​For Christians, the foundation of the relationship between husband and wife is based on how man and woman were created.
 
God created Eve using a process totally different from everything else He had created. God used Adam’s rib to create Eve, shaping her from him.
 
Eve was Adam’s flesh and bone. They were one, united in an inseparable bond. Moses’s concession of divorce was because of man’s hardness (Matthew 19:8).
 
A husband should consider his wife as a part of his body. As God commanded, a husband should love his wife as he loves his own body, which inherently includes respect, gentleness, and not looking for but bearing many faults (Colossians 3:19).
 
A wife should subject herself to her husband, not based on whether he has something superior, but to honor him, as God commanded. Though she probably can find things in her husband to despise or even demonize, she shouldn’t.
 
Husband and wife should live harmoniously. A husband provoking fights with his wife, or a wife being adamantly stubborn against her husband, will disrupt the order of nature. Such behavior will even hinder their prayers to God (Ephesians 5:31-33, Genesis 2:23, 1 Peter 3:3-7).
 
Though the bond between husband and wife is stronger than any other between two people, children should still honor their parents. God won’t change what He has ordained.
 
As commanded by God, husband should be a companion to his wife and love her as a part of himself. And wife should honor her husband, submitting to him as the head.
 
The relationship between husband and wife teaches us about Christ and His church. The church draws its life and strength from Christ (Ephesians 5:31-33). We are nothing compared to God’s majesty, yet God manifested Himself in the flesh to save us. Moreover, God the Father has knitted us to His son and grafted us into His body. Christ becomes our sustenance, with everything of Him made common to us, including His glory (Ephesians 5:32).
 
So, repent, worship Him, and be governed by the Holy Spirit to live according to His will, allowing Him to reform us to perfection. 
 
Summary of a sermon by John Calvin, titled “Sermon on Ephesians 5:31-33.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMF7mldLe6E

God knows what we want, whether we ask or don’t. If our desires align with His plans, they will happen; if not, they won’t. So why ask for anything?
 
We don’t pray to tell God things He doesn’t know. We pray to ask for wisdom, to know when and how to use what God has given us. We pray to learn about Him. And we pray to have an intimate fellowship with Him (James 1:5, Matthew 6:6).
 
Some prayers won’t be accepted, such as insincere prayers made openly to receive worldly glory. Lengthy, performative prayers, coupled with bad behavior, may even lead to punishment. In fact, purple prose and mindless repetition may indicate a lack of faith. With faith, we may only need to ask once (Matthew 6:5-8, Luke 20:47).
 
Other requests God dislikes include requests with bad motives, such as asking for things we don’t really need. Another type is requests that assume God is not in control or He is not loving. Also, requests from a clashing constantly-fighting family may encounter difficulty getting granted (Psalms 66:18; James 4:3, 1:6-7; Matthew 5:23-24; 1 Peter 3:7).
 
As to prayers that God favors, the first is humble prayers, like the tax collector’s short but desperate prayer for forgiveness, in contrast to the Pharisee’s arrogant and narcissist prayer (Luke 18:9-14).
 
God favors prayers that sincerely admit fault. God loves repentance, and He will forgive. Earnest prayers in tears lead to results.
 
Other God-favored prayers include whole-hearted requests from at least two believers, and prayers from spiritual leaders on our behalf. Opening ourselves to such leaders can be a healing process. Learn to confess sins to one another and pray for each other (Psalm 51:17, 126: 5-6; 1 john 1:9; Matthew 18:19-20; James 5:13-16).
 
God may not answer our prayers how or when we want, but we must trust His love and sovereignty. Patiently wait for Him, hold onto His words, and follow them (Jeremiah 33:3). Have confidence that whatever He gives will be better than what we ask for. He will show us great things beyond what we can imagine.
  
Summary of a sermon by 蘇穎智 titled “What we must know regarding prayer.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AYOMnoSqtQ
​

The fruit of the Spirit is neither earned through deeds alone nor grown entirely by itself. We need to cultivate it. Let’s first understand what the fruit is (Galatians 5:22-25).
 
The fruit starts with love, which is God’s primary essence. Love God and others regardless of differences, just as God loves the world.
 
Joy isn’t the constantly-wearing-a-smile-type happiness. We can be in pain and depressed but still have it. Joy arises from trusting God’s sovereignty and goodness, and His ultimate healing and restoration. We have joy from God being with us, and from all He has given us.
 
Peace transcends all understanding in this schizophrenic and stressful world. Peace isn’t apathy, but it strives to avoid needless conflict. And it anchors in the promise that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 8:28, Romans 14-15).  
 
God’s patience, kindness, and faithfulness are extolled throughout the Old Testament. However, God is also just and holy. When the Israelites kept rebelling, punishment became necessary. But the fruit doesn’t include judgment because only God can exercise fully righteous and holy judgment. We won’t become Christ in every sense.
 
Goodness implies integrity and doing what’s right, including the good work God has prepared for us. This is at least because we are saved by grace, and we should serve God. Serving Him includes sharing His words. Such sharing and caring go together.
 
Gentleness is from recognizing you are blessed by God’s grace. Never boast. But balance gentleness and righteous anger against what’s wrong, including against things totally disruptive to how life should work. Yet never feel morally superior. We are all sinners.
 
Self-control isn’t encouraged in this culture, but we let our impulses dictate our choices. Because of our sinful nature, we need the discipline to not do, say, or think certain things. Yet we aren’t killjoy. Self-control helps produce the above attributes, which include joy.
 
The fruit of the Spirit is God’s work in us. However, we need to cooperate with the Spirit. So, regularly examine your life and question yourself; stand up where you fail; and read the bible, pray, worship, and have fellowship with other Christians. Then you will bear the fruit of the Spirit.
 
Summary of Christopher Wright’s book, titled, “Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc71NfiVYUk
​

​Curiously, the Bible uses several different words for resurrection.
 
During His ministry on earth, Christ brought three people back to life: the daughter of a synagogue leader, the son of a widow, and Lazarus1. The Greek word used in the daughter’s case is zesetai2, which means “live.” In Lazarus’s story, the term anastesetai3 is used, meaning “rise again.” But the Greek word used for Christ’s resurrection is egerthe4.
 
Similarly, in 1 Corinthians, the Greek word anastasis5 refers to people coming back to life, while the term egegertai6 and its variants are reserved for Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12-17). So why the distinction?
 
Christ’s resurrected body transcends matter, time, and space. After He rose, Christ could walk through walls7, and His body rose into the sky8.
 
But for those Christ brought back to life, they were returned to their former bodies, like being resuscitated. If they later didn’t come to believe in Christ, they would die in their sin and not experience Christ’s type of resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:22).
 
We have historical records of Christ being crucified, but Christ’s special type of resurrection is beyond our understanding and must be accepted by faith.
 
The Church is Christ’s body. What parallels can we draw between Christ’s body and the Church today?
 
During crucifixion, Christ’s body was butchered, but His resurrected body was glorious. Today’s churches are wrecked. Lots of churches are little more than tourist attractions. Many believers have stopped attending church altogether. Can the Church be restored just as Christ’s body was?
 
What about us as individuals?
 
One day, we will die, and we will lose everything we gained in this life: possessions, power, status—we can’t take any of it with us. We might even lose them before we leave this world, as many have experienced when they retire.
 
So don’t focus on earthly things. Instead, anchor onto a new hope, the hope of having the Christ-like resurrection. Focus on being the children of God, whom God cherishes. Pray to become more like Christ, with your life reflecting our glorious Savior.
 
A summary of a sermon by Benedict Kwok Hung-biu, titled, “Christ Resurrection Based on the New Testament.”
 
 
1 Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 7:11-17, John 11:1-44
2 Matthew 9:18
3 John 11:23
4 Matthew 28:5-6, Mark 16:6, and Luke 24:6, 34
5 anastasis in v12 and 13
6 egegertai in v12, egegertai in v13, egegertai in v14, egeiren in v15, egeirontai and egegertai in v16, and egegertai in v17
7 John 20:19-20, 26
8 Acts 1:9

​Enoch faithfully walked with God and pleased Him, such that Enoch was even spared from death (Genesis 5:22-24, Hebrews 11:5-6).
 
To walk with God, we must deal with our hate for Him. We saw this hate in Adam when he avoided and blamed God for giving him Eve, and when Cain killed Abel out of jealousy. Removing such hostility requires the Holy Spirit (Romans 7:18-25).
 
Through faith in Christ, we are reconciled with God the Father, and the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us. As we remain in fellowship with God, we will grow daily and become more like Christ.
 
There are a few things we can do to help us maintain that fellowship.
 
Read and meditate day and night on God’s words so they become a lamp to our feet and light to our path (2 Timothy 3:16-17); even Christ fought Satan by quoting the Scripture. Meditate on God’s works, such as Christ’s crucifixion. Pray privately and unceasingly, no matter how brief.
 
Pay close attention to His work on us, and to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. To avoid being misguided by our emotions or reasoning, use God’s word to test what we think might be the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
 
Also, obey His commands and find fellowship with other believers. As iron sharpens iron, so too do believers, spurring each other toward love and good deeds (Proverbs 27:17).
 
It is a great honor to walk with God, with the Lord of lords in us, and to be called His friend (John 15:15). This is a pleasant path because ways of wisdom are pleasant ways (Proverbs 3:13-18). His words are sweeter than honey.
 
With the love of the Holy Spirit in us, we will be filled with joy, even in tribulation. The apostles rejoiced after being flogged, and Paul sang hymns in prison after being stripped and severely beaten (Acts 5:40-42, 16:22-25).
 
Furthermore, our rewards and blessings in the new heaven and earth will be great, with everlasting glory from God waiting for us.
 
So, Christians, don’t be lukewarm. Remember the joy of walking with God and let the love of Christ drive you to walk with Him.
 
Summary of a sermon by George Whitefield, titled, “Walking with God!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt-Xu3JC1sg

​After the flood, sin was still rampant. Then came Abraham. God showed Abraham He would justify all nations by faith, with all nations blessed through Abraham (Genesis 12, Galatians 3:8).
 
God’s desire is to bring blessings to all nations. Abraham was chosen for this purpose (Genesis 18:18-19), as was Israel. Not because Israel was good, but because of His love, God chose Israel to be His witness, by which He would bring salvation to all (Isaiah 44:21).
 
Then through Christ, salvation came to all nations, as promised in the Old Testament (OT) (Galatians 3:8; Luke 24:27, 44-47).
 
So the mission of God’s people in the OT was to bring God’s blessing of salvation to all nations. To achieve such a mission required Biblical ways of living.
 
Abraham and his people needed to live distinctively, following God’s righteousness and not Sodom’s way of injustice, cruelty, and wantonness (Genesis 18:18-19, 19; Isaiah 1; Ezekiel 16).
 
Similarly, Israelites were to live following God’s teachings (Leviticus 18:3, 19:2). If so, they would be God’s priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:4-6), bringing God to all nations and drawing them to God. That was the purpose of the OT laws, which were ultimately fulfilled through Christ.
 
God’s people must follow God’s ways, to bear witness to and bring the knowledge of God to all. God’s people are to shine before them, attracting them to God (Deuteronomy 4:6-8, Matthew 5:14-16).
 
Examples of witnessing in the OT include Joshua terrifying the surrounding nations and attracting people, like Rahab, to God; and the Israelites themselves being sent into exile before their subsequent return (Exodus 15:14-16; Joshua 2:8-11; Exodus 32:11-14; Ezekiel 36:20-21, 33-36).
 
Through such witnessing, ultimately the nations will benefit and praise God. Those who choose to be God’s people will be accepted into an all-nation community that knows, worships, and loves God (Isaiah 56:3-8, Isaiah 19:19-24, Psalm 87:4-7, Zechariah 2:10-11).
 
God’s creation will rejoice together in the coming of the Lord, culminating in the new heaven and the new earth (Psalm 96: 11-13, Isaiah 65:17-25).
 
In the New Testament, Christians are to live following God’s teachings and obey the Great Commission. Christians are to bring God’s blessings to all and make God known to the ends of the earth. Thus, the mission of God’s people is deeply rooted in the OT.
 
A summary of a sermon by Christopher Wright, titled, “The Old Testament Vision of God’s People”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0dFzFry7sU
 

Paul ventured beyond Jerusalem to convert non-believers to Christ. To the Gentiles, Paul was crazy because Christ was crucified. To the Jews, treating Christ as their Messiah was scandalous. Paul forced both groups to ask themselves who God was, what His purpose was, and what that meant for them.
 
Those who accepted his message became renewed creations[1], with new eyes and new minds, growing and maturing in their new knowledge of the Creator[2]. No longer enslaved by foolish things, they saw the importance of love[3]. Their new lives centered on Christ.
 
These transformed individuals formed a united and holy community focused on God, not on earthly things[4]. Through this community, people would see Christ as Lord[5].
 
Paul rooted the above in the Old Testament.
 
Regarding the concept of only one God, as shown in Shema, the Jewish daily prayer: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God; the Lord is one,” Paul refreshed this concept into one God, the Father (we live for Him), and one Lord, Christ (we live through Him)[6]. Just as Christ humbled Himself despite being God, we should also humble ourselves in our relationships with others[7]. In light of this, God the Father shares His glory with Christ; compare this to the Jewish concept of God never sharing His glory[8].
 
Regarding being God’s people, Jews in Exodus were freed from Egyptian slavery with God living among them, just as we, slaves of sins, become God’s children through Christ, with the Holy Spirit living in us[9]. But Paul placed knowing Christ above all his Jewish privileges[10]. Instead of Jews alone being God’s people, Jews and Gentiles alike are justified through Christ as one people under God.
 
As to our future, it is analogous to how the Israelites left Egypt and inherited the promised land. Through Christ, we become part of the new heaven and earth. Paul teaches us to live according to the Spirit, with our minds set on what the Spirit desires.
 
But we still live in a fallen world. Fortunately, in our weakness, we can rely on the Spirit, who helps us and intercedes for us before the Father[11].What we do in Christ won’t be in vain but instead will be part of God’s new creation. So let us give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord[12].
 
Summary of a sermon titled “How Paul invented Christian theology,” by N.T. Wright
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkcjFHYIugY
 

 1 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 8:18-22
2 John 3:7, Romans 8:5-8, Romans 12:2, 1Corinthians 14: 20, Colossians 3:10
3 Galatians 4:8-9, Corinthians 8:1-3
4 Philippians 2:1-2, 3:19; Galatians 2:11-14; Romans 8; Colossians 3:2
5 Ephesian 3:10
6 1 Corinthians 8:6
7 Philippians 2:5-11
8 Philippians 2:10-11, Isaiah 45:23
9 Galatians 4:1-11
10 Philippians 3:2-11
11 Romans 8:5-8, 26, 27; 1 Corinthians 15; Isaiah 11; Revelation 21
12 1 Corinthians 15:58

​Let’s explain a few concepts regarding the end times. Some people focus too much on the millennium, a term that appears only in one passage[1] in Revelation, which is a book filled with symbolic imagery. Others focus on the rapture and Christians being snatched away[2]. Instead, our focus should be on Christ’s return. Furthermore, the New Testament has nothing on the Israel state. The Old Testament’s promises to the Israelites are fulfilled in Christ, not through any holy land[3]. Gentiles and Jews share the same inheritance in Christ[4].
 
In the end times, Christ will return personally[5]. All will see His glorious return[6], and the dead will be raised[7].
 
Christ will be the fair and merciful judge[8]. His judgments will last forever[9], with all wrongs exposed[10] and all wickedness destroyed[11]. His judgments will be based on what we know and our situations[12], according to our deeds and our lives[13]. We are justified through faith, and our deeds will show whether we lived in faith[14].
 
God will transform His creation into the new heaven and earth, with no more death, mourning, pain, impurity, strife, violence, war, or sin. Many will go to heaven, but earth is the final home. God will come down to be with us on earth[15]. We will openly see God’s face[16]. We will live with God in our gloriously resurrected bodies[17].
 
The corrupted physical creation will be cleansed of its curse. All people and animals will live peacefully together, praising and honoring God[18].
 
The new earth includes the city in Revelation, a secure, spacious, and beautiful place, like the garden of Eden, but with the tree of life always there for us.
 
People will bring into the city their glorious and honorable splendor, filling the city with their cultural richness, and we will enjoy the work of our hands there[19].
 
Until that day, we should faithfully do what He has told us to do, so we’ll be ready for the end times. Rest in our sovereign God, who will redeem us and put all things right again[20].
 
Also, let us thank God for giving us a new birth and a living hope through Christ’s death and resurrection[21]. Thank God for giving us a real life in His new creation.
 
Summarized from Chapters 9-11 of The God I Don’t Understand: Reflections on Tough Questions of Faith by Christopher Wright.
 
1 - Revelation 20
2 - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and Matthew 24:40-41
3 - Hebrews 13:14, Acts 13:32-33, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Galatians 3:26-28, Romans 4:11-12
4 - Ephesians 2:11-3:6; Hebrews 3:12-4:11, 4:14, 8:1, 10:21, 13:10, 6:19-20, 10:19, 12:22, 12:28
5 - Acts 1:10-11, James 5:7-9; 1 John 2:28
6 - Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Titus 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:8
7 - Revelation 20:11-13, Philippians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 15:35-43, Matthew 22:23-33
8 - Revelation 5:6; John 5:22-23; Acts 10:42-43, 17:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Psalm 33:13-15, 103:14; Luke 23:34; 1 Timothy 1:13
9 - 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10
10 - John 5:25-29; Job 24:12, 23-24
11 - 2 Peter 3:10
12 - John 3:19-21; Romans 1:19-20, 2:12-16
13 - Revelation 20:12-13, 2 Corinthians 5:10
14 - Matthew 7:21-23
15 - Revelation 21-22; Isaiah 65:17, 25
16 - Revelation 21:3, 22:3-4
17 - Luke 24:37-39; John 21:4-13; Acts 2:24, 3:15, 13:29-30, Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2; Romans 8:11, 23
18 - Isaiah 65:25; Revelation 4:7, 5:13-14
19 - Revelation 21:24-27, Isaiah 65:21-23.
20 - Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 96:11-13
21 - 1 Peter 1:3

Humans have caused lots of suffering. Genesis 3 describes how the devil tempted humans into rejecting God’s authority, distrusting His goodness, and disobeying Him, which led to the downfall of mankind.
 
The Bible doesn’t explain the origin of the devil but describes the devil as an angel rebelled and fought against God, such as attacking Christ throughout His ministry[1]. Despite this, the devil still exists under God’s authority.
 
God doesn't create evil because there is no darkness in God[2]. Though we can’t make sense of the devil, we need to reject and resist him[3].
 
We also can’t make sense of natural disasters and catastrophic pandemics, which cause suffering as well. The curse on the ground in Genesis 3 didn’t cause them because that curse was on humans[4]. The story of Job teaches us that suffering is not necessarily a punishment from God[5]. Natural disasters have existed all along. If God used disasters to punish, He would’ve stated so.
 
Many in the Bible, including Job, Jeremiah, and numerous psalmists, lamented and questioned their loving and all-powerful God. They complained furiously, protesting to God’s slowness in responding. Yet, they still believed in God’s sovereignty and goodness[6].
 
We also need to trust God being in charge. We need to believe that all things work together for His purpose, as seen in the life of Joseph[7].
 
Similarly, we need to trust God’s goodness. The cross demonstrates His goodness, as well as the wickedness of Satan and men under their free will. But God’s sovereignty weaves all these together for our good[8].
 
Finally, Revelation teaches that God is at the center of the universe, with all creation around Him. Only Christ can understand human history, not us[9]. And God’s sovereignty overrides all evilness, with God judging the wicked and saving His people[10]. In the end, Christ will rule over everything, with all evil, death, pain, shame, deceit, impurity, and curse eradicated[11].
 
In His sovereignty, God weaves evil into His purpose to redeem the whole of creation, accomplishing the greatest good[12]. This is our wonderful hope, in which we have total confidence and incomparable joy.
 
Summarized from Chapters 1-3 of The God I Don’t Understand: Reflections on Tough Questions of Faith” by Christopher Wright.
 
1 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6, Revelation 12:7-9
2 Habakkuk 1:13, 1 John 1:5
3 Ephesians 6:11, 1 Peter 5:8-9
4 Genesis 3:17, Romans 8:20-21
5 John 9:1-3, Luke 13:1-5
6 Job 19:6-8; Jeremiah 15:10-21, 17:14-18, 20:7-18; Lamentations 2:11-12; Amos 3:6; Isaiah 45:7; and Psalms 10, 12, 13, 28, 30, 38, 56, 69, 88
7 Genesis 45:4-8
8 Acts 2:22-24, 36-38
9 Revelation 4&5
10 Revelation 6&7
11 Revelation 21:1-4; 22:3
12 Revelation 21-22
 

Sometimes our invisible God seems powerless or apathetic in our day-to-day life. And we don’t even know how to pray about it (Romans 8:26).
 
Romans 8:28 starts with “we know.” We know God is in control of all aspects of our life, to manifest His glory and bless us.
 
Don’t let circumstances control you. Instead, learn about God. The more we know Him, the better prepared we are to deal with our confusing world.
 
God promises that all things work together according to His plan. He is always working behind the scenes to fulfill this plan. In everything, God works for good.
 
In the short term, things can look terrible. But life events are synergistic. God weaves them together for good.
 
This promise is to those who love Him (Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 145:20, 1 Corinthians 2:9, 1 Corinthians 8:3, James 1:12). They are also those called by God. These are two sides of a coin, one side from us loving God and the other side from God calling us to Himself for His purposes.
 
Let’s look at a few heroes in the Bible.
 
Job suffered terribly. He lost everything. Even his friends said he deserved it. Though Job didn’t understand why, he trusted God’s sovereignty and stood strong during all his life’s disasters (Job 1:1, 1:21, 23:10).
 
Joseph was sold to Egypt and suffered for years. But he followed God. Later, as the second most powerful man in Egypt, he succinctly said everything was woven together under God’s plan for good (Genesis 50:20).
 
Jeremiah told the Jewish people in exile and destruction that, weaving everything together, God had a plan to give them hope and a future (Jeremiah 24:5-7, 29:11).
 
Finally, look at Christ. God, the Father, turned all Satan’s evil plots against Christ into humanity’s greatest blessing (Acts 2:23, 4:27-28).
 
So, trust God. Believe that all things are under His control (Isaiah 46:9-11). If we walk with God every day, there is nothing to fear. All things work together for their good of those who love God.
 
So, count your blessings in gratitude.
 
And live grittily. Hold fast to your goals. If you fall, get back up and fight again. Serve God in faith and without fear, because He is our safety net.
 
Summary of a sermon by David Jeremiah, titled “A Great Promise.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=DLl3VeCEODQ
​

In His great love, God sacrificed Himself on the cross, pouring His blood in place of ours [1]. But why? Why does God love us? Can we ever understand?
 
God loves the Israelites not because they are important [2] or righteous [3], or even because He is their God [4]. He loves them for reasons only known to Him. Similarly, only God knows why He loves us and has mercy on us [5]. So, just be amazed and thankful [6].
 
The cross has phenomenal effects. Through it, God has forgiven us, freeing us from sin’s control [7]; justified us before Him [8]; reconciled with us [9], enabled us to reconcile with others [10]; and has given us new life [11]. His crucifixion has removed our guilt before God and bears our shame of covering up our real self, removing our shame before others [12]. How the cross achieves this is a mystery.
 
We can’t fully understand why the Father, working with the Son, ferociously assaulted and killed His beloved Son to appease His own standard of justice. One reason may be that God hates evil.
 
The Father handed Christ to the wicked [13] to be tortured and killed. The Father also separated Christ from Him.
 
The New Testament said the cross was in accordance with the Scriptures (or the Pentateuch) [14]. Christ also linked His death to Solomon temple’s destruction [15], drawing a parallel between crucifixion and Israelites’ history.
 
Because of their rebellion, God handed the Israelites to wicked people. They were exiled and nearly annihilated, with the temple destroyed. God separated Himself from Israel [16]. Yet, while the Israelites were sinful, Christ was innocent.

Similarly, because of our rebellion, God has separated Himself from us and handed us to the wicked. And we suffer from them.
 
Though we can argue that God doesn’t want to turn us into puppets, do we deserve to be punished when it was God who made the moral universe? Can we exonerate God from all involvements?
 
We can’t fully comprehend God’s sovereignty and our responsibility.
 
But what we can see is God’s love on Calvary. We can see Christ being cut off from the Father and bearing God’s judgment of our sin so we can reconcile with God [17].
 

A summary of Chapters 6-8 of “The God I Don’t Understand: Reflections on Tough Questions of Faith,” regarding “Questions Regarding the Cross,” by Christopher J.H. Wright.

[1] 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Luke 22:19-20, Isaiah 53:5-6

[2] Deuteronomy 7:7-8

[3] Deuteronomy 9:4-6, Ezekiel 16:48-52

[4] Deuteronomy 10:14

[5] Ephesians 2:3-7

[6] 2 Samuel 7:18; 1 Chronicle 29:14-15

[7] Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 1:7-2:2

[8] 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Corinthian 5:21

[9] Ephesians 2:11-13, 19; Romans 5:10-11

[10] Ephesians 2:13-18

[11] Ephesians 2:4-5

[12] Isaiah 54:4, Ezekiel 36:16-32

[13] Acts 2:23, Ezekial 11:9

[14] 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

[15] John 2:19-22

[16] 2 Thessalonians 1:9

[17] 2 Corinthians 5:21

​

​Praise God’s great mercy for the wonderful salvation that gives us a new birth (1 Peter 1:1-9, John 10:10).
 
This new birth from the Holy Spirit transforms us (John 3:5, 8). It brings us the living hope of an inheritance that is eternal, unlike earthly things; that is pure, with no evil, suffering, and sin; and that is as beautiful as Christ’s never-fading glorious body (1 Peter 1:4, Philippians 3:21).
 
But our journey on earth is one of sanctification. We will fall, but in that failure, we should pray fervently and rely on God’s grace. Through the power of God, we can stand up from where we fall and hold firmly onto our conviction to do God’s will (Hebrew 3:14, 10:36).
 
We shouldn’t rely on what we see. Our trust shouldn’t be in our wealth and health. Instead, focus on God’s glory, God’s will, and His Kingdom. Trust God to be our Lord. His glory is the hope of humanity (Ephesians 1:3-14).
 
During this journey, we will experience suffering and trial. This is partially because living a godly life brings persecution (1Peter 1:6, 2Timothy 3:12). In suffering, persist in your faith, which is purified by the trial.
 
When Christ returns, those holding onto their faith will receive praise from Him and crowns as good as Paul’s (2Timothy 4:7-8). We will be like Christ and with Christ, who is on the throne (1 Peter 1:7).
 
This salvation doesn’t just promise us wonderful blessings in the future. On earth today, it already provides us an abundant life through God’s great blessings.
 
We can enjoy a loving relationship with the invisible Christ. Though we may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials, the Holy Spirit can bring us God’s grace and guidance and help us trust His wonderful plan.
 
Remember that you don’t have to fight alone; God’s power will protect your faith, and the salvation of your body and your soul (1 Peter 1:5). 
 
So, you can be filled with glorious joy even today (1 Peter 1:6, 8, 9; Matthew 16:24-26).
 
This is our wonderful salvation.
 
Summary of a sermon by 陳若愚牧師, titled “The All-Inclusive Salvation”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih_Ej-YsIvA&list=PLg3M9TBbMGt3ncUcMo3R92J7LLbX_BhJ5 (From 18:00 minutes).

Since the apostle Peter’s time, Christians have suffered at the hands of non-believers. How should we face it (1Peter 4)?
 
First, we accept suffering, decay, and death as inevitable, and we persevere (1 Peter 4:12).
 
Sometimes the end of suffering comes slowly. The world focuses on efficiency and instant gratification. But as in Walter Mischel’s marshmallow experiment, five-year-old kids who could resist eating marshmallows for fifteen minutes typically were more successful later in life than those who couldn’t. Don’t let food, sex, or other idols control you (1 Peter 4:3), but practice self-control (Proverbs 25:28).
 
Suffering can come from those around us, specifically when we choose not to indulge in the same excesses of dissipation. Persevere, as Christ has persevered (1Peter 4:4-6).
 
Second, trust and depend on God. Wait for Him in faith (Isaiah 40:31). God didn’t cause your suffering, but He knows and has His plans. Have faith and follow Him (1 Peter 4:19).
 
Jesus is the author and perfector of faith, sitting at the right hand of the Father (Hebrew 12:2). He was also human, having been through tremendous suffering. We should pray unceasingly to Him and trust His affirmations that everything will be fine; and we should trust His tears, assuring that He cares for us and won’t forget us.
 
Third, focus on the upcoming rewards. This will help us endure suffering. Our pain on earth is temporal, but our future glory will be eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Don’t envy the wicked, for judgment waits for them.
 
In Mischel’s experiment, children practiced better self-control when they found distractions, such as running around, singing, and looking at things other than the enticing marshmallows.
 
Christ experienced tremendous suffering. But He persevered, focusing on following the Father’s will and the destiny He was given (1 Peter 4:1-2). Likewise, we should turn our eyes upon Christ, and arm ourselves with His purpose to endure suffering. Don’t be afraid of it.
 
Also, we should love one another fervently; use our gifts to serve each other, as good stewards of God’s grace; and be hospitable to one another without grumbling. This includes accepting care from others. Bear our burdens together. In all things, glorify God through Christ (1 Peter 4:7-11).
 
Summary of a sermon by 溫偉耀, titled “Flourish from Our Suffering”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luX0icW0s1k
 

 The Holy Spirit has attributes like a person. For example, we are baptized in the name (not the names) of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; Christian services close with the blessing of having the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2Corinthians 13:14); and the Holy Spirit has understanding and a will of its own (1Corinthians 2:9, 12:11). We can lie to, resist, and reject the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3, 7:51, 5:9). And the Holy Spirit has feelings and can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30, Isaiah 63:10).
 
The Holy Spirit is powerful (Romans 15:13). For example, the Holy Spirit brought order out of confusion (Genesis 1). He influences and enables us to do right, to be wise and speak the word of God, as shown in David’s Psalms, Solomon’s words of wisdom, and the fire touching Isaiah’s lips. He generated the hands in the Book of Daniel. He calls people to do certain work (Acts 13:2), such as telling Peter to go to the centurion (Acts 10:19). He took Philip away (Acts 8:39). He gave Spurgeon power to preach. He convinces us of our sins and gives us life when we are dead in sins (Ephesians 2:5).
 
The Holy Spirit lives in us forever, with us becoming God’s temple (John 14:17). Though we can’t see the Holy Spirit, we feel His presence and experience His power. But those not selected by God don’t know, haven’t experienced, and reject the Holy Spirit (John 14:17).
 
The Holy Spirit deeply cares about us. We are made in the image of the Holy Trinity, or in Their (not His) image (Genesis 1:26). The Holy Trinity loves us and works together for our salvation. The Son intercedes for us; the Father listens and sends the Holy Spirit; and the Holy Spirit teaches us the truth, and comforts and helps us (John 14:16).
 
So, Christians, pray seriously to the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to help and bless us. Ask the Holy Spirit to own what we are working on, and revive the church, with the world sharing the benefits.
 
Summary of a sermon by Charles Spurgeon, titled “The Personality of the Holy Spirit.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aSZP6kfrmc&t=95s

 

​Mistakes have consequences, and sometimes those consequences bring pain and suffering that last for a long time. When that happens, what should we do? How should we react? Let’s learn from the book of Zephaniah.
 
In the twelve minor prophet books, the prophets didn’t always explain things chronologically, but instead went from topic to topic. Most of the books start with God’s judgment and end with God’s mercy and love. Zephaniah follows this pattern; its first two chapters focus on judgment and punishment, with the third on mercy and love.
 
The Israelites disobeyed God, ignored His corrections, and ran away from Him. They depended on wealth, army, political alliance, and worshipping false gods. Their officials were fierce and cruel. Their religious leaders distorted the law for their own benefit. And so, they were punished.
 
Chapter 3 starts with judgment and punishment (3:1-8). The prophet Zephaniah predicted that God’s wrath would come and didn’t sugarcoat the severity of the pains and sufferings (1:15-18).
 
The prophet also predicted the day of salvation (3:11-13). Zephaniah told them to fear God, accept correction, and actively wait for salvation from the Lord. If they did so, their lips would be purified (3:9). This purification extended to their actions and hearts (Isaiah 29:13). In other words, they would be internally and externally consistent, with their hearts and actions reflecting their pure lips. 
 
In His love, God would no longer rebuke them but would rejoice over them (3:15-17). This was the mercy that would come after punishment.
 
Zephaniah tightly coupled future salvation to current punishment. This faith and hope helped the Israelites endure and actively wait for their deliverance.
 
Deuteronomy 28 describes both blessing and curse. One main purpose of God’s curse and punishment is to bring us back from our mistakes; they are for our good.
 
When we suffer because of our mistakes, we must accept His correction and repent. Hold onto and patiently wait for His promise. Have faith that one day, God’s love will return, and He will not recount our sins. Instead, He will greatly rejoice over us.
 
Summary of a sermon by 高銘謙, titled “The Worship in Zephaniah.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKN6PIB_RoU

​As stated in the Lord’s prayer, God wants His Kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10). Note that it focuses on earth, instead of somewhere above. 
 
When Christ returns, He will transform the world back to what it was meant to be, the world God created and considered good (Genesis 1, 2). And we will be raised as Christ was raised (1 Corinthian 15:20-28).
 
What God did for Christ at Easter is what He will do to all creation, utterly renewed, with no more corruption and decay and with God above all (1 Corinthians 15:20-28).
 
But currently, we are living in a transition period.
 
Today, people want to play their own games, worshiping and pursuing pleasure in what the world provides, while ignoring the future. We see chaos and destruction around us. The world is in pain. Creation is groaning (Romans 8:18-26).
 
Fortunately, we are integrated with Christ and have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. We are heaven’s citizens following heaven’s ways. This is like Roman citizens living outside of Rome but following Rome’s ways.
 
Don’t despair. Instead, we should share Christ’s suffering and carry our cross (Romans 8:26-27). Our hope is in things we don’t see. Wait patiently. With the love of God, pray agonizingly.
 
As the Father sent Christ, Christ sent us to the world. Having said that, we shouldn’t try to change the world just with our own intellect and capability. We are weak, but God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Only God can build His kingdom. We rely on God to bring order to His creation and make the world flourish.
 
One day, the creation will be liberated. Our work in the Lord will not be in vain, and we will see how our little effort fits into the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:58). Because of God’s love, we will reign through Christ and share His glory (Romans 5:17, 8:31-39).
 
Today, we follow His guidance and do our small parts. Be faithful in your calling and cheerful in your service for Him, so that you may be fruitful for His Kingdom.
 
Summary of a sermon by N. T. Wright, titled, “The Future of the World.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWNKp3jYyRo
 

​Let’s learn from God’s promise and examples after examples of God fulfilling them in 2 Chronicles.
 
In Chapter 6, Solomon prayed to God about His promise in Deuteronomy 28. God responded, affirming that rebellion led to curses, but that forgiveness would come if they humbled themselves, prayed and sought God’s face, and turned from wickedness (2 Chronicles 7:12-16).
 
Humility means to accept ourselves as God’s creation. Praying to God is an act of humility. We don’t pray if we think we can handle everything. Seeking God’s face means following God’s commands, where seeking with all your heart being similar to loving God with all your heart in Deuteronomy (2Chronicles 15:12). 
 
In the bible, to love God isn’t just a feeling, but a commitment to follow His command as an expression of that love (John 14:21).
 
Solomon’s prayer concludes with God’s promised love (2 Chronicles 6:42). 2 Chronicles repeats the refrain: “He is good; his love endures forever,” a reminder that God will always keep His promise, specifically the promise in 7:14 (2 Chronicles 5:13).
 
2 Chronicles 7:14 is on admitting sin, repenting, and receiving forgiveness, like salvation through faith (1 John 1:9).
 
In the Old Testament, prayers went through the temple. Later, John identified Christ as the temple, which Christ rebuilt in three days. So, prayers now go through Christ, not Solomon’s temple.
 
Chapters 10-36 describe the rise and fall of the several kings, illustrating the promise of verse 7:14 in action. A common pattern repeats itself: a king would seek God and be blessed, but then grow arrogant and abandon God, leading to his downfall. But repentance brings salvation.
 
Let’s look at the following examples in 2Chronicles:

• Rehoboam’s humility leads to God saving him from total annihilation (11:17; 12:1, 6);
• Asa depends entirely on his own strength, ignoring God, leading to his death (14:4-6, 15:12-15, 16:7-13);
• Jehoshaphat’s alliance with a bad king leads to an attack, but the promise in 7:14 leads to God destroying the enemies (17:3, 5, 10; 18:1; 19:2; 20);
• Joash fails after following his officials instead of God (23, 24:17);
• Amaziah seeks God but, after defeating the Edomites, seeks the Edomite gods also, which leads to his downfall (25:2, 15-16, 19, 23, 24);
• Uzziah’s success makes him arrogant, causing leprosy (26); and
• Manasseh recovers after repenting (33:11-14).

 
May we learn from history so we don’t repeat these mistakes.
 
Summary of a sermon titled “2 Chronicles on Seeking God” by 高銘謙:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXE3ZjxVi9I

Many imagine heaven filled with things they love, such as wonderful entertainment, gourmet food, and vibrant health. But the Bible teaches otherwise.
 
In Revelation’s new heaven and earth, the holy place, God lives with His people, as He did in the Garden of Eden[1]. Both Eden and the new heaven and earth have rivers and trees.
 
The New Testament represents Christ as living water, continually quenching our thirst, and a true vine. We must be grafted to Him to bear fruit. He is the temple, the holy place[2]. Through Christ, God lives with us.
 
Furthermore, God’s glory brightens the new heaven and earth. It is a place of purity, like clear-as-crystal jewel and pure-as-transparent-glass gold[3]. Humans there are sinless, purified by Christ’s blood[4].
 
The key activity in the holy place is to worship God[5].
 
Today, we tend to revere the rich and the famous. Caesar once had a powerful empire, yet Christians worshipped the invisible Christ as Lord, not Caesar. Earthly things are transient and can’t fulfill our real needs[6].
 
Today, we see good people suffer and evil people prosper[7]. Yet Christians should trust our sovereign God and His long-term plan to reward the good and punish the wicked[8].
 
To Christians, the real reality should be the invisible Lord, who created and rules over all things. And we should worship Him[9].
 
So, until that new heaven and earth are established, how should Christians live now?
 
Our Holy God requires us to lead a pure life through Christ[10]. Among sins, one of the worst is lying[11]. John described Satan as the father of lies[12]. Liars’ actions and words don’t match. They may call God their Lord and friend, while walking in darkness[13].
 
Have we lied? Do we worship the invisible God, or the visible world? Do we love Christ?[14]
 
Revelation ends with asking Christ to come[15]. Do we genuinely have the same wish?
 
Summary of a sermon by 鮑維均, titled “Beyond the End of Time”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gWlq-OvVJU

​The following addresses some questions in Christianity.
 
Many Old Testament (OT) requirements were specifically for the Israelites at a specific time, and Christians are not required to observe them today. But Christ’s new commands of loving God and our neighbors are for all nations (Galatians 6:2, 5:14, 3:23-25; 1 Corinthians 9:20-21; Matthew 22:37-40). Christians still keep OT requirements that are also under Christ’s new rules, such as refraining from adultery and murder.
 
Tithing was an OT requirement tied to the Tabernacle and priests (Hebrews 8:6-13, 7:12-22). Christ discussed tithing because the Jews at the time were still under the old covenant (Matthew 23:23). Though Christians don’t have to tithe, giving sacrificially and generously will increase our joy (2 Corinthians 8-9).
 
Speaking in tongues is a gift of speaking in different languages (Acts 10, 11, and 19). Some incorrectly equate speaking in tongues to baptism of the Spirit; all are baptized by the Spirit at conversion, but only some can speak in tongues (1 Corinthians 12:7-12, 27-31). Speaking in tongues occurred in the Bible for specific purposes, such as demonstrating Gentiles being saved, and salvation not via John’s baptism of repentance (Acts 10, 19:1-7). Love is more important even than speaking in the tongues of angels, let alone tongues of men (1 Corinthians 13:1, 14:2-11).
 
The 144,000 in Revelation 7 and 14 symbolize all believers, not the Jews, because (a) they can withstand God’s wrath in Revelation 6 (Revelation 7); (b) they are the redeemed (Revelation 14); (c) hearing Judah’s lion and seeing the lamb are similar to hearing the 144,000 but seeing uncountable multitudes (Revelation 5, 7); (d) the number 12x12 is symbolic in nature; (e) Jews can be under Satan, and Gentiles can be Abraham’s children (Revelation 2:9; Galatians 3:7, 29; Romans 4:11-18; Ephesians 2:11-22); (f) the twelve tribes lack the tribe of Dan (Revelation 7); and (g) most Jews don’t know their originating tribes, so literally fulfilling the 144,000 prophecy is probably meaningless.
 
Summarized from four Thomas Schreiner short sermons:
“Do Christians have to obey the Old Testament Laws?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm_-BPFVIgc
 
Is tithing biblical?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnDKgXCHfGU
 
What is the gift of tongues?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V--IHR6aGz4
 
Who are the 144,000 in Revelation?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5JnzsB13SQ
 

​The Bible teaches us to be thankful and joyful (Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 12:12). But how about Lamentation’s sorrow, and criticizing and accusing God?
 
As explained in Deuteronomy 28, if the Israelites obeyed God, blessings would pour on them; if not, cursing would come in five incremental phases the longer they spurned God’s laws. The fourth phase included plagues, enemies’ attack, and hunger. And the final was being scattered among nations (Leviticus 26:3-39).
 
Lamentation’s author, the prophet Jeremiah, described God’s violence towards them, setting traps for them, putting them in the hands of their enemies, abandoning warriors, and crushing the young. Though suffering has other causes, Jeremiah accepted their disobedience as the logical cause of their pain and sorrow. He never disputed the reasons behind their suffering. Yet Jeremiah complained and accused God furiously, questioning why the suffering was so intense, why there was such severe hostility now when God was so close before, why He punished them for their ancestors’ sins, and why He didn’t punish others (1:5, 12-15; 2:14; 3:1, 2-11).
 
With enemies invading them and other nations totally ignoring them, Jeremiah kept asking God to witness their suffering and pain (1:9, 11, 12, 20). He fervently cried out to God probably because he believed God’s promise on removing the curse if they humbled themselves, confessed their sins, and repented (Leviticus 26:40-42).
 
And Jeremiah lamented.
 
There are two types of laments. The first type is shown in David mourning the death of Saul as a hero (2 Samuel 1:17-27). It is typically used at a funeral and is filled with despair.
 
Lamentation describes the second type. It cries out to God, not to yourself or any other person. It accepts your own fault and honestly expresses your intense frustration, even blaming and accusing God for ignoring you, and your pain and suffering.
 
But it never gives up on God.
 
You hold tightly onto Him. You keep asking Him to witness your miserable conditions. You trust that He will understand your criticism and feel your pain. Such lament helps you endure and face pain and suffering, and it’s a form of faith.
 
You honestly, passionately, and forcefully cry out to God with the hope and belief that He will rescue you. Ultimately, it’s a form of prayer and worship, and it is good and holy.
 
Summary of a sermon entitled “Hope in Lamentation” by 高銘謙
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ0g2VfkFIg