Sisters and Brothers,
This week, we are continuing our journey on the book of Genesis.
As the famine is getting worse, Jacob's family were also suffering at Canann. Like the rest of people in the region, they went to Egypt for the food. Apparently, they were under the mercy of Joseph.
You would think Joseph would have taken the opportunity for revenge. On the contrary, he put all the food and money back in his brothers' bag. Although, he did put out some obstacles in front of his brothers. It is quite understandable considering what he went through. The interesting thing was Joseph asked his brother to leave Simeon behind at Egypt. This was probably his tactic to have his brother come back, especially with Benjamin whom Joseph hasn't seen. For Joseph, it is big struggle between wanting to see his family and putting down his face to forgive his brothers.
In chapter 45, Joseph finally told his brothers who he is. And he put out the astounding statement
"So it was not really you but God who had me come here; and he has made of me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his household, and ruler over the whole land of Egypt"
It takes a lot of courage to put down one's face like Joseph. And it is a lot of love to forgive ones like Joseph's brother.
Let us pray to the Lord our God to give us wisdom and courage. So we can learn and practice love and forgiveness.
in Christ,
Dan
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
4/9 Genesis 39 to 41
Sisters and Brothers,
This coming Friday is our first Bible study for the Easter season. Genesis 39 to 41 fits well to this churchcal calendar.
As we are reading this part of Genesis, we see Joseph was just a slave when he arrived in Egypt. But soon, he began to have a successful career. The promise that God gave to Abraham reflects on Joseph.
However, the road to success is not without ups and downs. Even though God is with Joseph, God still put all the possible tests to Joseph.
Coming to Egypt as a slave, Joseph was doing well at Potiphar's house. But not very long, life took a turn. Potiphar's wife lied to accuse Joseph raped her and him to jail.
While in jail, the chief jailer put Joseph in charge. We clearly see how God put Joseph in test as well as his blessing on him. And during the jail time, there was an opportunity or Joseph to get out. For Joseph had foretold Pharaoh's chief cupbearer's release and hoping he would help Joseph. But nothing happen. That was a big setback for Joseph and would have been devastated for most of the people.
Let's be faithful and accept God's assignment, for good and bad. For he knows our destiny and we are his people.
in Christ,
Dan
This coming Friday is our first Bible study for the Easter season. Genesis 39 to 41 fits well to this churchcal calendar.
As we are reading this part of Genesis, we see Joseph was just a slave when he arrived in Egypt. But soon, he began to have a successful career. The promise that God gave to Abraham reflects on Joseph.
However, the road to success is not without ups and downs. Even though God is with Joseph, God still put all the possible tests to Joseph.
Coming to Egypt as a slave, Joseph was doing well at Potiphar's house. But not very long, life took a turn. Potiphar's wife lied to accuse Joseph raped her and him to jail.
While in jail, the chief jailer put Joseph in charge. We clearly see how God put Joseph in test as well as his blessing on him. And during the jail time, there was an opportunity or Joseph to get out. For Joseph had foretold Pharaoh's chief cupbearer's release and hoping he would help Joseph. But nothing happen. That was a big setback for Joseph and would have been devastated for most of the people.
But the story really tells God's mysterious plan. Instead of letting Joseph out easily, God had him stay in jail for two more years. For God is setting up the stage for Joseph to interpreted Pharaoh's dream. That interpretation eventually raised Joseph out of the jail and became famous in Egypt.
This is a wonderful story and gives us a perfect example of God's plan. He will put us to test before he pour down his blessing. When we in distress or whatever low point in life, God is with us. And we never know what kind of tests he will put us thorough before his next assignment. Unlike Jesus, he know the next step. However, he was also gone through the suffering of died on the cross before raised on high.
This is a wonderful story and gives us a perfect example of God's plan. He will put us to test before he pour down his blessing. When we in distress or whatever low point in life, God is with us. And we never know what kind of tests he will put us thorough before his next assignment. Unlike Jesus, he know the next step. However, he was also gone through the suffering of died on the cross before raised on high.
Let's be faithful and accept God's assignment, for good and bad. For he knows our destiny and we are his people.
in Christ,
Dan
Thursday, March 25, 2010
3/26 Genesis 34 and on
Sisters and Brother,
This week, we are continuing on chapter 34.
As a classical story for eye-on-eye, Dinah's brothers, Simeon and Levi, slaughter all the males in the city in revenge of Shechem's act on Dinah. Although the act may not be considered appropriate in today's standard, the action taken by Levi seems to inline with the function of Israel's 12 tribes. For Levi enforces the law and we see that in the book of Joshua.
Holy week starts next week although the world doesn't stop. Everything goes on regularly. The work schedule remains the same, the school activities remain the same, tax due day remains the same. How are we going to make next week "holy" remains in me. Let's pray to the Lord and may him guide us to follow his foot step. May we all fill with "holiness", at least one week a year.
in Christ,
Dan
This week, we are continuing on chapter 34.
As a classical story for eye-on-eye, Dinah's brothers, Simeon and Levi, slaughter all the males in the city in revenge of Shechem's act on Dinah. Although the act may not be considered appropriate in today's standard, the action taken by Levi seems to inline with the function of Israel's 12 tribes. For Levi enforces the law and we see that in the book of Joshua.
Holy week starts next week although the world doesn't stop. Everything goes on regularly. The work schedule remains the same, the school activities remain the same, tax due day remains the same. How are we going to make next week "holy" remains in me. Let's pray to the Lord and may him guide us to follow his foot step. May we all fill with "holiness", at least one week a year.
in Christ,
Dan
Thursday, March 04, 2010
3/5 Bible Study with Fr. Marvin
Brothers and Sisters,
As we are second week into this year's Lenten season, Fr. Marvin will lead us in this week's study.
Mt 5:43-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies,
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers and sisters only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Lk 6:36-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
How can we be perfect as we are just human beings? How can we be merciful as our heavenly Father? We all know we should love our enemies, not judging, stop condemning, and be forgiving. It is easier to say than done. Is love itself enough to get us going? As St. Paul said, "faith, hope, and love, and the love is the most important". But how? How can we be loving as our Father?
in Christ,
Dan
As we are second week into this year's Lenten season, Fr. Marvin will lead us in this week's study.
Mt 5:43-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies,
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers and sisters only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Lk 6:36-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.”
How can we be perfect as we are just human beings? How can we be merciful as our heavenly Father? We all know we should love our enemies, not judging, stop condemning, and be forgiving. It is easier to say than done. Is love itself enough to get us going? As St. Paul said, "faith, hope, and love, and the love is the most important". But how? How can we be loving as our Father?
in Christ,
Dan
Thursday, February 25, 2010
2/26 Genesis 27 and Beyond
Brothers and Sisters,
Continue from last week, we are getting to the end of Isaac and the beginning of Jacob.
The story of Genesis 27 is hard to understand by any moral standard. The footnote of New American Bible gives a good explanation:
"What Jacob did in deceiving his father and thereby cheating Esau out of Isaac's deathbed blessing is condemned as blameworthy, not only by Hosea (Hosea 12:4) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 9:3), but also, indirectly, by the Yahwist narrator of the present story, who makes the reader sympathize with Esau as the innocent victim of a cruel plot, and shows that Jacob and his mother, the instigator of the plot, paid for it by a lifelong separation from each other. The story was told because it was part of the mystery of God's ways in salvation history--his use of weak, sinful men to achieve his own ultimate purpose."
The purpose of this passage is clear. God made good use of his people regardless who they are. Things are not possible for us are possible for God. The real justice is not done through any form of man made enforcement. Not judge but be judged through Christ our Lord.
Genesis 28 is well know bed time story for the kid. How God is protecting his people and guarding them during their sleep. In return, Jacob setup the memorial stone and made his vow. How many time we have been under God's wing and received thy projection? But how many time we have been done something in return even symbolically? Let's take a moment to look back how God had saved us in the past. May God have mercy on us and lead us to the right path.
in Christ,
Dan
Continue from last week, we are getting to the end of Isaac and the beginning of Jacob.
The story of Genesis 27 is hard to understand by any moral standard. The footnote of New American Bible gives a good explanation:
"What Jacob did in deceiving his father and thereby cheating Esau out of Isaac's deathbed blessing is condemned as blameworthy, not only by Hosea (Hosea 12:4) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 9:3), but also, indirectly, by the Yahwist narrator of the present story, who makes the reader sympathize with Esau as the innocent victim of a cruel plot, and shows that Jacob and his mother, the instigator of the plot, paid for it by a lifelong separation from each other. The story was told because it was part of the mystery of God's ways in salvation history--his use of weak, sinful men to achieve his own ultimate purpose."
The purpose of this passage is clear. God made good use of his people regardless who they are. Things are not possible for us are possible for God. The real justice is not done through any form of man made enforcement. Not judge but be judged through Christ our Lord.
Genesis 28 is well know bed time story for the kid. How God is protecting his people and guarding them during their sleep. In return, Jacob setup the memorial stone and made his vow. How many time we have been under God's wing and received thy projection? But how many time we have been done something in return even symbolically? Let's take a moment to look back how God had saved us in the past. May God have mercy on us and lead us to the right path.
in Christ,
Dan
Friday, February 19, 2010
2/19 - Genesis 創世紀 Chapter 25 and beyond
Dear Friends and Families,
How are you? Happy New Year. Wish everyone have a good time during the Chinese New Year.
Tonight (2/19 Friday) we are going to discuss Genesis 創世紀 Chapter 25 and beyond. Bettina is going to lead the discussion and prepare the snacks.
For the earlier reminder on next Friday (2/26), Sherry will lead.
See you all tonight.
God Bless us all.
How are you? Happy New Year. Wish everyone have a good time during the Chinese New Year.
Tonight (2/19 Friday) we are going to discuss Genesis 創世紀 Chapter 25 and beyond. Bettina is going to lead the discussion and prepare the snacks.
For the earlier reminder on next Friday (2/26), Sherry will lead.
See you all tonight.
God Bless us all.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday, February 04, 2010
2/5 Genesis 23
Brothers and Sisters,
As we continue the journey on book of Genesis, we are getting close to the end of Abraham's life.
Chapter 23 describes the end of Sarah's life. And how Abraham arranged her burial. One important thing is Abraham bought the land from Hittites. It was the first land Abraham owned in Canaan. Since God had promised Abraham this land, Abraham was confident his descendants will return this place.
Chapter 24 describes how Abraham arranged the marriages for Issac. We can reason why Abraham prefer none-Canaanite due to Hebrew custom. But more important, Abraham wanted Issac's wife to be a woman who would help Issac to serve God.
In this chapter, we also learn how Abra hm's servants trusted in him and his God. For we are the servants of the Lord, this sets an example for us to follow. May we all be the faithful servants of the Lord our God.
in Christ,
Dan
As we continue the journey on book of Genesis, we are getting close to the end of Abraham's life.
Chapter 23 describes the end of Sarah's life. And how Abraham arranged her burial. One important thing is Abraham bought the land from Hittites. It was the first land Abraham owned in Canaan. Since God had promised Abraham this land, Abraham was confident his descendants will return this place.
Chapter 24 describes how Abraham arranged the marriages for Issac. We can reason why Abraham prefer none-Canaanite due to Hebrew custom. But more important, Abraham wanted Issac's wife to be a woman who would help Issac to serve God.
In this chapter, we also learn how Abra hm's servants trusted in him and his God. For we are the servants of the Lord, this sets an example for us to follow. May we all be the faithful servants of the Lord our God.
in Christ,
Dan
Thursday, January 28, 2010
1/29 Jesus and Passover Lamb
Passover Lamb (Correlation between Old and New Testaments) -- Fr. Marvin Deutsch, M.M.
The feast of the Passover was central to the Jewish faith. Each family sacrificed a lamb, the blood of which was painted on the door posts. The Angel of death Passed over these homes but not over the homes of the Egyptians. All the first born of the Egyptians died. The Jews were saved from the slavery of Egypt. The Jews renewed this event once every year....
When Jesus was 40 days old, he was brought to the temple to be bought back. All the first born had to be bought back in this way. It was a continual reminder of the importance of the Passover feast. (Luke 2:22)
The Jews celebrated this feast every year. It was during this celebration that Jesus when 12 years old, stays behind in the temple to declare his purpose. (Luke 2:41-52)
It is also central to the Christian Faith. Jesus is the New Passover.
He had to die on the eve of the Passover feast. He had to die in Jerusalem. He died while the lambs were being prepared for the feast. He was to become the New Lamb.
Jesus anticipated the feast of the Passover by celebrating it with his apostles on Thursday evening rather than on Friday evening.
Jesus is our Passover Lamb. By his blood we are saved from the Angel of death -eternal damnation in hell. We are saved from the slavery of sin.
We celebrate our Passover not only during Holy Week but every time we offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. At the consecration, the body and blood of Christ becomes present and is offered to the Father for us.
Read Exodus 12: 1-14
Luke 22:7; 14-20
When the day ofthe Feast ofthe Unleavened Bread arrived, the day for sacrificing the Passover lamb, he sent out Peter and John, instructing them, "Go make preparations for us to eat the Passover... When the hour came, he took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them, "1 have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for, I tell you that from this time on I shall not drink ofthe fruit ofthe vine until the kingdom ofGod comes." Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them saying, "This is my body which will be given for you; do this in memory ofme." And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you." Jesus becomes the new Lamb which is continually offered for us
John 1:29 -the Testimony ofJohn the Baptist"
Behold the Lamb ofGod who takes away the sin ofthe world
Revelation 7:13
Then one ofthe elders spoke up and said to me, "Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from? I said to him, "My Lord, you are the one who knows." He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time ofgreat distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood ofthe Lamb. "
Brothers and Sisters,
This week. Fr. Marvin Deutsch will lead us in the discussion of the Passover lab in the book of Exodus. How this passover lamb relates to Jesus who is the lamb of God.
Exodus 12, The Lord commend the whole Israel how to prepare the lamb for sacrifice in order to avoid the Angle of death. God saved Israeli and free them from Egypt.
Gospel of John 1:12, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." God sent his own son to save us from our sin. Jesus, the perfect sacrifice without blemish, has fulfill God's promise, died for us. He is the lamb for us to offer to the Lord our God.
Let us praise the Lord or God. As Christ our Passover lamb, Jesus, has taken away the sin for us. Hallelujah.
in Christ,
Dan
Thursday, January 21, 2010
1/22 Genesis 20
Brothers and Sisters,
This week, we are continuing with the Chapter 20.
The story described in chapter 20 may happened well before chapter 18 that God promised Abraham/Sara a son. Apparently, whether the biblical events are in chronological order is not focus for the author.
The story takes us to the time when Abraham settled in Gerar. At the time, Abimelech who was the king of Gerar, laid eyes on Sara and took her. From the story, we realized how God is protecting his children even in such an desperate situation. The story also showed how weak Abraham is for he lie to Abimelech just to survive. Let's be honest, we probably all do when push comes to the shelf. However, God loves us regardless our sin. As long as we trust in him, God will lead our way out of trouble.
Once again, the author of Genesis uses Hagar to show God's mercy and takes care of his people. By sending messenger to show the well to Hagar, God kept his promise and never abandon us.
The highlight of part of story is God's test on Abraham. By asking Issac for the sacrifice, God put the most difficult test to his servant. Arguable, this is probably even harsher than the test for Job. How can God ask Issac for the sacrifice for Thy had just given him to me, Abraham must have been thinking back and forth. Apparently, Abraham overcome the struggle and decided obeying God's commend as a good servant. As a result, not only Abraham passed God's test, God reward him to be the father of great nation.
Often time, we are struggling and felt mistreated. How are we able to see through God's test and be his good servant. May God give us wisdom and courage to face whatever challenge he impose on us. And let us be an obeying servant.
in Christ,
Dan
This week, we are continuing with the Chapter 20.
The story described in chapter 20 may happened well before chapter 18 that God promised Abraham/Sara a son. Apparently, whether the biblical events are in chronological order is not focus for the author.
The story takes us to the time when Abraham settled in Gerar. At the time, Abimelech who was the king of Gerar, laid eyes on Sara and took her. From the story, we realized how God is protecting his children even in such an desperate situation. The story also showed how weak Abraham is for he lie to Abimelech just to survive. Let's be honest, we probably all do when push comes to the shelf. However, God loves us regardless our sin. As long as we trust in him, God will lead our way out of trouble.
Once again, the author of Genesis uses Hagar to show God's mercy and takes care of his people. By sending messenger to show the well to Hagar, God kept his promise and never abandon us.
The highlight of part of story is God's test on Abraham. By asking Issac for the sacrifice, God put the most difficult test to his servant. Arguable, this is probably even harsher than the test for Job. How can God ask Issac for the sacrifice for Thy had just given him to me, Abraham must have been thinking back and forth. Apparently, Abraham overcome the struggle and decided obeying God's commend as a good servant. As a result, not only Abraham passed God's test, God reward him to be the father of great nation.
Often time, we are struggling and felt mistreated. How are we able to see through God's test and be his good servant. May God give us wisdom and courage to face whatever challenge he impose on us. And let us be an obeying servant.
in Christ,
Dan
Thursday, January 14, 2010
1/15 Genesis 18
Brothers and Sisters,
This week, we are starting with the book of Genesis, chapter 18.
As Sarah laughed to herself not believing in what is going to happen, God spoke
"Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Shall I really bear a child, old as I am? Is anything too marvelous for the LORD to do? At the appointed time, about this time next year, I will return to you, and Sarah will have a son."
Nothing is impossible to God. For human is not possible, everything is possible to God. We are to learn obeying God's call. Although they might seem to be ridiculous and impossible to us.
The story turned 180 degree. We come to see how merciful God is. Abraham's repeating challenge to God's intended plan for the people in Sodom and Gomorrah. Arguable Abraham is not obeying God's will. Deep down, this passage shows the kindness of our God. He is willing to spare the whole city for one single good person.
Let's praise to Lord our God for he is kind and merciful.
in Christ,
Dan
This week, we are starting with the book of Genesis, chapter 18.
As Sarah laughed to herself not believing in what is going to happen, God spoke
"Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Shall I really bear a child, old as I am? Is anything too marvelous for the LORD to do? At the appointed time, about this time next year, I will return to you, and Sarah will have a son."
Nothing is impossible to God. For human is not possible, everything is possible to God. We are to learn obeying God's call. Although they might seem to be ridiculous and impossible to us.
The story turned 180 degree. We come to see how merciful God is. Abraham's repeating challenge to God's intended plan for the people in Sodom and Gomorrah. Arguable Abraham is not obeying God's will. Deep down, this passage shows the kindness of our God. He is willing to spare the whole city for one single good person.
Let's praise to Lord our God for he is kind and merciful.
in Christ,
Dan
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
1/8 Genesis 15
Happy New Year Brothers and Sisters,
We will start our 2010 Bible Study with Genesis Chapter 15
Genesis Chapter 15
The promises in the covenant
Abraham's faith in God's promises was regarded as an act of righteousness. Simply to say, Abraham expressed the "right" attitude of man toward God. That is trusting God with all your mind and all your hart. In return, God credited this to Abraham by giving him title to the fulfillment of God's promises.
This is a very important verse. We cannot please God because of our own efforts. We can only please God if we trust him. Then God made a covenant with Abraham to give the land to his descendants. This covenant is different from other covenants. As a covenant, someone on each side made promises. But in this one, only God made promises. Abraham did not make any promises. Abram just had to trust God. God would do everything else.
Genesis Chapter 16
God has heard
Three times we read that the angel of the Lord spoke to Hagar. It shows that God really cared about Hagar. Everything that he said was really important. God was sending her back to Sarai. That would be difficult for Hagar. She needed to receive confidence from God that it was right. God’s promise about many *descendants would encourage her. This was a wonderful promise for a woman who was just a slave.
Genesis Chapter 17
The covenant
This chapter is very important. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. God also changed his wife’s name from Sarai to Sarah. God told Abraham more about his promises. God told Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. So Abraham would not only be the father of just one nation! Abraham was already living in the country that God promised to him. God added that he had promised ‘the whole country’ to Abraham. God told Abraham that there would be kings in his family. And God told him that Sarah, his old wife, would be the mother of his child. God said that this covenant will last always.
In two ways, God showed clearly that he had made the covenant. He gave new names to Abram (Abraham) and Sarai (Sarah). And he ordered the male members of their family to receive circumcision. That would show that they were joining into the *covenant with God.
God Bless
We will start our 2010 Bible Study with Genesis Chapter 15
Genesis Chapter 15
The promises in the covenant
Abraham's faith in God's promises was regarded as an act of righteousness. Simply to say, Abraham expressed the "right" attitude of man toward God. That is trusting God with all your mind and all your hart. In return, God credited this to Abraham by giving him title to the fulfillment of God's promises.
This is a very important verse. We cannot please God because of our own efforts. We can only please God if we trust him. Then God made a covenant with Abraham to give the land to his descendants. This covenant is different from other covenants. As a covenant, someone on each side made promises. But in this one, only God made promises. Abraham did not make any promises. Abram just had to trust God. God would do everything else.
Genesis Chapter 16
God has heard
Three times we read that the angel of the Lord spoke to Hagar. It shows that God really cared about Hagar. Everything that he said was really important. God was sending her back to Sarai. That would be difficult for Hagar. She needed to receive confidence from God that it was right. God’s promise about many *descendants would encourage her. This was a wonderful promise for a woman who was just a slave.
Genesis Chapter 17
The covenant
This chapter is very important. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. God also changed his wife’s name from Sarai to Sarah. God told Abraham more about his promises. God told Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. So Abraham would not only be the father of just one nation! Abraham was already living in the country that God promised to him. God added that he had promised ‘the whole country’ to Abraham. God told Abraham that there would be kings in his family. And God told him that Sarah, his old wife, would be the mother of his child. God said that this covenant will last always.
In two ways, God showed clearly that he had made the covenant. He gave new names to Abram (Abraham) and Sarai (Sarah). And he ordered the male members of their family to receive circumcision. That would show that they were joining into the *covenant with God.
God Bless
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
12/11 - "Advent and How Jesus Showed He was the Son of God"
Dear Friends and Families,
Do you noticed that the color in churches already changed to purple and the candles are lighted, but not completely? Do you know Advent is already here? What does that mean to us?
This Friday, Fr. Marvin is going to let us understand "Advent and How Jesus Showed He was the Son of God". Please join us and study with Fr. Marvin about Advent. Let's be prepared for our Holy Christmas.
Advent
- 將臨期 - 是歡慶耶穌聖誕前的準備期與等待期，亦可算是教會的新年。
- 拉丁文Adventus意指即將到來，意義上除了古代希伯來人等待彌賽亞(救主)到來之外.
- 另也包括基督徒等待耶穌的再次降臨。
- 將臨期起自聖誕節前四週，由最接近11月30日之主日算起直到聖誕節。
- 西方基督教教會曆一年始於將臨期的第一主日（東正教教會曆一年則始於9月1日。）
- 將臨期的節慶，主要為羅馬天主教、聖公宗和信義宗所緊守。
- 整個將臨期一般採用的禮儀顏色是紫色或藍色。
- 但降臨第三主日，俗稱「喜樂主日」，可用粉紅色。
- 教會都會在將臨期放一個花環，裡面有三枝紫色的蠟燭、一枝粉紅色的蠟燭以及一枝白蠟燭，叫作將臨花環，每一主日燃點一枝蠟燭。
Thursday, December 03, 2009
12/4 Genesis 10
Dear Friends and Families,
On this Friday, we are going to discuss Genesis 10 and 11. Vincent will lead for the discussion. Please see your meeting time and location details on the left box.
See you all on Friday and God Bless you always.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
11/27 - Happy Thanksgiving Holiday
No meeting on Thanksgiving weekend.
Wish all you have a Happy and Thankful Thanksgiving Holiday.
 |  |
Friday, November 20, 2009
11/20 Sharing: Meeting with Angels and What we thank for
Dear Friends and Families,
Next week is Thanksgiving Holiday, Let's get together think about and share what we thank for before the thanksgiving day. In the beginning of today's sharing, Sherry will share her experiences with angels. Please bring your own favorite snacks too.
See you all tonight and God Bless.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
11/13 - Genesis Chapter 5 ~ 9
This week, Daniel will lead us for Genesis Chapter 5 and beyond. Please read his reflection for discussion.
Genesis Chapter 5 to Chapter 9
There are three aspects to this section
The earth might be a lot older than Genesis seems to show. Many people have that belief. However, scientists are not at all certain how old the earth is. It does not matter if days and years were a different length then. We know that God made the earth. And he made everything in it. If time was different then, it does not make God less wonderful. And it does not make man less wicked. We trust God.
At that time, people lived longer. Life was healthier. There were not so many illnesses.
5: 23-24, The whole lifetime of Enoch was three hundred and sixty-five years. Then Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took him
Jude 14-15: Enoch, of the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied also about them when he said, "Behold, the Lord has come with his countless holy ones to execute judgment on all and to convict everyone for all the godless deeds that they committed and for all the harsh words godless sinners have uttered against him.
Enoch walked with God clearly implies that he did not die, but like Elijah was taken alive to God's abode.
120 years
There might have been two meanings:
6:4, At that time the Nephilim appeared on earth (as well as later), after the sons of heaven had intercourse with the daughters of man, who bore them sons.
Some interpret as “Angle had intercourse with human”
Great Flood:
Both biblical sources go back ultimately to an ancient Mesopotamian story of a great flood, preserved in the eleventh tablet of the Gilgamesh Epic. The latter account, in some respects remarkably similar to the biblical account, is in others very different from it.
7:2-3, Of every clean animal, take with you seven pairs, a male and its mate; and of the unclean animals, one pair, a male and its mate; likewise, of every clean bird of the air, seven pairs, a male and a female, and of all the unclean birds, one pair, a male and a female
‘Clean animals’. God gave strict rules about which animals people could *sacrifice. And he was strict about which animals they could eat. Those animals were called ‘clean animals’. But there were other animals that people must not *sacrifice. And they should not eat these animals. These animals were called ‘*unclean animals’.
7:4, forty days and forty nights
may just mean a long time not exact how long the rain lasted.
Size of the Ark:
The dimensions of Noah's ark were approximately 440 x 73 x 44 feet, a foot and a half to the cubit. The ark of the Babylonian flood story was an exact cube, 120 cubits in length, width and height.
A *cubit is a measurement that people used then. It is equal to 18 inches (about 45 centimetres).
9: 17, God told Noah: "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all mortal creatures that are on earth."
God had made an agreement (*covenant) with Noah before the flood. He told Noah about it again here, because it was very important. God included all *creatures in the agreement. People must take care of God’s earth and God’s *creatures.
Genesis Chapter 5 to Chapter 9
There are three aspects to this section
- The long life spans attributed to these ten antediluvian patriarchs have a symbolic rather than a historical value.
- The prospective of “life span”
- The covenant (differs from “new covenant”)
The earth might be a lot older than Genesis seems to show. Many people have that belief. However, scientists are not at all certain how old the earth is. It does not matter if days and years were a different length then. We know that God made the earth. And he made everything in it. If time was different then, it does not make God less wonderful. And it does not make man less wicked. We trust God.
At that time, people lived longer. Life was healthier. There were not so many illnesses.
5: 23-24, The whole lifetime of Enoch was three hundred and sixty-five years. Then Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took him
Jude 14-15: Enoch, of the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied also about them when he said, "Behold, the Lord has come with his countless holy ones to execute judgment on all and to convict everyone for all the godless deeds that they committed and for all the harsh words godless sinners have uttered against him.
Enoch walked with God clearly implies that he did not die, but like Elijah was taken alive to God's abode.
120 years
There might have been two meanings:
- Man would live only about 120 years
- God would send that flood after 120 years
6:4, At that time the Nephilim appeared on earth (as well as later), after the sons of heaven had intercourse with the daughters of man, who bore them sons.
Some interpret as “Angle had intercourse with human”
Great Flood:
Both biblical sources go back ultimately to an ancient Mesopotamian story of a great flood, preserved in the eleventh tablet of the Gilgamesh Epic. The latter account, in some respects remarkably similar to the biblical account, is in others very different from it.
7:2-3, Of every clean animal, take with you seven pairs, a male and its mate; and of the unclean animals, one pair, a male and its mate; likewise, of every clean bird of the air, seven pairs, a male and a female, and of all the unclean birds, one pair, a male and a female
‘Clean animals’. God gave strict rules about which animals people could *sacrifice. And he was strict about which animals they could eat. Those animals were called ‘clean animals’. But there were other animals that people must not *sacrifice. And they should not eat these animals. These animals were called ‘*unclean animals’.
7:4, forty days and forty nights
may just mean a long time not exact how long the rain lasted.
Size of the Ark:
The dimensions of Noah's ark were approximately 440 x 73 x 44 feet, a foot and a half to the cubit. The ark of the Babylonian flood story was an exact cube, 120 cubits in length, width and height.
A *cubit is a measurement that people used then. It is equal to 18 inches (about 45 centimetres).
9: 17, God told Noah: "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all mortal creatures that are on earth."
God had made an agreement (*covenant) with Noah before the flood. He told Noah about it again here, because it was very important. God included all *creatures in the agreement. People must take care of God’s earth and God’s *creatures.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
11/6 - Genesis 4 : Why are you so resentful and crestfallen?
Dear Friends and Families,
Last week we already started our Genesis journey. Thanks Arthur led us and let us understand lots of truth behind the story.
This week Sherry is going to lead us continue on this journey starting from Chapter 4 - Why are you so resentful and crestfallen? Please find bible on-line links for your reference.
We still have fewer slots for lead and snacks sharing. Please sign up at
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0ArWdkUODnPF0cFpvR0pqTk9GbzdiZ012alhLa2d4R3c&hl=en
Christmas is coming soon after Thanksgiving, please feel free to share your idea, if you like to have a Christmas party for kids and family. If yes, we properly need to start think about it now.
God Bless.
Last week we already started our Genesis journey. Thanks Arthur led us and let us understand lots of truth behind the story.
This week Sherry is going to lead us continue on this journey starting from Chapter 4 - Why are you so resentful and crestfallen? Please find bible on-line links for your reference.
- 創世紀(中文): http://www.ccreadbible.org/Chinese%20Bible/backup/Old%20Testament/The%20Pentateuch/Genesis125
- Genesis(English) : http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/index.shtml#genesis
We still have fewer slots for lead and snacks sharing. Please sign up at
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0ArWdkUODnPF0cFpvR0pqTk9GbzdiZ012alhLa2d4R3c&hl=en
Christmas is coming soon after Thanksgiving, please feel free to share your idea, if you like to have a Christmas party for kids and family. If yes, we properly need to start think about it now.
God Bless.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)