Matthew 5:7 is the fifth beatitude of our series and in it our attention is drawn to the importance of mercy in the kingdom of God. It plays an integral part in the way the King has related to us, and in turn, should inform and inspire the way we relate to each other. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Appetites are powerful. Whether they be for food, power, control, or money, our inner compulsions can drive us to have distorted views of life. In a single statement, Jesus gives us wisdom on how to direct our appetites in life, so that we yearn for that which will actually satisfy. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
The Beatitudes are both encouraging and challenging. An examination of the one beatitude: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth," (Matthew 5:5) reveals the nature and benefit of Godly meekness and humility. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
What do you do when you do something wrong? How do you manage your guilt? Some dismiss it while others deny it, but the reality is that unmanaged guilt leads to a heavy, burdened and bitter life. There is a better way. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
You are part of a kingdom and it can only be one of two. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus describes, in detail, what each of these looks like and entices us to seriously live our lives in His surprisingly satisfying ways. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Sometimes we need to back up to see the big picture: God has been at work throughout history to draw people to Himself and never before has Asia been so responsive. We live in exciting times and in an exciting place. It's a privilege to partner with His work in our great city.. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Passports bring privileges. And so when Paul writes about being a citizen of heaven, he speaks into the great privilege and access we now have as followers of Christ. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Many of us travel with unnecessary weight – it slows us down and makes us sluggish. A careful look at your life can reveal what is slowing you down. A streamlined faith awaits you. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
What does it mean to live in freedom? Does it mean that we are free to do anything our hearts desire? In Galatians 5:13, Paul says "For you were called to freedom," but then he continues, "Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh." So then, what is true freedom?. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
As we travel through our lives, sometimes we look to our left or right and compare ourselves to others. Many times, that can weigh us down and even divert our path. In this message, we will look at how to drop off some of the baggage we carry so we can have a good journey.. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Guilt is a powerful thing. God can use it to bring about repentance and new life, yet the enemy can use it to paralyse us with shame. In this message, we explore Psalm 32 to see what God has to say about guilt, forgiveness and true freedom.Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
What does it mean to "reign in life" as the apostle Paul describes? How far does our Christian freedom go? A deep-dive into Romans helps us understand where freedom in Christ begins. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
We use the word "hope" a lot in everyday conversation: "I hope the traffic isn't bad", "I hope the weather is nice tomorrow", and "I hope my vacation is the best ever." But most of the time, our hopes are little more than just wishful thinking. Real hope, or at least biblical hope, is grounded in something greater. The beauty of the Easter story—a risen Christ—is that death is defeated. And so our hope is not just a fingers-crossed, knock-on-wood, wishful thinking, but a grounded hope based ...
Giving is related to love, and both are at the heart of Christianity – John 3:16 is the perfect example of that. We give as an expression of thankfulness for everything we have received from God, not out of guilt or obligation or out of the mistaken motive that it will make us richer. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Our technocratic age presents a challenge to the relevance of faith that causes many in the Western world to reject established religion; yet there remains a deep spiritual hunger for meaning and purpose. The Bible clarifies the limits of our knowledge, points us to the creative wisdom of God, and proclaims the eternally relevant truths of faith, hope and love. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
The church and Christians are too often viewed in society as rule-bound and uptight about life. Our relationship with Christ should be joy-filled with freedom as we follow the guidebook God has given us – the Bible. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Many times Christians misrepresent the faith. By either being silent or obnoxious, many are left bewildered and confused about the truths of the Christian faith. The apostle Peter provides us great instruction on how to be winsome as we represent Christ to a world in need.Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Most people believe that Jesus said not to judge; however, that is not all He said about judging. Although, exactly what did He say? Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
We all face potential faith blockers in our life… justifiable excuses that can dampen our faith. Zaccheus demonstrates focused resolve to meet Jesus against all odds. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
When facing pain, both anger and blame are typical responses. Jesus offers a better option. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
It's commonly referred to as the "woman at the well" but the real story is about the Saviour at the well, who replaces shame with gracious acceptance for the most unlikely of characters. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
When Jesus heals a paralysed man, He carefully instructs him to take his mat and go home. In a remarkable story of faith, healing, and the power of friends' faiths, we get great insight into what we need to always have with us on our journey of faith. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
If you live in Hong Kong, you know something about crowds. Subway rides, Causeway Bay, and maybe even your own flat have a sense of being crowded. The "crowds" in the gospels play a unique role all their own. Matthew speaks of them as the bystanders, the fickle onlookers. Yet Jesus calls us out of the crowd to be a follower, something entirely different, and way better. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
How's your heart? The "Big Cleaning Day" before Chinese New Year is a time when we deep clean everything to prepare for a new year. As Christians, perhaps we should have a deep clean of our heart as well. Is your heart at peace with God? Or it it full of noise? What is God trying to tell you? Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Living counter-culturally can be tough, and yet God invites us to have lifestyles that are distinctively different; but not freakishly weird. How do we find the balance of being "in the world" but not "of the world"? Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
In a world where we are bombarded with messages of self-indulgence, Jesus offers a time-tested escape and a soothing solution: deny yourself. In this message about generosity, we find that God welcomes us to test Him in giving with faith. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Pain is inevitable in life. We shouldn't be surprised by it but often we are. However, having a strategy to deal with pain will help ensure that it produces good results in us rather than bitterness, resentment, or numbness. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Power is intoxicating, and surprisingly, doesn't lead to the successful life that we would expect. Jesus repeatedly rejected the temptation of power in His own life as He points us to the path of real fulfilment. In an upside-down approach to life, Christianity says true power is found in realising the security of servanthood. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
A closer look at the prodigal son's older brother will show us the more we understand our self, the more we are able to love others. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
To go deeper in our spiritual life, we need to carve out a space to listen. Watch this and other messages in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
