Wednesday, November 18, 2009

God's Power in the Gospel

2 Timothy 1:9-10

講道題目:God's Power in the Gospel

經文:提摩太後書1章9-10節

Preacher: Jim Gray 牧師

從恩賜中盡責任, God Calls You to Use Your Gifts

2 Timothy 1:6 - Caleb Tian 田天德 傳道

講道題目:從恩賜中盡責任


經文:提摩太後書1章6節

Preacher: 田天德 傳道

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Testimonies 見證 of Carol Huang 黃正瑾 and Thomas Chu 朱暐濤

On 2009/10/25 黃正瑾 Carol Huang professed her faith, was baptized and joined the church. Here is her testimony:



On 2009/11/01 朱暐濤 Thomas Chu professed his faith, was baptized and joined the church. Here is his testimony:



Past testimonies:
林威竹 Dennis Lin & 林幸亞 Hsingya Lin
王嘉蓁 John Wang [中文 text]

Monday, November 2, 2009

不向害怕投降 Not Giving in to Fear

2009/11/1

2 Timothy 1:7-8 -- "Not Giving in to Fear" -- Pastor Joel H. Linton

提摩太後書一章7-8節 -- "不向害怕投降" -- 印主烈 牧師


Related verses: 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, Isaiah 53:3-6, 11


Friday, October 23, 2009

Challenging Ourselves

"Challenging the next generation with truth starts with honest self-examination. We must ask, “Do I know the plotline of the Bible? Do I know Christian theology? Do I read any serious Christian books? Do I know anything about justification, redemption, original sin, propitiation, and progressive sanctification? Do I really understand the gospel?” We cannot challenge others until we have first challenged ourselves."

"Grow in God and you’ll make a difference in people’s lives. If nothing of spiritual significance is happening in your church, your Bible study, your small group, or your family it may be because nothing spiritually significant is happening in your life."

"It’s not liberal professors [in their colleges] that are driving our kids away. It’s their hard hearts and our stale, compromised witness [as parents] that opens the door for them to leave."

"The one indispensable requirement for producing godly, mature Christians is godly, mature Christians. Granted, good parents still have wayward children and faithful mentors don’t always get through to their pupils. But in the church as a whole, the promise of 2 Peter 1 is as true as ever. If we are holy, we will be fruitful. Personal connections with growing Christians is what the next generation needs more than ever."
- Kevin DeYoung

“What your people need from you most is your own personal holiness.”

- Robert Murray McCheyne

Highly recommended: the article "Jumping Ship" by Michael Pearl

2 Peter 1:5-8, 1 Tim. 4:15-16

God is the God of Successive Generations 看顧歷世歷代聖徒的上帝

2009/10/25

2 Timothy 1:3-5
"God is the God of Successive Generations"
Pastor Joel H. Linton

提摩太後書一章3-5節
"看顧歷世歷代聖徒的上帝"
印主烈 牧師




Related texts: 2 Peter 1:5-8, Exodus 34:6-7, Deuteronomy 4:9-10, 2 Timothy 3:15


Further reading:
by Kevin DeYoung, Pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan
Reaching the Next Generation: Challenge them with Truth
Reaching the Next Generation: Hold them with Holiness

Saturday, October 10, 2009

God's Plan for the World

西敏信條,第3章

上帝從創立世界以前,就憑著自己全然智慧和全然聖潔的旨意,自由並且不變地決定一切將發生的事:雖然如此,上帝並不是罪惡的源頭,也不強迫受造物的意志,祂沒有廢除第二原因(註:受造物)的自由和因果關係,反而加以確立。

Westminster Confession of Faith -- Chapter 3, Paragraph 1

God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass: yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.

西敏小要理問答:

20問:神任憑全人類都在罪惡和悲慘狀況中沉淪嗎?

答:神全然根據自己的美意,在萬古之先,撿選了一些人得永生,就設立了恩典之約,
要藉著一位救贖主,拯救他們脫離罪惡和愁苦,進入蒙拯救的狀況。

Westminster Shorter Catechism -- Question & Answer 20

Q: Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?
A: God, having out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.

耶穌基督是我們的救主!

Jesus Christ, the Lord, is our Redeemer.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Waiting for the Lord

2009/9/27

講道題目:Waiting for the Lord
經文:哈巴谷書 Habakkuk 2:6-20
-- Caleb Tian 田天德 傳道

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Answers for a Complaining Prophet 抱怨的先知得到的回答

2009/9/20 -- "Answers for a Complaining Prophet 抱怨的先知得到的回答" -- Habakkuk 1:1-2:5 -- Dr. Dean Ulrich 牧師

How to Turn Away from Sinful Habits

2009/9/13 --
講道題目:"How to Turn Away from Sinful Habits" -- 印主烈 牧師 Pastor Joel H. Linton


經文:1 John 4:7-10, Psalm 119:11, 2 Timothy 2:22, James 5:16


Preacher: 印主烈 牧師


Related verses: 1 Peter 1:10-12, Acts 17:11, Hebrews 4:12




Further Reading: Regarding Lust

Living as Children of Light.

2009/9/6 -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- "Living as Children of Light." -- 印主烈 牧師 JHL

Friday, September 4, 2009

Not fearing ghost month... 平安七月 Pêng-an Chhit-goe̍h

During the seventh month of the lunar year in which Taiwanese fearfully participate in rites to placate the dead, it is good for Christians to consider the truth about what happens to them after they die. As you make yourself familiar with the verses quoted below, you could get yourself ready for opportunities for discussions with your non-Christian Taiwanese friends.

The following is a link to a sermon by Jonathan Edwards entitled, "True saints, when absent from the body, are present with the Lord."

Please also read the following meditation:

-- Pastor Joel

平安七月 Pêng-an Chhit-goe̍h

啟示錄第一章17-18節,耶穌基督說:「不要懼怕!我是首先的,我是末後的, 又是那存活的;我曾死過,現在又活了,直活到永永遠遠;並且拿著死亡和陰間的鑰匙。」

基督徒不怕鬼月。並沒有「好兄弟」的存在。人死後,他們的身體會腐爛,靈魂會離開這個世界,他們不能夠再接觸這個世界,也沒有影響力或權力了,更不會輪迴轉世。人死後只有兩個去處,不信者的靈魂被捆鎖在地獄,等待審判的日子。信徒的靈魂死後馬上與主同在天堂裡,等候他們的復活。末日主耶穌基督會再回來使惡人和義人從死裡復活,並按公義審判他們。

人不應怕鬼,反倒應該想到他們自己的罪,而來信靠耶穌基督

撒母耳記下第十二章23節:「孩子死了,我何必禁食,我豈能使他返回呢?我必往他那裡去,他卻不能回我這裡來。」

哥林多後書第五章6-8節:「所以,我們時常坦然無懼,並且曉得我們住在身內,便與主相離。因我們行事為人是憑著信心,不是憑著眼見。我們坦然無懼,是更願意離開身體與主同住。」

帖撒羅尼迦前書第四章13-18節:「論到睡了的人,我們不願意弟兄們不知道,恐怕你們憂傷,像那些沒有指望的人一樣。我們若信耶穌死而復活了,那已經在耶穌裡睡了的人,神也必將他與耶穌一同帶來。我們現在照主的話告訴你們一件事:我們這活著還存留到主降臨的人,斷不能在那已經睡了的人之先。因為主必親自從天降臨,有呼叫的聲音和天使長的聲音,又有神的號吹響;那在基督裡死了的人必先復活。以後我們這活著還存留的人必和他們一同被提到雲裡,在空中與主相遇。這樣,我們就要和主永遠同在。所以,你們當用這些話彼此勸慰。」

如果你想讀更多關於這個主題的經文,請查閱以下的經文:創三19、路十六19-31、林前十五12-23、腓一21-23、彼後二4-10、彼後三1-13、啟七9-17、啟二十11-15。 (Translated by Helen Lin)

In Revelation 1:17-18, Jesus Christ says, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! and I hold the keys of death and Hades."

Christians do not fear Ghost Month. "Good brothers" do not exist. We know that when a people die, their bodies decay and their spirits depart from this world. They cannot have contact with this world; the dead have no power or influence in this world. There is also no reincarnation. There are two destinations that people go when they die. Spirits of unbelievers are bound in hell to await the Judgment Day. Spirits of believers are immediately present with the Lord in Heaven and await their resurrection. At the end of the world the Lord Jesus Christ will return a raise both the wicked and the righteous from the dead and Christ will judge them with justice.

Instead of fearing ghosts, people should think about their own sins and put their faith in Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 9:27-28 "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

2 Samuel 12:23 "But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 "Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words."

If you wish to read more about this topic please look at the following passages: Genesis 3:19, Luke 16:19-31, 1 Corinthians 15:12-23, Philippians 1:21-23, 2 Peter 2:4-10, 2 Peter 3:1-13, Revelation 7:9-17, Revelation 20:11-15

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Be imitators of God as dearly loved children. 像蒙慈愛的兒女般效法神

2008-8-30

Ephesians 5:1-7
"像蒙慈愛的兒女般效法神 Be imitators of God as dearly loved children."
Pastor Joel H. Linton 印主烈 牧師

The Changing Life of a Christian

2008-8-23

Ephesians 4:17-32
The Changing Life of a Christian
Pastor Joel H. Linton 印主烈 牧師

在生死的事上,什麼是你唯一的安慰?What is your only Comfort in life and in death?

Heidelberg Catechism Question 1 (New improved translation into Mandarin by Jean Heidel.)

問題1: 在生死的事上,什麼是你唯一的安慰?

(回答)

不論是生是死,我的身體和靈魂都不屬於我自己,而是屬於我信實的救主耶穌基督....

耶穌基督付上流血的代價,償還我一切的罪債,徹底救我脫離魔鬼的轄制;

祂大力保護我,若沒有我天父的許可,連我頭上的一根頭髮都不可能掉落;而且萬事都必須符合祂救贖我的目的。

因此,藉著祂的聖靈,祂也保障我的永生,並使我甘心樂意、準備好從今以後為祂而活。

Q1: What is your only comfort, in life and in death?

A:That I belong---body and soul, in life and in death---not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ,

who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil;

that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation.

Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

The Lord Will Rescue Me

2009/8/16

講道題目:"The Lord Will Rescue Me"

經文:2 Timothy 4:16-18

Preacher: 田天德 傳道 Caleb Tian

Friday, August 21, 2009

Helping Disaster Relief in the South

update
From Ann:

How to help

1. If you want to send goods to charities currently carrying out operations in the south, please contact the charities first to ask whether they still need supplies before you send them. Many charities said they have had enough donated supplies, but many flood victims are in dire need of cash to purchase things they need and to move around. To find how to help or donate or to learn more about the ongoing developments of the relief/recovery efforts, please check the following websites (Ann said they are quickly updated, though updates on the English website are slower than those on the Mandarin website):

English: http://sites.google.com/site/emergencyptt/english
Mandarin: http://sites.google.com/site/emergencyptt/

2. Those who would like to go down to the south to help the recovery efforts can apply for free High Speed Rail seats.


為救災與受苦的災民盡一份心力

1. Ann(上禮拜天報告救災的女生)說很多救災團體已募到足夠的物資,若要再寄送物資,請先向各救災團體確認是否還需要物資,以免白忙一場。報導指出很多災民急需現金度日,或許可以以捐款代替捐贈物資。大學生架設了及時更新的救災網站,隨時提供如何協助賑災的及時資訊,請大家多加利用、介紹(也有英文版的救災網站)。

賑災網站:http://sites.google.com/site/emergencyptt/
賑災英文網站:http://sites.google.com/site/emergencyptt/english

2. 欲南下協助賑災者可申請免費高鐵座位。



=======================
Ann sent the following information about how to help the disaster relief n south Taiwan.

Here are the websites that can be helpful. (Mandarin and English)
http://sites.google.com/site/emergencyptt/
But the latest needs or requirements can be found at the Mandarin website. :D
(各位 這是我今天早上說的網站 資訊更新很快 也頗好用
可以多加利用 還有附件檔的內容除了 今天早上說的以外
還有附上這幾天缺物資的聯絡處 :D )

For those who can not read Mandarin. Hope this helps.
http://sites.google.com/site/emergencyptt/english

PTT: PTT Bulletin Board System is a terminal-based bulletin board system based in Taiwan.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Monday, July 6, 2009

約翰‧歐文 John Owen on How True Salvation will Definitely Lead to Holiness

如果一個人對恩典和憐憫的理解,竟導致他每天不痛不癢地接受自己的罪,並浸淫在其中,而且還認為自己對恩典和憐憫的妄想真實無誤,那麼,這人已站在懸崖邊緣,幾乎要把上帝的恩典變成邪惡放蕩,他的心也因為罪的欺騙而日漸剛硬。有這種妄想的人,他的心是全世界最虛偽、最腐敗的。基督的血是為了洗淨我們一切的罪,約壹一7;神高舉基督,是為了將悔改的心賜給我們,徒五31;恩典的教義是為了教訓我們除去不敬虔的心,多二11、12。如果用基督的血、基督得高舉、以及恩典的教義這三件事,來容許、贊同自己的罪,事實上這就是反叛神,這種反叛會壓碎自己。

我們這時代中,宣稱自己是基督徒、後來又放棄信仰的人,大多數是從這道妄想之門離開信仰的。這些人大多有一陣子會看見自己的罪,明白自己的罪後,他們會盡本分,並宣告自己的信仰,「因認識主救主耶穌基督,得以脫離世上的污穢」,彼後二20。可是後來他們熟悉了福音的教義,又在盡本分時缺乏原則、感到厭煩,這時他們就會開始容許自己處處漠視恩典的教義。一旦這種邪惡的想法挾制了他們,他們就會急速墮落,終至毀滅。
—約翰‧歐文

(Translated by Melody Chen)



When a man hath confirmed his imagination to such an apprehension of grace and mercy as to be able, without bitterness, to swallow and digest daily sins, that man is at the very brink of turning the grace of God into lasciviousness, and being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Neither is there a greater evidence of a false and rotten heart in the world than to drive such a trade. To use the blood of Christ, which is given to cleanse us, 1John 1:7, Titus 2:14; the exaltation of Christ, which is to give us repentance, Acts 5:31; the doctrine of grace, which teaches us to deny all ungodliness, Titus 2:11,12, to countenance sin, is a rebellion that in the issue will break the bones.

At this door have gone out from us most of the professors that have apostatized in the days wherein we live. For a while they were most of them under convictions; these kept them unto duties, and brought them to profession; so they "escaped the pollutions that are in the world, through the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ," 2Peter 2:20: but having got an acquaintance with the doctrine of the gospel, and being weary of duty, for which they had no principle, they began to countenance themselves in manifold neglects from the doctrine of grace. Now, when once this evil had laid hold of them, they speedily tumbled into perdition. -John Owen (emphasis in the original)

如何和你真正的敵人爭戰 How to Fight Your Real Enemies

2009/7/5

經文:以弗所書六章10-18節
講道題目:如何和你真正的敵人爭戰
-- 印主烈 牧師

Ephesians 6:10-18 - "How to Fight Your Real Enemies" -- Pastor Joel H. Linton





Related verses: 1 Corinthians 1, Psalm 127:1, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Romans 1:18 ff., Genesis 3, Job 13:15
Further reading: read the beginning of Proverbs and the book of Job.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Death through Adam, Life through Christ

中文/臺文/英文 Mandarin/Taiwanese/English

哥林多前書15章21~22節「死既是因一人而來,死人復活也是因一人而來。在亞當裏衆人都死了;照樣,在基督裏衆人也都要復活。」
Ko-lîm-to chiân-su cha̍p-gō͘ chiuⁿ tē jī-cha̍p-it kàu jī-cha̍p-jī chat kóng, “In-ūi kì-jiân tùi chi̍t lâng chiah ū sí, iā tùi chi̍t lâng chiah ū sí-lâng ê koh-oa̍h. In-ūi chhin-chhiūⁿ tī A-tong chèng-lâng lóng sí; iā chhin-chhiūⁿ án-ni, tī Ki-tok chèng-lâng boeh tit-tio̍h koh-oa̍h.”

在釋迦牟尼佛以前,很多人問「人為什麼要受苦?」在釋迦牟尼佛以後,很多人仍然疑問「人為什麼要受苦?」人們創造許多不同的宗教來回答這個問題。
Tī Sek-kia-mô͘-nî Hu̍t í-chêng, chin-chē lâng mn̄g: “Lâng ūi án-chóaⁿ ài siū-khó͘?” Tī Sek-kia-mô͘-nî Hu̍t í-āu, chin-chē lâng iû-gôan gî-būn :“Lâng ūi án-chóaⁿ ài siū-khó͘?” Lâng chhòng-chō chin-chē bô-kâng ê chong-kàu lâi hôe-tap chit-ê būn-tê.

當上帝最初創造這世界時是美好的。接著,亞當帶來死亡和詛咒給所有他的後代。後來,耶穌基督來拯救這個世界,並且讓跟隨他的人都得到祝福。
Chit-ê sè-kài tī Siōng-tè khí-chho͘ chhòng-chō ê sî sī bí-hó--ê. Sòa--lo̍h-lâi, A-tong tòa-lâi sí-bông kap chiù-chó͘ hō͘ i só͘-ū ê āu-tāi. Aū--lâi, Iâ-so͘ Ki-tok lâi chín-kiù chit-ê sè-kài, koh hō͘ kun-tòe I ê lâng lóng tit-tio̍h chiok-hok.

你是否曾經問過這個問題「人為什麼要受苦?」今天上帝用祂的話來回答你。死是經由亞當而來。所有病痛、所有人變老死亡、這個世界所有不對的地方—全部都是經由亞當而來。
Lín kám bat mn̄g-kòe chit-ê būn-tê: “Lâng ūi án-chóaⁿ ài siū-khó͘?” Kin-á-ji̍t Siōng-tè ēng I ê ōe lâi hôe-tap--lán. Sí sī tùi A-tong lâi. Só͘-ū ê pèⁿ-thiàⁿ, só͘-ū lâng piàn lāu, sí-bông, chit-ê sè-kài só͘-ū bô tùi-tâng ê só͘-chāi - chôan-pō͘ lóng sī tùi A-tong lâi.

世上所有的壞事、所有的謀殺和不公道的事,全部都始於我們的第一個祖先犯罪的那天。這是給這個世界的壞消息,但它是事實。
Chit-ê sè-kài só͘-ū pháiⁿ-tāi, só͘-ū ê bô͘-sat kap bô kong-gī ê tāi-chì, chôan-pō͘ lóng sī tùi lán ê tē-it ê chó͘-sian hōan-chōe ê hit-chi̍t-kang khai-sí. Che sī hō͘ chit-ê sè-kài ê pháiⁿ siau-sit, m̄-kú che sī sū-si̍t.

雖然世人犯罪,但上帝仍然愛他們;就像既使您的孩子不乖,您仍然愛他們。因此祂有一個拯救世人的計劃。
Sui-jiân sè-kan-lâng hōan-chōe, m̄-kú Siōng-tè iû-gôan thiàⁿ sè-kan-lâng; chiū chhin-chhiūⁿ lán ê gín-á bô-koai, lán iû-gôan thiàⁿ--in. Chū án-ni, Siōng-tè ū chi̍t-ê chín-kiù sè-kan-lâng ê kè-ōe.

耶穌基督,上帝的兒子,道成肉身。他成為這份新契約的首領。他必須面對比亞當更多的誘惑。亞當只須服從一件事—不要吃一棵樹的果子。耶穌在他每天的生活中必須服從各種法律。而他完全服從了所有法律,他從沒有一次犯罪。他沒有罪惡,他是公義的。為我們的罪,他死在十字架上,體驗了上帝的憤怒和公義。他背負我們的罪,死在十字架上。
Iâ-so͘ Ki-tok, Siōng-tè ê kiáⁿ, Tō chiâⁿ jio̍k-thé. I chiâⁿ-chò chit-ê sin ê iok ê thâu. I tio̍h-ài bīn-tùi pí A-tong koh-khah chē ê iú-he̍k. A-tong kan-taⁿ tio̍h ho̍k-chiông chi̍t-hāng tāi-chì--bē-tit chia̍h chi̍t-châng chhiū-á ê kóe-chí. Iâ-so͘ tī I ta̍k-kang ê seng-oa̍h lāi-té tio̍h-ài ho̍k-chiông ta̍k-khóan ê lu̍t-hoat. I ôan-chôan ho̍k-chiông só͘-ū ê lu̍t-hoat, bô chi̍t-pái hōan-chōe. I bô chōe-ok, I sī kong-gī--ê. Ūi lán ê chōe, I sí-tī si̍p-jī-kè téng, thé-giām Siōng-tè ê hùn-nō͘ kap kong-gī. I taⁿ lán ê chōe, sí-tī si̍p-jī-kè téng.

你要如何得到這個公義?你要如從亞當的領導下走出來,而成為一個歸屬於基督的人?通過信心。
Lán boeh án-chóaⁿ tit-tio̍h chit-ê kong-gī? Lán boeh án-chóaⁿ kiâⁿ-chhut A-tong ê léng-tō, chiâⁿ-chò sio̍k tī Ki-tok ê lâng? Tō-sī thong-kòe sìn-sim.

耶穌已經救贖了這整個世界。上帝的兒子已使您自由。
Iâ-so͘ í-keng kiù-sio̍k kui-ê sè-kài. Siōng-tè ê kiáⁿ hō͘ lán chū-iû.

所以我們要問自己的是:我們是要屬亞當或是屬基督?
Só͘-í lán boeh mn̄g ka-kī: Chit-má lán iáu sio̍k A-tong á-sī sio̍k Ki-tok?

我希望你們每個人都來相信耶穌。他將使你從罪裡解脫。
Góa ǹg-bāng lán ta̍k-ê lóng lâi sìn Iâ-so͘. I boeh hō͘ lán tùi chōe lāi-té tháu-pàng, tit-tio̍h chū-iû

約翰福音八章36節「所以 [ 天父的 ] 兒子若叫你們自由,你們就真自由了。」
Iok-hān Hok-im tē-peh chiuⁿ tē saⁿ-cha̍p-la̍k chat kóng: “Só͘-í Thiⁿ-pē ê Kiáⁿ, Iâ-so͘, nā hō͘ lín chū-iû, lín chiū chin-chiàⁿ chū-iû.”

-- 印主烈 牧師 Ìn Chú-lia̍t Bo̍k-su

------


1 Corinthians 15:21-22 “For since by man came death, by man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.”

Many men before Buddha asked the question “Why is there suffering?” and many men after Buddha have asked the same question, “Why is there suffering?”. People have invented different religions in trying to answer that question.

The world was good when God first created it. And then one man, Adam, our first ancestor, brought death and a curse to all who are under him. And then a second man, Jesus Christ, came to redeem the world and he earned a blessing for all who belong to him.

Have you ever asked that question, “Why is there suffering?” God is giving an answer to you today in His Word. Death came through one man: Adam. All the sickness, all people getting old and dying, all the wrongs in this world -- they all came through Adam.

All the bad things in the world, all the murders and injustice it all comes from that day that our first ancestor sinned. This is the truth about this world. And it is bad news.

But God stilled loves people even in their sin, just like you still love your children even when they are bad. So he made a plan to save people.

Jesus Christ, God the Son, took human nature. And he became the new head of a new covenant. He had to face more temptations than Adam. Adam just had one thing to obey -- one tree’s fruit to not eat from. Jesus had laws in every area of every day of his life to obey. And he pefectly obeyed all the laws. There was not one time that he sinned. He had no sin. He was righteous. And he died on the cross and experienced God’s wrath and justice for our sin. He bore our sin on the cross.

How do you get this righteousness. How do you come out from under Adam’s headship and become one who belongs to Christ? Through faith.

Jesus has dealt with every aspect of this world’s need for redemption. The Son of God has set you free.

So the question for all of us is this: are we still in Adam or in Christ?

I hope each of you will come to believe in Jesus. He will set you free from sin.

John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

-- Pastor Joel H. Linton (excerpts from an Easter 2007 Sermon in Taiwanese at Gikong Presbyterian Church in Taipei. To see the full text: Taiwanese, English translation)

Friday, June 26, 2009

你以什麼為榮耀? What is Your Glory?

This Sunday, one of our ruling elders, Ben Kask 柯班恩 長老 , will preach on "你以什麼為榮耀? What is Your Glory?" from 腓立比書三章17-21節 Philippians 3:17-21.

Quote on God's Holiness and Man's Sin -- Stephen Charnock

A 17th Century presbyterian Puritan pastor, Stephen Charnock, discussed God's Holiness and how much God hates sin. In one of Charnock's sermons he collected different analogies that the Bible uses to describe how much God hates sin. I'll quote a short passage from one of Charnock's sermon.


“[Because of God's holiness,] He cannot look on sin without loathing it, He cannot look on sin but His heart riseth against it.  It must needs be most odious to Him, as that which is against the glory of His nature, and directly opposite to that which is the lustre and varnish of all his other perfections... 

The vilest terms imaginable are used to signify [sin].  Do you understand the loathsomeness of a miry swine, or the nauseousness of the vomit of a dog? These are emblems of sin (2 Peter 2:22).  Can you endure the steams of putrefied carcasses from an open sepulchre? (Romans 3:13) Is the smell of the stinking sweat or excrements of a body delightful?  The word filthiness in James 1:21 signifies as much.  Or is the sight of a body overgrown with scabs and leprosy grateful to you?  So vial, so odious is sin in the sight of God.

It is no light thing, then, to fly in the face of God, to break His eternal law ... to trample the transcript of God's own nature under our feet, to cherish that which is inconsistent with His own honour, to lift up our heels against the glory of His nature... Sin, in every part of it, is an opposition to the holiness of God..." See Isaiah 1:5-6

(Charnock, "God's Holiness" p. 251, The Works of Stephen Charnock V. II -- Discourse of the Existence and Attributes of God).

Do you see your sin the way the Holy God sees your sin?

If you know your sin, Hebrews 4:13-16 is a great comfort.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

讓我們來上帝面前領受憐憫 Let us then draw near to God to receive mercy.

2009/6/21

希伯來書四章13-16節 -- "讓我們來上帝面前領受憐憫 "-- 印主烈 牧師
Hebrews 4:13-16 -- "Let us then draw near to God to receive mercy." -- Pastor Joel H. Linton

(Related Verses: Psalm 51, Psalm 139)
Examples cited: Stephen Charnock (1628-1680) -- Complete Works: God's Holiness p. 251

有罪的人 Believing that You are a Sinner in Need of a Savior

2009-6-14

路加福音18章9-14節 --"有罪的人" -- 印主烈 牧師

Luke 18:9-14 -- "Believing that You are a Sinner in Need of a Savior" -- Pastor Joel H. Linton

蒙召後靠聖靈行事 Walking with the Spirit

2009/6/7

加拉太5章13—26節 -- "蒙召後靠聖靈行事" -- 田天德 傳道

Galatians 5:13-26 -- "The Holy Spirit Leads us out of Sin" -- Caleb Tian

Sim-lāi chin chhiah-ia̍h 心內真刺疫

Lī-bī teh thiu-hiòng
利未在抽餉(收稅)
Siông-siông ēng tó͘-kiông;
常常用賭強(勉強)
Sui sī chin hó-gia̍h,
雖是真好額(有錢)
Sim-lāi chin chhiah-ia̍h
心內真刺疫(煩躁、不舒服、bē爽快)

Thiaⁿ-kìⁿ Chú Iâ-so͘,
聽見 主 耶穌
Chhiat-chhiat chin him-bō͘ ;
切切 真 欣 慕
Koat-sim beh hoán-hóe,
決心 欲 反悔
M̄-ài koh hoān-chōe
不要 再 犯罪

Iâ-so͘ chiap-la̍p i
耶穌 接納 伊
I chiū tōa hoaⁿ-hí;
伊 就 大 歡喜
Iā ū pān iân-sia̍h,
也 有 辦 筵席
Chhiáⁿ Chú saⁿ-kap chia̍h.
請 主 相及 食


Here is a rough translation in English:

Levi was a tax collector
He was often brutal in his dealings
Even though he was very rich
His heart was very unsatisfied and uncomfortable

When he heard and saw the Lord Jesus
He began to feel a great earnest desire
He made up his mind to repent
No longer did he want to sin

Jesus received him
He was so joyous
That he prepared a great feast
To have Jesus as the guest of honor to eat with him

(Translated by Joel Linton)

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Preparing your hearts for Worship

親愛的希望教會弟兄姐妹,

希望大家有愉快及風和日麗的假期!
請大家讀下列的經文為主日的心預備,在這個主日講道內容中將帶領我們思考這個問題 ''你這輩子想得到什麼?''


路加福音--九章23-25 節
彼得前書--二章11節
約翰ㄧ書--二章15-17節
提多書--二章11-14節

在基督裡,
印牧師


Dear New Hope family,

I hope you are enjoying the holiday and the good weather.

As you prepare your hearts to worship God on Sunday, please read the following Scripture passages. The sermon for this Sunday asks the question, "What are you trying to get out of your life?"

Luke 9:23-25
1 Peter 2:11
1 John 2:15-17
Titus 2:11-14

In Christ,

Pastor Joel

Monday, May 25, 2009

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

放棄吧 Give Up Already

2009/5/10

"Give Up Already"
Galatians 3:10-14
-- Ruling Elder Aaron Heidel

經文:"放棄吧"
講道題目:加拉太 3:10-1
-- 何恩 長老

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Turning to God's Word when we have questions

"聖經都是神所默示的,於教訓、督責、使人歸正、教導人學義都是有益的,叫屬神的人得以完全,預備行各樣的善事。"(提摩太後書三章16-17節)

"堅守所教真實的道理,就能將純正的教訓勸化人,又能把爭辯的人駁倒了。"(提多書一章9節)

"因為時候要到,人必厭煩純正的道理,耳朵發癢,就隨從自己的情慾增添好些師傅,並且掩耳不聽真道,偏向荒渺的言語。"(提摩太後書四章3-4節)

基督徒應堅信上帝的話,若有人破壞上帝的話,基督徒應用堅定的態度來處理。「可是世上的替代品太常誘惑我們了。面對困難時,我們會先找朋友,不會立刻研讀詩篇。我們懷疑上帝的供應時,會先尋求領袖人物的幫助,不會立刻研讀耶穌的話。我們生氣時,會先找人證明自己有正當的理由生氣,不會立刻尋求箴言中的智慧。人寫的書無法啟示我們,但我們會先讀人寫的書,之後才去讀上帝啟示的聖經。這是人天生的傾向。」~摘自《恢復聖經中的男女角色》序言

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

"He must hold firm to the trustworthy Word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it." -- Titus 1:9

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Christians should hold fast to the Word of God and deal decisively with those who undermine in. "All too often, however, we are enticed by worldly substitutes. When facing hardship, we are apt to seek a friend before turning to the Psalms. When tempted to doubt God's provision, we turn to human leaders before going to the words of Jesus. When angry, we seek someone who will justify us rather than the wisdom of Proverbs. Within us all is the tendency to turn to the uninspired books of men ahead of the inspired Book of God." -- Rev. Ligon Duncan, Ph.D. and Rev. Randy Stinton, Ph.D. in the preface to the book, Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Congratulations to Caleb and Yulan

Dear New Hope family,

Early morning, today, at 1:00 A.M. , Daniel Tian 田 愷 (Taiwanese = Tiân Khái) was born. Mother and Baby are doing fine.

Caleb says that his eyebrows look like Yulan and his mouth looks like Caleb.

Daniel Tian 田 愷 Tiân Khái
3000 g
48 cm

Friday, April 17, 2009

Thursday Night Taiwanese men's discipleship group

Every Thursday night, ruling elder Aaron Heidel leads a Mandarin language Taiwanese men's discipleship group which meets on HsinHai Road between Fuhsing and JianGuo across from National Taiwan University. Please keep praying for it.

Monday Night Home Fellowship Group in Nankang

Every Monday night ruling elder Ben Kask leads an English-language home fellowship group in Nankang. They are currently reading a book by John Piper. Several families from Grace Christian Academy come as well as some from Neihu.

Friday night English Home Fellowship Group

Every other week on Friday nights, ruling elder Larry Dilley leads an English-language home fellowship group new Taipower Building MRT Station (the intersection of HsinHai and Roosevelt Roads. They are studying the book of James.

Friday, April 10, 2009

復活節快樂! Happy Resurrection Day!

復活節快樂!

「現在基督已經從死人中復活,成為睡了的人初熟的果子。」(林前十五20)

「因為我活著就是基督,我死了就有益處。」(腓一21)

死了就有益處(21節),是因為能夠與基督同在 . . . 我們今生對於基督的愛與認識,只是預告將來我們死後的光景,這對基督徒而言是何等榮耀的盼望啊!正是這樣的確據,扭轉了基督徒面對死亡時的態度。當然,死亡會帶來許多痛苦和悲傷,有時甚至令人難以承當。然而我們正在起程回天家,將要見到耶穌基督,這個盼望必能使我們精神振奮!--傅格森,(字字珠璣--細讀腓立比書)


Happy Resurrection Day!

1 Corinthians 15:20 "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."

Philippians 1:21 "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

"Dying is gain because it means to be with Christ... What a glorious prospect for this is for the Christian: our knowledge and love of Christ in the present life are only preliminary to what awaits us after death. It is this assurance which transforms the Christian's attitude to death. Of course there is much about it that is painful and sad, sometimes deeply distressing. But this cheers our spirits: we are traveling home; we are going to see Jesus Christ!" - Sinclair B. Ferguson, Let's Study Philippians

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Mercy Ministry announcement for Saturday, April 11

Hi Everyone,
This Saturday, April 11th is the "I AM A HERO GAMES" that Taiwan Sunshine has been organizing. This is a half-day sporting event for special needs children. We have 68 students signed up to attend and are hoping to get another 68 high school students to be their buddies. With teachers, families, and volunteers we are expecting over 250 people to attend. The weather should be great, and we think everyone is going to have a fun time.

However, we can still use more volunteers. If you are available to help out this Saturday, please let me know. The address is #29 Gong Yuan Road (near the CKS Memorial MRT Stop), the time is from 9:00 AM to Noon (Volunteers should arrive at 8:15). More information is available at
http://www.iamaherogames.org and http://www.taiwansunshine.org

Thanks,

Larry Dilley 紀禮瑞 長老

Monday, March 30, 2009

The Holy Spirit's Work in the Hearts of Men

人遠離神,悖逆神,執迷不悟
人不願順服,不願守本分,也不願忠於神
因此,需要有ㄧ股更高的能力
來降服頑梗的人心,使人乖乖就範
叫人能夠愛上帝,恨惡ㄧ切罪惡
為此,神差聖靈來到世上
為此,神世世代代在人心中動工
-1760年,普林斯頓大學校長,山姆戴維斯牧師

"Men are estranged from God, and engaged in rebellion against him; and they love to continue so. They will not submit, nor return to their duty and allegiance. Hence there is need of a superior power to subdue their stubborn hearts, and sweetly constrain them to subjection; to inspire them with the love of God, and an implacable detestation of all sin. And for this purpose, the holy Spirit of God is sent into the world: for this purpose, he is at work, from age to age, upon the hearts of men."

- Rev. Samuel Davies, President of Princeton University, 1760


--------------------------------------------

Most people think that they are pretty good and if there is a God, God would be happy with them. They do not really think they are in rebellion.
人心說平安平安,但戰爭已經來到門口。
The human heart says, "Peace, Peace", when War, War, is at your very door.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

March 8 and March 15 sermons

March 15, 2009 -- Matthew 馬太福音 8:1-17.-- "Jesus said: 'I Will Come and Heal Him.'耶穌說:我去醫治他" -- 姚興基 牧師 Dr. Peter Yao

Tâi-gí -- Eng-gí 臺語—英語 Taiwanese-English


-------------------


March 8 -- 雅各書一章1-18節 James 1:1-18 -- "Pursuing Wisdom Above Riches and Perseverance Rather Than Sin" -- 康 牧師 Pastor Tim

A Gospel Summary of the Bible's Message

Heaven is a free gift.
天堂是免費的禮物。

It’s not something you can work for or deserve.
它不是你可以賺取或應得的。

Man is a sinner and can not save himself.
人是罪人,不能救自己。

God is holy, loving and just.
上帝是聖潔、慈愛又公義。

On the one hand, God loves us and does not want to punish us.
一方面,祂是慈愛;所以不願意處罰我們。

On the other hand, he is just and must punish sin.
另一方面,祂是公義;所以必須處罰罪惡。

Do you see the problem?
你瞭解這個問題嗎?

God solved this problem by sending Jesus.
上帝派耶穌來解決這個問題。

Jesus is God.
耶穌就是上帝。

He came from heaven to earth, lived a perfect life, died on the cross to pay for our sins, was buried and rose from the dead on the third day.
祂從天堂來到世間,活過一個完美的生命,為贖我們的罪債死在十字架上,然後從死裡第三天復活。

He is in heaven now, offering us the free gift of eternal life.
現今祂在天堂要賜給我們永生的禮物。

This gift received by faith.
這禮物要用信心接受。

Faith is not just knowing about God in your head.
信心不是單用頭腦知道上帝。

Faith is not just temporary.
信心也不是暫時的。

Saving faith is trusting in Jesus Christ alone with your whole heart.
信心是用整個心單單信靠耶穌基督。

Does this make sense to you?
以上所說你明白嗎?

Would you like to pray now to ask Jesus to forgive your sins and to give you eternal life?
你願意的話,現在就可以祈求耶穌赦免你的罪並且賜給你永生。

We can pray together.
我們可以一齊祈禱。

“Dear Jesus, forgive my sins, come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Amen”
親愛的主耶穌!請你赦免我的罪並請你進入我的心作我的救主。阿們!

The Bible says he who believes has everlasting life.
聖經告訴我們信的人有永生。

Welcome to the family of God.
歡迎來到上帝的家!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

賜各樣安慰的上帝 The God of All Comfort

On February 15, 柯班恩 長老 Ruling Elder Benjamin Kask preached on "賜各樣安慰的上帝 The God of All Comfort" from 哥林多後書一章1-7節 2 Corinthians 1:1-7.

Friday, February 6, 2009

God Saved Sinners Like Us for His Glory

2009 年 2 月 8 日

經文:羅馬書16:25-27
講道題目:聖經基本的信息:榮耀歸與上帝
Preacher: 印主烈 牧師


For February 8, 2009

Romans 16:25-27 "God Saved Sinners Like Us for His Glory" - Pastor Joel H. Linton

Related Scripture passages: 1 Peter 3:15, Acts 17:24, 2 Peter 3:10, Hebrews 1:1-3, John 1:1-14

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Serving in the Church with Love

On February 1, Pastor Joel H. Linton preached on "Serving in the Church with Love" from Romans 16:1-16.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

從果子分辨真偽

January 18, 2009
經文:羅馬書16:17-20
講道題目:從果子分辨真偽
田天德 傳道

Pray for the Men in the Church

Please pray especially for the men at New Hope, that God will help them grow as men of God as the take the lead in the church and in their families.

Here is a video that interviews elders and other men on discipleship at a church in Alabama.


Redeemer Men's Discipleship from Redeemer Church on Vimeo.

Monday, January 12, 2009

基督掌權帶來人們期待已久的公義 When will we see Justice?

On January 11, 2009, 印主烈 牧師 Pastor Joel H. Linton preached on "基督掌權帶來人們期待已久的公義 When will we see Justice?" from Isaiah 11:1-10 --- 經文:以賽亞書十一章1-10節

Related Passages:
Isaiah 53:2-12
Hosea 12:7
Amos 5:7-12
Micah 2:1, 3:1-9


Facing the Obvious

On January 11, 2009, Pastor Tim gave a sermonette from Genesis 23 called "Facing the Obvious" --- death

Saturday, January 3, 2009

希望教會就滿六週年 6-year anniversary of New Hope's founding

明天希望教會就滿六週年了。Pastor Tim 牧師、張昱國長老和印主烈傳道,於二00三年1月5日開始了希望教會的第一堂禮拜。當時教會在伯大尼美國學校的地下室聚會,之後換過兩次聚會地點。教會很多人是外地人,他們住在台北這段期間,到希望教會聚會,幾年後又離開台北,到其他國家或城市去了,所以我們送別了很多朋友。但現在教會裡還有一些人,從第一堂禮拜開始就在希望教會聚會了。感謝上帝帶領我們的教會到今天,請大家同心禱告教會可以繼續成長、更加成熟。期望教會成長時,我們會繼續忠於上帝的話,也願上帝使用希望教會,讓更多台灣人認識福音,協助台灣的植堂工作,並派宣教士到世界各地傳福音。

Tomorrow marks the six-year anniversary of New Hope's founding. On January 5, 2003, Pastor Tim, Elder Harry Chang, and Missionary Joel Linton started the first worship service of New Hope Christian Fellowship. They met at the basement of Bethany American School. Since then, New Hope has moved locations twice. We have said many goodbyes. Many people have come to Taipei and worshipped at New Hope for a few years and then moved away to other cities or countries. Yet there are still a few people here today who were at the very first New Hope worship service. We praise God for where He has led this church. Please join us in prayer for New Hope's growth and maturity. We hope that as we grow and are faithful to His Word, God will use New Hope to reach many people in Taiwan with the Gospel, to help start new churches in Taiwan, and also to send missionaries around the world.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Memorial Service for Colin Lin

Colin Lin's memorial service will be held in Banchiao's funeral home at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 4th. The Christian drug rehabilitation ministry of Pastor Liu will be leading the service. After New Hope's worship service on Sunday, any of us who wish to go can go as a group to attend the memorial service.

察驗內心 Heart Checkup

Happy 6th Year Anniversary!

On January 4, 2009, 康牧師 Pastor Tim will preach on "察驗內心 Heart Checkup" from Matthew 15:1-20