Ark Channel

Look for the city to come! – Ark Channel 18/11/2022 Fri Hebrews 13

…for God has said: Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” (v.5)

* God walks with us such that we can stand firm in a wavering generation; an unshakable kingdom lives amongst us, and an unchangeable Lord lives amongst us! Love one another; in our churches, offer up a pleasing sacrifice of service, and the God who gives us peace will complete us!

Hebrews 13:1-25

* The miracle of being joyful by the Lord/ Habakuk (Pastor KJ Lin/林克己牧師) (OMF missionary, once participated in student ministry, and in later years, served Chinese students in England — we are grateful!)

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Through Faith Subdued Kingdoms! Ark Channel 16/11/2022 Wed Hebrews 11b

By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land… (v29)

* With faith, the patriarchs lived on earth as if in heaven (v7-16), waiting for the heavenly city, triumphed over death, defied earthly powers (v24-40) and experienced corporate salvation. The patriarchs, whom the world was not worthy, wanted to share with us something better that God has provided!

Hebrews 11:17-40

* A doctor once said that men are less likely to seek treatment for their illnesses, while women are smarter to seek early treatment for minor illnesses. The average life expectancy of a married man is 17 years longer than that of a single man, probably due to the influence of his wife. Before God, repent; before your spouse, listen to her advice!

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Being Dead, Through Faith Still Speaks! Ark Channel 15/11/2022 Tue Hebrews 11a

for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (v10)

* Abel believed God would bring justice; Enoch believed God would continue to walk with him; Noah believed in the inerrancy of God’s decree; Abraham believed God is Lord of the whole earth. Sarah believed God could perform miracles; Joseph believed in receiving the promised land; Moses believed in the LORD that cannot be seen and set his mind to suffer with His people; even the Gentile women believed God could change their destiny!

Hebrews 11:1-16

* Celebrating 43 Years of Faithful Ministry with Pastor Rick and Kay Warren

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You Need Endurance! Ark Channel 14/11/2022 Mon Hebrews 10b

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works (v24)

* Hebrews was written in a time of great persecution when many were ready to give up! No wonder the Holy Spirit says, “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” (v35) This is the path of truth, the enduring possession in heaven awaits us. Rise up and walk together!

Hebrews 10:19-39

* Goodnews Communications Testimony in Chinese (人願放手 神願介入) – Aesop and his wife Carmen experienced the ups and downs of sickness. How did they learn to be thankful?

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So We Will Walk in Your Purpose! – Sunday Hope 13/11/2022 Hebrews 10

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, (v19)

* Let us care for each other in rainy and stormy seasons of life. Let us recall more of God’s grace in situation of hardship. Do not give up assembling together. If we fall behind and quit, we will easily become the devil’s snack dishes!

Hebrews 10:1-18

* The building up of the church depends on our joining of heart and humbly joining of hands beneath the Cross. Listen to this song by Stream of Praise Music Ministries :
Unity, in Mandarin with English subtitles(同心合意)

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For Salvation! – Ark Channel 12/11/2022 Saturday Hebrews 9

… He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. (v12)

* We have a better Saviour (Hebrews 1-10). He is supreme in identity and work, opening up for us a chapter of better life (Hebrews 11-13). He empowers us to cross over by faith, to hope with patience, and to endure God’s discipline on us. We are living out the reality of brotherly love and living on earth as a sojourner. A journey of no return.

Hebrews 9:1-28

* Tim Keller on How Culture is Changing and the Future of the Church

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He does not remember our trespasses! – Ark Channel 11/11/2022 Fri Hebrews 8

…We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven (v1)

* The better covenant is more powerful. The old covenant was weak and powerless, letting Man know his sin, but was powerless to help him break free. God set up a new covenant – the precious blood forgiving sins, and through an infinite power of life, making His law engraved on our hearts so that we know God, love God, and emulate God!

Hebrew 8:1-13

* Story of Asta Nilsson.

He is the King of Peace! – Ark Channel 10/11/2022 Thu Hebrews 7

…Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant. (v22)

* Our High Priest in Heaven, full of power, might, mercy, and righteousness lives forever! He works forever, does not change, and can save thoroughly, making us complete forever. Always look upwards!

Hebrew 7:1-28

* Theme of this year’s HK Bible Conference is “Eternal Hope“. In November, we are replaying all 28 sermons by Bill Crowder, SJ Li/李思敬, and David Pao/鮑維均 (Cantonese, English, Mandarin, sign language, and notes).

Savoring God’s Virtues! – Ark Channel 09/11/2022 Wed Hebrews 6

saying, “indeed I will greatly bless you and I will greatly multiply you.” (v14)

* Heeding the divine calling, no matter how rough, how tough, by His grace, we press onto maturity. (v.1-8) Do not even pause! All the more, by faith, enter within the veil, approach the throne of mercy with confidence. (v.9-12) By two unchangeable things, God helps us through to accomplish all: 1. Driven by God’s promise. What God promises, He materialises. (6:14-15)；2.God’s oath, it is impossible for God to lie. (6:16-18)

Hebrew 6:1-20

* Should a Christian bet on Sports?

Priest Forever! Ark Channel 08/11/2022 Tue Hebrews 5

But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (v14)

* Being young and ignorant, babies are easily deceived. Unable to protect themselves, they rely on others to take care of them! Adults are strong and powerful, able to discern and understand, have the ability to protect themselves and take care of others. As a Christian for many years, are we children or grown-ups?

Hebrew 5:1-14

* Late Rev. Philip YEUNG / 楊錫鏘牧師 message on the Betrayal of Jesus: facing the ugliness of sin

Do Not Harded Your Heart! Ark Channel 07/11/2022 Mon Hebrews 4

…that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (v16b)

* The original text for “help in time of need” is “timely help”. The former is anytime and the latter is at the brink of time. When the disciples were shaken in the boat, the LORD came to their aid on the sea. The widow’s son died and the Lord came to “revive” him…The Lord is our timely rain, our just-in-time help!

Hebrew 4:1-16

* Mail from Australia: Responding to the Ark Channel about Asta Nilsson. Before she left HK, we had close contact with her. I took care of her, driving her to the doctor’s office and made arrangements for her to live in Shatin after retirement… She diligently served in refugee camps and HK for many years before returning to Sweden. We are thankful for these servants of God ~ Eva (Church in Sydney)

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While it is called “Today”! Sunday Hope 06/11/2022 Hebrews 3

but Christ as a Son over His own house,… (v. 6)

* Peace and security seem so illusory in this secular world, when troubles come like sparks in close succession. Why then obsess ourselves with gloomy thoughts? Think more on Christ – His attributes, His work, His accomplishments! He is the King of Ages, the Heavenly High Priest. He is faithful over God’s house. Human kingdoms may rise and fall, but He exists forever!

Hebrew 3:1-19

* A compilation of singing all over the world, of 154 countries and 257 languages – praising God for His eternal blessings on His children! arkchannel sharing

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Looking Up to Our Captain of Salvation! – Ark Channel 05/11/2022 Sat Hebrews 2

… all things in subjection under his feet. (v8)

* Our Captain of Salvation – for whom and through whom everything exists – has triumphed over death and crushed the devil. He is now our High Priest praying for us who are tempted by weakness. He disciplines us and strengthens us. Now on the path of sanctification, Christ the Holiest knows all our twists and turns. Despite all the uncertainties, He is leading us to perfection!

Hebrew 2:1-18

* Two Chinese sermons on Revelation by Brother Dixon IP Tak Sang / 葉特生
The Lamb and the New City, Sermon 1(羔羊與新城（啟示錄第1堂))
The Lamb and the New City, Sermon 2(羔羊與新城（啟示錄第2堂))

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He Sustains All By His Word! – Ark Channel 04/11/2022 Fri Hebrews 1

…Your throne, O God, will last forever; a sceptre of justice will be the sceptre of your kingdom. (v.8)

* Hebrews focuses all eternity on Christ! He is God and was also man, surpassing angels, Moses, and all other great men! Millennia will pass like the wind, but only Christ is unchanging. In this life we must persevere through trials, come to the throne of grace often, and not retreat because the High Priest in Heaven is interceding for us. He is on night duty!

Hebrew 1:1-14

* Fighting anxiety with the Old Testament. (Christianity Today, traditional Chinese)

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Step by step, follow the Lord! – Ark Channel 03/11/2022 Thu Philemon

If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. (v18)

* Onesimus was a fugitive on the run. He met Paul in jail, came to Christ, was freed from sin, and became a Brother, all because of Jesus paying the price. There is nothing incidental in life!

Philemon 1:1-25

* Asta Nilsson witnessed her father come to Christ, quit smoking and drinking, dramatically transforming her family. Her mother also was baptized as a result. Nilsson lived till 83, and for about 50 years she served the poor in Hong Kong and China, founding schools and churches.

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Ready For Every Good Work! Ark Channel 02/11/2022 Wed Titus 3

to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. (v2)

* Titus exhorts everyone to do the right thing – to outsiders, we need to live out good works, contributing at work and in the society; to believers, we should learn to bear more fruit. We should avoid slanderous arguments!

2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

* After WWII, a brother was serving the Lord in a remote area. He once told of the time when the Lord commanded Peter to set a net to catch fish, and the fishes he caught filled two boats. The brother said, “It is evident that those fish were willing to throw themselves into the net in obedience to the Lord’s command. What those fish got from God was just a little bit of lake water and some weeds, but once they were called by God, they were brave to choose to die. We have experienced a lifetime of grace from the Lord, what have we done for Him? About 700 people knelt down to pray and cried…”.

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Diligently Follow Every Good Work! Ark Channel 01/11/2022 Tue Titus 2

…and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (v14b)

* In a fake and corrupt society – older men should be sober, reverent, sound in faith, in love and in patience; older women should not slander, not be given to much wine. Young women should love their husbands and children, be chasten, homemakers and gracious to others. Young men should be sober minded in a morally corrupt city. Pastors should set a pattern of good works, be sound in speech. Servants should be obedient to their master, be truthful…As salvation has been revealed, the church should manifest the divine virtues everywhere!

Titus 2:1-15

* A woman who had an unmarried pregnancy and abortion when she was young could not forgive herself for the rest of her life and was in pain. Then she met a Christian doctor who gave her two verses from the Bible and her pain was relieved! (1 John 1:9 / 2 Cor 5:17)

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Love Good, Sober-Minded, Just! Ark Channel 31/10/2022 Mon Titus 1

in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began (v2)

* In 64 AD, the Roman Emperor Nero blamed the Christians for the fire, and the city was filled with injustice. Peter and Paul were martyred during that storm. Pray that God would raise up leaders in the world and the church of faith, godliness, hope, eternal life, and love for God (v.1-2)

Titus 1:1-16

* Recently I read a letter from John Newton, who wrote: “Many a time when I was sick almost to the point of death. I was like a sailor sleeping on the mast in a night of thunder and rain, not knowing whether I would be swept into the roaring sea when the next wave came…. But when the new day arrives, I look back on the storm and am filled with gratitude and joy. God removed the veil from my eyes when I had no way out”.

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Be Prepared Always. Endure All Things! – Sunday Hope 30/10/2022 II Timothy 4

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (v7)

* We are living now and here. But our heart should live in the presence of God. Our heart should also meet Christ Jesus face to face who in the future will judge the living and the dead. Respect Him. Fear Him. Love Him. Listen to Him.

2 Timothy 4:1-22

* Time is gliding by, fleeting fast, life is just a sigh! But there is one thing that can turn our heart from poverty to wealth. Enjoy this blissful song, sung in Cantonese:Treasure(寶貝）

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All Scripture is God-breathed! – Ark Channel 29/10/2022 Sat II Timothy 3

… the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (v15)

* We are in the end time. People are getting more and more wicked. A list of 19 vices is posted in II Timothy 3 (v. 1-5). Faked spiritual products and false teachers emerge. On the other hand, the pure-hearted can also possess 9 virtues as Paul does (v. 10-11). Our forefathers have left us a Bible. Open it. Read it. We will find it profitable for our salvation!

2 Timothy 3:1-17

* You Owe Life a Miracle, Chinese sermon (你欠生命一份神蹟 ) by the late Reverend Arnold M.K. Yeung/ 楊牧谷

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The Word of God Is Not Bound! Ark Channel 28/10/2022 Fri 2 Timothy 2

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, … (v13)

* By grace we stand strong, with love we endure! Suffering strengthens and builds up the House of God, a House where the resurrected life of Christ is found, generation upon generation. He is forever faithful. Let us cherish our identity, value ourselves as vessels of gold and of silver, be faithful teachers to others. Glad tidings: the Lord knows he who belongs to Him!

2 Timothy 2:1-26

* Madam Asta Nilsson/艾喜徳教士, Sweden, knew of the great needs due to the influx of illegal immigrants in Hong Kong in 1954. In response to the calling of the Lord, she came to HK by boat. Joining Annie Skau Berntsen/司務道 in Tiu Keng Leng, she diligently serves the refugee camps for decades. Though a retireee now in her home country, she is still spending time to serve the Chinese in Sweden, tirelessly offering her life for Christ.

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Love of the Lamb, Song of the bride! – Ark Channel 27/10/2022 Thu 2 Timothy 1

…join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. (v.8)

* 2 Timothy contains Paul’s heartfelt last words. One day, each of us will write our own farewells. Paul did not recount any of his accomplishments, instead reminding the younger ones to fight for truth all of their lives (Chapter 1), suffer for truth (Chapter 2), stay true to the faith (Chapter 3), and preach the Way (Chapter 4). This life is limited; in store is a crown! (4:8)

2 Timothy 1:1-18

* Paster XJ Yang/楊錫鏘牧師 speaks on Jesus’ struggles: facing mankind’s weaknesses

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Give Generously, Share Willingly! Ark Channel 26/10/2022 Wed 1 Timothy 6

For we brought nothing into this world, [d]and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (v7)

* An interesting final piece of advice for the church and saints is the attitude towards money (2 Timothy 6:17-19). Seeking money for the sake of work or for pleasure or comfort are all invalid. Let your money flow, invest in almsgiving and the gospel then you will be satisfied and contented!

1 Timothy 6:1-21

* An orthopedic surgeon describes the wonder of God’s creation. The human hand is able to hold apparatus with much precision. The human thumb, when at rest, rotates 90 degrees in opposite direction of the other four fingers, whereas the hand of an ape does not have this function and cannot interlock two fingers in a circle. Man was fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:14)

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Diligently Follow Every Good Work! Ark Channel 25/10/2022 Tue 1 Timothy 5)

well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. (v10)

* Paul’s list of good deeds begins with raising and caring for children, which is our duty! Then we should receive those who are far away, then we should humbly help the believers, and finally we should have mercy on people in general. Those who are passionate to serve in the church, let us not forget to build God’s house, starting with our family.

1 Timothy 5:1-25

* An elderly brother who has followed the Lord all his life vomited blood and fell into a coma in 2003. The doctor said it was hopeless but God listened to the prayers of the saints and kept him alive. He wrote a hymn and the last verse says: “…my heart is steadfast, my heart is steadfast, I will sing, I will sing, O my spirit, press on.”

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Hope In The Living God! Ark Channel 24/10/2022 Mon 1 Timothy 4

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. (v8)

* “Hope” in the original text means unending hope. The living God is the foundation of this hope! The letter as in I Timothy Chapter 1 was sent from prison to show that in the darkness of the last days, the church relies on the power of truth and the practice of truth. Be persistent in preaching the truth despite persecution for the truth! (ch1-4)

1 Timothy 4:1-16

* Good News from Europe – Nine friends who came to the UK yesterday were baptized. Glory to God (The church recently went out to preach the gospel in teams of two or three. We talked and prayed with a total of 13 people. Some believed as soon as they spoke and prayed. Some have not been meeting and praying for them to resume their meeting. Vivian (UK)

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A Good Steward Who Cares for Home! Sunday Hope 23/10/2022 1 Timothy 3

but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. (v9)

* Whether new believers or seasoned pastors, God ceases not in shaping them. Through our conduct, family, marriage, children and men of the world can witness the vitality brought by faith – there is God who is really among us!

1 Timothy 3

* Give them all to Jesus

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