Workshop: Constancy within Changes
May 22, 2022
Praise Lord that we had a special service and a workshop titled “Constancy within changes” to let brothers and sisters be alert and avoid distorted influence in the perilous time.
The Preaching
Based on the Bible Scripture (2 Timothy 3:1), Pastor Gavin started the Sunday service by telling us that “you need to be aware that in the final days the culture of society will become extremely fierce”. From the 1st century till now, there have been many forces against Jesus Christ and His people. In the 1st century early church, which was the age of martyrs, believers of Jesus Christ faced physical persecution. People were bombarded with false teachings and rejected the Truth. Then in the 11th to 16 th century, society was under the political authority and influence of teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, which deviated from the Truth. Besides, believers of Jesus faced physical persecution. From the 16th to 18th century, people questioned the existence of God or thought God did not care about the world in the period of Renaissance, the Age of Exploration and the Age of Enlightenment. From the 18th to 20th century, people compromised the Truth for philosophical and scientific thinking. And now, people emphasize individualism and rebel against all types of established authority. They trust sensual experience rather than have faith in God’s sovereignty and Truth.
Facing the daily changing world, Pastor Gavin reminded us our God never changes, as mentioned in Malachi 3:6 “I, the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” Although heaven and earth will one day disappear, the words of God will never disappear (Luke 21:33). We should always learn from the Bible and hear God’s word with heart to deal with the changes! By putting on the spirit of Jesus Christ, we are able to know the knowledge of the Truth and understand it. And we need to walk with God, who can lead and guide us. Besides, we need to walk with brothers and sisters in church, who can support us. Then we can stand strong and firm in God.
So how to prepare ourselves in the perilous time in order to prevent our values and perspectives of life being distorted by the ever-changing social, political, cultural, and economic landscape? Pastor Gavin shared 5 points that we can follow based on 2 Timothy 3:1-16. Firstly, love the Father instead of loving the pleasures of the world as loving the world will drive you away from God. Secondly, dwell in the house of Lord and learn the word of God until it becomes to the heart knowledge of Truth. Thirdly, carefully follow teachings from the Bible and lead a biblical life. Moreover, continue to do the things you have learned and be assured by that God is the One who has truly taught you all these things. Last but not least, know the Scriptures in the Bible, which can impart to you wisdom to experience everlasting life through the faith of Jesus Christ!
The Workshop
Thank God that more than 70 brothers and sisters joined the workshop in the afternoon after the Sunday Service. Sister Elaine was the host of the workshop and she divided the particpants into groups to discuss how to put into practice the 5 points mentioned in the preaching. She also gave us three questions for our sharing:
1) In the past few years, what change(s) did you face? Was the change good or bad?
2) How do you face the constant changes in the world ?
3) As a Christian, what is the position of an unchanging God in your life when facing a changing world?
During the discussion, we had a great time sharing our thoughts and life testimonies with each other. Brothers Martin, Sam and Andy shared with us the challenges they have faced and how they rely on God and walk with brothers and sisters in church.
With the changes happening every day, pastor Gavin reminded us to watch out for fake news or doctrine, and be alert to the Holy Spirit’s leading. He also reminded us of the calling of God, which is to share the gospel. Furthermore, pastor Arlene said we can pray to the Lord in all circumstances!
