Pastor's Corner by Pastor Larry Tong

November 2007

By the time you read this newsletter, the fire in San Diego should have subsided. So far this fire has destroyed over a thousand homes and took six lives. By Wednesday, October 24, close to a million residents have to be evacuated from their homes. San Diego Qualcomm Stadium had to be opened to house the evacuees. UC San Diego had to shut down for a week due to polluted air. This brought back the horrifying memories of the destructive power of wild fire four years ago in the same county that leveled 4,847 homes and businesses and took fifteen people.

Whether I watched the news or read the newspaper, I saw the uncontrolled fire that consumed everything in sight. There was no stopping! Trees that took years to grow to those heights were burnt to ashes in a relatively short time. Houses that took a long time to build were leveled in minutes. All that was left was ashes.

There are stories within the story in every tragedy such as this. There are families who lost everything, but were still thankful for having their lives; while others seemed to have lost all hope. This led me to think about the things that I build. I believe all of us are building something every day. Whether it’d be something tangible like a beautiful house, successful career, assets for retirement, and so on, or something intangible, like a loving home, genuine friendship, personal character, spiritual vigor, and so on, we are builders. In this building process, we need to prioritize the list, lest we spend too much time building something that has no true and long lasting value. Imagine someone dispenses all his energies to make money to build his house, yet leaves no time to build a healthy and strong-bonded family. It would be a shame. Having strong families is essential to withstand tragedy. Maybe this is a good time for us to think about the things we build today. Do those things have true and lasting value?

Since this is Thanksgiving season, I’m also thankful that God has kept us safe. I found that I often take “Life” for granted. I should be thankful to be able to get up in the morning; and if I have health on that day, I should be even more grateful. When it comes to thanksgiving, I’ve learned to be thankful for the things I have, rather than hoping to have the things I don’t have. I believe true thanksgiving relates to contentment, as the Bible says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” I’m most grateful to God for giving me Eternal Life, so that I don’t worry about where I will go after my life ends in this world. I’m also grateful God has put a purpose for me in this life, so that I won’t be aimlessly dispensing my energies for no reasons.

Before I sign off, I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving season, and during this season, show your thankfulness by being gracious to someone

Pastor's Corner by Larry Tong

 

November, 2006

 

Last Sunday, my family and I went to San Rafael after the Discipleship class. While the children were enjoying an late afternoon nap in the car, I enjoyed the time just being together. As we approached the Toll-booth on Richmond Bridge, something unexpected happened that took me a little aback. We were recipients of someone’s act of kindness. As I handed my fee to the toll collector, he said, “It’d been paid for.” I said, “What! Who paid?” “The lady in front of you.” I looked up and saw a red SUV pulling away as we spoke. I asked my family if any one of them recognizes the car. The response was “No!” So I sped up and tried to find out who this lady was, but due to the bridge construction, I wasn’t able to pass her, so I patiently followed her. It was almost to the end of the bridge before I could switch to the adjacent lane and sped up to driving next to her. I looked over and realized she was a total stranger to me. I waived and gave her a “thank-you” gesture, and went on my way. For the next few minutes, we talked about how nice it was for this lady to do something kind to others. It wasn’t the three dollars I saved that thrilled me, but the act of kindness of a person. I remembered there was a movement a few years back that called something like “Do a random act of kindness.” It was a suggestion for people to do something nice to others, preferably strangers, so as to promote kindness in society. I always thought it was a good idea to surprise others with a random act of kindness. Unfortunately, these kinds of acts of kindness are far and few in between. Therefore, it was such a breath of freshness to see someone is actually doing it, and out of all these people, we were the recipients!

 

It also reminded me of the movie Pay It Forward that was aired few years ago. The movie was about a young student who did a class-project to invest kind deeds to people in hope of making the world better. The idea was if I would do kind deeds to a few, and the few in turn do kind deeds to a few, very soon, the whole society would feel the impact. It was a good movie. This world (at least this society) will be different if more people participate in random acts of kindness to strangers.

 

Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away. Have we really thought of the meaning of Thanksgiving rather than having family reunion around dinner table covered with ham, turkey, yams, and other delicious food? Thanksgiving is a season to be thankful to God for His provision. In order to really show our appreciation, maybe we should extend our gratefulness to people beyond our families. Maybe we really should extend random acts of kindness to strangers. Think about it!

 

Before I sign off, I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your time with your families. Most importantly, thank God not only for the provisions He has given you so that you can enjoy a good life, but for the most precious gift of all—His Son Jesus Christ. If you’re yet to know Jesus Christ as your Savior, I pray that you will know Him one day for He came to give you Life, and have it to the full.

 

Pastor Larry

Pastor's Corner by Pastor Larry

 

November, 2005

 

Just about five years ago, California voters passed Proposition 22, in which it stipulates that it is the people’s choice to uphold marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Since then, advocates for “same-sex marriage” have been challenging the spirit of Proposition 22. The mayor of San Francisco, Gary Newsom, openly issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples as a defiant opposition to this measure. In addition, the legislature passed the legislation of “gender-neutral” marriages (only to be vetoed by the governor). These are a couple of examples to show how liberal politicians are trying to undermine the will of the people and the state constitution. Recently, a judge in San Francisco found a loophole in the wordings of the Constitution, and has thus ruled that there is a “right” to have same-sex marriages under the California State Constitution. It is now pending the ruling by the appellate courts.

 

As this issue is being battled in the political arena, many Christians have jumped on the “bandwagon” to protect the traditional marriage by petitioning to amend the Constitution, which reads, “A marriage between a man and a woman is the only legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.” Rightfully so! I believe it needs to be done. Our church is collecting signatures to support this amendment. This is the very least and the first step towards the right direction that we can do in the political arena to uphold our belief.

 

As Christians, I believe there is a higher calling for us to protect the wholesomeness of marriage by living out what “Christian marriage” is all about. It is sad to say that there are so many broken Christian families. The percentage of Evangelicals who file for divorce is no less than that of the pagans’. If we claim God’s love is so wonderful, why can’t people see that in our marriages? The short-term remedy to stop the avalanche of the same-sex marriage, if at all possible, is through the political channel, but the long-term remedy to “fix” this problem is having Christian couples live out wholesome marriages so that it may create a thirst for society to pursue biblical marriages. Can we change everybody’s minds? I would love to say, “Yes,” but in reality, the answer probably is, “No.” Before we want to change the world, let’s try to change ourselves and the peers who are around us. If our marriages are successful in the midst of unsuccessful marriages, I imagine we can raise some eyebrows. Apostle Peter said, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The principle of explaining our hope extends to explaining our happy marriage.

 

Before I sign off, it is my wish that all of you will have a deeper and fuller understanding of what it means to love our spouses sacrificially. It is seeking the best for him or her, according to God’s will. I also wish you a happy Thanksgiving. Come to think about it, maybe you can take this opportunity to thank God for your spouse, and also to verbalize it to your spouse.

 

Pastor Larry

Pastor's Corner

November, 2004

 

Recently I came across a story about a prince and his newly wedded wife. Due to the length of the story, I have to summarize it in order to fit this newsletter. During their honeymoon, they were extremely happy. However, one thought disturbed them, and that was how to retain their present happiness. A wise man who often gave advice told them, “travel through the country and wherever you meet a completely happily married couple, ask them for a small piece of linen they wear close to the body, and when you receive it, you must always carry it with you all the time.”

 

So they went. In one of the castles they visited, they heard of a knight and his wife who were said to be living the most happily married life. They went to ask him if the rumor was correct. “Yes, of course,” was the answer, “with one exception that we have no children!” That didn’t work for them. So they continued their journey. They came to a country where they heard of an honest citizen who lived in perfect unity and happiness with his wife. So they went to him and inquired if he really was as happily married as people said. “Yes, I am,” answered the man. “My wife and I live in perfect harmony; if only we didn’t have so many children, for they give us a lot of worries and sorrows!”

 

Disappointed, they went on looking for the perfect couple. One day, they came across a shepherd cheerfully playing the flute. Just at that time, they noticed a woman carrying a child on her arm, and holding a little boy by the hand, walked towards him. As soon as the shepherd saw them, he went to embrace them with tenderness. They ate a simple meal on the grass. All this was observed by the prince and his wife from a distance. They approached them and asked, “You must be a truly happily married couple.” “Yes, that we are,” said the man, “God be praised; no prince or princess could be happier than we are!” That’s it! The prince quickly asked for a small piece of linen garment as instructed by the wise man. The shepherd look puzzled, and finally said, “God knows we would be only too happy to give you not only a small piece, but the whole shirt, or undergarment, if we only had them, but we own not as much as a rag!”

 

The prince went back to the wise man discouraged from an unaccomplished mission, who taught them that true happiness is contentment—a rare gift on this earth. A simple story, isn’t it? But how difficult it is to have contentment. May be that’s the reason why there are so many unhappy people.

 

Before I sign off, I would like to remind you “godliness with contentment is great gain.” (I Tim. 6:6) God has given you the best gift—His very own life. Anything else is “icing on the cake.” During this Thanksgiving season, take time to thank God for what He has given you already. You’d be surprised how much peace and happiness contentment can bring. Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Pastor Larry

Pastor's Corner

November, 2003

 

During an intermission of a large Christian concert, Steve Saint, the son of martyred missionary Nate Saint, went on stage to tell the story of his family’s grief, courage, and reconciliation with the murdering tribesmen. In fact, they were able to identify the very man who thrust a spear into his father and left him floating dead down the river. Steve went on to tell how his dad’s killer later acknowledged his violent crime, and eventually trusted Christ for his salvation. In the years that followed the tragic event, this Auca Indian has been instrumental in bringing many neighboring tribesmen to Christ. Then, in the most dramatic moment of the evening, he brought the man who killed his father up on the stage.

 

This is an amazing story, isn’t it? What made this amazing is how God used one man’s physical life (Nate Saint) to exchange for so many spiritual lives (the Indians)! I recalled Jesus said that unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Of course, the context referred to His own death in order to save all those who believe, but the principle is equally true in this story. Nate died, but somehow, God saved the murderer, and through him, many were saved directly by Jesus’ blood and indirectly by Nate’s.

 

Another amazing part of this story is the fact that the Saint’s family was willing to forgive and reconcile with the murderer. In fact, they had gone so close that they were like family. No doubt, they had to go through times of grief and pain, but ultimately, they were able to see the goodness that came out from true forgiveness. Their forgiveness wasn’t a mere negative “let by-gone be by-gone” attitude, but rather, a positive reconciliation of accepting their father’s murderer into their family. I believe it was a great relief for everybody because either carrying hatred (the Saint’s family) or guilt (the murderer) isn’t going to help anyone to move forward.

 

In this world that is full of hatred, many people find it difficult to forgive, which is fully understandable. When you are wronged, the natural response is to find justice. When justice is not served, you’re troubled and frustrated. When guilty party is not punished, our emotion reaches to a “boiling point.” There is no easy way to forgive! If you have a difficult time to forgive, I would like to give you a suggestion. First, take time to grief and acknowledge your pain. Denial doesn’t help; it only delays potential explosion. Second, trust God and His promise. He promised, “The Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.” In most cases, if we know for certain that justice is served at the end, we’ll be able to let go. Most important of all, realize that an unforgiving spirit will only cause anger and hatred, which is unhealthy.

 

Before I sign off, I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. We thank God for His provisions, rightfully so! But maybe we do something different this year. Thank Him for His forgiveness of sins. If you haven’t trusted Jesus as your Personal Savior to have your sins forgiven, I pray that you will.

 

Pastor Larry

Pastor's Corner

November, 2002

 

This morning as I opened the Newsletter, I found an interesting article at the bottom of the front page in the Mercury News. Later that day, I heard the same news on the radio station. I’m sure, by now, many of you have already read or heard about the “Artifact’s link to Jesus.” It was a limestone ossuary box used by Jews during Jesus’ time to hold bones of the deceased. What was so special about this box is the Aramaic inscription on it: “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.” The immediate question of interest that sprung up from this burial box is “Could it be James the brother of Jesus in the Bible?” If it is true, it would make the mentioning of Jesus and his family on extra-biblical finding.

 

Since the box was made known to the archaeological world, a handful of scholars and scientists have examined and analyzed the box to either authenticate it or expose it a fake. Was the box in fact held the bones of James, the founder of the Christian church in Jerusalem and the author of one of the books in the Bible? As far as I can understand, though the ossuary has withstood scrutiny from those who examined it, yet the verdict is still non-conclusive. As one expert pointed out, “It will always be controversial,” for there is no way to determine, without any doubt that the names involved were in fact the same people in the New Testament. The most controversy is that this artifact was “looted,” and later on sold to the current owner as a private collection. Therefore, many questions about its origin remain unanswered.

 

Many Christians are excited about this news. Understandably, it is because this gives us another piece of evidence to “prove” that Jesus was a historical man; that He wasn’t a fabricated figure of the past. But let us not be “locked-in” by this controversial ossuary, like many people did with the “Holy shroud” that supposedly has the impression of Jesus a few years ago. Many people went to pay tribute and prayed in front of that piece of linen. We should never get ourselves into such a predicament of “worshipping” these artifacts, even if they were authentic, let alone if we can’t even be sure.

 

Before I sign off, let me remind all of us that Christianity takes more than believing Jesus as a historical man. It takes believing Jesus is the God-man who came to live as a man and die as a ransom for the penalty of our sins. Any faith that falls short of this fundamental belief fall short of God’s mandate to be saved. On the one hand, we welcome any archaeological findings that substantiate the authenticity of the Bible. However, let’s not forget that it takes a genuine and simple faith to believe God is who God describes in the Bible alone, for there is no other document equals to or has a higher authority than His inspired words.

 

Pastor Larry

Pastor's Corner

November, 2001

 

I’m sitting in a conference room waiting for a seminar (a non-religious one) to begin. This seminar is designed for health professionals, counselors, and clergymen, so I’m killing multiple birds with one stone! This is the second time I’ve attended seminar on the topic about “Anger.” I feel people today in general are angry and don’t know how to express their feeling in a healthy way. This seminar narrows on “Adolescent Anger”. I always wanted to learn why children are so violent nowadays. I don’t intend to summarize this six hours seminar in this short article, for that would be impossible.

 

Reading through the handout, I found it interesting to note that “Violence is not hereditary, nor do humans have a “violent brain.” In other words, there is nothing in our neurophysiology that compels us to be violent. It is therefore a “learned” behavior as to how we react in different unfavorable situations. It isn’t surprising to learn anger came about depends largely on a person’s early childhood development, and there is no single cause. Of all the factors that can influence a child’s reaction to hostile environment, parental involvement during early childhood is by far the single most important one. Basically, there is nothing wrong to be angry because that’s a true feeling of an individual, but violent reaction that derived from an angry feeling is dangerous.

 

In this season of Thanksgiving, it is a good reminder to go beyond getting together for a family meal and reflect on how we can improve our family relationship. We take this season to thank God that our families are still intact. If you are parents with young children, maybe you need to reflect on how much involvement you have with your children. I’m not saying to only care for their “grade,” though that is important for their future success. But more importantly, the type of character you’re building in your children. Even with your involvement, there is no guarantee they will grow into a person you would hope for because there are too many other factors involved. But at least, it would give you a better chance. If you are parents with children older than adolescent age, maybe it is also a good time to rekindle a parent-friendship like relationship. They still need a lot of advice from us, though they would be the last one to admit. If you are grown-up children to your parents and yet to have your own children, maybe you need to reflect on the sacrificial love your parents gave you throughout your growing up years. Express your thankfulness in action. They were never the “perfect” parents, as you would one day find out about yourself.

 

Before I sign off, I would like you to know that God wants to be your father. In Him, there is perfect love. But He would not force His love onto anyone. You need to accept it with you Free Will on His term—believe Jesus as God.

Pastor Larry

Pastor's Corner

November, 2000

 

November is Thanksgiving month. Though it is an American tradition to commemorate God’s deliverance and provision during their early days in this continent, yet we reap the benefit today in more ways than one. All of us welcome this time to enjoy a break from the mundane work or school schedule to enjoy with families during this time of togetherness. That in itself is something to be thankful for.

 

During Thanksgiving season, different people thank God for different reasons (that is, if they think of God at all). Some thank God for keeping their family intact in a society where divorce takes less preparation than getting marry. Some thank God for prosperity, especially when economy in the Bay areas is doing so well. Some thank God for good health, for without it, they can’t enjoy the fruit of their hard labor.

 

The Sykes wrote a hymn Thank You, Lord in 1940 to allow believers to sing and offer praise to God for the gift of their salvation:

 

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Some thank the Lord for friends and home, for mercies sure and sweet; but I would praise Him for His grace—in prayer I would repeat;

Some thank Him for the flow’rs that grow, some for the stars that shine. My heart is filled with joy and praise because I know He’s mine.

I trust in Him from day to day; I prove His saving grace; I’ll sing this song of praise to Him until I see His face.

Chorus: Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul; thank you, Lord, for making me whole. Thank you, Lord, for giving to me Thy great salvation so rich and free.

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Though we received the gift of salvation—a personal relationship with the almighty God—yet how often do we sincerely thank our Lord for all that He has done in making this possible? The lack of thanksgiving and praise is of no small thing to the Lord. In one of his reflective parables, Jesus asked the whereabout of the nine lepers who were healed. Why was there only one return to show his gratitude? May we take some time to thank God for His indescribable gift!

 

Before I sign off, I would like all my readers to know that this great gift of salvation is available for you too, if you haven’t received it yet. It is wrapped, sealed, and delivered to you. All you have to do is to receive it through faith.

 

Pastor Larry

Pastor's Corner by Pastor Larry

 

May 2010

 

Day Light Saving time started a few weeks ago. We now enjoy longer and brighter days. I looked out from my kitchen window this morning, and realized the Apple-pear tree in the backyard have already started blossoming. Spring time, I love spring! It gives me a sense of freshness. The sweet scent of fresh flowers is refreshing. Unless you have allergy, then it may create a little problem with your sneezing. We had plenty of rain this past winter. Yes, we did need the rain because we had a few years of drought. But I’m glad that the wet and gloomy weather, which really didn’t work for me or the building project, is behind us at least for a while.

 

Spring time reminds me of a new beginning. The flowers are blooming, the streams are running, the birds are singing. All these give people a sense of vitality. This sense of fresh start is important. Aren’t you glad that there is always a chance to have a new beginning every year? I can’t even begin to fathom what Life would be like if there was no chance to start over. It is true that we can’t change history, the past would always be the unchangeable facts, yet with a new beginning, there is hope. With a new beginning, we can always build on past success, and more importantly, have a chance to redeem what we have messed up before. We are not doomed forever. To me, that is the message of spring time.

 

It is only fitting to know that Easter falls in the spring time because of what Easter stands for. The etymology of the name “Easter” is uncertain, but the festival dated back to Christians celebrating Christ’s resurrection. According to the biblical account, we can affirm the date of Easter because Jesus was crucified on Friday during the week of Jewish Passover. On that particular Friday, Jesus’ lifeless body was hung on the cross between two thieves. That wasn’t a scene to be honored, but as strange as it might sound, it was necessary in order to achieve what Jesus intended to do on earth—died to pay for the penalty of Sin. The last statement Jesus made on the cross before he died was “It is finished!” God’s righteous demand on the penalty of Sin has been completely paid for by Jesus’ death. There is no other requirement to be fulfilled by anyone else or by any other means. It is finished! Without the crucifixion, there would not be Easter. As Christians, we remember the Saving Grace of Jesus on the cross, and we celebrate the Victorious Life on Easter: A new beginning that brings the believers into Eternity. It is more than duration; it is fulfillment of Life.

 

Before I sign off, I would like to take this opportunity to invite those, who have yet to believe Jesus’ death paid for your Sin and rose from the dead to give you a New Life to simply accept His gift of Salvation. All you need to do is to accept that you are a sinner in need of the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Pastor Larry

Pastor's Corner by Pastor Larry Tong

 

May 2009

 

Pastor Larry