五旬節聖潔會通訊 – 第六期

編者的話/Editor’s note
周健雄牧師

按人的本性,行善是否可能?曾寶玲牧師告訴我們,詩篇一一二篇竟
然把「恩惠」、「憐憫」、「公義」這些神的屬性用來形容人,原因只有
一個,就是人能行善不是靠自己,而是因為他能夠效法神。敬畏神的人因
喜愛神的話語,在人生各種際遇實踐神話語的教導,他的生命見證如一面
鏡子反照神的恩惠、憐憫和公義。在人生旅程中,義人也會遭遇逆境,面
對生命中黑暗的日子,但義人有神話語的光照,因此他必然找到出路,經
歷出死入生的拯救。

曾牧師的話恰與梁靄庭牧師「以善勝惡」的座右銘相呼應。梁牧師指
出,基督徒決不可「以惡報惡,以辱罵還辱罵」,因為「以惡報惡」是出
於血氣的反應,結局必然是報復。基督在十字架上受盡人的羞辱,但祂的
口中沒有半句惡言惡語;基督不但拒絕報復,更為加害祂的人祈求神的赦
罪。基督徒就是基督的學生和門徒,因此對受了惡言惡語對待時,不但不
可以「以辱罵還辱罵」,還要為他們祝福,這樣才會體會到在基督裏的得
勝。

神的話語不但有力量,更是我們行事為人不可缺少的指引。但願我們
都從神的話語中得著生命長進的力量,體會到遵行神話語所經歷的無盡恩
福。阿們。

Are human beings capable of doing good deeds by nature? In her sermon, Rev.
Flora Tsang told us that the three words: “gracious”, “compassionate” and “righteous”
that represent God’s attributes were used on people in Psalm 112. By such usage, the
psalmist suggested human beings are not doing good on their own but they can if they
follow God. People who fear God love the words of God and they will put God’s words
into practice in their daily lives. The lives of these people are like mirrors that reflect
God’s grace, compassion and righteousness. Throughout a life journey, tough circumstances
are inevitable. Amid darkness, those who fear God would see light from God’s words and
would be led to see the way out.

The message shared by Rev. Tsang echoes Rev. Doris Leung’s motto “overcome evil
by good”. To “repay evil with evil or insult with insult” will never be a Christian way of
handling things. “Repay evil with evil” will only result in retaliations. Ruthlessly tortured
at the cross, Jesus Christ did not say anything in revenge. Not only that, He prayed for
God’s forgiveness on those who ill-treated Him. Christians are the disciples and followers
of Jesus Christ. We should seriously ponder on the proper responses in case we are
insulted. Blessing those who ill-treat us might be the key for us to experience the victory
in Christ.

God’s words are full of strength, giving us the essential guidance for our everyday
lives. May all of us keep growing spiritually and experiencing the munificence from
following God’s teachings.

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五旬節聖潔會通訊 – 第五期

編者的話/Editor’s note
周健雄牧師

本期《聖經叢談》的題目是「生命成長的三部曲」,這三部曲的屬靈成長歷程, 讓我聯想到最近一次攀山經歷。一位資深弟兄近年愛上行山,走遍香港的大小山徑,近 日他透過另一位弟兄邀請我同登大嶼山的西狗牙。當天我們整裝出發,卻在西狗牙的 入口處碰到一位中年大叔從山腰處踉蹌而下,說他只爬了十分一路就感到不對勁,決定 離隊下山而去。我們一邊上山,一邊暗自取笑他。誰料此山以「狗牙」為名,正因為山 勢跌宕起伏,狀如狗牙,且山勢險峭,須四肢並用,順著人手鑿出來的石徑向上攀爬, 始能緩步前進。起初石徑兩旁有灌木生長,心裏比較踏實;但沿坡而上,兩旁變得光禿, 爬得愈高,地勢就愈險,還要保守自己和同伴不從數百米高的懸崖墮下,確是一步一 驚心。但山徑陡峭,一旦上山就不能走回頭路,非得攀過三個互相接連、一個比一個高 聳的山峰,才能到達下山的山口。於是,我們只有硬著頭皮,頂著畏高而酸軟的腳步, 用了不知多個小時,終於登頂,經歷了一次「壯舉」。這次經歷,我想可以作為生命同 行的隱喻,看到人生中相伴同行、互相守望、堅持到底的重要性。我們更看到在人生 大小經歷中,都有著神的保守與引領,叫我們有能力征服看似一個比一個艱難的攔阻, 突破自己的軟弱,見證人在基督裏的生命長進。

此外,本期堂會快訊介紹三門仔堂的兩位傳道同工,是一對年輕的夫婦,他們相 識相愛、同工同行的過程,都是美好的生命見證。林淑櫻牧師講論人際之間的戰爭與和 解,都是很好的提醒,叫我們珍惜身邊的人。

願您喜歡本期的內容,讓我們一同學習,經歷生命的長進與更新。

This Bible Hermeneutics column of this issue carries the title “The three steps of spiritual growth”. The article reminds me of a recent hiking experience. A veteran member of our church has fallen in love with mountain hikes during the past few years, leaving his footprints on most trails in Hong Kong. Not long ago, he invited me and another brother in Christ to a hike at West Dog’s Teeth in Lantau. Geared up, at the entrance which was half way up the mountain, we came across a middle-aged guy who made his way down clumsily. He said he had just climbed up one-tenth of the distance before heading back as he felt he would not be capable of finishing the trail, which seemed too difficult for him. We continued uphill after the brief encounter and joked about the guy. But we understood his feeling very soon because the trail got its name not without reason. The steepness and frequent ups and downs resemble the shape of dog’s teeth. We had to use both hands and feet to proceed safely. Moving slowly, we managed to feel secure as both sides of the trail were covered by bushes. Yet as we climbed up, the trail became increasingly uncovered and we were literally in the middle of a cliff. The sight was so scary but there was no way back. We must carry on to climb over three more hilltops before reaching the exit. I couldn’t remember how many hours it has taken before we reached the peak and accomplished this remarkable journey. That was indeed a precious experience that echoed my spiritual journey, from which I realized the importance of the support of companions, determination and persistence. What’s more important is the guidance and protection of our Lord, who always leads us through all kinds of obstacles and helps us to encounter an improved self in the love of Jesus Christ.

Besides, the interview with the young couple who pastor PHC Sam Mun Tsai Church told us a beautiful story of how they evolved from lovers to partners in serving a far bigger family in God. In the Message from Conferences column, Rev. Maggie Lam shared with us the battles and peace-making in various aspects of interpersonal relationships. Her message is a great reminder for us to cherish the people around us.

We hope you will enjoy reading this issue. Let’s learn and experience growth in spiritual life together!

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五旬節聖潔會通訊 – 第四期

編者的話/Editor’s note
周健雄牧師

本期會訊的重點是「牧養」。主耶穌到世間來,作群羊的大牧人,指引人走上光明之路,給予聖道的餵養,一生豐盛。二千多年來,領受主耶穌救贖之恩,回應祂「使萬民作我的門徒」的召命,委身作群羊的牧者的人,都必然體會到「牧養」雖艱辛卻滿有喜樂的經驗。今年剛按立的三位牧者,張仲賢牧師,梁衍奇牧師、蘇于庭牧師,他們獨特的出身、背景、與神同行的經歷,都成為他們今後牧養群羊的寶貴資源,而他們懇切摯誠的分享,都是有血有肉的生命見證。

梁靄庭牧師藉著彼得前書,為我們闡述牧養的正反兩面,就是「照顧」和「轄制」;「照顧」的原意是同行與守望,但出於「轄制」,卻是要人按著自己的心意跟著自己行,而不是按著神的心意。前者是在基督裏的「同行」,後者卻是叫人「跟住我行」;
一線之差,雲泥之別。

本期會訊推出的時候正值聖誕節。從世俗的眼光來看,主耶穌在不適當的時候,不理想的地方和不顯赫的家庭出生,從一開始便是被其他人比了下去。主耶穌自己也承認自己一無所有:「狐狸有洞,天空的飛鳥有窩,人子卻沒有枕頭的地方。」(太八20)但祂有的卻是生命之道,是群羊的大牧人,惟有藉著祂才得著生命的平安。甄浩業牧師的分享,正要向我們指出,本來美好的團契生活也會因人際衝突而生問題,甚至被那惡者利用而彼此傷害。但我們只要守住自己的一顆心,恆切禱告,必然得著出人意外的平安,要迎向生命中的挑戰。這讓我想起伍牧師的話:「成長就是最佳的 醫治。」當我們生命在經歷中不斷堅固,不但能治癒過去的傷害,更成為迎向未來更大挑戰的能力。

願主的平安,常與你們同在﹗

The theme of this issue is “shepherding”. Jesus Christ came to the world to be the Great Shepherd, leading men onto the path of light and feeding them with the Word. In the little more than two thousand years that followed, all those who responded to Jesus Christ’s great commission of “making disciples of all the nations” and committed to shepherding His flock must have experienced that unique joy amid toughness and challenges. In November, Hong Kong Pentecostal Holiness Church ordained three ministers: Rev. Cheung Chung-yin, Rev. Leung Hin-kit and Rev. So Yue-ting. The trio came from different family backgrounds and each has his/her own story of walking with God, precious experiences that will help their ministry ahead. We are glad to have them sharing sincerely with us their life testimonies.

With reference to 1 Peter, Rev. Doris Leung elaborated the two sides of shepherd-leadership: “taking care” versus “dominating”. “Taking care” intends to keep company and watch over. “Dominating”, though, is making oneself the lord for the flock to obey and follow. The fine line between the two hinges on whether the focus is properly set on God. The full elaboration can be found in the column Bible in Hermeneutics.

This issue is published at a time around Christmas. From a secular perspective, Jesus Christ was born at an awkward time, in a far from ideal place and to a way too modest family. Right from the start, he had nothing to be proud of. Even Jesus himself admitted on his lack of possessions: “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20) But what He has is the way to life. He is the Great Shepherd. Only through Jesus Christ would one find the true peace of life. In Message from Conference, Rev. Alan Yan pointed out how inter-personal conflicts would be utilized by the evil one to hurt the fellowship and faith community. It is so important to guard our hearts and to pray persistently with thanksgiving. Through this we would be granted the peace that transcends all understanding that enables us to face the challenges in life. This reminds me of what Rev. Donavan Ng said: “Spiritual growth is the best healing.” As we grow in faith and get strong through the challenges in life, our wounds from the past would not only heal but also empower us to face tougher conditions ahead.
May God’s peace be with you always!

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五旬節聖潔會通訊 – 第三期

編者的話/Editor’s note
周健雄牧師

人年紀愈長,愈擔心腦袋不靈光,應該記得的操作細節,總是串連不起來;明明讀過的書,卻好像第一次接觸一樣。但只要不是腦退化,有一些人和事是終身都會不忘記的。保羅寫信給提摩太,說「我記得你無偽的信心。」信心這麼抽象,是怎樣被保羅記得的呢?潘耀倫牧師所做的詮釋是:他們的共同經歷。保羅念茲在茲的,就是他們持定基督信仰,破勢而立、逆勢而行地踐行福音使命所締造的往績。這些令人振奮的往事足以成為提摩太繼承保羅志業的基礎,也足以成為提摩太面對今天艱難處境時的力量來源。

保羅明確指出提摩太的信心其來有自,是從母親和外祖母那裏承傳下來的。無獨有偶,黃月英牧師談到記憶時,就提及信仰傳承的重要,指出猶太人在他們的孩子在牙牙學語時,就教導他們背誦聖言,為的是把神的話語自小就存記在孩子心中,成為屬神子民的集體記憶。

各位弟兄姊妹,你過去的經歷如何推動你有朝氣地走這條信心之旅呢?在你的信仰歷程中,誰是你的保羅—生命師傅?誰是你的提摩太—信仰傳承者?

It seems inevitable to see one’s memory deteriorating as one ages. Sometimes the full picture remains with details missing. We might also have come across a book that we read before but appears as a new book now. Yet the memory of some people and issues would stay forever as long as one does not suffer from dementia. Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, saying: “I am reminded of your sincere faith”. How would Paul remember such abstract idea as “faith”? According to the interpretation of Rev. Timothy Poon, it is due to the shared experience of Paul and Timothy. What stays in Paul’s heart and mind must be Christian faith, which was held firmly by both as they spread God’s word throughout a wide range of area. Their accomplishments in the past laid a strong foundation for Timothy to inherit Paul’s vision and kept offering strength to Timothy when he encountered tough times.

Apostle Paul pointed out clearly that the faith of Timothy was inherited from his mother and grandmother. Incidentally, Rev. Joanne Wong also mentioned the importance of the inheritance of faith when she talked about memory. She highlighted that the Jews used to teach their children to recite Bible verses when the kids just started to talk. The purpose is to keep God’s words in the heart and mind of their children, consequently forming a collective memory for the people of God.

Brothers and sisters, how do your past experience push you forward onto the path of faith? During your faith-seeking journey, who is your Paul, the mentor in your life? Who is your Timothy, to whom you can pass on the faith tradition?

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總監督綜覧 – 第二期

編者的話
周健雄牧師

本期《總監督綜覽》的推出,適逢郭志榮牧師接任國際五旬節
聖潔會香港總監督之位。伍牧師在位二十五年,貢獻之多,早已邁越前人,主理主教德亞瑟博士親函道謝;郭牧師繼踵巨人之後,將會以怎樣的心情和行動來履行總監督之任?請大家從專訪中找答案。
為了讓大家更了解郭牧師,《總監督論壇》精選了郭牧師的講章與大家分享。又為了讓大家繼續讀到伍牧師的寶貴信息,由本期開始,新增《牧長經詮》欄目,分期刊載伍牧師於去年11月1日至7日
於華人基督教聯會培靈奮興會中的證道內容,曾出席聚會的肢體固然可以藉此重溫細味,未曾出席的肢體,也可以從記錄中一窺現場的
互動實況。
本期我們還邀請了本會三個華人宣教區的牧者,仔細分享疫情下的事工近況和展望,請大家細看內容並擺上禱告。

Editor’s Note:

By the time when this publication is issued, Rev. Eddy Kwok has taken up the position as the Field Superintendent in Hong Kong of International Pentecostal Holiness Church, succeeding Rev. Donavan Ng. Rev. Ng has been in the position for 25 years with unprecedented contributions, which were highly recognized by IPHC’s Headquarters. Under the shadow of this great predecessor, how would Rev. Kwok handle this significant position? The interview with him will show us his chain of thoughts.

From this issue onward, the column Sermon of the Field Superintendent will publish the sermons of Rev. Eddy Kwok. However, the sermons of Rev. Donavan Ng are not going to be missed. As such, a new special column is dedicated for Rev. Ng’s precious insights to God’s words. This new column will start with the series of sermons by Rev. Ng for the Revival Meeting of The Hong Kong Chinese Christian Churches Union in November last year. This issue carries the first night of the week-long event while the rest is yet to come.

Taking a wider perspective, our missionaries from three different mission points of the world have also written to us sharing about their ministries and outlook under the impact of the pandemic. Your prayers are most needed.

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五旬節聖潔會通訊 – 第二期

編者的話/Editor’s note
周健雄牧師

今年到了二、三月之間,疫情變得已極其嚴峻,祝願各位都保重身體,在彼此關顧下同得安慰。說到身體的狀況,我們不得不讚嘆接連受過多次重大手術的唐新泉牧師,他對上主的大信所展現出來過人的堅毅、平安和盼望,實在是動人的佳美見證。本期專訪,唐牧師親自道出「只有今天、沒有明天」的人生,如何推動著自己和弟兄姊妹「趁著白日,必須作那差我來者的工」的心志。

在社會變遷、疫情嚴峻的背景下,梁靄庭牧師繼黃月英牧師之後擔當永光堂堂主任,壓在她肩背上的重量是可想而知的。本期專訪梁牧師為我們道出她承擔這重任的心路歷程,讓我們可以循此發現上主的同在、加力與保守,信必可以提振起弟兄姊妹的心,同心為教會的未來走出一片新天地。
還有,郭志榮牧師用細針密縷的工夫講解腓立比書,邏輯條貫,精義紛陳,大家怎能錯過!

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a sharp turn in Hong Kong since February following a few seemingly stabilized months. May all of us stay well and healthy amid the severity of the pandemic. Talking about illness, Rev. Franky Tong is no stranger. From his sharing for this issue, we would be amazed by his toughness and faithfulness all along the way he struggled with critical diseases. Tortured for over a decade, Rev. Tong has felt even stronger the urge to “seize the day”. His life is a vivid manifestation of the Bible verse: “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.”

Against the background of an uncertain and distressed social atmosphere, Rev. Doris Leung took up the position as Pastor-in-charge of Wing Kwong Pentecostal Holiness Church in succession of Rev. Joanne Wong. It is not hard to imagine the weight of the burden on her. In the special interview of this issue, Rev. Leung shared with us what she has gone through in her spiritual reflections in preparation for this huge responsibility, which might very well strengthen those who feel the call to serve.

Last but not least, Rev. Eddy Kwok’s meticulous hermeneutics of the verses in Philippians is not to be missed!

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總監督綜覧 – 第一期

編者的話
周健雄牧師

編者的話・

這本刊物命名為《總監督綜覽》,顧名思義,是從總監督的視角來觀看香港五旬節聖潔會的大小事,並展望香港與總會的關係。因此,我們特別刊登伍牧師在新一屆按牧典禮上的發言,從中可以更深地了解牧長對新一代牧者的期許,並看到牧長自己自蒙召以來在事奉生涯中的佳美
見證。

說到佳美見證,在全球新冠病毒的肆虐下,我們更清晰地看到各地宣教士為主作工的心志。香港差出幾個地區的宣教士,他們與世界各地的宣教士一樣,都是雲彩般的見證人,默默地在異地開展華人福音事工。請記念他們的勞苦。此外,與伍牧師有深厚交情的格里牧師(Rev. Mike Gray)最近因病辭世、安息主懷,本期宣教略影特別刊載相關之悼念文章。

請記念聖工在全球的拓展,我們深信神必定興起更多忠勇有謀略的牧者和宣教士,在這看似艱難的世代,在世界不同角落為福音綻放光彩,結出豐盛的美果。

Editor’s Note:

The name of this booklet explains its contents well,
that is to see the world, especially the issues relating to the Pentecostal Holiness Church, from the perspective of the Field Superintendent in Hong Kong. In this very first issue, the sermon of Rev. Donavan Ng at HKPHC’s Ordination Service on the 3rd of October, 2021, is featured, from which one can see Rev. Ng’s expectations for the newly ordained as well as the wonderful testimonies during his own dedicated life of service.

Under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a plenty of great testimonies all around the world as missionaries everywhere have been working harder than ever. The couple of missionaries sent from Hong Kong to several regions have joined force in teaming up as a great cloud of witnesses when they work tirelessly on the ministries for overseas Chinese. Besides, this issue recorded a featured column in remembrance of late Bishop Mike Gray who passed away and entered the glorious presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in October 2021.

Please remember in prayers the development of ministries all around the world. Our God will definitely raise up more courageous and faithful servants amid these hard times. The tougher it gets, the brighter His followers will shine in different parts of the world by sharing His words and promises.

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五旬節聖潔會通訊 – 第一期

編者的話
周健雄牧師

由2021年11月份開始,《五旬節聖潔會通訊》將集中報導本港三區會及十四堂會的活動信息;有關於國際五旬節聖潔會的資訊,主理主教的異象、世界差傳部的普世宣教事工、人助人機構的事工,將在即將出版的另一本刊物:《總監督綜覽》中報導。因此之故,今期《五旬節聖潔會通訊》,是革新版的創刊號。

創刊號最重要的信息,自然是牧者按立禮及宣教師授職禮。今屆牧師按立禮,由總監督伍山河牧師擔任主禮,據伍牧師說,這是他自出任五旬節聖潔會香港總監督以來首次做按牧主禮,也是新註冊的香港五旬節聖潔會第一屆的牧師按立禮。這兩個「首次」,對新按立的牧師和宣教師來說,自然是意義重大,再加上這次按立禮的內容,刊載在改版後的《五旬節聖潔會通訊》創刊號上,形成了三個「首次」,對於這本刊物來說,就賦予了十分值得珍視和紀念的價值。

今期除了刊載各受按牧者和受職宣教師的感言外,還刊載黃月英牧師的講章:「信任神而面對經得起的信仰考驗」,值得細嚼和細想,大家萬勿錯過。

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會訊 – 第六十八期

編者的話
周健雄牧師

伍牧師說:我們要「曉得」真理,但若要真正「曉得」,就必須要有「認識的行動」,即為了要明白真理而有所行動。因此,人若沒有委身、沒有行動,就不會知悉生命的真相,正如昔年以色列人進入迦南地時,必須首先踏入約旦河,河水才會為他們分開一樣。這確是顛撲不破的教導。

肯尼亞疫情嚴重,許多華人都選擇回國避疫,但周瑞群牧師和黃日明宣教士卻堅定不移,選擇留在疫區與弟兄姊妹一起,堅持以聖言餵養他們,這樣的胸懷,正是與基督同一陣線的認識的行動。蘇于庭姑娘授職宣教士,李佩盈姑娘負笈新加坡入讀三一神學院,都是踏進約旦河的行動,但願神的恩典保守她們的事奉,使懷著與基督同一陣線的決心,不但經歷神藉基督給她們所賜的福,她們的生命更成為肢體的祝福。

酷暑又到,願諸位安坐閱讀,若對所讀信息有回應,歡迎以文字回應。

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會訊 – 第六十七期

編者的話
周健雄牧師

信仰必須有堅固的立足點,才能展開腳步,開創前途;有堅強的信心,才能無懼逆境,在弱勢中以強者的姿態見證基督。本期總會動向,德亞瑟主理主教反對美國向同性戀、跨性別傾斜的「平等法」,恪守本會純正的信仰立場,展現出信仰的立足點;至於總監督論壇,伍牧師指出,信徒在遇到惡事、禍事、壞事的時候,不以世界的方式來回應,堅決投靠基督,不行惡、不報復,深信舊的局面必會過去,新的局面必會展開,這樣的人,就是弱勢中的強者。

劉惠蓮牧師歸寧主殿,展現一生奉獻作主聖工的生命樣式,值得我們懷念、學習。

移民愈來愈成為肢體間思想並付諸行動的事,本期刊出兩位移民肢體的文章,分享他們所考慮的事,以及當中的心路歷程,最後牧者從信仰的角度思考移民與定居,指出無論我們往何處去,都不能忘記我們真正的家,是天上的基業。

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