Pastoral Messages by Pastor KK Ip
21 October 2021
How would you make use of an offer of 90% off consumer products?
That was not a commercial from any retailers in town. It was the community care program by a consortium of over 9 churches from the Chai Wan District. Underprivileged families under their care, whether they are already believers or not, were invited to the carnival type all-you-can-buy event where they could purchase any items, ranging from shoes, clothings to electrical appliances, at the cost of only 10% of the original price. And these were all brand new items, not used or recycled items, donated by different sources. It was a missional moment for churches to get in touch with the families in need, not just for a prayer but also for their physical needs. A gesture of kindness to the community would shed a good light on our witnesses as Christians.
This is a beautiful story that I have heard in the fellowship of pastors serving in the Chai Wan District. God led me to this pastors’ group not only for fellowship, but also for insights and inspirations as to what God is doing in the midst of His churches and servants in this area. I wish our church would be also inspired to get involved in local missions in one way or another.
31 October 2021
“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” Psalm 146:3
Our faith is always grounded on the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit has taught us through the Word of God.
But when a servant of God fall from grace, we as a church can feel the impacts in one way or
another. With sadness, this happened to one of our guest preachers. You may be disillusioned or disturbed and questions would spring up in your mind as to what is going on and how can a faithful servant of God be failed in such a manner.
The first thing we should do is not to harbour the illusory self-righteousness. The Bible always remind us that we too are capable of falling to the same depths.
Still, has everything that the person taught been nullified by his failures? What effect, if any, did the messenger have on the message, or vice versa? Clearly, the person has acted contrary to the words he spoke. Whatever the person actually believed, he was a vehicle for ministering the Word of God.
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” Philippians 1:15–18. Apostle Paul is apparently an optimist in all circumstances because of his faith in Christ.
We are reminded that God is sovereign and powerful to redeem any person in any circumstance for His own purpose. Being saved do not exempt any of us from temptation and sin. Even king David, a man after God's own heart, was overcome by temptation. Satan will do everything to get those living for God off track.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)
The Lord’s prayer “Lead us not into temptation” takes on a new urgency when this sad failure happened. Lastly, we need the Holy Spirit to guard us against the temptation to gossip about it, to spread the word around because it somehow makes us feel better about ourself. Please pray ceaselessly for those who are serving in the frontline.
14 November 2021
South Korean’s megahit “Squid Game” has made history of Netflix. I am not a fan of TV series but still cannot avoid exposing to it within and outside the household.
Sometimes a flash thought would question myself if I am missing out without watching it. I always think once I start watching a TV series and fall in love with it, I will get hooked on. However, “Squid Game” is such a phenomenal success around the globe that it even hits the headline news. There must be something in there that I should learn about. At least, it must have the necessary elements to appeal to the inner desires of the global audience.
First of all, there is nothing in the Bible that goes against watching such TV series for entertainment. It is a matter of personal judgment if it is beneficial for continued exposure to violence, bloody scenes, and be passively dragged into the mindset of the characters. The participants in the basic childhood games are mainly people indebted and desperately need to get rich quick. Failure in the games means “ultimate elimination” by death. To win a game, you need to partner with someone and to devise a strategy. Many a time, true colour of a person is revealed in how he or she chooses a partner or decides on a strategy. One would easily think in the shoes of the participants that you like to identify with. The fact that we may make similar decisions in the same situation is a reflection of the state of our conscience. We can subconsciously justify what the characters have chosen to do by the situations that they found themselves in. In other words, we become conditioned to adopt situational ethics.
Christians need to take heed of Pau’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 10:23, ““I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.” When we watch “Squid Game”, we are engaging the popular culture. It is always beneficial for us to take a step back and check ourselves for any thoughts that is not pleasing to God or not constructive to the Gospel. On the other hand, we can also open up conversations with non-believers with a common topic based on “Squid Game” for a much engaging discussion on social justice, poverty, human nature and trust.