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God’s Plan for New Year (1) – Passover, to a New Beginning

2021 Church Theme: One Heart, One Mission
Scripture: Exodus 12: 1-3, 6, 12-14; Psalm 103: 1-8, 20-22 (NIV)
Speaker: Elder Alex Chan

Exodus 12: 1-3, 6, 12-14(NIV)

1The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, 2“This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. 3Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household.

6Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight.

12“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. 13The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.
14“This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance.

Psalm 103: 1-8, 20-22(NIV)

1Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6The Lordworks righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
7He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
8The Lordis compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.

20Praise the Lord, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
22Praise the Lord, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the Lord, my soul.

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ACTion 2021 – New Year, Same Jesus

2021 Church Theme: One Heart, One Mission
Scripture: Acts 1:1-11 (ESV)
Speaker: Mr. Aaron Garcia

Acts 1:1-11(ESV)
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
1In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
4And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

The Ascension
6So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

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One Heart, One Mission

2021 Church Theme: One Heart, One Mission
Scripture: Philippians 1:1-6 (NIV)
Speaker: Rev. Chadwin Mak

Philippians 1:1-6(NIV)
1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer
3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

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The Light Has Come

2020 Church Theme: Make Disciples, Journey Together
Scripture: John 1:1-14, 3:19, 8:12 (NIV)
Speaker: Mr. Alex Chan

John 1:1-14(NIV)
The Word Became Flesh
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 3:19(NIV)
19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

John 8:12(NIV)
12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

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Who Is Jesus?

2020 Church Theme: Make Disciples, Journey Together
Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16
Speaker: Rev. Chadwin Mak

1 Timothy 3:16(NIV)
16Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.

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How the World was Changed on Christmas – Part 2

2020 Church Theme: Make Disciples, Journey Together
Series: How the World was Changed on Christmas – Part 2
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV)
Speaker: Mr. Aaron Garcia

Matthew 2:1-12(ESV)
The Visit of the Wise Men
1Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

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How the World was Changed on Christmas – Part 1

2020 Church Theme: Make Disciples, Journey Together
Series: How the World was Changed on Christmas – Part 1
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 (ESV)
Speaker: Mr. Aaron Garcia

Matthew 1:18-25(ESV)
The Birth of Jesus Christ
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

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Time to Go!

2020 Church Theme: Make Disciples, Journey Together
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1
Speaker: Rev. Douglas Harkness

QUESTIONS for Discussion and Further Study:

1. (Why) Is this a critical moment in God’s unfolding plan of redemption?

2. Do you believe God has a purpose for your life? (Ps.139:14,Jer.1:5, Eph.2:10)

3. Have you learned to recognize and respond to the voice of
God? (3:10, 21)
  a. How did you learn it?
  b. What advice would you give to someone who hasn’t?

4. (Why) Is it essential to know your Identity, Purpose, and Destiny (Jn.10:10)?

5. How effective would you expect a Priest, Prophet or Judge to be without prayer? (7:5, 12:23)

6. How effective do you think a Pastor, Sunday School teacher, Youth leader, Deacon, Parent, or Missionary can be without prayer?

7. How do you think we should pray during Covid?

8. When was the last time you prayed for labourers for the harvest? (Mt.9:38, Lk.10:2)

9. What blessings that God has provided and used in your life, church, family or ministry could become an obstacle in God’s unfolding plan of Redemption?

10. How can blessings from God can result in mourning? (1Sam.16:1)

11. Do you think it’s possible that the richest, best equipped generation in Church history is clinging to Blessings that have become obstacles resulting in unnecessary and prolonged mourning where there could be joy?

12. (How) Do you think God is using the global Covid-19 pandemic to facilitate unfolding His plan of Redemption?

To learn more: ethnos.ca

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Ethnos Magazine or Prayer Reminders: ethnos.ca/subscribe
Doug’s Ministry Up-dates: dougharkness@ethnos.ca

1 Samuel 16:1(NIV)
Samuel Anoints David
1The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”

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The Compelling Influence of A Consecrated Life

2020 Church Theme: Make Disciples, Journey Together
Scripture: Act 26:24-28
Speaker: Rev. Stephen Hawkins

Act 26:24-28(NIV)
24At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”
25“I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
28Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

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Let the Earth Hear His Voice: Psalm 96 and Missions

2020 Church Theme: Make Disciples, Journey Together
Scripture: Psalm 96
Speaker: Dr. Enoch Wong

Psalm 96(NIV)
1Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4For great is the Lordand most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lordmade the heavens.
6Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
7Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the Lordglory and strength.
8Ascribe to the Lordthe glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
9Worship the Lordin the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10Say among the nations, “The Lordreigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
11Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
12Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
13Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.