also seriously ill and the doctor diagnosed she would not live beyond 50. Before and after the therapy, there was a lot of turmoil. Even now she suffers from the after effects. But 12 years have passed and she is still living and serving! Carson says it is a blessing from the Lord for a man to know when he will soon leave the world so he can prepare to meet the true God!(Please pray for Mr. & Mrs Carson. After returning to Chicago, Mrs. Carson suffers from severe headache) – Sam Kong

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

The Power of Resurrection

1. Strength to Fight – “O death…thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory”. Death is not the end but he beginning of a more beautiful life. (v57)

2. Strength to Serve – Resurrection is the motivation for serving in this life. God’s servant will one day in resurrection enjoy the fruits of their labor. (v58)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  I Corinthians 15b (v35-58)

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*  Forced to worship ancestors in wedding <video in Chinese>

http://www3.upwill.org/channel/5-channel/7373-wedding

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* To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion. (Proverbs 1:4)

Proverbs 1-4: Proverbs is written for two types of men needing wisdom: the fool with an insensitive spirit and the young lacking life experience.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

The Hope of Resurrection

1. Life with Hope – “I believe in the resurrection of the body” – This is what Paul firmly believes in. This is also the hope of glory for him throughout his life of tribulation. (v22)

2. Life of Jolly & Folly – “Let’s eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” This is the perspective of life of ‘an ordinary man’, man who has no hope in resurrection of the dead. (v32)

Scripture of the day : I Corinthians 15a

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* Precious Cross /寶貴十架 (hymn)

Lord Jesus gave up His own life such that we are redeemed, sins forgiven and completely freed!

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* Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. (Psalm 150:6)

Psalm 146-150 : Give praise to God! This is the due of all who are created. Give praise to greatness of His might, give praise to His act and works of greatness.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

The Way to Worship

1. It is important to use the gift to preach, “forbid not to speak with tongues”. As much as you make good use of your gift, also respect gift of others. (v39)

2. In an orderly way, there is freedom in the use of gifts. It cannot be in confusion. The God of peace must be worshipped in peace. (v40)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  I Corinthians 14

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* Church in Toronto, Brother YM LEE/ 李有名 – Let us all learn well this new lesson from the Holy Spirit! The material for the new ‘set sail’ curriculum is under preparation. Class starts 15 Sep. Let’s reach for the higher! Please remember us in your prayer. — Brother YM

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* One generation shall laud thy works to another, And shall declare thy mighty acts. (Psalms 145:4)

Psalms 142-145: The precious experiences of God recalled by the previous generation should become part of the family history, spreading God’s work to the next generation.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Desirable Gifts

1. To prophecies (or preach) is to build up (inspire, strengthen), comfort (reaffirm, adding power), and exhort (encourage, guide) disciples. (v3)

2. Opening the way for preaching to outsiders and non-believers, reminds us of our own fates, and keeps us mindful of our lives under God’s ruling. (v24)

Scripture of the Day: 1 Corinthians 14a

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* Please remember Mongolia in your prayers! — 11 university students – 11 young hearts – have recently headed to Mongolia, a country of less than 2% Christians, to spread the love of God.  Xin/阿昕 from Hong Kong has safely returned after 24 days to share the Lord’s work:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL6dzvjilqY

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* How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:17)

Psalm 138-141: We cannot control the pleasures and pains in our lives, and neither can we foretell them; but we can only know of God’s eternal love, that He would not abandon that which He created.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Love Is…

1. Love Is Patient – God’s patience is as agreat as His godliness, forbearing the contradictions from the world. This is the true manifestation of love. (v4)

2. Love Never fails – ‘Love never fades away’ and is never out of date. Time flies but the sincereity and feeling of love is always kept fresh in man’s heart. (v8)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  I Corinthians 13

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* (1) Christians do not need to pick a date out of superstition for wedding.

http://www3.upwill.org/channel/5-channel/7339-wedding

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* Praise ye Jehovah; for Jehovah is good: Sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. (Psalms 135:3)

Psalms 135-137: Praise, singing praises comes from the reminiscence of a blessed person, carefully thinking about God’s grace and his thankful attitude.  This is a beautiful thing.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

The Body & Members Of The Body

1. Need for one another – In the church, no one is too important, neither can anyone be neglected, each has his function in accordance to God’s will. (v17)

2. Care for one another – “ But that the members should have the same care one for another” meaning mutual caring is the most desired. This is the brotherly love in the church. (v25)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  I Corinthians 12

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* Disabled, weak but still loving – XU Yuqiong/徐玉琼 shepards Hong Kong’s ‘The Ark Community’/方舟之家.  Not only that she cares for people’s soul, she cleans and feeds them like a mother… She helps the physically handicapped because the Lord said to her, “ I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also…”.  Yuqiong’s parents were not in good terms and her mother left. Since a young girl, she contemplated suicide. Fortunately she met the Lord in her Christian primary school. She responded to the Lord’s love and calling to serve Him full time. Her mother cursed and threatened to burn
down the meeting hall and kill the pastor! She patiently prayed for her mother and finally her prayer was answered.

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* …my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty; Neither do I exercise myself in great matters, Or in things too wonderful for me. (Psalms 131:1)

Psalms 130-134: Humble, gentle, quietly still and resting in the Lord. This is the gratifying temperament of the people of the heavenly kingdom.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Breaking the Bread & Drinking the Cup

1. Proclamation – The bread and the cup is to proclaim the Lord’s redeeming death, it is thanksgiving, it is testifying and also preaching to the non-believers.  (v26)

2. Hope – “till He comes” proclaims a future element in the Lord’s table, bringing in the hope of His second coming. (v26)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  I Corinthians 11

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* Warrior At an Impasse <video in Chinese>

Shirley MA/馬秀麗 joined the military after she immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong. Finally graduating to be a soldier after the tough training, she discovered she had terminal cancer…

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Principle of a Spiritual Man

1. To God – Christians bear the responsibility to glorify God. Only when you become responsible to all around you can you glorify God in all things. (v31)

2. To Men – “I also please all men in all things” is Paul’s principle. He restrains himself in love for the sake of others.  (v33)

Scripture of the Day (NT): I Corinthians 10

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* In 1546, the famous Martin LUTHER was seriously ill. He lied on the sofa reciting the Bible memorized from childhood, prayed and then passed away. His loving wife, Katherine wrote this passage to future generations: “For who could not be deeply grieved and saddened over the loss of such a dear and precious man as my husband has been. He gave so much of himself in service not only to one town or to one country, but to the whole world.”

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* They that trust in Jehovah Are as mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abideth for ever. (Psalms 125:1)

Psalms 125-129: True faith starts from the heart. To trust is to totally hand over yourself and to completely accept God into your heart.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Wages & Rewards

1. Wages for Work Done – Preaching the gospel is work for Paul and he should gain wage in return. This wage is soul in joy he gains for the Kingdom of God. (v22)

2. Rewards in Races Run – Paul treats his whole life as a race.  He strives in the games, exercising self-control in all things and receive an incorruptible crown. (v25)

Scripture of the Day (NT): I Corinthians 9

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* Jeremy LIM/林書豪 NBA basketball celebrity was in HK for “Life Filled Basket – Story Behind Linsanity” 生命灌籃gospel crusade last Sunday.  Jeremy shared without reservation with over 10,000 audience how he ‘Play for God” in the 7 matches, creating Linsanity. He performed ball acts that even he himself did not think of, making records in his scores. Once becoming famous, he has to struggle everyday fighting with the temptation of name and fame. He was so frustrated with the thought of playing to win, playing for his audience that he lost joy in basket games. He testified that it is through faith in God that he savors true satisfaction.

He announces his wish, when retiring from NBA, is to become a pastor to preach the love of Christ and to dedicate in charity affairs.

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*  I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? … (Psalm 121:1)

Psalms 120:124: The lessons for all pilgrims along his journey is to learn by faith, we can see through the current condition, obtaining help that is not visible.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Freedom of Christians

1. Vain knowledge – Thinking one has knowledge is dangerous, it would stumble others. On the other hand, the empathy out of love edifies. (v1)

2. Fake freedom – Abusing one’s liberty, disregarding others’ conscience will destroy the weak members of Christ. (v11)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  I Corinthians 8

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* Do Not Disturb Love <hymn in Chinese>

Treat and safeguard the faithfulness in love with  the love and teaching of Christ!

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* I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek thy servant; For I do not forget thy commandments. (Psalms 119:176)

Psalms 119:89-176: No one can claim they will never get lost in life. Psalmist ends this psalm in a humble note, not forgetting God’s words ever!

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Christians Content In Christ

1. Change — The change that our calling brings is a change in our outlook on life – those who were enslaved in sin are set free, and the freed will freely serve the Lord. (v22)

2. Unchanged — Our hearts may change, but our identity does not. Do not be dissatisfied with our current situation; instead, we ought to persevere and serve the Lord of Life! (v24)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  1 Corinthians 7b (v20-40)

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* Footsteps of the Saints – ML ZHOU and family/周茂林夫婦 from Vancouver have been serving the Lord for many years, and have returned to Vancouver after visiting the Saints in HK in August. Their daughter Ziyun/子韻 and her husband are going to LA to advance their Biblical studies for four years, to prepare themselves to serve the Lord. Please pray for them to continue the Lord’s work in this family’s 2nd generation!

Bro. James CHU朱永毅 called from New York: his 10-hour surgery was successful, all cancer cells were removed and he can be spared chemotherapy. Only his right leg feels a bit weak. He is grateful and thankful for God’s freely-given mercy!

* James Chu on “An Eternal Investment” (English & Chinese):

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* Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart! (Psalm 119:2)

Psalm 119:1-88: This is a psalm that begins with blessings – it describes a person who not only reads but also keeps the statutes of the law.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

A Sanctified Marriage

1. The spouse is sanctified – Life of God has the power to make an impact on all men His life touches, including the unbelieving spouse. (v3-12)

2. The children are sanctified – A normal marriage is a channel of God’s grace, providing a warm and loving home that nurture children’s healthy growth in body, mind and soul. (v14)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  I Corinthians 7a (v1-19)

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* The sacrifice of the Lord Jesus is to fulfill the prophecy. Does it imply that He Himself plans and plots His own death? (video)

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* The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, He saved me. (Psalm 116:6)

Psalm 115-118: Both you and me are simplehearted. When we are exposed to dangers of the world’s villain, God is there to save us.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Saints Forming The Body

1. Members of Christ – The wholeness of the body is to obey the Lord. The wholesome provision of the Lord is to supply the body, such that the body submits to Him. (v15)

2. The Temple of the Holy Spirit – The body is not only the temple, it is also the Holy place and the Most Holy, where the Holy Spirit dwells. It is holy and it is to give glory to God. (v19)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  I Corinthians 6

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* An alternate way of perfecting in the Lord – Some people choose to remain single because they dread the failure in marriage. Martin Luther’s view is that it is all up to God’s will and His grace whether we are single or married. He also thought that marriage is a way of perfecting in the pursuit for the Lord’s way, an institute where we improve our character. Through living with one’s spouse, we grow and mature, we learn to be humble, loving and patient.

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* Who is like…God? That hath His seat on high, (v5a)…That humbleth Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth. (Psalm 113:5-6)

Psalm 110-114: God’s glory is manifested in His being seated on high. High as He is, He still cares for the forgotten ones, the weak and the frail.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Grief & Discipline

1. Grief in the Apostle – Paul grieved over the fact that the church did not mourn for their sins (like mourning for the dead). Instead the church was puffed up, a great sign of falling.  (v2)

2. Discipline in the Apostle – The objective of the discipline is such that the sinner can be saved. The disciplinary action is not for revenge but to redeem. (v5)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  I Corinthians 5

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* Last Saturday, my wife and I went to NY to visit Bro. James CHU/ 朱永毅弟兄. He is recovering steadily from surgery. Much is the same as before. Brother shared with us how the Lord loved him – sending a world renowned expert to diagnose and perform surgery on him, all within a very short time;  he felt no pain even after the surgery over a long duration. Please take care! Shalom! – Ah Qiang

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

It Is All His Grace

1. You are proud -The church in Corinth self-proclaimed rich, wisdom, strong, glorious, simply put, they did not understand grace. (v6)

2. We are humble – Paul had a discerning heart. Both him and Apollos were blessed with grace, not giving but all in receiving. (v7)

Scripture of the Day (NT): I Corinthians 4

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* Being Polished While Being Blessed <hymn in Chinese>

Mild sufferings are polish and trimming at moments of blessing, transforming our life, making it better than before.

祝福裡的琢磨 – 角聲使團

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* Then are they glad because they are quiet; So he bringeth them unto their desired haven. (Psalms 107:30)

Psalms 107-109: Life is full of stormy waves, crossing the sea is not based on man’s ability to steer but total reliance on God’s leading.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Working With God

1. Humble identity — What is Paul? All who serve must recognize that we must not be conceited in our service, and that we are merely God’s agents, not God Himself. (v.5)

2. Great mission — Yet, we work with God! The one who plants and the one who waters are servants only; God is the master planner! (v.9)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  I Corinthians 3

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*The one who lost in Nina YS WANG’s/龔如心 inheritance lawsuit – Fengshui master Tony CHAN/陳振聰 has recently come to Christ. Indeed, the end of man’s ways is the beginning of God’s. God does not want anyone to perish, it is His will that everyone returns to Him and be saved!

We hope that many will come to the remaining 5 sermons, and that we continue to pray for this, that the Lord will fill all the seats!

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* …they put God to the test. So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease among them. (Psalm 106:14-15)

Psalm 105-106: Man asks for his desires to be fulfilled, and while he looks rich on the outside, God sends poverty into his heart (alternative translation) – what a pity to be rich outside and poor inside!

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Fear Of The Gospel Preacher

1. Paul’s state of mind – He felt weak (due to physical illness), fear (due to adverse situation), trembling (reaction to the fear). (v3)

2. Paul’s will – He was determined, with a clear target, preach the way of the cross, not relying on the power of men. (v2)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  I Corinthians 2

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* Young brother, Timothy MATTHEWS (son of Sister CY YIP/葉彩燕), brought up in HK, will start college at UCLA on Monday. Please pray that he walks in the path of everlasting life! (If there is contact information of English meeting on UCLA campus, please send to Ark Channel).

* Despite falling ill after the HK Bible Conference, Pastor Timothy WU/吳獻章flew straight to Europe for a month long gospel ministry. We received his message:”I am well, after two days of preaching the gospel, I can get a good rest in Dresden. Now I am on route to Rome.

Thank you for your unceasing prayer for me.” – Timothy San-Jarn WU in Milan.

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* Bless Jehovah, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; (Psalms 103:2-3)

Psalms 102-104: Feeling depressed, the psalmist talks to his own spirit. Through thinking and recollecting his part, he motivates himself and manages his emotions.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Corinth – the Sin City

1. Church belonging to God – No matter what condition of the church, she is still Church of God, she belongs to God and God dwells therein. (v2)

2. Children belonging to God – The Church is in a sanctified state (to be set apart from life of the past). The church is the status of being blessed (different from men of the world). (v2)

Scripture of the day : (NT) I Corinthians 1

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* God’s warning to all saints of all times:

“You call me the Lord but you don’t listen to me. You call me light but you do not see me. You call me the way but you do not walk on me.

You call me good but you don’t love me. You call me rich but you do not ask me for provisions. You call me eternity but you do not seek me.

You call me kind but you do not obey me. You call me righteous but you do not fear me. Do not blame me when I cast judgment on you.”

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* I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. Oh when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. (Psalm 101:2)

Psalm 98-101 : The psalmist reiterates his determination in becoming a perfect man. He knows deep down god-fearing living as such has to begin from his own house.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

New Man’s New Living – Manifesting God

1.  Living before God – steadfast in praying, vigilant with thanksgiving, interceding for others (v2-3)

2.  Interacting with Men – cherish the time, walk in wisdom and speak with grace (v5-6)

Scripture of the day (NT):  Colossians 4

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*  Professor YN CHAN/陳耀南 migrated to Australia upon his retirement, turning to God from his maze in Confucian/Taoist/Buddhist pursuit. His testimony in Chinese text:

“First Encounter is the Master” vs “First Accept then Serve Him Master”? 「 先入為主」還是「先入，為主」？
http://b5.ctestimony.org/0202/020206a.htm

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* I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. (Isaiah 49:6b)

Isaiah 48-50: Do not forget what is God’s ultimate will, also the mission of God’s children: that all nations repent – far more important than restoring Israel!

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

3 kinds of wisdom to rebuild the church:
1. Use money wisely— use your money to make offering to God and men?v.1�4?
2. Catch hold of chances— be alert to serve God in every possible way?v.5�9?
3. Prepare next generation — find talents from the young, help them to serve ?v.10�24?

A blessed future:
1. A postdated check � This is a fact: Christ had resurrected. And this state clearly that we are going to resurrect also ! (v.14-28)
2. A good news � This physical life of weariness & sorrow will pass away. But the body that God prepared for us is immortal, sinless, beautiful, strong & glorious! (v.35-56)

4 questions on secret of life & death:
1. Will the dead really raised??v.1�19?�evidences: our salvation, prophecies in Old Testament, and the shocking change of the earlier saints.
2. When will the dead raised??v.20�28?�When He returns!
3. Why should the dead raised??v.29�34?49�58?�our works not in vain because He resurrected and now living!
4. How will the dead raised??v.35�48? �Like the seeds, which will grow after burying. Our mortal body will perish but the spiritual one will last forever!