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Rooted Together#3

Faithfulness vs. Non-Commitment

Are You Obeying His Word?

Speaker: Pastor Stephen Hsu

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32

[28] “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

[29] ” ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. [30] “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

[31] “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. [32] For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

—Matthew 21:28-32

Big Idea: We please God when we REPENT & obey His Word

3 TESTS for our church community

1. Are we listening to God’s Word? [28]

2. Are we obeying what God says? [29-30]

3. Do we REPENT? [31-32]

“The church is always being reformed according to the Word of God.”

—Jodocus van Lodenstein (1674)

Christian Discipleship 101

You can’t learn new truth if you aren’t obeying what God already has taught you.

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Rooted Together#2

From Consumerism to Gratitude: Three Shifts for Church Community

Speaker: Rev. Ho-Ming J. Tsui

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

A community is a group of people who share an identity-forming story that is so important to them that it defines an aspect of who they are.

The Story of Consumerism

a) Consumerism started as a marketing strategy

b) Consumerism has become a dominant worldview

c) Consumerism has infiltrated the church

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

—1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

Shift 1: From Entitlement to Appreciation (vv. 12-13)

Application: Thank someone not only for what they’ve done for you, but acknowledge the cost of their service and express appreciation for their heart to serve

Shift 2: From Apathy to Responsibility (vv. 13b-15)

Application: Identify someone in our community who fits into one of Paul’s categories—someone who seems disheartened, struggling, or needs encouragement.

Shift 3: From Comparison to Contentment (vv. 16-18)

Application: For the next month, begin each day by thanking God for three specific things about our church community.

Conclusion: If we want to cultivate a culture of gratitude, we must immerse ourselves in a story of grace. The gospel creates grateful people.

Rooted Together#1 – Introduction

The Importance and Fragility of Community

Speaker: Rev. Shu-Ling Lee

Scripture: John 17:20-23

Jesus & Mary Magdalene:

A Most Fragrant Worship

Speaker: Pastor Johnny Cheung

Scripture: Mark 14:3-9

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.

—Mark 14:3-9

The Worship of Lord Jesus

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.

—Mark 14:3

Who was Jesus to Mary?

a. Rabbi?

b. Loved One?

c. Miracle Worker?

The Worth of the Offering

4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me… 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.

—Mark 14:4-6, 8

The World will Remember

9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.

—Mark 14:9

Courage Unleashed: Living a whole-hearted life

Speaker: Rev. Darren Herbold

Scripture: Joshua 14:7-8

1. Wholehearted Conviction: Holding on to the one who holds the world.

2. Wholehearted Perspective: Living for the Father’s glory.

3. Wholehearted Consistency: Faithfulness in the Mundane, Miraculous, or Unfair.

YLD Sunday

Speaker: Pastor Alex Chan

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1-3

BIG IDEA: When Adults Leads By Example, God Raises Up the Next Generation

1. A Parent’s Life Shapes the Heart of A Child

2. ⁠The Example of the Church Deepens Their Faith

3. ⁠Maturing Faith Is Not Instant—It’s a Lifelong Journey of Surrender, Struggle, and Transformation

4. ⁠Trust God with Our Children: Releasing Control and Embracing God’s Greater Plan

Call to Action: How to Reach Generation Alpha

1. Teach them something that AI Cannot

2. Connect them to a Church Community

3. Plant Hope, Always

Planting Hope, Always:

Sharing our Hope

Speaker: Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15

We evangelize to share our hope.

———

1. Are you excited to share your hope?

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord…

—1 Peter 3:15

The joyful effects of the gospel motivate us to share our hope.

———

2. Are you ready to share your hope when people ask?

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have….

—1 Peter 3:15

The transformative power of the gospel demands an explanation.

Our hope is found in the person, work and return of Jesus:

I. In the person of Jesus, God emptied himself of his glory (upside-down aspect)

The person of Jesus (incarnation) gives me hope because it teaches me there is a new way to live.

II. Through the work of Jesus, God substituted himself for us (inside-out aspect).

The work of Jesus (substitution) gives me hope because it tells me God loves me.

III. At the return of Jesus, God will make a new world (forward-back aspect).

The return of Jesus (resurrection) gives me hope because it declares that better days are ahead.

———

3. Are you living in such a way that your hope is visible?

But do this with gentleness and respect

—1 Peter 3:15

The humble nature of the gospel leads us to demonstrate it with gentleness and respect

———

Practical Ways To Share Your Hope:

1. Prepare your story

How has the person, work and return of Jesus changed your life?

Your story answers the WHY.

2. Pray for opportunities

Evangelism is more about sharing than winning

3. Practice presence

Be fully present with the people God brings into your life

Planting Hope, Always: Ministry

Embodying Our Hope

Speaker: Pastor Angela Luk

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16

1. Our Light of Hope is Meant to Shine

• Hope in Christ is not a private feeling—it’s a public calling.

2. We Minister Through Who We Are and Where We’ve Been

• God often uses the very things that make us “us” to reflect hope

3. Keep the Lamp Burning—Let Us Persevere in our Ministry!

• Ministry is not a one-time act—it’s a rhythm of life.

Conclusion: YOU are a Light of Hope

Planting Hope, Always

Fellowship:

We Fellowship to Nurture Our Hope

Speaker: Rev. Sophia Wong

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42–47

We worship to express our hope

We fellowship to nurture our hope

We grow in discipleship to deepen our hope

We minister to embody our hope

We evangelize to share our hope

———

1. God in Our Fellowship

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

—1 Thessalonians 5:11

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

—Hebrews 10:24-25

Koinonia:

The Greek word Koinonia, translated as fellowship, refers to being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ.

God in Community:

Human need for connection: We are made in His image, we were never meant to walk alone. Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for man to be alone.”

Jesus’ Ministry:

A Laboratory of Love:

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2. Hope in Our Fellowship

L.I.F.E.: Acts 2:42–47

1. L: Life together (Acts 2:42): Spiritually

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

2. I: Invest Generosity (Acts 2:44–45): Materially

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”

3. F: Foster joy (Acts 2:46–47a): Emotionally

“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”

4. E: Extend invitation (Acts 2:47b): Socially

“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Fellowship should be Christ-centered, not clique-centered.

———

3. God’s Story

A Wake-Up Call in Kenya

———

4. Call to Action: We Fellowship to Nurture Hope!

• Shoe Drive: We aim to collect 25,000 pairs of gently used shoes. Each pair, costing $3 to ship, can save a life. The container will be converted into a school in Kenya.

• Blood Drive: One in seven hospital patients needs blood. Post-pandemic, many await surgeries.

• Basket of Blessings: While we receive many gifts at Thanksgiving/ Christmas, it’s time to give back. By faith, we’ll prepare 400 baskets for newcomers—Syrians, Afghans, Ukrainians, LMJ, Adam House, and needed families in RH.

———

Conclusion: Commit to Fellowship, Commit to Hope

Planting Hope, Always:

Discipleship: Deepening Our Hope

Speaker: Rev. Shu-Ling Lee

Questions: How do you define Discipleship?

What is involved for Discipleship?

———

1. Hope Begins with Abiding in Christ (v.5)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

—John 15:5

the Lord delights in those who fear him,

who put their hope in his unfailing love.

—Psalm 147:11

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

—Colossians 1:27

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

—1 Peter 1:3

Essentials 2 → Worship, Word, Prayer, Stewardship

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2. Hope Grows through Fruitful Living (v.8, 9-17)

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

—John 21:15-17

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3. Hope Multiplies through Intentional, Relational Discipleship (v.8, 16; Matt 28:19-20)

8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples..You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. —John 15:8, 16

Question for this Present-Future:

What about the advent of AI and Discipleship?

———

Conclusion

“Hope is the confident anticipation of good that is not yet here, based upon the knowledge and experience of God.”

—Dallas Willard

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

—1 Thessalonians 4:13-14