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       It is my hope that the pastoral team and leaders of the NPAC family will focus on building up the spiritual lives of brothers and sisters and nurturing mission-oriented disciples.

       After this Sunday, the NPAC family will be electing new deacons for the first time after registration as a company. In accordance with the Articles of Association and if passed by the general meeting of the church company members (comprising pastoral staff, current deacons, lay pastors, etc.) in mid-December, the newly elected deacons along with some pastoral staff will become the church directors of the new year. They will assume responsibilities for the administration, finance and legal matters of the church company.

      May I emphasize once again that a church director is just a serving role. It is not above any brothers or sisters. We must reject the quiet infiltration of worldly power game mentality into this family. The NPAC family is a church. Church leaders must imitate the servant leadership style of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let me and all leaders exhort each other that the greater the title, the greater the need to be aware of how to be the servant of others.

      May I invite us all to keep watch over the church. While flexibly and shrewdly responding to circumstances, let us not forget that we are, above all, a holy community belonging to the Heavenly Father. We must protect our inner nature to be as innocent as doves.

     The Corinthian church is an example of what not to do. They always compared their superiority, weighed God’s gifts for each, ministry posts and status. No! That must not be the path that the NPAC family takes.

     The most beautiful picture is that of Paul’s mission team. These people distributed work according to their gifts and did their best to complement one another. They loved one another within and bore one another’s burden without. As an apostle with an important role, Paul nonetheless worked extra hard for the Lord. Other core members such as Timothy, Titus and Epaphroditus whose names are often mentioned in the Scripture also traveled here and there and served the Lord as best they could. And the unnamed brothers and sisters who served among them, along with all the brothers and sisters of the congregation, strived to offer, to serve God and to love others.

     Indeed, for every brother and sister, as long as you are willing to assume responsibility, there will certainly be a place for you to offer your gifts. We have said in our home when teaching our children the right attitude towards work: Never think that the housework you are responsible for is unimportant because it is repetitive. The tasks entrusted to you are important to this home.

     It is like launching a rocket into space. Do not think that the rocket engineers or aerospace navigators are the most important? Yes, but all who make the screws and thermal insulation materials are equally important. The credit for those who do their best to properly produce small parts would not be smaller than that for the astronauts. It is because just one screw falling off during takeoff and hitting the booster can easily cause a deadly accident and failure of the launch.

    So, brothers and sisters, in the serving roles entrusted to you, please serve God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Likewise, do not seek to be praised by others as a humble person. Sometimes, humbly burying gifts in the ground may make one become the wicked servant who received one bag of gold.

    On the contrary, we should seek to be good and faithful servants. When we should assume responsibilities, do so boldly. Today, may you and I boldly seek to become the servants who receive two bags and five bags of gold.

       After leaving home, if there is one thing you feel you must go back to fetch if you have left it there, what would that be? I think it would probably be your mobile phone. Just one day without the mobile phone, we will feel that we have nothing to do on public transport or when waiting for people. It is because the Internet that the mobile phone connects to is closely related to our daily life.

       During my Sabbatical earlier this year, I came across some information about the development of online faith platforms by contemporary churches. I found that many scholars and pastors have actively joined the discussion. I understand more that digital technology has become an inseparable part of our daily life. Whether we know it or not, the digital world and our everyday life are in fact intertwined, and the two develop in parallel. Scholars Dawson and Cowan say in the introduction to their book Religion Online that the offline and online worlds mirror each other.

       In such a parallel relationship, the basis in the physical world is very important. Take a fellowship prayer meeting as an example. Since the members already know one another, the time to pray together can be arranged flexibly. Put online, the prayer meeting can take place in any evening in between two fellowship meetings. In these online gatherings, the fact that participants already know one another allows the interaction (especially when with video) to be as smooth as meeting in person (I believe nobody nowadays calls telephone conversation virtual). By the same token, since participants know each other, the quality of ad hoc meetings moved online as a result of inclement weather or other reasons will not be much different. Therefore, online and in-person meetings can well complement each other. Online meetings can back up in-person meetings and also be used as circumstances require. They can be put to active and creative use to strengthen our ties.

      Since the offline and online worlds mirror each other, we can cross over to the other side and come back as often as we need to enrich our faith. It will be like a group of friends who, after exchanges in a restaurant, continue to care and share through WhatsApp. It is clear that brothers and sisters can deepen their relationships through online communication in between in-person meetings. Likewise, pastoral relationship between brothers and sisters and the church can also benefit from online communication. Meanwhile, interaction with the church can be created through the “sermon archive”, “pastor’s sharing” and appropriate responses (such as enrolment and registration) to the news of all kinds of church activities. In fact, digital enrolment and pre-registration is being adopted for this year’s Winter Camp and Deacon’s Election so that brothers and sisters and the church could establish a clear relationship through the digital platform. I recently read a book called Seeking the Kingdom (《移動的聖所》, literally meaning “Mobile Sanctuary”). It is true. Through the online platform, the NPAC family can become our “mobile sanctuary” in the daily lives of brothers and sisters as they come and go.

       The other day, I met a familiar young man at the founding ceremony of a college fellowship. This reminds me of the time when I and his parents served together when we were young. Then his parents started dating, and sometimes my wife and I became “consultants” of their relationship. We also sang in the choir for their wedding. Later on, we even witnessed the conversion to Christ of the four grandparents on both sides one by one. Time passed. And now their son is a university student! When I looked carefully at the college fellowship, I realized that I know more than half of the members from their childhood. I am so grateful that through the years, I have witnessed the growth of many families and their extended families. All three generations of some of them are friends of mine. That gives me a truly amazing feeling.

       There are a number of three-generation, even four-generation families in the NPAC family, but they are not easily noticeable. It is because their family members are scattered among different ministries and worship services. They do not usually tell people they are the parents or the daughter or the grandfather or the brother of whom. But when you discover their relationships, you will be quite surprised, “O, so you are…” I still make such surprising discoveries every now and then.

      And yet we have another kind of family members.

      This is my 39^th year at NPAC. As I have never left this church, I have got to know many in the NPAC family over the years. They are treasures in my spiritual life.

      When I was young, I often grumbled why this family organized so many events. This time of the year, for example, we have the Annual Members Conference in November and the Winter Retreat in December. It is like that year after year, which makes me feel that these are sort of routine. But every time I attend these “events,” I find myself among a sincere, friendly community. And gradually, I came to realize what is meant by “the NPAC family.” “The NPAC family” is not a slogan. It really exists. Occasionally, I heard it said that use of the term “the NPAC family” in worship services does not sound sincere for “I” do not feel the presence of the family. Well, no one is to blame. It is true the church is big. If we just attend it without active participation, it will be difficult to feel that it is our home. And if we only take part in our own small community and not willing to actively participate in church-wide community, I believe it will also be difficult to feel that it is our home. In that case, it would be quite meaningless to say “the NPAC family”.

      Why do we take part in the church-wide community? Can we not just take part in our own small community? I had taken part in serving in the worship services of large congregations. Then I served at TC5 youth adults worship service and the present Sun+ worship service. I have found that they are all marvelous. Thanks to the church for letting me know the many different facets of NPAC. I have also joined many short-term mission trips. Each time, I serve and share with brothers and sisters from different communities of the church. Gradually, I came to realize that a real church should not consist of just one kind of people. We need many different types of people to create sparks. That will be the church mentioned in the Bible.

      All of this is my genuine experience and reflection over the years. Now I am proud to be a member of the NPAC family.

       Once in a fellowship meeting, brothers and sisters shared their thoughts on the topic “Live in peace and contentment with a happy family life.” Some fellowship members thought that having a stable accommodation and a stable income will go a long way to relieve financial pressure and woes. Some others chose to establish a harmonious relationship with family members of different generations who would trust and help each other out, thus savoring the bliss of a family. Now supposing we think deep along these lines, how would we make arrangements for a stable worship life at church? In our connection with various communities within the church, how would our interactions with one another relate to our service to God?

       Today, disasters are everywhere. Wars are rampant. Many people will ask: Is God still loving and gracious? In good times, it is relatively easier for us to praise God. But when hardships and adversities strike, our faith can easily fade away. Hear the psalmist’s firm proclamation: “Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvelous kindness in a strong city” (Psalm 31:21, KJV). We will wonder: What is the “strong city”? This reminds me of David’s testimony: “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” (Psalm 122:1, NIV) This we can see: Going to church for worship continually and drawing close to God consistently is the source of joy in our spiritual life. This is why the church of the eternal God is referred to as a city which is “a name of joy’ (see Jeremiah 33:9, KJV). I had seen a brother who was distressed before he entered the Main Church for the worship service. But when the worship service ended, he wore a smile of relief on his face! We believe that God is willing to impart His amazing lovingkindness to His people during worship. It is true. Worshiping in His courts, listening to His holy word, giving thanks and seeking His grace is a sure way to receive goodness and blessings in our life (see Psalm 65:4).

        Before the passion of our Lord Jesus, He commanded His disciples to love one another. He also reminded them: If they keep this command, not only will they always remain in God’s love but the joy from the Lord will also remain in them. With this joy, there will be contentment in their lives (John 15:9-11). We can also see this: that if we learn to love one another, the church community will then take care of one another and “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). Years ago, I heard the voice of brothers and sisters who serve cancer patients and the disabled fellowships: “Don’t let tears restrain us or obstruct the flow of grace from God. He has entrusted us with the ministry. Stand up! Let us proceed shoulder to shoulder with one heart.” This helps us understand better that God still gives grace to His church and encourages us to spread the aroma of Christ everywhere.

        May our generation see how abundant are the good things that God has stored up and bestowed for those who take refuge in Him (Psalm 31:19)! And may God accept our worship and impart on us His wondrous love and grace. We will not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is our strength for serving (see Nehemiah 8:10).

       October is election month for our fellowships. Some fellowships are having a hard time finding members to participate in serving. Some other fellowships are different. Each and every one of their members has a role to play. They take turns to keep the fellowship up and running so they can continue to build up one another.

       I came across Nehemiah 11:1-2 recently while preparing my sermon: “Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem. The rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten of them to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns. The people commended all who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.” At that time, Nehemiah and the leaders were looking at the acute problem of a deserted holy city. So they carried out a number of measures. While leaders would set an example and volunteered to move into Jerusalem, others would draw lots based on the principle of tithing to send one out of every ten of them to live in the holy city. The need to draw lots showed that some were not willing to live in the holy city and yet they were still willing to obey the plan and guidance of God. On the other hand, there were some who volunteered to move into the holy city. They were willing to sacrifice their comfort in order to respond to the needs of the holy city. We see that both kinds of offering were used by God. But the Scripture shows us that those who are willing are more blessed.

       For many years, I have led senior fellowships and sisters’ groups. Many seniors and sisters are scared about serving. They feel that they do not know much and they have fear of disapproval by others. Some others may find it difficult to cooperate with others. They are therefore afraid of or are reluctant to serve. But after encouragement and exhortation, they understood that serving is a response to the grace of God and they should not mind what others might say. Moreover, we do not depend on ourselves but God. “We can always learn if we don’t know how!” Finally, they are willing to try and are willing to be trained and equipped. They gradually experience God in serving and their spiritual lives also continued to grow. These brothers and sisters passively obeyed in responding to serve at first, but in turn received the blessing of God.

       A sister is physically deformed since small due to a blood vessel tumor. She also suffered much in her body, spirit and soul as she always had to go in and out of the hospital. Her school life was also affected. Coming from a family with difficult circumstances as well, she developed a sense of inferiority from young. But ever since her youth, her life completely changed after knowing God and experiencing being loved. Despite having to face limb amputation as a young adult, she was always grateful and joyful. The peace and joy in her life was felt by fellow patients around her, which became opportunities to share the gospel. Later, the sister shared her thoughts and experience in different schools and organizations. She became a blessing to many people, including a primary school pupil who was inclined to commit suicide.

       We may not necessarily have legendary experiences like this sister. But if we are willing to respond to God, whether to passively participate in serving or willingly serve, God will still be pleased and will use us as long as we are willing to obey Him. May God bless our ministry so we not only become a blessing to others, but our own lives will also be blessed and that we will grow.

       September 2000 was the time I arrived in Hong Kong for a full year. By invitation, I attended a new Putonghua worship service of an Anglican Church. There were not many in the congregation, but there were newcomers almost every week. At that time, I teamed up with a dedicated sister to start a group Bible study after the worship service. It was also an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We had tea together between the worship service and the Bible study. One time when chatting with a newcomer, I thought to myself: We are all in transit. Many newcomers come just once, and for me, I will have to change to another church for internship next year. How does the LORD see the conversation between us at this hour?

       Hong Kong has all along been seen as a city of migrants and visitors. According to the 2021 Census, Hong Kong born people make up 61.7% of the entire population. The number of non-ethnic Chinese people totaled 619,568, or about 8.4% of the population. From the end of 1997 until the end of 2021, a total of 1.121 million One Way Permit holders from the Mainland had come to Hong Kong. Deducting a net outflow of 681,000 people, the remaining 440,000 people make up a big part of the 937,000 population increase over the past 25 years. The migration tide in the past few years in Hong Kong really comprises two parts, with one being the outflow of migrants to other countries and the other an inflow of young Mainland people who seek education and work in Hong Kong. There are also grandparents who come to help young couple migrants look after the kids, and those who settle in Hong Kong as a result of cross-border marriages. All these people are now our neighbors.

       As strangers and sojourners before God, we need to remember and make an effort to carry out the exhortation of God: “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt” (Leviticus 19:33-34). Back in 1998, NPAC has served the children of new arrivals in Hong Kong and low-income families with schemes including “Comprehensive Development Scheme for School Children”, “Grassroot Visitation Team” and “Homework Assistance for Newly Arrived Children,” etc. In 2013, the kids who had then grown up, along with their parents, became the founding members of Grace & Joy Church. Such ministries are still ongoing in NPAC and Grace & Joy Church today.

       Some brothers and sisters and friends have referred to us new arrivals in need of care. In addition to the above ministries of the Social Concern Department, the worship services, fellowships and small groups under the Putonghua Ministry are also readily available platforms to welcome and serve these friends. Meanwhile, from the 2012-2013 school year, we have taken part in the “Goodwill Family Scheme” of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) via their faculty gospel mission group. In the 2018-2019 school year, Hong Kong Baptist University also had a similar scheme as that in PolyU. Later, apart from the “Goodwill Family Scheme,” PolyU added the “Teachers and Friends Scheme.” We are grateful to God for having mobilized many families in NPAC to become parents, and elder brothers and sisters of these students by committing to caring for them. Occasionally, brothers and sisters of the NPAC family have also invited their classmates and friends to attend meetings of the Cantonese congregations.

       When NPAC was first established, many pastors and brothers and sisters also spoke Putonghua. NPAC also has the background of bilingual worship services. Today, under the spiritual tradition of carrying out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment, may the Lord use the NPAC family to become the neighbors of new arrivals in Hong Kong!

       The sermon two weeks ago concluded the message in the Book of Nehemiah. After reading chapter 13, the final chapter, one cannot help but sigh. The people had experienced the wondrous works of God. The building of the wall was completed against all odds. By grace, they had come to realize their disobedience to God in the past, so they all fasted and confessed their sins. They also made a covenant to repent and renew. Hardly would they have expected that shortly after the pious provincial governor Nehemiah’s return to the nation, they again succumbed to all sorts of sins in the absence of exhortation and supervision.

       The nature of the human heart is inclined towards a downward path. It means that without vigilance and alertness, man tends to pursue physical contentment, comfort and convenience. He will want to cut loose the restraints and be unwilling to observe the rules. In recent years, department stores in California, USA, have repeatedly been robbed by mobs of gangsters. In August this year, Nordstrom was robbed by a gang of 50 masked looters who ran away with costumes, handbags, etc., which was worth more than US$100,000. It was because California has passed Proposition 47 (The Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative). Stealing merchandise worth $950 or less will just be a misdemeanor. As a result, very few would be imprisoned. That was to reduce prison congestion. Since then, flash mob robbery has happened in a number of large cities in California, resulting in a large number of department stores suffering great losses and ultimately closing down. Thefts and flash mob robberies are also common in many countries which have been hit by earthquakes or other natural disasters – These show that once the external restraints are gone, human hearts will be bent towards the fulfilment of lust, giving up on faithfulness and faith, seeking only “freedom and autonomy” in whatever they do.

       The New Testament tells us that the Israelites, after leaving Egypt, disobeyed God in the wilderness. They yearned for food, resented, and committed sexual immorality. God immediately gave them judgment and they died in the wilderness. The Scripture says: “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us…. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:11-12) Those who have experienced God’s mighty power may think that they are standing firm. However, once they are faced with adversities, things that are unbearable, discomfort, inconvenience or situations that are unrestrained, they are often inclined to seek satisfaction for the flesh and do not want to endure, causing them to commit the sins of the past.

       When D.A. Carson, an American pastor, shared on Nehemiah 13, he pointed out that the greatest evil of modern society is that evil is beautified and rationalized. He said people often take “compromise” as meaning “accommodation”, “betrayal” as “liberty”, “superstition” as “faith”, “non-restraint” and “out of control” as “relaxed.” The lack of prayer and lack of worship, they call “escape from legalism.” The forfeiture of moral constraint”, they call “liberation”. In a liberal society, people think that fearing God will lead to the loss of all pleasures in life. Nevertheless, in the midst of freedom and indulgence, people fall into great depths of problems.

      “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

Different places often give out different scents. Hospitals have the smell of disinfectants. Libraries have the smell of books. Swimming pools have the smell of chlorine. Your home also has its distinct smell. The church, too, has its unique, yet familiar, scent.

The second half of our yearly theme this year is “Spread the Aroma.” It comes from 2 Corinthians 2:14: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.”

When we have truly experienced the great power of the gospel, the gospel of Christ the Lord will be present in our lives like an outflow of aroma, which other people can feel.

I still remember that years ago, just inside the entrance to Side Hall 2 of the Main Church, the church used to put up a real Christmas tree behind the glass doors in December every year. Today, most churches do not do this anymore because of more understanding of environmental protection.

At that time, as soon as we entered through the glass doors from the podium, we would smell the natural scent of wood from the Christmas tree that filled the air. The fragrance seemed to remind us of the goodness of the gospel that Christ the Lord has come to earth. It also formed a sort of collective memory for believers of that generation about our church. Those were good days of the church’s growth. 

Today, what kind of scent do our lives give out?

2 Corinthians 13:5a goes like this: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.”  I believe there is no way we can spread the aroma of Christ when we are not in the faith.

At that time, Paul was worried about the ethics, faith and personnel issues surrounding the Corinthian church. He wrote epistles and also travelled to the Corinthian church in person to help out the congregation, hoping that their faith would be restored to the right path. But difficulties abounded. Later, Paul heard from Titus that the Corinthian church had repented, which filled him with joy.

Of course, the NPAC family is not the Corinthian church. Thank God for leading the NPAC family through 71 years. Through pastors, staff, leaders and brothers and sisters who are faithful, who love the church, who have lived in this family in harmony with mutual respect, the NPAC family has gradually developed the temperament we know today.

We are certainly unlike the believers in Corinth. Still, we can heed the message in 2 Corinthians together and pray the same prayer that Paul prayed for NPAC on our 71st anniversary: “this we also pray for, that you be made complete” (2 Corinthians 13:9b, NASB). In the original language, “be made complete” also means “be restored” and “be revived.” The abnormality of the external world in the past few years has covered up the issues in our inner lives. Now, besides resuming normalcy for our faith life, we indeed need the Lord to revive us once again.

In this quarter, let us examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith through the word of God. Let us act before it gets too late so that our aroma will not turn bad. Let us spread the aroma of the knowledge of Christ everywhere. Let us lift up Christ our Lord alone.

       The Chinese proverb “三思而後行” (literally meaning “think three times before acting”) advises that we should not act recklessly but should think carefully and discern clearly first. I wish to make use of and slightly modify the meaning of this concise and precise proverb to help us “think thrice” the meaning and practice of the testimonies of our Christian community.

1. The “testimony” of fulfilling one commission with one heart – “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.” (Acts 2:32) Early this year, a gospel movie was screened in Hong Kong. One of our adult fellowships took the opportunity to select a timeslot in a cinema and have a buyout of the movie. They invited non-believing relatives and friends to watch it together and listen to a gospel message by a pastor after the movie. Meanwhile, a women’s fellowship which meets on a weekday morning usually organizes an evangelistic meeting in December every year. This year, they choose to team up with two other women’s fellowships which also meet in daytime during the week to jointly organize a Christmas evangelistic meeting. They are all witnesses of the gospel.
2. The “testimony” of loving one another continually – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) Over the past few years, a number of brothers and sisters have dropped out of fellowships because of the pandemic or incidents in society. Now, through meals, love feasts, outings, appointments, etc., many adult fellowships keep trying to connect with old members in various ways in the hope of bringing them back to the fellowships. Thanks be to God! Some long-lost faces are reappearing in fellowships just like in the old days. Even some members who have previously split up due to difference in opinions are willing to be back to the groups they belonged. Some other members themselves or their families had experienced sickness and difficulties as part of “daily fellowship life.” Members have all along kept watch over and helped out one another. These acts of “loving one another” are the mark of the Lord’s disciples.
3. The “testimony” of serving others near and far – “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? …. a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? …. sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ …. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:37-40) This Easter season, the Sky of Men Mission Fellowship has relaunched prison visits. They sang songs, played games, chatted, and shared the gospel with more than 50 juvenile inmates. At the end of April, a fellowship with a small number of people collaborated with a church in Peng Chau to serve residents there by picking up trash on the beach. And more recently, an adult couples fellowship and the Community Witness Department organized a Pastel Nagomi Art class at Living Stone on G/F of Truth Center. Through this, they brought care and joy to several families outside the church. To “be others’ neighbors and love our neighbors” is to testify and serve the Lord.

“Think carefully before acting” – After “thinking thrice” about the testimonies of our community, it is time for you and I to put words into action and put biblical truths into practice.

       At church, I know a leader who has faithfully served in the same role for many years. Whether the environment is good or bad, he works steadfastly to walk with believers in their spiritual growth. Another leader holds an important position in the workplace and yet he is still very humble and polite. At worship services, he serves in an inconspicuous, supportive role. And recently, I have got to know some “retrained” leaders. Very experienced people, they are nevertheless willing to spend time to review what they already know and learn new ministry skills. They have an open and receptive approach to learning. I am grateful to God for the NPAC family.

        I have found that all these ministry leaders, whichever area they serve in, have one thing in common. They cherish an attitude to serve that is close to the heart of God. They show spiritual qualities in line with our faith – faithful, good, humble, kind… And amid the ups and downs of serving, they know clearly God’s calling for them, which is why they can willingly glorify God and build others up. They well understand the will of God. Their service is not for applause nor for show-off in the limelight. Rather, they really love the church and they serve to build up the body of Christ for the greatest benefit of the whole congregation.

       As the pandemic eases and things gradually return to normal, a good supply of manpower and resources is the key to success. Governments across the world deploy various means to attract talents. Some try to stem the outflow, some get talents from others, some train up, others preserve or bring in bonuses. No doubt about it, if you want the city to develop, you need the talent. In the post-pandemic church, what sort of ministry resources and packages do we need?

       Through studying the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, the theme of the sermons of this quarter focuses on how we can experience the guidance and grace of God on the road to resuming normalcy. Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah were key leaders in the period of return from exile. To enable smooth implementation of various plans, they needed unity of the people including leaders at various levels so that, together as one, they could fulfill what God entrusted to them in different periods: to rebuild the temple, to rebuild the walls, and to remold the holy people. What these two books of the Old Testament emphasize time and again is that the graceful hand of God is among them, a testimony to the fact that God walks and works with His people, and that He establishes and is pleased with the work of their hands.

       I mentioned a 3S-principle in my ministry leader classes: Servant, Shepherd and Steward. Whatever the change in our circumstances, whatever the discrepancy between our serving environment and the reality, believers must still humbly serve the Lord and build others up. If we are lacking in certain areas, we should do our best to care for others and shepherd one another. Even in unfavorable situations, we should insist on caring and keeping watch over others in a people-oriented manner. Finally, everyone who serves is the Lord’s steward. Knowing that we have to bring our books before the Lord one day, we must faithfully do what we are entrusted with seriously, respectfully, and with continuous self-improvement.

       After all, what an honor and blessing it is to serve the Lord of grace!