Golden Gate Christian Church Bible Conference Seeks Path of Discipleship

SAN FRANCISCO- Golden Gate Christian Reformed Church has held a Bible Conference with an aim to revive the heart of believers to follow the true path of disciple.
By Eunice Or

SAN FRANCISCO- Golden Gate Christian Reformed Church has held a Bible Conference with an aim to revive the heart of believers to follow the true path of disciple.

On Friday evening, chairman of Sacred Logos Resource Center Rev. Johann Y. Lai was invited as the keynote speaker for the Bible Conference with the theme "Be the Lord’s Disciple, Serve the Lord." Speaking to over 100 believers, Lai pointed out the three criteria of being a true disciple: pay the cost, set the right priority and let the Lord rule over one’s life.

From the beginning of the sermon, Lai pointed out that even though today is an era that emphasizes speed and efficiency; there is no short-cut for spiritual things. In order to grow spiritually and become the true disciples of the Lord, one must pay the cost of being a disciple. By using the scene in Luke 9: 57-58, Lai explained that Jesus wanted to test the person’s motive of following him. While the motive of faith for many Christians is to receive blessings or to be respected by others, Jesus wanted to tell them following his path is not an easy task.

The Bible has not recorded the response of that person, however, more importantly is the response of believers today, Lai said. Lai encouraged Christians to lead a simple way of life and spare their money to help the needy for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

To set the right priority of life is the second criteria to become the true disciple of Christ, Lai continued. In Luke 9: 59-60, one disciple asked Jesus if he can go home to bury his father. For the Chinese Christians, it is a very sensitive matter because of traditional family values.

"Jesus urged his disciples to place the Lord as the first priority in life, even higher than their own parents, spouse, children, siblings or even their own lives," Lai explained, adding that Jesus has repeatedly challenged his disciples in this aspect.

Acknowledged the common conflict between doing God’s work and fulfilling the expectation of family members, Lai suggested believers to confess their commitment to the Lord firmly with a gentle heart and sincere attitude in front of their family members. Through this way, the family members may understand and support them.

Lastly, Lai used Luke 9: 61-62 to explain that disciples must give the Lord complete control of their lives. "One cannot serve two masters," Lai reiterated. Many Christians are just willing to give part of their lives to the Lord, but in fact, the Lord is the only master of a disciple’s life.

At 7: 30 p.m. on Saturday, the "Be the Lord’s Disciple, Serve the Lord" Bible Conference will continue at the Golden Gate Christian Reformed Church. Rev. Lai will deliver sermons in Mandarin with Cantonese translation.

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