Ggcchsfellowship's Weblog

August 7th, 2009

ggcchsfellowship — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:32:57 +0000

Here it goes…the last weekly fellowship update for the school year! Last week, we looked at the very last verse of chapter 6, which is not meant to be a repetition or summary of previous passages but rather an extension or application for the whole of life. If the present is already as bad as it is, why worry about the future too? Verse 34 reminds us that worrying about the future is useless and may in fact even cripple yourself in the present. Remember that the God who helps us today will be the same God tomorrow and will help us tomorrow too! So is it wrong to plan or be concerned about the future? Of course not. Just don’t take so much thought about these things that your life is dominated by them. That’s the point where you cross the line from a reasonable thought to anxious worry. Well that about wraps things up! The leaders’ prayer is that through this year’s study, you have gained a deeper appreciation for the Word and the Gospel, as well as a greater desire to follow after the character of Christ. Join us this Friday on the 2nd floor for our end-of-the-year party! Dinner will be provided at 6:30pm, followed by some worship, games, testimonies, and other fun surprises! Together, we’ll reflect on God’s faithfulness to us this past year, honor our graduating Seniors, and just enjoy each other’s company. If you haven’t RSVPed yet, please do so at h.s.fellowshipggcc@gmail.com. See you there!

Things to pray for…
- the people in your prayer groups
- physical and spiritual growth of our fellowship
- physical and spiritual endurance for those who are away (Jeremy, those that are sick, those on vacation, overseas, or on missions)
- the search for a new Youth Pastor
- thoughtful examination and reflection on what you’ve learned this past year

Announcements!
- There will be NO FELLOWSHIP on Friday, 8/14. Have a restful break before we kick off the new school year!
- Save the date: Friday 8/21 is Freshman Welcome Night. Theme of the year, introduction of the new Core, and more information about this upcoming year will be announced!

Have a good week

“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

July 31st, 2009

ggcchsfellowship — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:46:30 +0000

Hello everyone! Hope you’re all having a good week. To recap from last week, we said that not only should we realize what having “little faith” means, but more importantly we should aim to have a larger and bigger faith. To do this, we are to be different from the Gentiles/pagans. The way you view your life determines your way of living and the way you react to things happening around you. Pagans had no knowledge of God or His way of salvation. They constantly ran after the things of this world, letting it control their lives and thinking. But as Christians, we are to place everything in our lives in the context of our faith. We are also to rely completely on God as our Heavenly Father, knowing that we are never in any position or situation outside His knowledge or care. And lastly, Christ promises us that if we truly do seek FIRST His kingdom and righteousness, all the other things will be added to us. Seek to know Him better every day – diligently, daily, constantly! The nearer you are to God, the less aware you’ll be of the things of this world and the greater your sense of assurance about Him. This week, we will finally cover the last verse of Matthew 6 and wrap things up for our Sermon on the Mount study. We’ve soaked in A LOT of great Biblical knowledge and application this year. So now what? How will you continue to push yourself and each other toward “Cultivating Christlike Characteristics for the Purpose of Obedience”? Join us on Friday at 7:30pm in the sanctuary!

Announcement and Reminders!
- Our end-of-the-year party will be on Friday, August 7th. Dinner will be provided at 6:30pm, followed by some worship, games, testimonies, and other fun surprises! Together, we’ll reflect on God’s faithfulness to us this past year, honor our graduating Seniors, and just enjoy each other’s company. To help us prepare for the night, (1) please RSVP a YES or NO to h.s.fellowshipggcc@gmail.com by THIS FRIDAY 7/31 (2) submit your favorite pictures or videos to Mike at mikala_mm@hotmail.com by THIS FRIDAY 7/31.

Have a great week!

“…but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.” 1 Peter 3:15-17

July 24th, 2009

ggcchsfellowship — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:38:09 +0000

Welcome to another Praise Fellowship email update! Last week, we talked about faith – a word that gets thrown around a lot, yet has such a great meaning behind it! In the verse we studied, Matthew 6:30, the term ‘faith’ is not just referring to salvation of our souls. Rather, it extends to all affairs of life and living in this world. To be one ‘of little faith’ is to be mastered by your circumstances or to let something else control your thoughts, leading to worry. It also means a failure to realize the implications of salvation and the position resulting from it (remembering who we are to God and who God is to us). We constantly fail to apply what we know, and claim to believe, to the circumstances of life. Are you currently trying to face the ups and downs of life with just saving faith, thinking it’s enough to get by? What areas in your life do you still have a lack of faith in and why? In addition to realizing what having ‘little faith’ means, we must aim to have a much larger and bigger faith. This is what we’ll be tackling this Friday! We’ll be meeting in room 104/105 instead of the sanctuary. See you there at 7:30!

Things to pray for…
- the people in your prayer groups
- physical and spiritual growth of our fellowship
- physical and spiritual endurance for those who are away (Jeremy, those that are sick, those overseas or on missions)
- the search for new Youth Pastor candidates since Pastor Charles Hong withdrew his candidacy
- discipline and good time management during the summer
- safety and salvation of Agapeland students

VERY important announcement!
- Our end-of-the-year party will be on Friday, August 7th. Dinner will be provided at 6:30pm, followed by some worship, games, testimonies, and other fun surprises! Together, we’ll reflect on God’s faithfulness to us this past year, honor our graduating Seniors, and just enjoy each other’s company. To help us prepare for the night, (1) please RSVP a YES or NO to h.s.fellowshipggcc@gmail.com by Fri 7/31 (2) submit your favorite pictures or videos to Mike at mikala_mm@hotmail.com by Fri 7/31.

Thanks everybody and have a good week!

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

July 17th, 2009

ggcchsfellowship — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:41:42 +0000

Hey everyone! Can you believe we’re already half-way through July? Just a few more weeks and we’ll be wrapping up our studies on the Sermon on the Mount. Last week, we went over a few illustrations Christ uses as He gives us good reasons not to worry. The birds of the air are sustained by God’s provision. They do not need to prepare or produce food, yet they live and thrive. In the same way, the lilies of the field are also beautifully clothed by God. If God, being good as He is, perfectly provides for and sustains His creation, how much more will He sustain us? We are not only His creation, but His children considered worthy and valuable in His eyes. God values us greatly, to the point of sending His own Son to die for our sins. We are worth that much to Him. Our lives are in His good hands and as we hold on to these promises, may the worry and anxiety in our lives be replaced by peace, praise and thankfulness to God instead! This week, we’ll dive into the concept of FAITH (Matt. 6:30) What is faith and what does it mean to be one of “little faith”? Why do you think this faith is oftentimes lacking in our lives? Take some time to review Matt. 6:25-30 and come with an open and teachable heart on Friday! Hope to see you at fellowship

Things to pray for…
- the people in your prayer groups
- physical and spiritual growth of our fellowship
- physical and spiritual endurance for those who are away (Jeremy, those that are sick, those overseas or on missions)
- the search for new Youth Pastor candidates since Pastor Charles Hong withdrew his candidacy
- discipline and good time management during the summer
- safety and salvation of Agapeland students

The happenings…
- Save the date! Our end-of-the-year party will be on Friday, August 7th. Lots of exciting things planned for the night as we close out the year!

Have a great week!

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him?” Psalm 8:3-4

July 10th, 2009

ggcchsfellowship — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:45:43 +0000

Hello everyone! Here’s another weekly fellowship update coming your way. Last week, we started off by discussing the differences between storing up treasures on earth vs. worrying about treasures on earth. There are many people who may not necessarily be guilty of storing them up, but are guilty of thinking about these things, being anxious about them, and dwelling upon them constantly. The words “worry” or “anxious” indicate something which divides, separates, or distracts us – a mind that is divided into sections and not functioning as a whole. In our case, we are oftentimes so distracted/divided by worldly things that we do not look towards God. Remember that Satan’s plan is to distract our minds so that our focus is on anything and everything but God. Take comfort, however, in knowing that we have been taught and instructed by Christ Himself how to fight against temptations! Christ urges us not to worry about life because it is a GIFT of GOD. The very fact that we are alive at this moment is entirely because God willed and decided it. He will always provide the means by which our life is sustained and our bodies are clothed. He will always complete what He has started. What kinds of things are you still anxious about and why? When do you doubt the sovereignty of God and what can you do to be reminded that He is in control of all things? This Friday, we will continue to study Matthew 6:25-30, where Christ uses the “birds of the air” and “lilies of the field” to demonstrate why we need not to worry. Be ready with your questions and thoughts as always! See you on Friday!

Things to pray for…
- the people in your prayer groups
- physical and spiritual growth of our fellowship
- physical and spiritual endurance for those who are away (Jeremy, those that are sick, those overseas or on missions)
- the search for new Youth Pastor candidates since Pastor Charles Hong withdrew his candidacy
- discipline and good time management during the summer
- safety and salvation of Agapeland students

Announcements…
- We’ll be having a BBQ + Games outing THIS SATURDAY, JULY 11th from 11am-3pm! Location: Golden Gate Park – Marx Meadow (25th Ave and John F. Kennedy Drive). The TnT fellowship, Agapeland volunteers, and the CCU boys basketball team will be joining us as well! Lunch will be provided. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. If you’d like to come and are under the age of 18, please download the attached permission slip, have your parents complete it, and bring it with you on Saturday. Let us know if you’ll also need a ride.

See you on Friday!

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3

July 3rd, 2009

ggcchsfellowship — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:27:39 +0000

Last week, we talked about sin and its effects on man. First, sin distorts the way man is supposed to function. We remember the three parts to man created by God: body, mind/soul, and spirit. Unfortunately, the effect of sin and the Fall of man upsets the balance of these three parts. Man is no longer governed by his mind and understanding, but rather his desires, affections, and lusts – what his sinful nature spurs him to do. Sin also blinds man to things which are obvious. For example, we know that all things we enjoy in this life are temporary. This should be obvious to us, but oftentimes we are blinded. We will sacrifice anything to make these temporary things last. Sin also blinds us to the relative value of things. Again, we know that eternity is endless and absolute. Yet do we live as realizing its value? It seems that we are usually bothered by trivial things that last for only a short span of time. Sin also makes man a slave to things meant to serve him – the very things that God in His kindness has given man in order that they might be of service to him and that he might enjoy life in this world. It’s when we begin to enjoy these things more than we enjoy God that we need to stop and examine where we’re storing our treasures. Put into practice your awareness of what sin can do by identifying when you are succumbing to the desires of your heart instead of God’s. Use the Word of God as your standard to make decisions. This week, we’re diving into the next section on anxiety and the danger of being worried about or obsessed by the things that are seen, the things that belong to time and this world. What are some things you constantly worry about and why? Get a head start and read Matthew 6:25-34 before Friday. Hope to see you this week!

Things to pray for…
- the people in your prayer groups
- physical and spiritual growth of our fellowship
- physical and spiritual endurance for those who are away (Jeremy, those that are sick, those overseas or on missions)
- Pastor Charles Hong – candidate for Youth Pastor
- discipline and good time management during the summer
- safety and salvation of Agapeland students

Announcements…
- CBM (Chinese Bible Mission) camp is here! (Some of you probably have friends who are already attending!) This is a week-long summer camp from August 3-8, 2009 at Mt. Hope Bible Camp. This year’s camp theme is Unashamed: Live It L.O.U.D. (Life of Obedience and Unashamed Dedication). This theme is based on every Christian’s commanded direction of live a life like Christ. But how often do we hide our true faith? How often do we shy away from praying at school or sharing the gospel because we are afraid of what people think of us and start thinking of what Christ wants from us. Step up to the role that Christ has given us and Live It L.O.U.D. For more information about the camp and how to register, please visit http://www.chinesebiblemission.org/Site/High_School_camp.html. $255 if you sign up by July 12th. $275 after July 12th. Talk to your small group leader if you’re interested in a scholarship.

Have a good week!

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12

June 26th, 2009

ggcchsfellowship — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:15:13 +0000

Hello everyone! Whether you’re relaxing, working, volunteering, or starting summer school, I trust that you’ve been having a good week so far! To recap from last week: We know that just as moth and rust destroy and thieves break in or steal, earthly treasures are also destructible, impure, and are or can be taken away from us all the time. These treasures can be subtle or in-your-face, attacking the heart (our feelings, affections, and sensibility), the mind (the way we look at things in the world), and the will (our actions). Christ, however, reminds us to live in this world and use everything we have so that we may be storing up for ourselves treasures in heaven – treasures that are imperishable and reserved for us by God Himself. Both the world AND God demand our complete devotion, but it’s an either-or deal. We must ultimately choose where we want to store up our treasures. This Friday, we will take a look at different perspectives and effects of sin – the who, what, where, when, and whys you might say. How do we take sin more seriously? Are we constantly reminded that it is Christ who enables us to be free from the terrible effects of sin? Definite refresher course this week. Hope to see you there – sanctuary at 7:30pm!

Things to pray for…
- the people in your prayer groups
- physical and spiritual growth of our fellowship
- physical and spiritual endurance for those who are away (Jeremy, those that are sick, those overseas or on missions)
- Pastor Charles Hong – candidate for Youth Pastor
- discipline and good time management during the summer

Have a good week!

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23

June 19th, 2009

ggcchsfellowship — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:47:27 +0000

Hello everybody! Last week, we talked about storing up treasures on earth versus storing up treasures in heaven. “Treasures” is an all-inclusive term and may include money, tangible items, relationships, position or status. To store up treasures on earth could mean gaining as much money as possible, but could also include being attracted to anything that centers on or around this world. To store up treasures in heaven means walking through this world under God’s eye – using things to the glory of God. In these verses, Christ is not so much concerned about our possessions as much as our attitude towards our possessions. There is nothing wrong in having wealth in and of itself, but what does the person think about and do with his wealth? Remember that you’re a steward who must give an account of everything God gave you. This week, we’ll talk a little more about Matthew 6:19-21, then move on to v. 22-24. Please read and mediate on these verses before Friday! Hope to see you at the end of the week – 7:30pm in the sanctuary.

Things to pray for…
- the people in your prayer groups
- physical and spiritual growth of the fellowship
- physical and spiritual endurance for Jeremy
- ongoing search for a Youth Director
- discipline and good time management during the summer

Happy summering!

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26

June 5th, 2009

ggcchsfellowship — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:14:12 +0000

Hey everyone! Hang in there – I know everybody’s in finals mode! And for the Seniors out there, an early congratulations to you on your graduation. Last week, we started our study on the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-15. Prayer is unique to Christians only. It is our spiritual act of worship and communion with God, in knowledge and reverence of His glory and majesty. The Lord’s Prayer shows us the basic principles we can use to expand our own prayers on. It also shows us the proper mindset we should have when approaching God with our requests. We are to first and foremost recognize that God is indeed “our Father” (Matt. 6:9). Because we know that God loves us, teaches and disciplines us, provides for us, and understands us more than we do ourselves, we are to present our prayers with confidence. This week, we will go through the rest of the Lord’s Prayer – what each statement means, how it is structured, why Christ chooses these particular statements. A question to think about this week: How have your prayers and prayer life changed since our study last Friday? If it hasn’t changed, why?

Things to pray for…
- the people in your prayer groups
- physical and spiritual growth of the fellowship
- physical and spiritual endurance for Jeremy
- ongoing search for a Youth Director
- diligence and the right attitude in studying for finals

The happenings…
- Join us for our Sports+Food outing THIS SATURDAY, June 6th. The plan includes: FOOD of course, kickball, ultimate frisbee, capture the flag, and other fun games! You’ll all be done with school so there’s no excuse not to come out! Meet outside Amos’ house (2352 20th Avenue – btwn Santiago and Taraval) at 11am. If you have any questions, contact Mike, Amos, or Jon.

See you all on Friday!

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

May 29th, 2009

ggcchsfellowship — Wed, 27 May 2009 07:35:29 +0000

Hey everybody! For those of you who went to retreat – hope you haven’t just boarded the “spiritual high” train, but are continually seeking to be the disciple of Christ you are called to be. Hope you were able to catch up on some sleep too! And for the rest of you guys, I trust that you had a restful three-day weekend. This weekend’s retreat was a great time of fellowshipping and being challenged and encouraged by Pastor Dan’s sermons on discipleship. If you would like the sermon outlines or are curious about what we learned, feel free to grab any of us who went on Friday! This week, we’ll be resuming our studies in the Sermon on the Mount. Now that we’ve briefly covered giving to the needy, praying, and fasting, we will go back to the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Here, Christ gives us instructions on how to pray and what to pray for. The Lord’s Prayer isn’t just some common prayer we recite in churches, schools, or songs. It is MUCH more than that. Go back a few weeks and review what we’ve discussed in Matthew 6 thus far. That should help ease our way back into the study this week. Hope to see you on Friday at 7:30pm!

Things to pray for…
- the people in your prayer groups
- physical and spiritual growth of the fellowship
- physical and spiritual endurance for Jeremy
- ongoing search for a Youth Director
- diligence in applying what we learned at retreat to our lives

Good luck on finals this week and study hard! Continue to pray hard and honor God in ALL that you do!

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24