They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But the visit of the magi, reputed to be the wisest and most sophisticated of the day, shows us our need and our source of true wisdom for life. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
The story of the shepherds and the nativity is a familiar one that is known well. However, the writer Luke packs into this brief account some amazing truths often overlooked. This message shares these to make Christmas even more meaningful. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Imagine this: You're a young teenager and one day an angel visits you and tells you that you are tasked with a duty that will change the world. How would you respond? We're going to look at a story about Mary, the mother of Jesus, and how she was able to accept her responsibility because of her great faith in God. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
At the beginning of our December Christmas series, we turn our attention to the less-famous parent of Jesus, Joseph. Described as a righteous man, his life was inalterably changed when he learnt of a surprise and premature pregnancy. But God's plans for Joseph then are fundamentally the same as His plans for us all. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
This part of The Lord's Prayer can be troubling if we don't know the heart of God. Yes, God does lead us into temptations and trials – not to see us fail, but to build us up. Temptations and trials are never easy but if we truly know and trust our Heavenly Father, we can go through them with the hope of grace and reward at the end of it. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Living in a constant state of being forgiven brings freedom and power into our lives. But too often, we allow destructive narratives to drive our attitudes ("I don't deserve it", or "I don't need it"), and we miss the beauty of a grace-filled life. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
God's will. Some see it as a tricky game of hide-and-seek where God demands we pursue Him relentlessly in order to discover His will. Others speak of God's will freely with "God told me" before many a phrase. This message explores how The Lord's Prayer provides guidance in knowing the will of God for your life. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Some of us have it memorised, most of us would recognise it if we heard it read, but few of us actually realise the power of The Lord's Prayer to guide us into a deeper, experiential relationship with God. Raise your prayer life by understanding afresh the heart of Jesus behind the words of this famous prayer. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Jesus had a lot to say about making sure we don't view something as permanent, when it is actually temporary. He instructed us to have an attitude of watchfulness and alertness, knowing that the end could come at any time. Though this sounds morbid and even fanatical, the message actually provides clarity and a proper perspective of our faith. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Jesus spoke very little about heaven, but nonetheless told his followers that knowledge of heaven could comfort them in this life. So what do we know about heaven? And how should that shape our life here and now? Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
In our "seen" world, we consider temptation simply as a desire to do bad things. However, in the "Unseen" world, Satan schemes to lure us to follow our evil desire not just to sin, but to turn away from worshipping God to worshipping Satan itself. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
The enemy of your soul wants nothing more than to destroy you, but you have been given an effective strategy for overcoming the enemy: it requires your diligent awareness and willingness to fight. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
There are forces in our world that we can't see. Forces that are trying to attack us. What do we do? How do we overcome these schemes that are devised against us? The Apostle Paul teaches us how to be prepared and shows us the equipment we will need to be ready. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Baptism is an event celebrated by Christians everywhere but through the ages, many Christians have held different beliefs. This message clarifies what we believe about baptism, and how it historically came to be a core tenet for all Christians. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
There are 100 uses in the New Testament of the phrase, "one another". Emphasising how followers of Christ are to engage with one another, we are given a detailed account of what our relationships look like. Submit. Confess. Forgive. Bear with. Carry. You simply can't "one another" if you don't have community around you. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
"Failure to launch" is a term ascribed to adults who refuse to take on adult responsibilities. In the Christian life, it's entirely possible to similarly fail and not experience the natural trajectory of growth that God has in mind for us all. Understanding how God works enables us to see God at work in our lives. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Jessica Richmond has worked at Island ECC for the last 5 years and has had the pleasure of overseeing its Youth Ministry. She has been married for 6 years to Kane Choy and, as a couple, their motto is: "The couple that games together, stays together." Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Jeff is likely the most easily recognisable person on Island ECC staff, being the only bald Australian Asian. He spends his time at Island Youth and enjoys spending quality time with close family and friends over coffee and brownies, and pushing his body through running and cycling. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Jared serves in middle school ministry at Island Youth and has been in Hong Kong for 1 year. He was originally from the United States. Jared’s favourite things to do are talking with people, skateboarding around the city, eating all the tasty foods, petting random animals, and doing anything involving adrenaline. If Jared were to describe himself in three words, it would be: crazy, extroverted, and energetic – and that’s just how God made me to be. Watch this and other messages in video at www.i...
Eric spent his first two years in Asia as a missionary in China to university students before joining the team at Island ECC six years ago. Since then, his wife, Katie, and he have had two awesome and rambunctious little ones who they love to adventure with around this city. In his "spare time," Eric enjoys hiking, photography, cold brew and travel hacking. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Kwen has lived her life in equal measure in Malaysia, England and Hong Kong. She has served as Director of Women’s Ministry at Island ECC since 2014. Kwen is married to Alex and they have 3 wonderful adult children. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Leora is originally from El Paso, Texas, right on the border of Mexico – so she's always loved being in culturally rich and diverse locations. She's served as the Director of Creative Communications and Worship at Island ECC for almost 9 years, alongside her husband Jeff. Her favourite pastimes are writing music in their home studio, camping near the ocean, snorkelling, or watching any movie with sharks. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages ....
Jeff is from a small town close to a bigger town you've never heard of in Indiana, USA. His love of music technology and production led him to becoming one of three certified Ableton Trainers in Hong Kong, which has lent itself to the dynamic worship sets he leads weekly. He's married to Leora and has been loving life in Hong Kong for over 10 years this summer. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Shannon moved to Hong Kong in 2001 to be a part of Island ECC, she is the mother of 4 kids ages 16-23. She is also the mom to two 6-year-old French bulldogs. She worked as the school nurse for HKIS for 10 years and currently serves as the Director of Community Outreach at Island ECC. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
With God, waiting time is never wasted time; but in order to redeem the time where we sense God may not be responsive, we have to ask the right questions to realise how God is at work in our midst. A look at John 4 and the healing of the official’s son reveals not just a miracle of healing, but a guideline for deeper faith. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
What makes your summer better? Is it that dream holiday destination you finally get to go to? Is it because you can take time to chill? While all these sound wonderful, you know that summer is better when you are with God. Summer is better when there is peace and harmony in your heart and summer is better when you are passionate about compassion! Let’s dive in together and see how God can make your summer better than ever! Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages ....
Weddings are always a celebration and fun time, but poor planning almost brings shame to the wedding at Cana until Jesus performs a miracle to keep the party going. More than just providing for a good celebration however, Jesus radically introduces His ministry as the source of all great joy. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Perhaps the most insidious enemies of our heart is greed. You’ve met people who will confess their struggle with anger, sexual purity, or almost any other temptation; but rare is the person who sees greed as a looming threat to the health of their soul. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Guilt can be a gift, but only if properly understood and dealt with. If not, it can lead to shame, isolation, and general misery. Embrace the guilt! You can’t be free until you realise you’re not. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Below the surface of our well-maintained exteriors often lies a powerful force of comparison and jealousy. A look at Psalm 73 reveals an insightful analysis of envy and how to offset this destructive force with a genuine contentment. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
