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| I am pushed by ministry to think through this issue.
I think most of the time Chinese churches or Christians tend to emphasize what NOT to do on the issue of ancestor worship. We would talk about not participating in the rituals, not burning incense, not burning ritual paper money, not bowing to the photos, not placing the BBQ pork/duck before the photos, etc. The one primary theological motivation is that ancestor worship is demonic. Therefore, when the family is going through the rituals, the Christians in the family will refuse to participate. However, this makes the demonic too big and it isolates Christians from an intimate moment in the life of the family.
Therefore, here are what I suggest we should teach the Chinese Christians if their family is predominantly non-Christian and they perform the rituals.
(1) Jesus is the Lord of the universe and He holds the keys of death and hades.
(2) Ancestor worship is a form of idolatry especially when one asks the ancestors for protection.
(3) Praying to the dead is unbiblical.
(4) Christians are to honor their parents while they are still alive.
(5) If people do not burn incense to their parents while they are still alive, why should anyone do so after they have passed away?
(6) Dead people stay in hades and their souls will not walk around on earth.
(7) If (you think) a dead relative did answered your prayer, the one responding may not really be your relative but something else.
(8) For what reason will people become more powerful AFTER they are dead?
(9) Christian can participate in the ancestor veneration rituals. Just as Christian can be part of a funeral organized by Buddhists and the non-Christian family, ...
(i) instead of bowing to the ancestors, he will stand before the photos, and pray
(ii) he will not pray to the dead ancestors, but to God, praising Him for his family and petitioning on behalf of his family
(iii) he will not bow to the photos, burn incense, nor to burn paper money, etc.
(iv) he is free to eat the food that was offered to the ancestor for Jesus is the Lord of the food
Whether you are Christians or not, what do you think? | | |
| [Started 3/3/2009]
I am looking for discipleship materials for I need to disciple a group of young Christians. I believe discipleship is a God-given mandate for the Church (Matthew 28:16-20). I also think a weekly dosage of Bible on Sunday alone is insufficient. We need to remember mess used to be done daily and the Reformers preached almost daily, sometimes more than once a day. Today's evangelicals have an emphasis on personal daily devotion; however, quality may suffer because each reads the Bible according to his/her own presuppositions. I still struggle with how discipleship can be done more effective so that a greater dosage of the Gospel truth can be given to these Christians. My goal is to disciple my group following the flow of the biblical text on Sunday while using other materials to present a doctrinal framework that addresses their life issues (during the week). I am looking for materials that do more than just proof-texting. I am looking for materials that present a rich biblical-theological framework. I just want to write down what I have found so far.
Philosophically, I am inspired by the work of Rev. Steve Smallman who has pointed out that discipleship "is a process of calling people to follow Jesus and then walking with them through that process, both before and after they confess faith." Discipleship is not only for the committed Christians. You can read more in his book Spiritual Birthline: Understanding How We Experience the New Birth.
(1) Sonship - Materials written and published by World Harvest Mission. Materials were inspired by Rev. Dr. C. John Miller's (also known as Jack Miller) work. (He has written books like A Faith Worth Sharing, The Heart of A Servant Leader, etc. His wife has also authored From Fear To Freedom) It was originally written for their missionaries in the field; however, it was subsequently used by many churches. There are videos or MP3 lectures accompanying the workbook. The set has 16 lessons. The materials present doctrines and practical maters so that Christians are prepared to handle tough issues in life. [more details]
(2) Gospel Transformation - Materials also written and published by World Harvest Mission. Materials are divided into 6 units with 6 lessons each. Now at its second edition. The first edition has been translated into Chinese by a team at Houston Chinese Church. This is a rewriting of the Sonship materials to make it more approachable to the lay people in the Church. Materials can be used in a small group setting and the book comes with materials for the group leader. [more details]
(3) The Journey - Materials written by Rev. Dr. Randy Pope at Perimeter Church, the author of The Intentional Church.
It is a three-year program. Materials including group materials and MP3s.
(4) Materials from Redeemer Presbyterian Church - Materials written by Rev. Dr. Tim Keller, former professor of Westminster Theological Seminary, are available from Redeemer's website. All those materials come with leader's guides. The three-part series on Gospel Christianity is a good start [sample].
(5) NEW!! Gospel-Centered Life - A 9-week discipleship course with low commitment requirements. It is probably available on World Harvest Mission's website within a week. This course condenses and simplifies materials from Sonship and Gospel Transformation. [more details]
Let me know what you have found also.
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| We are drafting our vision statement and core values. We are yet to come up with an official name for Northeast Philadelphia Mission of the PCA. Gospel Grace Ministries will continue to be the Chinese arm of this church (re)planting project.
To bring peoples of the nations into a living, loving, and lasting relationship with the Lord of the nations and His people
through a ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. | | |
| A lesson for the Junior Youth Group (5th to 8th grade kids).
Jesus has cast out demons and crushed the Devil and the power of death by His death and resurrection. So, though demons are real, we have no fear of them nor do we follow them nor resurrect them on Halloween. Reformation Day (10/31) is a Christian festival to celebrate the recovery of the Gospel in the Christian Church.
Matthew 8:28-34
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
1 John 3:8 | | |
| Sponsor: Qendra Shqiptare Jeta e Re/Gospel Grace Ministries/NECP
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Address: 3300 Tyson Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19149
Beginners: Monday, Wednesday 6:30 - 8:30pm, Saturday 9:30 - 11:00am
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* YMCA stands for Young Men's Christian Association
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