Ark Channel

Wake Or Sleep, Live With HIM! Ark Channel 17/10/2022 Mon 1 Thessalonians 5

You are all sons of light and sons of the day… (v5)

* Guard against radical view of the end times. We hope that the Lord will come soon but in this life we respect leaders (v12-14), always rejoice and bring blessing to the church.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-28

* Evagrius, a father in the fourth century, said: Tears are a gift from God to help us pray. Praying with tears is like being in the temple, clutching the King’s feet and praying for mercy.

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Disappointed But Not in Despair! – Sunday Hope 16/10/2022 I Thessalonians 4

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. (v14)

* Persist in three pursuits before the Lord’s return: Pursuit of holiness (4:1-8); pursuit of brotherly love in a proper manner (4:9-12), pursuit of hope of resurrection (4:13-18)!

1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

* Only those who are well aware of their inner darkness will thirst for the illumination of true light, and they will say “Lord, I am coming to You…” as in this Chinese song: Coming to God Just As I Am(照我真的本相)

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Filled with Joy in the Holy Spirit! – Ark Channel 151022 Sat I Thessalonians 3

… in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. (v7)

* The world is in turmoil. Let us bear two things in mind: Focus on God’s word; be committed to God’s church. Quite a few Christians are already shaken in faith. They need people to comfort them; to cherish them as a nursing mother does, and to exhort them as a Father does. When our Lord returns, these people around us will be able to stand fast!

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

* The Miracle of Making Bitter Water Sweet(苦水變甜的神蹟) – Chinese sermon by Pastor Keith Ranger/林克己牧師. When I was a new believer, I joined church meetings near Kowloon Walled City. I listened to Pastor Keith Ranger when he came to preach on the Lord’s Day. After church meeting I walked him to the bus stop. I was in high school then. So many years have passed. Now I have got the precious opportunity to listen to his teaching, from the HK Bible Conference website’s audio archive. – Sam (HK)

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With the help of our God, we dare! – Ark Channel 141022 Fri 1 Thessalonians 2

…to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. (v.2)

* God cares more for our relationship than what we do for Him. In the Church, we should cherish our relationship with one another in the Lord. Once we were on the same frontline, preaching the Gospel, why should we fall prey to strife?

1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

* XZ Liu/劉幸枝’s story – My parent’s happy ending

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Waiting for His coming! – Ark Channel 13/10/2022 Thu 1 Thessalonians 1

You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. (v6)

* With hope, we can persevere. We look forward to the Lord’s coming, hope for our troubles to be solved, and hope for the stubborn unbelievers to repent! Become a church full of hope, that’s how life becomes dazzling!

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

* A professor did a study on prayer and health, finding that prayer contributes positively in depression and cancer patients by relieving pain, reflecting that medicine and prayers are complementary and help each other. arkchannel sharing

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Pray Continually! Give Thanks in Everything! – Ark Channel 17/10/2021 Sunday Hope I Thes 5

Warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak,… (v. 14)

* The most important thing in time of darkness — Be the sons of light. Wait for our Lord’s return (v.1-11). Be a diligent shepherd. Be a good leader (v. 12-14). Be a good and joyful thanksgiver (v.15-28)!

1Thessalonisans 5

* To all on the life journey: My future is in Your hand. You lead me until the end. God’s Magnificent Love 神大愛 (Lyrics in English and Chinese)

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Lead a Quiet Life! Work with Your Own Hands! – Ark Channel 16/10/2021 Sat I Thes 4

… God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. (v. 14)

* The apostle exhorted us to control our body with holiness, live a life of honour, and love one another, because our Lord will return soon (v.1-18). Those who have slept will rise first and return with the Lord. Each will hear his own name summoned by the Lord. At that moment we will all stand before God!

1Thessalonisans 4

* A stunning sermon on New Heaven and New Earth by Rev David Pao / 鮑維均牧師arkchannel sharing

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Prophecies of suffering came true! – Ark Channel 15/10/2021 Fri 1 1Thessalonians 3

For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. (v.8)

* Today we must use common sense and reasoning to prevent viral spread, and also remain faithful and rely on God whom we cannot see. In difficult times we must focus on God’s way, letting His word be preached. We must also focus on God’s church, shepherding the believers as our own, waiting for the dawn.

1Thessalonisans 3

* Stop sign + Wake up call – - Using God’s view to examine the pandemic. (Hongjie YU/于宏潔) arkchannel sharing

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You Are Our Glory and Joy! – Ark Channel 14/10/2021 Thu 1 Thessalonians 2

but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition (v.2)

* Love the church and your brothers and sisters! Cherish relationships, be gentle like a nursing mother, firm like a father. Because of our relationship, even in hard times, we continue working together!

1Thessalonisans 2

* Some have said that being God is really difficult. When miracles abound, humans will call that “natural”. When an unexpected miracle arrives, we will say, “How can this be?” Hear Bro. Andrew Loke and Alex Malpass speaking candidly. arkchannel sharing

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Wait For His Son From Heaven! Ark Channel 13/10/2021 Wed 1 Thessalonians 1

constantly keeping in mind your work of faith and labor of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ… (v3)

The Three Gifts And Four Strengths In Waiting For the Lord’s Return:
* “Faith, love, hope” is what we, the reborn, possess; while words, power, Holy Spirit and full conviction are the four strengths to enable us to fulfill our heavenly calling! Never belittle a group of new believers!

1Thessalonisans 1

* World-famous geographer and desert photographer warns “Desertification is a silent killer”

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We are of the Day. Be Sober! – Ark Channel 171020 Sat I Thessalonians 5

How to abide with the Lord?

The Heart Of A Shepherd:
1. Know His heart. Pay attention to the signs of His return. Encourage each other as members of the Body of Christ.
2. Walk in the light, worthy of the truth, putting on the hope of salvation as a helmet.
3. We will rule and enter into glory with the Lord. Our life, our death, all for Jesus!

1 Thessalonians 5

* Dear Readers, Brothers and Sisters, Ark Channel materials (New Testament chapter highlights, various testimonies and resources over these 17 years) can now be searched. You are welcome to use them.
Ark Channel- Chinese
http://www.arkchannel.org/zh/
Ark Channel- English
http://www.arkchannel.org/en/

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Strive to be a quiet person – Ark Channel 161020 Fri 1 Thessalonians 4

…and the dead in Christ will rise first (v.16)

When will it come true? Forever with the Lord:
1. When we believe, the Lord’s life begins forming in ours. (John 14:16)
2. When we work for the Lord, when we preach and save souls (Matthew 28:20)
3. When believers leave this world to rest with Him (Philippians 1:23)
4. When the Lord comes back, the asleep believers are resurrected, and the living ones are raised up.

1 Thessalonians 4

* Why do I live Do we understand that the relationship between God and mankind is an extraordinary one? Do we know that in all of creation, only mankind enjoys this relationship? – Bro. HJ Yu/于宏潔弟兄 (Silicon Valley)

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Steadfast at heart and be Blameless! – Ark Channel 151020 Thu 1 Thessalonians 3

so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. (v.3)

Blessings in distress:
1. Troubles let those who love God gain comfort and happiness, and increase in love (3:7-12)
2. Becoming holy, without reproach, living full of the Holy spirit.(3:13)

1 Thessalonians 3

* Our value in the eyes of our Lord, is priceless. A word of admonition from the late Ravi Zacharias.

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The God Who Examines Our Heart! Ark Channel 141020 Wed 1 Thessalonians 2

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak… (v4)

The Heart Of A Shepherd:
1. Never withdraw amid tribulation (v2)
2. Always worrying and caring like parents (v11)
3. Selflessness, willing to pour out his life (v8)

1 Thessalonians 2

* A 9 min video that gives a historic account of the ancient mysteries and the rise and fall of the 4 great empires in the Book of Daniel: Overview: Daniel

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To Serve A Living And True God! Ark Channel 131020 Tue 1 Thessalonians 1

…having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit (v6)

The Lord Will Return – Filled With Comfort!
1. We started with faith, hope and love! We need to appreciate the merits of brothers and sisters!
2. Pressure and persecution are givens in the end times! Never complain about the church or the world situation, remain diligent and patient!

1 Thessalonians 1

* Mills established the first gospel mission in the United States, sending more than 1,200 college students and youth in 50 years to translate the Bible, establish medical facilities and schools, changing destiny with faith and knowledge. May the Lord remember this generation too!

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God & Man in Concert, Working Towards Ultimate Goodness:

1. God’s Work — God’s calling, faithfulness and power sanctify us through the Holy Spirit’s action and movement. (v24)

2. Man’s Cooperation — Live watchfully a life of faith, love and hope, pursue goodness, rejoice always, pray unceasingly and give thanks in all circumstances; do not quench the Spirit, and finally, study the Scripture and verify the words of preachers. (v8/15-22)

Scripture of the Day (NT): 1 Thessalonians 5

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* Chemical Engineering PhD Graduate KC TAN/譚克成suffers from asthma since young. TAN always believed that we could control our own lives, but aside from career success, his father passed away and his first wife had an affair… depression let him humbly accept Jesus’ steering in his times of trouble and in his life.

(Chinese Christian Mission Issue 604 : http://ccmusa.org/read/read.aspx?id=cts20120802 )

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*…  Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.  Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? (Isaiah 66:1)

Isaiah 64-66: An honest and clean heart is the Holy Temple that God is looking for; is your heart suitable?

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

To Please God — Keep Yourself In Two Fold Protection:

1. Abstain from Fornication – Fornication destroys sanctification; do not indulge in the lust of the flesh. (v5-6)

2. Keep Your Body Holy – In this evil and adulterous age, keep your body sanctified every day, do not be infected with uncleanness. (v4/7)

Scripture of the Day (NT): 1 Thessalonians 4

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* God hears our prayers throughout all generations – Father of sister KM NG/吳潔明 in HK, Mr. Ng/吳厚康 has heard the gospel for over 50 years but is still not turning to Christ. Last week, the Lord touched him in his sickness and he responded with a prayer. He clearly accepted the Lord, gaining eternal life, as he was received into the perfect peace of the Lord.  (Funeral service will be held 10/24, Wed, 8pm at 1/F, World Funeral Home). May the Lord comfort the family and grant them grace and hope.

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* I will greatly rejoice in Jehovah, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation…(Isaiah 61:10)

Isaiah 61-63: Possessing everything except God is the greatest deficiency. The true meaning of life and its fullness rests with having God.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Two Key Marks Seen In Blessed Saints:

1. Steadfast In Faith – Are we steadfast, not tempted by heresy, not swayed by adversity? (v3/6)

2. Love Overflowing – Do we care, remember God’s servants, love one another and towards all men. (v6/12)

Scripture of the Day (NT): 1 Thessalonians 3

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* Here’s Hope! – Last year statistics compiled by the HK University reveals HK’s suicidal rate is higher than countries like UK, US and France.

Suicide amongst the youth has doubled in the past 3 years! In October, Church in HK hold a series of 11 gospel meetings. Pray that the Lord will help the helpless sinners turn to God. (Enquiries: 23695106)

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* then shalt thou delight thyself in Jehovah; and I will make thee to ride upon the high places of the earth; and I will feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father…(Isaiah 58:14)

Isaiah 58-60: A life walking with God, delighting in God is the biggest blessing, a direct reflection of an abundant life.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Learn After Role Models In God’s Servant

1. Total Dedication – For the sake of pleasing God, preach His way despite suffering shame. Love the saints like a mother, even sacrificing one’s life. (v19)

2. Lead By Example – Work diligently or even toil so not to burden the saints.  Be holy and righteous, exhorting like a father, taking joy and glory in edifying with the saints. (v9-12/19-20)

Scripture of the Day (NT): 1 Thessalonians 2

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* In the last HK Bible Conference, 1902 committed themselves to the Lord, including those doing so through live broadcast. Among them 347 dedicated themselves to be full time servants. Please pray for their equipping as the new legion for God’s great work for His kingdom!

Message revisit – Carson bible study#2 – Seize the Promise <video in English/Cantonese>

http://www.hkbibleconference.org/hk/flash-news/speaker-news/1431-84-session-1-speaker.html

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

How To Be A Model To Believers:

1. Live out goodness – Demonstrate the virtues of faith, hope and love in your acts. Demonstrate extra joy even in moments of tribulations. (v3/6-8)

2. Serve the true God – Crush all idols, turn to the true and living God. Serve good while patiently awaits His coming. (v9-10)

Scripture of the Day (NT): 1 Thessalonians 1

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* Voice from Sydney – “…Elijah and the poor widow’s experience of having nothing is actually God’s experience of having everything.

What joy – because of having nothing leads us to hear from Jehovah, the God of Israel say: flour (material) won’t decrease and oil (spirit) will not run out… God is faithful and waits for us to experience Him together – ML CHAN/陳萬程, Australia”

(Ark Channel’s Remarks: Please pray for the pastors and saints in the Church in Sydney. May the gospel flourish there and in all lands!)

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* Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not… (Isaiah 54:2)

Isaiah 54-57: It’s God promise to His people in saying “Extend the boundary”. Let us just happily accept and put it into action with strides of faith.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

The Second Coming of the Lord – Changing Our View on End Times

1.   Be on guard and ready – the day of the Lord is at hand, be on guard (like defending the thief in the night) and be prepared (like an expecting   mother in delivering her baby) (v2-3)

2.   Be active in doing good – always follow after virtuous (agathos) and hold fast to what is noble (kalos) (v15, 21)

Scripture of the day (NT): I Thes 5

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* Dr. DS FONG/方道生 looks at life from the perspective of brain science and study

www.gnci.org.hk/tvpluz/component/seyret/video/174

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* The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; …. hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me
to bind up the broken-hearted, …( Isaiah 61:1 )

Isaiah 61-63: God’s healing and comforting of our soul is selective! He works only on those who sees themselves humble,
meek, chained and broken-hearted.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

The Second Coming of the Lord – Changing Our View on Death

1.  When death do us part  – we grieve but not losing hope, they are only asleep and will rise to new life again (v14)

2.  4 steps in a saint’s rapture – the Lord Himself descends from heaven -> the dead in Christ shall rise ->  caught up in the clouds -> forever be with the Lord (v16-17)

Scripture of the day (NT): I Thes 4

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* May Thy Kingdom Come/願你國度降臨 〈詩歌〉

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The Second Coming of the Lord – Changing Our View on Morals

1. law seen in love – love one another in the church, increase and abound toward all men in the world, like the way
God loves us (v12)

2. living before God – that day when we stand before His judgment, let our hearts be without blame in holiness (v19)

Scripture of the day (NT): I Thes 3

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* Crown of the Cross/十架的冠冕〈詩歌〉

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* Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways: as a nation that did righteousness, …. they delight to draw near unto God. (Isaiah 58:2)

Isaiah 58-60: A hypocrite owns everything except a heart that honors God, nor a heart that sympathizes men.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

The Second Coming of the Lord – Changing Our View on Value

1. Pleasing God – the ultimate appraisal on a servant of God: God is witness on our true being on that day (v5)

2. Desiring God – the flock that the pastor tends: his joy of this day is the crown on his head on that day (v19)

Scripture of the day (NT): I Thes 2

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* The finest pottery has to stand the fierce heat of fire for at least three times. This firing process allows the colors to be firm and bright. There are moments in life when we have to tolerate severe trials like that of burning in the kiln. Praise the Lord, while holding on to His grace, we can sustain because He always opens up for us a way out in the middle of afflictions, leaving the beautiful color marks on us forever. –  MAK Yau/麥友, dedicated to all saints whom He loves!

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* ….: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit….. (Isaiah 57:15b)

Isaiah 54-57: A humble and contrite heart is the only means that connects God in heaven with men on earth.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

The Second Coming of the Lord – Changing Our View on Life

1. hard labor in serving God – a new drive: it’s faith that sets us off to act,love that moves us to labor, hope that motivates us to persevere (v3)

2. persevere  in waiting for God – a new life: determination to turn away from idols,joy to serve the true and living God (v9)

Scripture of the day (NT):  I Thes 1

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“Braving Cancer in Companionship” Shower of Blessings : A group of Chinese immigrants from HK rally into a voluntary support team in Sydney, Australia to help fellow Chinese in fighting cancer. The objective of the ministry is to provide practical as well as psychological support to cancer patients and their family members. Compassionate as they are,not expecting any reward in return, these volunteers sacrifice their time and effort, at times confronted with pain of death and departures! What is the drive behind that keeps them going?

http://www.sobem.org.hk/media_detail.php?id=198

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* Yet it pleased Jehovah to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, …. (Isaiah 53:10a)

Isaiah 51-53: Completely beyond our understanding! Abba Father allows His only beloved Son to die for men, a magnificent salvation where two Most Holy work in oneness!

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Lord will be back — which is certain though sudden, but we have:
1. The God of peace?v.23?
2. The God who calls us?v.24?
3. The God of grace?v.28?
So don�t be afraid and wait for the great day with joy!