Treasures for the Soul: Recent Episodes
The Church of God in Vancouver
The Lord has given us precious truths. We want to share these truths in an organized way by producing short messages with clear topics. We hope to help brothers and sisters to build their foundation so that we may all know God and His purpose more deeply.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is “The Lord was born in Bethlehem.”
A prophecy was written in Micah 5:2 about the Infinite One being born in a small village called Bethlehem. Because of the Lord, the meaning and value of this little place has been greatly elevated! After we believe in the Lord, our value and meaning are also elevated to new heights. We are the people whom the Father has given to the Lord. We are also Abba’s dearest children. The Lord was born in the village of Bethlehem. This prophecy also expresses the Lord’s gentleness and tenderness. It’s so precious that the Lord came tenderly to search for us.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Immanuel.”
The Lord became a man, with flesh and blood, so that we can know the love of God and the Lord in a more concrete way. A prophecy in Isaiah chapter 7 talks about how “a virgin shall conceive” and the Child would be called “Immanuel.” On one hand, it tells us that the Lord’s life journey would start from His birth as a baby. On the other hand, it tells us that the Lord would be with us. Therefore, His name is “Immanuel.” It’s so precious that today, we can truly experience the deepest and closest presence of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God’s presence is what we need the most. In the Lord’s presence, precious things will happen.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is “For to us a child is born (1).”
Isaiah chapter 9 writes about a child being born for you and me. It’s so precious that God has given us His Beloved Son, who became a baby, held in man’s arms. John 3:16 tells us that whoever believes in Him has eternal life. Eternal life is to know and experience the Father and the Lord. God gives Himself to us, and this is the greatest gift. Therefore, it’s right that we give ourselves to Him in return.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The offspring of the woman.”
Satan has been deceiving many. He has used all schemes to cast doubts in us about God, and caused us to question God’s love toward us. Therefore, we need to guard our mind. Genesis chapter 3 writes about the fall of man. However, it’s very precious that at the same time, God immediately told about the prophecy of “the offspring of the woman.” This account already hinted at two of the very important prophecies: “the virgin shall conceive” and the Lord’s crucifixion. The Lord is forever a man for us. To accomplish salvation, He was crucified for us. These two events were the most impossible, but they have been accomplished.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Amazing–the Lord is a Man forever. (2).”
What the Lord said on the night before His crucifixion was very astonishing. For instance, He talked about the love with which the Father has loved Him would be in us, and that we were the joy set before the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Lord has given us the most precious meaning to our lives. In Him, we can contribute a great deal and be the most useful. Hebrews chapter 1 tells how God spoke to our fathers by the prophets at many times and in many ways, but in these last days, He has spoken the most important message by His only Son. The Lord became a baby for us, unlike Adam, who was already an adult when God created him. This shows the gentleness of the Lord. He used His life, His death and resurrection to express His love toward us.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Amazing–the Lord is a man forever (1)”
We are the most amazing and precious because we were created in God’s image. God created us to be kings of the world. God gave us families and through them He demonstrates His will. Furthermore, God’s love towards us comes with His divine grace and preparation. He even gave us His only Beloved Son, who was born in a manger and stayed as a man forever. The Lord completely removes our low self-esteem. All these things are closely related to us and tell us how valuable we are.
David mentions in Psalm 101 that he would not set before his eyes anything that’s worthless, and a perverse heart should be far from him. He knew well which truths to set before his eyes. In this age of information, we must also learn to choose which contents to put before our eyes. When we learn to guard our mind, our spirit can reach a new level. Colossians 3 teaches us to seek the things that are above. We really need to replace wrong thoughts with good ones, so that we can win the victory and be filled with enjoyment.
Psalm 16 is a psalm by David. It also symbolizes how the Lord lived before God throughout His whole life. He set the Lord always before Him. That means He thought of God always. His mind was filled with God and His precious truths. Through psalms, we can see that in David’s life, he always waited on God and was always living towards God, and he always set God’s love before his eyes. Psalm 27 mentions that David desired one thing, that is to dwell in the house of the Lord and to gaze upon His beauty all the days of his life. This should also be our daily lives. For example, we sing the ‘diamond hymns’ (“Who affects the Father the Most”, and “Love Like a Rainbow”) every day. We can also apply Bible verses personally to ourselves. And let our minds be filled with the Lord and His love throughout the day.
We were created and born again to be in love with God. The Bible often talks about the importance of love. For example, in Psalm 90, it says that we need to be satisfied in the morning with His steadfast love. In 1 Corinthians 13, it also mentions that love is the greatest. It’s so precious that God is the origin of love. He loves us so much. As mentioned in 1 John 4, “We love because He first loved us.” And in Jeremiah 31, it says that He has loved us with an everlasting love. It’s even more precious that it’s this love that draws us. When we are drawn by the Lord and enter into the personal love of the Infinite One, we can overcome the schemes of the enemies. We don’t need to compare ourselves to others, because we know what’s the most precious, which is to be in love with the Lord.
Psalm 90:2 says, “...from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” And Psalm 103 says that the “…love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him”. We are enjoying God’s eternal love. We are His first love. We are the most wonderful in the whole universe because God created us according to His own image and gave us a spirit. We will encounter sufferings and difficulties on earth. It’s very precious that in spite of all these situations, we would still choose to love God.
The Lord is our all-knowing, all-loving true Beloved. He knows all our needs. He has had compassion towards us since eternity past. He also prepared all for our needs, even to the point of becoming a Man to accomplish salvation for us. He sees our loving heart towards Him. The Lord really desires for us. Our meditation is sweet to Him. In Song of Solomon 7:10, the darling sees that she’s her Beloved’s. She also sees that the beloved loves her and desires for her. This illustrates the spiritual growth of a believer, that he sees and experiences the Lord’s love and desire. We are indeed the Lord’s eternal, most-beloved darling. We attract and capture His heart the most.
Satan is the father of lies. He continuously uses false doctrines and concepts in this world to affect us. We definitely need the truth. We should know that we have no more sin, and that God loves us the most. The Bible records the failures of men, such as David’s and Peter’s, to help us not to have any shadows. The Song of Solomon chapter 5 mentions the weakness of the darling. The darling represents a believer. Even in such a condition, the Lord still calls her “My perfect one.” We need to use our faith. Once we rely on the Lord, we can stand up immediately and become more than conquerors! It is important to realize how the Lord perceives us, and not to rely on ourselves only.
Satan is the accuser and slanderer. He makes us feel that we are not good enough. He also misleads us into thinking that God does not love us the most. The Holy Spirit uses the truth to pour God’s love into our hearts. Therefore, we should pursue Him and use the truth to resolve the problems in our minds. We should also know that God loves us. In addition to listening to messages, we ought to draw near to God. This gives Him room to work in us. It’s so precious that one of the things the Lord did after His resurrection was to remove the shadows in the disciples’ hearts.
We should see the true image of God, understand His love and His delight in us. As written in Zephaniah chapter 3, God rejoices over us with gladness. Jeremiah chapter 31 says that God loves us with an everlasting love. He continually draws us to Him. He pursues us so that His eternal purpose can be fulfilled. The Lord said when He was lifted up from the earth, He would draw all people to Himself. May our hearts be deeply drawn by Him every day.
The devil uses a lot of false teachings such as original sin, and various wrong concepts in this world to mislead us into thinking that God has reservations in His love towards us. Man failed because of his doubts in God’s love. We need to be transformed by the renewal of our mind. To do so, we must trust in God’s word, and use His word to replace the wrong concepts in our minds and thoughts. Listening to the gospel and believing in the Lord resulted in a glorious change in our life. However, we need to continue to pursue and understand the truth clearly, so that we are full of faith and have no doubt in God’s love. We should also know that God is our all-knowing friend. Hence, our spirit will be set free, full of desire to draw near to Him, and our spirit will rise up and be victorious.
Satan has disrupted the relationship between man and God from the beginning. It’s written in Genesis how he tempted Adam and Eve. It’s also written in Job how he accused God and man. Satan uses many misconceptions, accusations and shadows to make us think that God does not love us the most. We are in a spiritual battle, therefore, we must use God’s word to help ourselves and strive to stand against the devil. Moreover, we need to be assured that God loves us the most.
It is written in Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” For us, the Lord Jesus was born, lived, and died. Forever He is no longer God alone. Many passages from the Bible tell us how deeply He loves us, such as the Song of Solomon, the eternal covenant established by the Lord, and His sunken wound. Our lives and eternity should be built upon the Lord and His word. The phrase “It is written” appears many times in the Bible. The Lord’s word and promises are our help throughout our life. We deeply believe that the Lord can use all things to help us finish His will gloriously.
The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit truly love us very much. The Bible shows us a lot of evidence about this, including the fact that we’re created in the image of God. In addition, the Lord’ became a man for us forever. This shows how closely God can be connected to man even though God is a divine being. We are united with the Lord. When we believed in the Lord, we immediately enjoyed all the blessings of the New Covenant. We became God’s firstborn. God also gives us the Bible, the most precious book. The Lord’s journey from heaven to earth helps us know God in a more concrete way. Therefore, we should not wait till the Lord’s return to understand how much God loves us. In fact, we can experience and know God today, and we can build the church after His heart around the world.
In John 21:15-17, the Lord addressed Peter three times by saying “Simon, son of John.” This shows that the Lord knew about Peter’s whole life and his background. It also shows that the Lord knows all about our lives. What He wants from us is our heart and our love. His desire for us is the same as when He asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Satan will try to destroy our relationship with God by alienating us from God. But God’s love for us is the very flame of Jehovah. It’s written in Luke 22:59-62 that after Peter denied the Lord three times, the Lord turned and looked at Peter. It shows how well the Lord knew about Peter’s situation. The Lord wanted to remove Peter’s shadows. Similarly, there are no more sins or shadows between the Lord and us. We are established by His grace. By faith, we now live every day with Him.
From Luke 22:31-34, the Lord foretold Peter's denial, and He prayed for Peter in advance. He also knew that Peter would turn back to Him again and be able to strengthen his brothers. The Lord was full of hope for Peter. Though Peter fell, the Lord’s personal love for him did not diminish even a bit. Furthermore, it’s written in John how the Lord helped those who had a personal encounter with Him. John 21 mentioned about the Risen Lord, how He prepared a barbeque for the disciples, and talked to Peter. The Lord loved and cared for Peter and others at that time. Today, the Lord’s love and care for us is the same.
It’s very important for us to know how to behold—to see God’s true image and how He treats us. When we come before God, we can first think that He meets us in His steadfast love. Hand in hand, He walks with us. Abba even kisses us with many kisses. Furthermore, the Father meets us with the love which He has loved the Lord, because there is the deepest affection between God and us! We can also consider that God is true. We are God’s love dream. We have the most precious position in His heart. He understands us well and knows all of our needs. It’s so precious that we were created to be the closest to God, and to be in love with Him.
David wrote Psalm 59. Verse 10 tells us that God in His steadfast love will meet me. David knew about God’s affection very well. He asked the Lord for just one thing - to gaze upon the Lord’s beauty for his entire life. We truly need to see the help of God’s countenance. Zephaniah 3:17 tells us that God is the mighty one who will save. What’s even more precious is that He will exult over you with loud singing. God’s joy over us is so great that He desires to hear our voice. We will also hear His voice.
One of God’s purposes for creating fathers on earth is to help us understand the heavenly Father’s affection. However, the fathers who have bad examples on earth can cause us to have wrong concepts about God. We ought to know the Father’s true image by His words, and how He treats us. For example, it’s written in the Gospel of John that the Father is seeking true worshipers who will worship Him in spirit and truth. The parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15 clearly shows the Father’s heart. His welcome and acceptance towards his lost son is beyond forgiveness. He throws a party to celebrate his son’s return. The celebration is full of joy, singing and music. In the Lord’s prayer written in John 17, the Lord said He has made known the Father’s name, and He prayed that the love with which the Father has loved Him may be in us.
A lot of scripture talks about the preciousness and importance of drawing near to God. For instance, David only sought after one thing, which was to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord; Enoch walked with God for 300 years; Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching. This is the good portion, and it’s absolutely necessary. Many Bible passages also tell us that the Lord desires us to draw near to Him. For example, 1 Thessalonians 5 says that we are living with the Lord whether we are awake or asleep. The Song of Solomon tells us that the Lord desires to see our face and hear our voice. One of the blessings of the new covenant is for everyone, from the young to the old, to know God. Drawing near to God is the infinite and endless peak. It’s the one thing that we cannot miss out on in our lives.
Hebrews is a very important book. It tells us that the Lord Jesus is the Son of God. For us, He became a man forever and He offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Hebrews also tells us about His ministry. The purpose of these truths is to help us to come before God. Hebrews 12:22-24 is the climax of this book. This passage mentions New Jerusalem and what is in there. These truths help us to understand what God wants, and our precious identity as the firstborn. It also helps us to mind the things from above and know how to draw close to God, which in turn makes it easier for us to overcome challenges. Knowing these truths will affect our lives and how we spend our time.
A few hymns were sung in the meeting. The lyrics of these hymns are from the Bible verses that talk about the risen Lord wiping away our tears and swallowing up death. He rose from the dead and lives forever. Nothing can ever separate us from Him anymore!
It’s so precious that we’re following the risen Lord. He lives in our hearts forever. Isaiah 25:6-8 gives an account of the Millennium, where God will prepare an abundant feast and wipe away tears from all faces. It’s so precious that the Lord will swallow up death forever. 1 Corinthians chapter 15 also makes reference to this passage. It tells us that when the Lord returns, we will have a resurrected body and inherit the kingdom of God. Death will be swallowed up in victory!
What happened on the night before the Lord’s crucifixion was very precious. He desired to have the feast of the Passover with the disciples. He also established this life-long love feast with us. That night He talked about the secrets in God’s heart, such as our union with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Lord expressed His love desire to Abba, and that we would be with Him where He was going. The cross was not the Lord’s final destination, but instead it affected eternity. Let us understand and enjoy Him and His love. Let’s respond to Him and have love interflow with Him.
We continue to meditate on who we are through many truths. First of all, the Song of Solomon describes the love of God as the flame of Jehovah. Second, the Lord keeps the scar of love on His body forever for us. Third, the Lord has established the feast of love for us for our entire lives. He has established a new covenant with His blood. Fourth, the Lord is preparing the most beautiful new home for us, which is New Jerusalem. Fifth, the Lord lives in our heart forever. We have a union of life and love. But we need to be settled down and to feel all these truths, so that we may enter into worship; and enjoy Him and His love peacefully.
Song 6:10 and 8:5 refer to the darling by asking , “who is this?” Let us realize who we are by referring to the Song of Solomon. Firstly, Song of Solomon is indeed a great book. It is the greatest and most precious book. . Secondly, from this book we know we belong to the Lord, and His desire is for us. Thirdly, the Lord treasures that we belong to Him. Out of this love, He did not remain as God only, but became a man forever . He even died on the cross, and was chastened and forsaken by the Father. From all these facts, we ought to know who we really are.
There are many mentions of priests eating the offerings in Leviticus. This tells us that we need to draw near to God, experience Him, worship and praise God every day because the Lord is the bread of life. When we live out the life of a priest, we also need to come before God. As written in Exodus, God desired to meet with the people of Israel at the altar of burnt offerings, the altar of incense, and the Holy of Holies. He desires to have deep fellowship with man. The life of a priest is also a life of blessing others. The Lord Jesus was taken into heaven while He blessed the disciples. May we live out the life of a priest and be a blessing to many.
It’s written in Revelation chapter 1 that the Lord has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us priests to His God and Father. 1 Peter chapter 2, verse 9 tells us that we are more than priests. We are a royal priesthood, who have the honor of kings. We are kings. We are no longer in darkness. We have entered into the marvelous light. We can bring many to salvation, help them to draw near to God and experience God. We can love one another. This is how we finish God’s will.
The core of God’s will is for us to be the closest to Him. And this is the most important aspect of living out the priesthood. Prior to the law, the heads of a household often made sacrificial offerings for the families. In other words, they were the priests for their families. Today, we are a royal priesthood. We receive even greater blessings than the kings in the Old Testament times. Moreover, the Lord came in person. He became a man forever. He lives in our heart and He is the closest to us. This is indeed His love and desire for us.
Psalm 110 tells us that God has sworn and will not change His mind to appoint the Lord as our High Priest forever. This shows the Father’s determination. He was pleased to crush His Son in order to gain us. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit were pleased to accomplish this. Hebrews chapter 8, verse 1 mentions that the Lord is the High Priest and is seated at the right hand of the Father, because He has accomplished the most perfect thing. We were once far away from God. But today, not only are we saved, but we have become priests, being closest to God.
God alone does wondrous things. His creation and plans are the most wonderful. He has done many wondrous things including creating the whole universe, creating our spirit, soul and body, the Lord becoming a man for us forever, and the Lord’s union with us. All of these things are wonderful. It is so precious that God is also called “The Lord will provide.” He truly has abundant preparations. He has prepared a body for the Lord, as well as salvation and an eternal dwelling place for us. The Lord is the High Priest. Today, we are a team of priests, the firstborn. We are so blessed to be able to enjoy the wondrous preparations of God, and come before Him.
We live our lives walking hand in hand with Abba, the Lord, and the Holy Spirit. God has prepared so much for us, illustrated through all His creations. Moreover, God prepared His beloved Son to become a man forever for us. He also prepares abundant feasts for us. In fact, when Abba gave us His beloved Son, He also gave Himself wholly to us. It’s so precious that He has caused us to be His firstborn. He knows all our needs.
In Genesis, the experience between Jacob and his son, Joseph, illustrates Abba’s love toward us. Jacob wept for Joseph. He longed to see his face. After Jacob found him, he said that since he had seen Joseph’s face, he could die now. Abba’s love to us is greater than Jacob’s love toward Joseph. Isaac, whose name means “laughter,” expresses that we are Abba’s joy and delight. Moreover, Psalm 59:10 tells us that God will meet us in His steadfast love. It’s so precious that we are living in the deepest Father and son affection.
The Lord came to the earth for us. He became a man forever and died for us. He also manifested the Father’s love and made Abba known in our hearts. In Gospel John, the Lord mentioned many times that the Father had sent Him. In Luke 15, the merciful father ran to embrace the prodigal son while he was still a long way off. His father had actually been waiting for him all along. This parable tells us that Abba has always been waiting for us. It’s so precious that the prodigal son has now returned home!
Our Lord Jesus is the Lamb of God. It’s so precious that God will prepare for us the marriage supper of the Lamb. Both John chapter 14 and Hebrews chapter 11 tell us that the Lord is preparing a better place for us, the New Jerusalem. The Lord had already prepared for us His salvation. As written in Luke chapter 2, Simeon said that he had seen God’s salvation when he saw the child Jesus. During our life journey, the Lord also prepares many feasts for us. He is the bread of life, who fills our spirit. God’s preparation caused the veil to be rent, so that we can come before God to deeply enjoy Him. At the same time, He also deeply enjoys us. We ought to draw near to the Lord always, and make ourselves ready as a bride adorning herself.
It’s so precious that God’s name is “The Lord will provide.” This name tells us that the infinite God has provided for us abundantly. Before the creation of man, God already created the whole universe and everything in it. Right after Adam and Eve sinned, God prepared for them garments of skins. Hebrews 10:4-7 tells us God prepared a body for the Lord. This tells us that the Lord would become a man forever and would be nailed on the cross for us. Before the Lord’s coming to the earth, God has prepared many sheep and oxen as sacrifices. This shows the preciousness of salvation. Everything provided by God shows how deep His love is towards us.
Genesis chapter 22 tells how God prepared a ram for Abraham on the mountain. This foretold how Abba prepared for us His only beloved Son as the lamb of God, to redeem us, to bear the punishment and be forsaken by God. The latter part of Genesis chapter 22 mentions Rebekah. This foretold the Lord becoming our Beloved. The Holy Spirit leads us to the Lord. God surely gave us His own Son, and graciously with Him gave us all things.
Genesis chapter 22 is very special. The event of Abraham offering Isaac as a burnt sacrifice depicts how the Father forsook His only begotten Son. This chapter foretold what the Father and the Son would undergo to accomplish the salvation. For instance, Isaac, the only son of Abraham, represents that Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Father. The journey taken by Abraham and Isaac together to Mt. Moriah represents the Father and the Lord’s journey to the cross. Moreover, the Father intensely experienced what the Lord endured on the cross. Through this passage, I hope that we can have a deeper understanding of the Father’s heart.
God alone does wondrous things. His creation and plans are the most wonderful. He has done many wondrous things including creating the whole universe, creating our spirit, soul and body, the Lord becoming a man for us forever, and the Lord’s union with us. All of these things are wonderful. It is so precious that God is also called “The Lord will provide.” He truly has abundant preparations. He has prepared a body for the Lord, as well as salvation and an eternal dwelling place for us. The Lord is the High Priest. Today, we are a team of priests, the firstborn. We are so blessed to be able to enjoy the wondrous preparations of God, and come before Him.
It’s written in Revelation chapter 1 that the Lord has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us priests to His God and Father. 1 Peter chapter 2, verse 9 tells us that we are more than priests. We are a royal priesthood, who have the honor of kings. We are kings. We are no longer in darkness. We have entered into the marvelous light. We can bring many to salvation, help them to draw near to God and experience God. We can love one another. This is how we finish God’s will.
Psalm 110 tells us that God has sworn and will not change His mind to appoint the Lord as our High Priest forever. This shows the Father’s determination. He was pleased to crush His Son in order to gain us. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit were pleased to accomplish this. Hebrews chapter 8, verse 1 mentions that the Lord is the High Priest and is seated at the right hand of the Father, because He has accomplished the most perfect thing. We were once far away from God. But today, not only are we saved, but we have become priests, being closest to God.
We live our lives walking hand in hand with Abba, the Lord, and the Holy Spirit. God has prepared so much for us, illustrated through all His creations. Moreover, God prepared His beloved Son to become a man forever for us. He also prepares abundant feasts for us. In fact, when Abba gave us His beloved Son, He also gave Himself wholly to us. It’s so precious that He has caused us to be His firstborn. He knows all our needs.
In Genesis, the experience between Jacob and his son, Joseph, illustrates Abba’s love toward us. Jacob wept for Joseph. He longed to see his face. After Jacob found him, he said that since he had seen Joseph’s face, he could die now. Abba’s love to us is greater than Jacob’s love toward Joseph. Isaac, whose name means “laughter,” expresses that we are Abba’s joy and delight. Moreover, Psalm 59:10 tells us that God will meet us in His steadfast love. It’s so precious that we are living in the deepest Father and son affection.
The Lord came to the earth for us. He became a man forever and died for us. He also manifested the Father’s love and made Abba known in our hearts. In Gospel John, the Lord mentioned many times that the Father had sent Him. In Luke 15, the merciful father ran to embrace the prodigal son while he was still a long way off. His father had actually been waiting for him all along. This parable tells us that Abba has always been waiting for us. It’s so precious that the prodigal son has now returned home!
Our Lord Jesus is the Lamb of God. It’s so precious that God will prepare for us the marriage supper of the Lamb. Both John chapter 14 and Hebrews chapter 11 tell us that the Lord is preparing a better place for us, the New Jerusalem. The Lord had already prepared for us His salvation. As written in Luke chapter 2, Simeon said that he had seen God’s salvation when he saw the child Jesus. During our life journey, the Lord also prepares many feasts for us. He is the bread of life, who fills our spirit. God’s preparation caused the veil to be rent, so that we can come before God to deeply enjoy Him. At the same time, He also deeply enjoys us. We ought to draw near to the Lord always, and make ourselves ready as a bride adorning herself.
It’s so precious that God’s name is “The Lord will provide.” This name tells us that the infinite God has provided for us abundantly. Before the creation of man, God already created the whole universe and everything in it. Right after Adam and Eve sinned, God prepared for them garments of skins. Hebrews 10:4-7 tells us God prepared a body for the Lord. This tells us that the Lord would become a man forever and would be nailed on the cross for us. Before the Lord’s coming to the earth, God has prepared many sheep and oxen as sacrifices. This shows the preciousness of salvation. Everything provided by God shows how deep His love is towards us.
Genesis chapter 22 tells how God prepared a ram for Abraham on the mountain. This foretold how Abba prepared for us His only beloved Son as the lamb of God, to redeem us, to bear the punishment and be forsaken by God. The latter part of Genesis chapter 22 mentions Rebekah. This foretold the Lord becoming our Beloved. The Holy Spirit leads us to the Lord. God surely gave us His own Son, and graciously with Him gave us all things.
Genesis chapter 22 is very special. The event of Abraham offering Isaac as a burnt sacrifice depicts how the Father forsook His only begotten Son. This chapter foretold what the Father and the Son would undergo to accomplish the salvation. For instance, Isaac, the only son of Abraham, represents that Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Father. The journey taken by Abraham and Isaac together to Mt. Moriah represents the Father and the Lord’s journey to the cross. Moreover, the Father intensely experienced what the Lord endured on the cross. Through this passage, I hope that we can have a deeper understanding of the Father’s heart.
We can compare and contrast the books of Genesis and Revelation. It’s so precious that for our ancestors, God prepared the garden of Eden. In the garden, there was the tree of life and all kinds of plants and animals. All of these were real. And for us, God has prepared the New Jerusalem. Revelation chapter 2, verse 17 mentions “a white stone” and “a new name” showing His personal love to each one of us. What God has prepared for us is more beautiful and amazing than the garden of Eden.
Revelation 21:17 records the measurements of the new city. The wall was measured by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement. Verses 24 to 26 mentions about the nations bringing their glory into New Jerusalem. It also talks about the sun, the moon, day and night in the new heaven and new earth. In the city, there is the throne of God and of the Lamb, as well as the tree of life and the river of the water of life. All these let us know that New Jerusalem is not a symbol, nor is it the church. It is a real physical city.
Revelation 21:9-10 describes New Jerusalem as the Bride. This represents that the most important people dwelling in New Jerusalem is the church. Revelation 21:16-17 writes about the gates, the wall and the dimensions of the city, indicating that it is a real city. Its length, width and height written on verses 21 to 27 are equal, showing that this city is the true form of the reality represented by the holy of holies in the Old Testament. This proves that New Jerusalem is a real city and the scripture is truly God’s word.
2 Corinthians chapter 12 gives an account of Paul being caught up into paradise, the new Jerusalem, which is a real city. Galatians 4:26 also mentions “the Jerusalem above,” hence it's clear that this is not referring to the church, but the city. Revelation chapters 21 and 22 state “these words are trustworthy and true”when mentioning the new Jerusalem. We know that new heavens and the new earth are real. Therefore, the new Jerusalem cannot be a mere symbolic expression. the new Jerusalem is a real city.
It is incorrect to say that physical substances are not spiritual. Physical substances are indeed a key part in God’s will. Genesis chapters 1 and 2 gave an account of God’s creation of this physical world. “And God saw that it was good” again and again. When the Lord came to this world, the Word became flesh. He appeared in the flesh. After His resurrection, He has a glorious resurrected body. In the future, we will also have a resurrected body. Those who dwell in the new heavens and new earth will also have a physical body. They can multiply and fill the earth. We know the value of physical substances, and we also place importance on our spirits. Moreover, we will go to New Jerusalem which is a real physical city!
Revelation chapter 13, verses 5 and 6 tells that Satan utters blasphemies against God, blaspheming His name and His dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. He causes believers not to desire the things in heaven, even to a point that they think heaven is dull and boring. Hebrews chapter 12 shows us clearly that New Jerusalem is a real city. It is the final destination of our life journey and spirits. It also helps us to mind the things that are above, and see God’s love towards us. New Jerusalem is a real city, yet at the same time, rich in meanings.
In John 14: 1-3, the Lord said He prepared for us the Father’s house, the New Jerusalem. Clearly, the Lord was referring to a real dwelling place. Hebrews chapter 11 tells us that Abraham and many old saints desired a better country, and God had prepared for them a city. Hebrews 13: 14 tells us that New Jerusalem is a lasting city. All these scriptures confirm that New Jerusalem is a real city.
Revelation chapters 21 and 22 talk about New Jerusalem as the completion of God’s will. This is very important! Unfortunately, some mistaken it as a symbolic expression, and some think it only refers to the church. It states clearly in Hebrews 12: 22-24 that firstly, when we draw near to God or pray, we aim toward heaven, not inside of a person; secondly, New Jerusalem is a real city, because there will be the festal gathering with innumerable angels, the assembly of the firstborn—the church, and the spirits of the righteous made perfect, etc.
One of God’s names is “the Lord will provide”—on the mount of the Lord it shall be provided. It is so precious that God prepared for us the Lord Jesus and His salvation. The Lord even became a man forever and He brought us to God. Both the Lord and Abba are preparing the heavenly home for us—the New Jerusalem. This is the Father’s house: most amazing, far beyond what has been seen, heard or imagined. This is the eternal heavenly home prepared for the Bride, by the Lord, our Beloved of manifold love.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Spirits of the Righteous Made Perfect.”
Hebrews 12 mentions about the spirits of the righteous made perfect in the heavenly Jerusalem. They are the ones who believed and trusted in God in the Old Testament time. Since the Lord had not yet come to die on the cross at that time, they were not yet perfected. But when the Lord came and offered the sacrifice for all time, they could then be made perfect. When the Lord came, He also brought them to heaven together with Him. This made it even more perfect. As for us, as soon as we believe in the Lord, we are perfected for all time. Even if we were to depart from this earth, we would be with the Lord, which is far better. What’s most important is that we need to draw near to God again and again, as mentioned repeatedly in the Book of Hebrews .
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Heavenly Jerusalem is paradise (2).”
2 Corinthians 12 mentions that paradise is in the third heaven. And Revelation chapters 2 and 22 tell us that in paradise, there are trees of life and their fruit. The word “paradise” is another description for New Jerusalem. It’s so precious that this paradise, New Jerusalem, is a “garden city”, far more beautiful than the garden of Eden. New Jerusalem is also personally managed and built by God, being full of His considerations and design. This is our better home.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Heavenly Jerusalem is paradise (1).”
In Luke chapter 23, the Lord said to the criminal, “...today you will be with me in paradise.” This is the first mention of “paradise” in the Bible. It’s very fitting this was spoken by the Lord. People in the Old Testament time believed the Lord would come and redeem them from their sins; therefore, they offered sacrifices in order to be saved. It’s so precious that the Lord became a Man and died for us. Hebrews 9 says that He redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. The Lord also personally went to Hades, which was turned into “paradise” by His presence being there. What’s even more precious is that He has taken all the Old Testament saints up to heaven, greatly lifting them up.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Live out the life of a priest.” Priestly service is not only outward work. Romans chapter 12 talks about spiritual worship (or rational service), which also includes presenting our ourselves. In Acts chapter 13, ministering to the Lord and fasting are related to prayers. Hebrews chapter 13 writes about offering up a sacrifice of praise to God, and to do good as sacrifices pleasing to God. First, it is to be close to God and to know Him. In Hosea chapter 4, priests were destroyed if they lacked knowledge. Therefore, we need to read God’s word diligently, listen to messages often, and help brothers and sisters to know God deeply. The Lord is coming soon. I hope that all of us live out the life of the firstborn in this generation, including drawing close to God and leading the life of a priest.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Precedents of Priests in the Bible (2).”
Revelation chapter 1 tells us that the Lord loves us and made us priests. In addition to chapter 1, chapters 5 and 20 also talk about our priesthood. Not only are we priests today, we will also be priests in the Millennium and in eternity. We will be kings with the Lord. 1 Peter chapter 2, verse 9 calls us a royal priesthood, similar to the Lord who is a king and a priest at the same time. It’s very precious. We were once sinners far away from God. Now He has greatly elevated us. He made us priests that we may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Precedents of Priests in the Bible (1).”
The scriptures cover the lives of priests and their duties in great detail. For example, Exodus and Leviticus talk about tabernacle, offerings and festivals. These are all related to the priests. Before the laws were decreed, the head of a household, some famous examples being Job, Abel, Noah and Abraham, would make offerings to God. All these remind us to set God as our centre. Revelation 1:5-6 states that because of His love for us, the Lord made us priests to God, being closest to Him and deeply enjoying Him.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Priesthood: One of the Blessings of the Firstborn.”
Exodus 19:1-6 tells us that God’s original plan was to call the people of Israel to become a kingdom of priests. Because of their sins however, only the Levites were given the opportunity to become priests. Priesthood is one of the blessings of the firstborn. In this current age, all of us have become priests. God’s purpose is for us to draw near to Him, enjoy Him, experience Him, worship Him and be closest to Him. Therefore, we should be people who draw near to Him, and help others to do the same.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Father made the Lord the high priest.”
What God gives us shows His love. What happened among the Trinity God was truly amazing! Psalm 110 says that the Father has sworn and will not change His mind to make the Lord our high priest forever. On one hand, it shows the Father’s determination to send the Lord to be a man and die for us. On the other hand, it shows the Lord’s eagerness to be our high priest. In the Gospel according to John, many times the Lord Jesus declared that He was sent by the Father, and without reluctance, He came. This action shows how great the Lord’s desire is towards us! We should really come to Him with confidence.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Heavenly Jerusalem, destination of our spirits and eternity (2).”
New Jerusalem is the destination of our life journey, the eternal resting place of God, and our sweet home. New Jerusalem is also the destination of our spirits because it has the presence of the Father, the Lord and the Holy Spirit. It’s the most precious and the best. So precious that the Lord will surely come to receive us, and we shall meet Him in the clouds. It shows how He longs to see us! In eternity, we will deeply enjoy Him and love Him even more.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Heavenly Jerusalem, destination of our spirits and eternity (1).”
It is so precious that God’s will is the meaning of our lives. We can also cowork with the Lord. The last two chapters of Revelation talks about New Jerusalem. New Jerusalem is our destination. But there is no end to her glory. Through eternity, it will even continue to increase in glory. We’ll be brought to heaven. We will partake in the wedding feast of the Lamb, enter the Millennial Kingdom and then usher in the eternal stage of the new heaven and new earth. Our Father’s business will grow unceasingly. In His plan, we are the most blessed one.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Lord becomes the Way, so we can come before God with confidence.”
Hebrews mentions “come” many times, to encourage us to draw near to God. The Lord becomes the Way for us. He forgives us our sins so that we can come before God. Having sins forgiven is already an immense grace. It’s more precious that the Lord died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with Him. He truly desires for our love.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Lord desires most for us to draw near to Him (2).”
The Lord truly desires to be close to us. Psalm 43 talks about God sending out light and truth to lead and bring us to God our exceeding joy. God is of exceeding joy, because the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are One; They are the infinite fountain of love. We can see God’s joy from the events in heaven. For example, there is celebration in heaven when a sinner repents. There is also a festal gathering of the angels. Nothing will trouble us. Each one is full of love. Therefore, we will be the most joyous when we come before the Lord today!
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Lord desires most for us to draw near to Him (1).”
The first letter of Peter tells us that we are like living stones, being built up as a spiritual house. Therefore, coming together in meetings is very important. The Lord also desires us to have a personal relationship with Him, so we need to draw near to Him. The Gospel of Luke reads, “but one thing is necessary.” (Luke 10:42) This one thing is coming before the Lord. This is a good portion, which affects all aspects of our life. The first letter of Paul to Timothy tells us that training in godliness holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. Indeed, we can overcome all by drawing near to God.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Appear before God in Mount Zion.”
The Book of Hebrews mentions seven times “come to” or “draw near”. Hebrews chapter 12 talks about coming to Mount Zion, which includes having the attitude of drawing near to God. Psalm 84:7 reads, “…appears before God in Zion.” It includes having fellowship with God, face to face with Him, experiencing Him, worshiping and enjoying Him. Drawing near to God is our greatest joy, and it satisfies the Lord greatly.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Mind the things that are above (2).”
We need to see God and His love. We also need to understand our precious identity as the firstborn. John chapter 4 tells us to worship in spirit and truth, which means worshipping according to the truth. When our mind is influenced by the precious truth, we will treasure, embrace the truth, and be drawn to enjoy God. Satan attacks us through our mind. We cannot rely on ourselves to overcome Satan; rather, we need to be strengthened by the truth. When we meditate on the precious truth, we are in a state of prayer towards God, and enjoying His provision. This is the way to victory.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Mind the things that are above (1).”
The book of Colossians tells us that to overcome the flesh, we cannot rely on outward means. Rather, we need to mind the things that are above—things that concern our spirit and mind. Hebrews and Revelation describe the heavenly abundance in a very concrete manner. For instance, there is joy of the angels, God’s throne, the river of life, and the fruit of the tree of life. Every one of these is very meaningful. They also illustrate that we cannot rely on ourselves. We need to rely on Jesus, the mediator of the New Covenant. Heaven is very abundant. More precious is this new city in heaven—a place the Lord prepares for us, and the designer and builder is God.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Live in Grace. Enjoy the Father and the Lord.”
Hebrews chapter 12 tells us that we do not come to Mount Sinai, but to Mount Zion. It means that we don’t rely on our own works, but rather by faith and grace. The Lord established an everlasting covenant with us. This new covenant is long lasting and there are endless blessings for us to enjoy. Enjoying the essence of this covenant helps us to be more glorious. We overcome the world by our faith. When we enjoy the Father and the Lord, our spirit will be satisfied. This gives us strength and we can overcome the world overwhelmingly.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Lord is the way, and the truth, and the life.”
In John 14:6, the Lord said that He is the way, and the truth, and the life. The Lord is the way: because of our sins, the Lord opened for us a new and living way to go back to God. He even established a better covenant with us. The Lord is the truth: because we went astray from the truth, the Lord guided us to the meaning of life. The Lord is life: after we have believed in Him, we need to continue to enjoy and experience Him daily. Only He can satisfy our spirits. It is so precious that our life is closely bound up with the Lord’s. We can enjoy all His riches.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is Live Out the Priesthood. Jacob blessed his sons and the blessings of the firstborn were distributed amongst some of them. Hebrews 12 says Esau despised his birthright. We must not become like him, but instead, we should gain all the rewards and blessings of the firstborn. We should also live out the life of a priest: be especially close to God, “eating the sacrifices,” that is, enjoying the Lord as the bread of life, bringing people before God, and “offering sacrifices.” For example, we can offer the fruit of our lips and our bodies as living sacrifices. Furthermore, our lips should guard knowledge; we should pursue the Lord continually and gladly share God’s words with others.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is The Blessing of the Firstborn: Priesthood. In Deuteronomy 33, Moses blessed the tribe of Levi, with the blessing of the firstborn regarding priesthood, which included teaching the people and offering sacrifices. Exodus 32 records that when the Israelites worshiped idols and sinned, the Levites stood on God’s side, having no regard for human affection. God had also chosen the Levites to be the firstborn in place of the whole Israel nation. The firstborn represented the whole nation, therefore, all belonged to God. In Genesis, the head of the household was like a priest, offering sacrifices, building altars, and seeking God. Some examples are Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc. Today, we’ve also received the priesthood. This is a very honourable position.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is The Blessing of the Firstborn: a Double Portion of the Blessings. In Genesis 48 and 49, Jacob blessed Joseph and his two sons according to God’s will. Joseph received a double portion of the blessings—that of the firstborn; that is, among the twelve tribes of Israel, two belonged to Joseph: the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. 1 Chronicles 5:1-2 mentioned two times that the birthright belonged to Joseph. Today, we also need to learn how to live our lives, to enjoy the blessings of the firstborn.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is The Blessing of the Firstborn: Kingship. In Genesis chapter 49, Jacob blessed his sons according to the will of God. Reuben had lost the blessing of the firstborn due to his lustful indulgence. So, the blessing of the firstborn was given to other sons: the priesthood and its blessing were given to Levi, and the kingship and its blessing were given to Judah. Both David and Solomon were of the tribe of Judah. After Israel was divided into two kingdoms, the southern kingdom was Judah. Furthermore, Revelation chapter 5 mentions that the Lord is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the King of kings.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is The Lord is the Firstborn. Luke chapter 2 mentions that the Lord was also the firstborn according to the flesh. That’s why His parents on earth brought Him up to the temple and offered a sacrifice for Him. Colossians 1:15-19 mentions that the Lord was the firstborn, and that He was the firstborn from the dead, so that He might be the first in everything. Hebrews 1:1-6 talks about how the Lord was preeminent in all aspects, and that He was the firstborn. It’s so precious that we are deeply united with the Lord. In many different aspects, we are like Him. For example, we can be priests and kings, and we can judge the world and inherit all things.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is To be united with the Lord and become the Firstborn. Romans 8:14-17 says that we are led by the Spirit of God. What we received was no longer the spirit of slavery, but the Spirit of adoption as sons. And so we can cry naturally, “Abba! Father!” We’ve all become heirs of God, and fellow heirs with Christ. Romans 8:28-29 mentions that God causes all things to work together for good, and it also tells us that the Lord is the firstborn among many brothers. He is the firstborn of the firstborn, and we are the assembly of the firstborn. Not only are we conformed to the Lord’s image, we also receive special blessings that are tremendous.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is Israel is God’s Firstborn Son (Part 2). Isaiah chapter 60 says that Israel will be the head of all nations in the Millennium. And chapter 66 says that Israel shall remain forever, as the new heavens and the new earth shall remain. As Revelation chapter 21 says, there will be different nations in eternity. All nations shall give glory to New Jerusalem. God’s will mentioned in Genesis will be fulfilled to the fullness! Acts chapter 1 also mentions that Israel will be restored. The church is even more precious because the church will reign with the Lord forever.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is Israel is God’s Firstborn Son (Part 1). Exodus chapter 1 talked about how Pharaoh wanted all the sons of the Hebrews killed. In chapter 4, God personally said that Israel was His firstborn son. In chapters 11 to 13, God set up the Passover for the Israelites, to redeem their firstborn with the blood of the lamb. It also mentions that whatever was the first to open the womb, both of man and of beast, should be His. Satan has always wanted to attack the Israelites, but God would raise them up to be a blessing to all nations. Today, we have been bought and ransomed with a high price, that is, His precious blood. We shall offer ourselves to Him, and to Him alone.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is The Lord redeemed us to be the firstborn (Part 2). Exodus chapter 13 instructs the Israelites to consecrate to God all the firstborn among Israel, and every firstborn of a donkey shall be redeemed with a lamb. This symbolizes that we shall belong to the Lord and shall be redeemed by Him. To redeem us, the Lord walked up to the cross, sacrificed Himself, and shed his blood for us. The Book of Galatians says that we not only have been redeemed, but we have also received adoption as sons and the Holy Spirit has been sent to us. Being the firstborn is related to the priesthood. 1 Peter chapter 2 says we are a royal priesthood. Not only do we serve God, but we are also a blessing to everyone throughout all generations. God will receive His glory in the church throughout all generations forever and ever.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is The Lord redeemed us to be the firstborn (Part 1). In the Old Testament, God set up for the Israelites the Passover, which is a very important and meaningful feast. Exodus chapter 12 talks about the lamb of the Passover. It symbolizes the Lord is the lamb of God, who would offer and sacrifice Himself for man. Exodus chapter 4 says that the people of Israel is God’s firstborn son. The Israelites are indeed very blessed. In the Millennium and in eternity, they will be the head of all nations, a blessing to other nations on the earth. But we are even more blessed because we are the church of the firstborn. We will reign with the Lord in new Jerusalem all through eternity!
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is The Blessing of the Firstborn (Part 2). We should treasure our precious identity as the firstborn of God. In the Old Testament times, according to Deuteronomy 21, the firstborn receives a double portion of the inheritance. The New Testament speaks of our heritage. Revelation 21 says that we, the ones who conquer, will have this heritage. Romans 4 says that we will be the heirs of the world. 1 Corinthians 3 says that all things are ours. Romans 8 says that we are fellow heirs with Christ. With the Lord Jesus, God graciously gives us all things. What we inherit is much more than just a double portion of the inheritance! In fact, we’ve inherited the greatest blessing in the whole universe.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is The Blessing of the Firstborn (Part 1). The firstborn is a very important concept to the Israelites. Hebrews chapter 12 mentions Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. You can find the whole story in Genesis 25, which mentions that Esau despised his birthright. The firstborn will receive a double portion of the inheritance, as well as a special blessing from his father. Genesis 27 talks about how Jacob deceived Esau and stole the blessing of the firstborn. Today, we should especially treasure being the firstborn of God and the blessings of it.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is Know that the church is the firstborn. Hebrews Chapter 12 mentions that the church is “the assembly of the firstborn,” which means that the church is the church of the firstborn. Being the firstborn shows that we have an important position in God’s eternal plan and love. It also shows the church’s honour, glory, blessedness and enjoyment. The Lord is the One foreshadowed in the Old Testament. It’s so precious that He has already come. He shed His blood for us and offered up Himself once for all. Therefore, today, we no longer need to offer sacrifices, but we can enjoy the new covenant that He has established for us. The Lord is the mediator of the better covenant.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “What is in the heavenly Jerusalem (2)?”
This message clearly explains what is in the heavenly Jerusalem through Hebrews 12:22-24; in particular, about the angels in festal gathering and the assembly of the firstborn. It’s very precious that the angels are joyful because of us. Even the angels are so joyful, how much more should we rejoice since we are the firstborn of God? The assembly of the firstborn is the church. Revelation chapter 5 shows us a clear example of what it’s like in heaven. There’s the throne, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders. We are so blessed that we will need eternity to enjoy the blessings.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “What is in the heavenly Jerusalem (1)?”
New Jerusalem is the Bride, the wife of the Lamb and the house of the Father. It’s the accomplishment and perfect fulfillment of God’s will. Revelation tells us in New Jerusalem, there’s the river of the water of life, the throne of God, and the lamp is the Lamb, etc. Hebrews 12:22-24 says we are the assembly of the firstborn in New Jerusalem. God, the judge of all, is our Father. In Him is a just and impartial judgement and forgiveness. He justifies us. There are also saints from the Old Testament, innumerable angels, and Jesus, our mediator of the new covenant. God has given us the greatest blessing and warmth.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is Having Come to the Heavenly Jerusalem. Hebrews 12:22 mentions that we “have come to… the heavenly Jerusalem”. This word “come,” or “draw near,” is also mentioned in other chapters of Hebrews. For example, in chapter 4, it says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace” (verse 16). In chapter 7, it talks about “Those who draw near to God through Him” (verse 25). In chapter 10, it says, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (verse 22). These verses help us understand more concretely what it means to come to the heavenly Jerusalem. The old saints who have fallen asleep have gone to the heavenly Jerusalem. When we draw near to God, our spirits should also be directed towards this place. The whole New Jerusalem is the Most Holy Place. It’s so precious that every day, we can really live in the Most Holy Place.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Coming to Mount Zion (3): to Live in Grace.”
The Bible says God hates wickedness. Revelation tells us the Lord is the Lamb, but it also talks about the wrath of the Lamb. Behind God’s hatred of wickedness is a very deep love to us. We are not saved by the works of the law, but by receiving the Lord’s salvation and His grace. The Lord has already been crucified. It’s very precious that after we believed, we have come to Mount Zion—to live in grace. Romans 5:2 says “Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand…” God has given us the greatest grace, and He will lead many sons to glory.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Coming to Mount Zion (2): the difficulty in forgiveness of sins.”
It is extremely difficult for God to forgive sins. First, He abhors sins. Second, sin has deeply hurt man and kept them separated from God. Third, the Infinite God has to consider all things - He can't just forgive sins, because He wants man to understand the seriousness of sin. Fourth, God also needs to ensure those who will be born in eternity will not sin. It’s so precious that God is responsible to the end. Therefore, through the salvation on the cross, He has completely solved the problem of sin, so that our sins can be forgiven. Through eternity, the Lord’s government and peace will have no end.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Coming to Mount Zion (1): the meaning of Mount Sinai.”
Hebrews chapter 12 talks about Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. It’s a contrast between the law and grace. Mount Sinai represents the old covenant. People of Israel were boastful of the law. Unfortunately, they didn’t live them out. It’s very precious that things have changed after we believed in the Lord. We no longer need to observe the festivities nor go to the temple, etc. On the contrary, we enjoy the new covenant, which is more excellent. We do not merely have the glory on the outside, while having desolation inside, continuously struggling in sins. We have received the blessings of the new covenant, and we will not be condemned. We have been set free, because Christ has come.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “See that the Lord is at the right hand of the Father.”
The Lord being in glory is not something abstract. In Acts chapter 7, Stephen gazed into the heavens and saw the Lord at the right hand of the Father. Colossians also mentions that Christ is at the right hand of God. At the same time, He is our life. He deeply influences and nourishes us. Although the Lord is in glory, His Spirit is also in us, united with us. The Lord is not far from us. Let us see definitively that the Lord is in heaven, at the right hand of the Father. We also enjoy Him giving us life and nourishment.
Brothers and sisters, the topic for today’s Treasures for the Soul is “Understand how our spirit works and be heart to heart with the Lord continuously.” This is the conclusion of this series. We learn from many Bible passages that we need to be heart to heart with the Lord, to continuously enjoy His provisions and to let Him give us life. In order to do so, we must guard our minds. What we see and hear will affect our mind. Being heart to heart with the Lord includes thinking of Him, living before Him, and praying unceasingly. The Lord has given us peace and our hearts should not be troubled. This also implies that our hearts are not affected or disturbed by other things. In particular, in this age of overwhelming information, we really need to guard our minds well and to stay before the Lord continually.
Brothers and sisters, in today’s Treasures for the Soul, we will continue with the message series on “Understand how our spirit works and be heart to heart with the Lord continuously.” And today’s topic is “Live according to the Holy Spirit, and He gives us life.” Romans 8: 5 talks about setting our mind on the things of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us to the Lord so that we can enjoy life and peace. Galatians 5:16-24 talks about “walk by the Spirit” and be “led by the Spirit.” We walk by the Spirit to gain life. All this is related to life. The Lord Jesus is the last Adam. 1 Corinthians 15:45 tells us that He is a “life-giving Spirit.” The Lord is living in us. It’s important that we guard our mind, and experience Him giving us life and providing for us.
Brothers and sisters, in today’s Treasures for the Soul, we will continue with the message series on “Understand how our spirit works and be heart to heart with the Lord continuously.” And today’s topic is “Enjoy Christ who is our life.” Colossians chapter 3 tells us that Christ is our life. It means that the Lord, who is in glory, lives in us, helps us in all aspects, and sustains us. Living in us, He is the most influential in our life. He changes us to be the most like Him. This is also the essence of “abiding in the Lord.” But we need to exercise faith, that is, to use our will to choose to turn to Him, think of Him, look upon Him, and rely on Him. When we do so, we’re cooperating with the Holy Spirit and letting the Lord deeply affect us.
Brothers and sisters, in today’s Treasures for the Soul, we will continue with the message series on “Understand how our spirit works and be heart to heart with the Lord continuously.” And today’s topic is “Guard and uplift our mind.” It’s very precious that we experienced changes after we believed in the Lord. However, Satan continues to try to draw our mind away from God. The Lord tells us to live in Him. His words are in us and He speaks to us. We also have the Bible, the word of God, the most precious love letter. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit will also guide us continuously. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all the truths. We can also ask the Lord anytime, because He is living. Living with the Lord in this way is the most interesting, and it gives us the greatest joy.
Brothers and sisters, we will continue with the message series on “Understand how our spirit works and be heart to heart with the Lord continuously.” Today’s topic is “Understand how our spirit works: will, mind and feelings.” We have a spirit, soul and body. In our spirit, there is will, mind, feelings, etc. Satan uses what we see with our eyes, and what we hear with our ears, to lure us away from the Lord. This includes using the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of this life. We need to use our will to choose the Lord. For example, we can choose to behold the Lord, to draw close to Him, to worship Him and to have fellowship with Him etc. More importantly, we need to guard our mind, because when we do so, we will improve, be transformed and uplifted.
Brothers and sisters, in today’s Treasures for the Soul, we will continue with the message series on “Understanding how our spirit works and being heart to heart with the Lord continuously.” And today’s topic is “Seek the things that are above.” After we believed in the Lord, not only were our sins forgiven, we could also enjoy the Lord’s love and live with Him. However, wrong concepts and teachings will affect our pursuit, as written in Colossians 2: 20-23. In Colossians 3: 1-4, Paul tells us the right way, which is to seek the things that are above, and set the minds on things that are above. Above all, it’s important for us to see Christ seated at the right hand of God; He is the center. We are new creations, but we need the nourishment from the Lord, and to live by faith in the Son of God.
Brothers and sisters, in today’s Treasures for the Soul, we will continue with the message series on “Understand how our spirit works and be heart to heart with the Lord continuously.” Today’s topic is “Live with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 5:10 tells us that the Lord died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with Him. It means that we live with the Lord whether we live on earth or depart and see the Lord. This is the main purpose for the Lord to die for us. In fact, He lives in us now through eternity, and this is our deep enjoyment. A Christian’s life is to live with the living Lord. From morning to night, we can experience His guidance and love appearing.
Brothers and sisters, today’s Treasures for the Soul will continue with the message series: “Understand how our spirit works, and be heart to heart with the Lord continuously.” Today’s topic is “His words abide in us.” The Lord says that we need to always abide in Him and let His words abide in us. It means that He will speak to us. Not only do we have the Bible, the word of God, we also have the Spirit of truth who opens our spiritual eyes. The Lord is truth. He will personally teach us. It’s so precious that the Lord is the bright living reality—He is living, and He is also our brightest and greatest reality. We are not just trying to learn about the past or gain some knowledge about the Lord. We have gained the living Lord Himself. To this day, He is still working in our hearts unceasingly.
Brothers and sisters, Treasures for the Soul will start a series of messages on understanding how our spirit works, and how to be heart to heart with the Lord continuously. Today’s topic is “We can only enjoy God by faith.” We need to exercise our faith every day. Satan hinders us by first disturbing our mind, so that we do not come before God. John chapter 15 gives us a key—the parable of the true vine and the branches. We need to be heart to heart with the Lord, and to abide in Him continuously. To do this, we need to exercise faith. In fact, everything we do in this world requires faith; otherwise, we can’t live our lives. It’s so precious that the Lord is the most glorious one, whom we can count on. When we rely on Him, and trust in Him, we have glorious changes. Only through faith can we experience Him, enjoy Him, and enter into His unsearchable riches deeply.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Lord’s manifold love evidence part 2.”
This message talks about two pieces of evidence that prove the Lord’s love. One is from John chapter 17. On the night before His crucifixion, the Lord revealed His love dream in His prayer — that we may be with Him where He is. The other piece of evidence is New Jerusalem, mentioned in the book of Revelation. New Jerusalem is the household of the Father, and the wife of the Lamb. This shows how important we are in God’s heart. From Ephesians chapter 5, Paul clearly explained why God used one of Adam’s ribs to form Eve. Paul was referring to Genesis chapter 2. This is to illustrate a great mystery—the love union of Christ and the church. The purpose of these passages is to help us to gain the most daring faith, so that we can enjoy His love, and love Him in return.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Lord’s manifold love evidence (Part 1) .”
The Lord has given us much evidence for His love, so that we have faith to embrace this love, to live with Him, and to be in love with Him. These proofs include the Lord has become a man forever, and He established an eternal covenant by His blood. Moreover, the Lord retains the riven scar on His side for us, which tells our position in His heart and our relationship with Him. In addition, in the sky, there is the Southern Cross Constellation; and on earth, there is a flower called the Bleeding Heart. The Lord also set up a love feast for our lifetime—the bread-breaking meeting. He died for us, so that whether we wake or sleep, we will live with Him, which means we live with Him in this life and eternity. We have the deepest union and love relationship with Him.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Lord is forever a Man; He once died for us.”
The Lord is the infinite One. He treasures His eternal love dream very much. Though the difference between Him and us is immense, He is infinite and He can cause us to be the most compatible with Him. How much does the Lord treasure His love dream? First, He became a man forever for us, being like us in every aspect. Second, being a man, the Lord shows how compatible God and man can be. Third, the Lord experienced His journey on earth as a man. Fourth, the Lord was nailed on the cross, being struck and forsaken by the Father. We can never fully comprehend this love. Yet, this love is the most real and touching to our heart.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “We are the ultimate and final love of the Lord.”
David once asked, “What is man?” Indeed, we will not get lost in the masses. The Lord has come, and He has a personal love towards each one of us. We are the bright stars in His love dream. We are also the seal upon His heart, which expresses that we have the position of being the most deeply united with Him in His heart. Through the sunken wound on His side, the Southern Cross, and the bleeding heart, the Lord illustrates our position of love in His heart. Paul also used the creation of Adam and Eve to explain our deepest union with the Lord. We are the bone of His bones, flesh of His flesh. So precious! By His blood, the Lord established for us this eternal new covenant. We are the ultimate and final love of the Lord. This love dream will continue to be elevated unceasingly, always new.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “How does the infinite Lord see us?”
It’s very precious that the Lord is our true Beloved, and we are the love gift that Abba gave to the Lord. The Lord’s prayer in John 17 lets us know that we are the ultimate love of the Lord. In His prayer, He mentioned seven times that we were given to Him by the Father. Psalm 110 tells us that the Father has sworn to appoint the Lord as a priest forever for us. This shows the determination of the Father. It also shows the determination of the Lord—He became a Man forever, He died for us, He lives for us forever, and He lives in our hearts. From Song of Solomon chapter 8 and Luke chapter 12, we see that the Lord’s love is the strongest. It’s so precious that we are truly the ultimate love of the Lord.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is The Lord’s Gentleness and Humility (Part 3). Isaiah 42 says, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench.” This speaks of the Lord Jesus’ gentleness. From the Gospel of John, we can see how the Lord personally talked to those who had needs one after another: the Samaritan woman in chapter 4, the man who had been sick for 38 years in chapter 5, the woman who was caught in adultery in chapter 8, the man who was born blind in chapter 9, as well as the small family of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in chapter 11 and 12. Furthermore, many of the disciples were uneducated. However, after they met the Lord, they were all uplifted greatly and experienced glorious changes. The Lord indeed knows perfectly all that’s in our lives. He used over a century to prepare such a small place as Hong Kong for His will. Without a doubt, we need to deeply realize the Lord’s gentleness and humility, and enjoy His gentle closeness.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is The Lord’s Gentleness and Humility (Part 2). In Matthew 11:28-30, the Lord says that He is gentle and lowly in heart. This is indeed amazing. The Lord Himself is the eternal and infinite One. From all of His creation, we can see that He is infinitely great and that His creation is infinitely wonderful. Yet, He became a Man forever, to live for us and to die for us. Moreover, He rose from the dead, and now lives in our hearts. He created our spirits to be capable of being forever united with Him. We are really the stars of His love dream. Living in the light of the Lamb, we are being transformed and uplifted continuously.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is The Lord’s Gentleness and Humility (Part I). Isaiah Chapter 42 talks about the Lord as God’s servant, having all kinds of glory and beauty. In the first four verses, “justice” was mentioned three times. The Lord Himself is the way, the truth, and the life. He brought grace and truth to us. It’s so precious that the source of all truth is also the most gentle. As days pass, we will understand and feel the need for the Lord’s gentleness more and more.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is The Lord Became the Lamb of God. The glorious book of Revelation mentions many times that the Lord is the Lamb of God. The infinite One not only became the Lamb of God for us, He was even chastised, carved with wounds, and was nailed on the cross. Because of love, this Lamb of God offered Himself with humility. We can proclaim with sincerity that the Lamb of God is worthy.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Faith is the first commandment to keep.”
It is very precious to experience the Lord, but first, we must keep His commandments. And among all the commandments, we must first walk out the commandment of “faith”. John 6:35 tells us faith is to come to the Lord—when we come to the Lord, we shall not hunger or thirst. Many psalms talk about “believe in,” “trust in” and “take refuge.” For example, Psalm 28: in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; Psalm 37: trust in the Lord, and do good; Psalm 34: Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! We are trusting in the Lord when we tell Him, “Lord, I trust in You!” It is that simple. Let us use our faith to deeply enjoy the Lord.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Trust and Peace (2).”
The Gospel of John tells us that the Lord has left peace with us. Peace is very important because it is our foundation. The Song of Solomon chapter 8 also says a believer’s peak is to enjoy peace. Peace is important, because we won’t be able to enjoy the Lord when our heart is not at peace. Satan uses many thoughts to disturb us. We need not to analyze any of those; rather, our hearts should immediately turn to the Lord in glory, to behold Him. We can also say, “Lord, save me!” or “Lord, I trust in You!” The Lord has solved all problems. We shall continue forward in faith and abide in Him.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Trust and Peace (1).”
“Believe in,” “trust in” and “take refuge” appear many times in the Bible. In fact, all of these encourage us to trust in the Lord. Isaiah 28:16 talks about a precious cornerstone, and whoever believes will not be in haste. Three references of this verse were made in Romans and 1 Peter, telling us whoever believes will not be in shame. Sin results in shame. When we trust in the Lord, we can live a life free from sins. Furthermore, we will bear much fruit and have a glorious life. Trusting in the Lord is not complicated at all: our spiritual eyes see the Lord at the right hand of Abba, at New Jerusalem. We can say to the Lord, “Lord, save me!” or “Lord, I trust in You!” May we continue to trust in the Lord for our whole life.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Look upon the Lord in glory.”
In the Book of Acts chapter 7, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. When the Lord appeared to Paul, He was brighter than the sun. Revelation says the Lamb is the light of the city. Hebrews chapter 12 says we have come to the heavenly Jerusalem. These passages help us, in a more concrete way, to behold the Lord: He is in glory, at the right hand of the Father; His light shines through New Jerusalem; at the same time, He lives in our heart, closest to us. Similarly, when we behold the Father according to Revelation chapter 4, we see the Father’s glory and brilliance. This is also following the Lord’s teaching, that we pray to our Father in heaven. It’s so precious that we all direct ourselves to Abba and the Lord as our focus when we behold and worship.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “What is true faith?”
In Hebrews 11:6, it reads, “And without faith it is impossible to please him.” True faith is more than intellectual understanding. It is reliant on the heart. The Bible frequently uses “take refuge” and “trust in the Lord”. It is not merely to believe. “Take refuge” and “trust” implies obedience to God’s words. The Lord once came. The Holy Spirit has also come. A new era has begun! This is a glorious day because the Father, the Lord and the Holy Spirit abide in us. This indwelling is not static. It is God’s most special presence. We are united to Him and our life is bound up with His. Indeed, it is the enormous grace from God.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Apart from the Lord, we can do nothing.”
It’s very important to behold the Lord and realize that He is in glory, He is everywhere, and He is in our hearts at the same time. This was what Stephen did. The key in experiencing the Lord lies in John 15:5—the parable of the vine and the branches – the union with the Lord. We can enjoy the Lord’s continuous nourishment and support, and we can also bear fruit. We need to recall the right condition in which we can deeply experience the Lord without any hinderances. When we always place ourselves in the right condition of experiencing the Lord, we will continue to improve. Indeed, we cannot be apart from the Lord even for a moment; otherwise, we will fall. Christ in us is more powerful than anything in the world!
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Lord’s Words at the Last Supper.”
What the Lord spoke on the night before His crucifixion is extremely important. Firstly, He set up a life-long love feast for us—the breaking of the bread in remembrance of Him. Secondly, He told us that He would never leave us. The Holy Spirit will be sent and we can be the closest to Him. Thirdly, the Lord taught us how to live with Him, which is to enjoy the blessings of abiding in Him. Besides knowing these blessings, we also need to practice godliness, so that we can always be heart to heart with the Lord.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “We are the Lord’s darling love.”
Exodus 28: 28 talks about the breastpiece on the ephod of the high priest. The breastpiece of judgement bears the names of the sons of Israel, and it shall be worn by the high priest. It represents that we are the Lord’s darling, always in His heart. Song of Solomon 8:6 says, “Set me as a seal upon your heart”. In John chapter 17 the Lord expressed His desire for us to be the closest to Him. The Father swore to make the Lord our High Priest so that He could gain us forever. Likewise, because the Lord loves the Father and us so much, He also desires to be our High Priest forever, and to bring us back to the depth of Abba’s most beautiful heart. We are so blessed that the Lord is our Beloved. This relationship is all-inclusive.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Father made the Lord our eternal High Priest by an oath (2).”
Psalm 110: 4 is very precious. The Father has sworn to make the Lord our eternal High Priest. The oath shows God’s determination, including that the Lord had to be a man forever, and that He had to bear our sins and die for us. Moreover, it lets us know that He will be responsible for our life forever. The oath also tells us that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit all endured the suffering of the cross. This Psalm tells us that God will not change His mind, and He guaranteed that all this will be done. Indeed, we are the love dream of the Father and the Lord. We need the Lord to be our priest, to help us to know God continually. We are surrounded by the infinite love of the Father, the infinite love of the Lord and the infinite love of the Holy Spirit.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Father made the Lord our eternal High Priest by an oath (1).”
Psalm 110 foretold that the Lord would be made a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. For us, the Lord offered up His life. It’s so precious that He also overcame all. One day, the church will be finished, and the Lord will return. All things will be restored. We will celebrate with the Lord and reign with Him! God will vindicate for the Lord and us. He will execute judgement among the nations. The glorious scene foretold in this Psalm will be fulfilled in its entirety.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Charge That to My Account.”
In the Letter to Philemon, Paul wrote “charge that to my account,” which is a very precious line. In Cantonese, it means “I’ll be responsible for all.” Onesimus was indebted to Philemon. Yet, what he owed Philemon is incomparable to what we owed God. The Lord has taken full responsibility for us. He was so eager to give, even to die on the cross. He gave Himself for us. When we returned to the Lord, Abba and the Lord were very joyful. We did not ask God, but it was Abba that made the Lord our High Priest by an oath. It’s so precious that the Lord has taken full responsibility for all our needs in this life and eternity.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The most profitable; the most accepted.”
The Letter to Philemon teaches us many precious lessons.
Verses 1 to 3: The church was able to continue to progress as Philemon and others were having meetings in his home.
Verses 4 to 7: Paul praised Philemon’s love and faith. The effect of faith is love.
Verses 8 to11: Paul was a man of age, yet he appealed to Philemon for Onesimus, a person who was once useless, but then became useful because of believing in the Lord.
Verses 12 to14: Paul regarded Onesimus as his very heart. It also told us that we were in the Lord’s heart.
Verses 15 to 17: Paul asked Philemon to receive his brother. It also tells us that we are united to the Lord and enjoy the greatest welcome and acceptance from Abba and the Lord.
May we deeply enjoy these truths.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The preciousness of the Letter to Philemon.”
Through Paul’s letter to Philemon, we can see that the Lord is responsible for our life through eternity. He belongs to us and has passionately committed Himself in our life and eternity. The fact that Philemon comes before Hebrews is very meaningful. In Philemon, we can see Paul’s love towards Onesimus. This brotherly love demonstrates the Lord’s love. The prayers of a brother represents that the Lord is our High Priest and Advocate, who intercedes for us and blesses us day and night. Paul says that Onesimus is “his own heart.” (Ref. NKJV) This also represents that we are truly in the Lord’s heart. Let’s enter into the letter to Philemon and enjoy its abundance.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Father’s Desire for Me is Forever Steadfast.”
The Lord and the Father are one. He is the only begotten Son of the Father. In order to gain us, the Father swore an oath and made the Lord our High Priest forever. We became co-heirs with the Lord to the ever-living Father. Truly, we are the Father’s love dream. Through the hymn shared in the message, we know that the Father’s desire for us is forever steadfast. This love also stuns our hearts.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Reminders on enjoying heart to heart with the Father.”
In this message, we are reminded to practice beholding the Father—realize that He is on the throne, with infinite glory, as described in Revelation chapter 4. We also see that the infinite Lord is at the right hand of the Father; and our life is bound up with the Father’s life. Some Bible verses can help us to meditate on the Father and pray to Him more often. For instance, Psalms 32:8 helps us to realize that the Father instructs, teaches, and counsels us with His eye upon us. Abba has involved Himself in our life and daily living. Let us realize Him more often.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Father Sent His Only Begotten Son.”
In the gospel of John, the Lord mentioned many times that the Father had sent Him, which the Lord treasures. There are a few things that stun us. First, the Lord forever became a man for us. Second, the Lord died on the cross. Third, the Father chastised and forsook the Lord on the cross. The Lord accomplished the salvation so that we could live forever. We now live with the Lord and are deeply united with the Father, the Lord and the Holy Spirit. We also have God’s family. We are connected and joined together with brothers and sisters. The Lord has brought us into His deepest embrace and His household.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Lord Came to Manifest the Father’s Name.”
John 17:6 says the Lord has manifested the Father’s name on earth. The gospel books mention the Father many more times than the Old Testament did. Even if we have gained the whole universe, our hearts cannot be satisfied. We can only be satisfied through experiencing the Father and the Lord. This is the reason for our existence. A harmonious relationship with God brings us peace, joy and contentment. The Lord is the light to the world. It’s only when we follow the Lord that our life can shine brilliantly.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Fruit of the Lord’s Crucifixion: Eternal Life.”
In John 17, the Lord prayed that He had already accomplished the work that the Father gave Him to do. The Lord’s victory on the cross glorifies the Father, and causes us to treasure Abba. The Lord died on the cross so that we may have eternal life—to know Abba and the Lord. Paul said that it is a surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus—to know God in experience, to be drawn by God and have fellowship with Him. Eternal life is to know Abba and the Lord, which greatly pleases Abba and the Lord. May we enjoy eternal life every day.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is The Love Desire in the Depths of Abba and the Lord’s hearts.
From the Lord’s prayer in John 17, we can see the depths of Abba and the Lord’s hearts. The Lord mentioned seven times that we were the ones Abba had given Him, and five times that we might be one. We can also see the Lord’s love desire: He desires that we, whom Abba has given Him, may be with Him where He is. It’s so precious that we have a dwelling place with the Lord- that is, the Father’s house. Moreover, our lives are bound up in Abba’s. We will never be lonely. The love of Abba and the Lord is fresh every day. May you freely enjoy it all.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is Being United and Heart to Heart with Abba (Part 1). Through the Lord’s teaching and life, the disciples could see Abba’s preciousness. We are also united and heart to heart with Abba. The Lord has made known Abba and He desires that the same love with which Abba has loved Him may be in us. The Holy Spirit has come so that we can cry out “Abba, Father.” The message also uses many Bible passages that help us know that Abba lives in us; His Spirit is also in us. We are to have fellowship with Abba. Abba Himself loves us. We are indeed enjoying the infinite upon infinite upon infinite love and blessedness.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is Being United and Heart to Heart with Abba (Part 2). The experience between Jacob and his son, Benjamin, helps us realize that our lives are bound up in Abba’s. We affect Him the most. Abba indeed lives in us. Our spirits are united to His. Living out a life of heart to heart prayers with Abba is not complicated at all. For example, when we go out, we can say “Abba, I love you”. When we sing hymns, we can also realize that we are united with Abba. These are all very simple but we must live it out so that we can enter into the truth and enjoy it. This is also Abba’s desire all along. We really need to treasure today and be heart to heart with Abba.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “What is in the heavenly Jerusalem (2)?”
This message clearly explains what is in the heavenly Jerusalem through Hebrews 12:22-24; in particular, about the angels in festal gathering and the assembly of the firstborn. It’s very precious that the angels are joyful because of us. Even the angels are so joyful, how much more should we rejoice since we are the firstborn of God? The assembly of the firstborn is the church. Revelation chapter 5 shows us a clear example of what it’s like in heaven. There’s the throne, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders. We are so blessed that we will need eternity to enjoy the blessings.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “What is in the heavenly Jerusalem (1)?”
New Jerusalem is the Bride, the wife of the Lamb and the house of the Father. It’s the accomplishment and perfect fulfillment of God’s will. Revelation tells us in New Jerusalem, there’s the river of the water of life, the throne of God, and the lamp is the Lamb, etc. Hebrews 12:22-24 says we are the assembly of the firstborn in New Jerusalem. God, the judge of all, is our Father. In Him is a just and impartial judgement and forgiveness. He justifies us. There are also saints from the Old Testament, innumerable angels, and Jesus, our mediator of the new covenant. God has given us the greatest blessing and warmth.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is Having Come to the Heavenly Jerusalem. Hebrews 12:22 mentions that we “have come to… the heavenly Jerusalem”. This word “come,” or “draw near,” is also mentioned in other chapters of Hebrews. For example, in chapter 4, it says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace” (verse 16). In chapter 7, it talks about “Those who draw near to God through Him” (verse 25). In chapter 10, it says, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (verse 22). These verses help us understand more concretely what it means to come to the heavenly Jerusalem. The old saints who have fallen asleep have gone to the heavenly Jerusalem. When we draw near to God, our spirits should also be directed towards this place. The whole New Jerusalem is the Most Holy Place. It’s so precious that every day, we can really live in the Most Holy Place.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Coming to Mount Zion (3): to Live in Grace.”
The Bible says God hates wickedness. Revelation tells us the Lord is the Lamb, but it also talks about the wrath of the Lamb. Behind God’s hatred of wickedness is a very deep love to us. We are not saved by the works of the law, but by receiving the Lord’s salvation and His grace. The Lord has already been crucified. It’s very precious that after we believed, we have come to Mount Zion—to live in grace. Romans 5:2 says “Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand…” God has given us the greatest grace, and He will lead many sons to glory.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Coming to Mount Zion (2): the difficulty in forgiveness of sins.”
It is extremely difficult for God to forgive sins. First, He abhors sins. Second, sin has deeply hurt man and kept them separated from God. Third, the Infinite God has to consider all things - He can't just forgive sins, because He wants man to understand the seriousness of sin. Fourth, God also needs to ensure those who will be born in eternity will not sin. It’s so precious that God is responsible to the end. Therefore, through the salvation on the cross, He has completely solved the problem of sin, so that our sins can be forgiven. Through eternity, the Lord’s government and peace will have no end.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Coming to Mount Zion (1): the meaning of Mount Sinai.”
Hebrews chapter 12 talks about Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. It’s a contrast between the law and grace. Mount Sinai represents the old covenant. People of Israel were boastful of the law. Unfortunately, they didn’t live them out. It’s very precious that things have changed after we believed in the Lord. We no longer need to observe the festivities nor go to the temple, etc. On the contrary, we enjoy the new covenant, which is more excellent. We do not merely have the glory on the outside, while having desolation inside, continuously struggling in sins. We have received the blessings of the new covenant, and we will not be condemned. We have been set free, because Christ has come.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “See that the Lord is at the right hand of the Father.”
The Lord being in glory is not something abstract. In Acts chapter 7, Stephen gazed into the heavens and saw the Lord at the right hand of the Father. Colossians also mentions that Christ is at the right hand of God. At the same time, He is our life. He deeply influences and nourishes us. Although the Lord is in glory, His Spirit is also in us, united with us. The Lord is not far from us. Let us see definitively that the Lord is in heaven, at the right hand of the Father. We also enjoy Him giving us life and nourishment.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul’s is “Before His Crucifixion, the Lord clearly explained the essence of the blessings of the new covenant: the second and third blessing”
The second blessing of the new covenant is “God will be our God and we shall be His people.” The Lord Jesus personally made it known to us that the love with which the Father has loved Him may be in us. God is our true Abba. We are given to the Lord by the Father. The Lord mentioned this seven times in His prayer in John 17.
The third blessing of the new covenant is “all of us shall know God.” John chapters 14 to 16 tell us the Holy Spirit comes so that we will have a deeper understanding of God. The Spirit of truth will tell us everything and bear witness about the Lord. The Spirit of truth will also guide us into all the truth. In the Lord’s prayer, He said He would make known to us the Father’s name. It’s so good that we can enjoy all the blessings of the new covenant.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Before His Crucifixion, the Lord clearly explained the essence of the blessings of the new covenant: the first blessing (2)”
It’s so precious that we have received the blessings of the new covenant. The Holy Spirit has come, and dwells in us. The Father and the Lord are also in us. John 14 tells us that Abba and the Lord will manifest Themselves to us. The most important is that we are united with the Lord so that we experience His presence, guidance and enlightenment. His words will enlighten us. The true experience of the blessings of the new covenant is to have fresh nourishment from the Lord. The Lord will guide and teach us, and put His laws in our heart.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Before His Crucifixion, the Lord clearly explained the essence of the blessings of the new covenant: the first blessing (1)”
John 14:16-19 tells us that the HolySpirit has come to dwell in us, so has the Father and the Lord. We need to frequently look at the Lord attentively. He helps our hearts to be alive. Psalm 22:22 reads “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” The Lord continuously reveals the Father’s name in our hearts, and praises Abba through us in the meetings. When two or three gather unto His name, His special presence will be with us. The Lord gives us life in our hearts and nourishes us. He has become our daily help.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Before His Crucifixion, the Lord clearly explained the essence of the blessings of the new covenant: the fourth blessing.” Before He was nailed on the cross, the Lord explained clearly the content of the new covenant recorded in Jeremiah. In John 13, the Lord washed the disciples’ feet, which also tells us that we are clean and are always perfect before God. Should we sin again, we just need to wash our feet. That is, to go back to the Lord quickly, and rely on Him to rise again. This is the fourth blessing of the new covenant: He has forgiven all our sins. We also need to remain heart to heart with the Lord, and abide in Him. The Lord also commands us to wash each other’s feet, that is, to help brothers and sisters to remain heart to heart with the Lord.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Love Encounters” The Gospel of John records many people’s personal encounters with the Lord. No matter how bad one’s situation was, when they encountered the Lord, there was always a turning point. For example, in John 8, a woman who had been caught in adultery was brought to the Lord. The situation was really terrible. But it’s so precious that the Lord said, “Neither do I condemn you.” The Lord knew that for Him to say this, He would have to die for our sins. He also said, “And from now on sin no more.” He really gives us great hope. Today, we can enjoy a similar personal love encounter with the Lord.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Lord Treasures the New Covenant and Break-Bread Meeting the Most”. How do we know that? First, it’s foretold by the Passover. The Lord was also crucified for us on the day of the Passover. Second, the Lord specifically revealed to Paul, who was not at the last supper, the importance of the break- bread meeting. Third, we break the bread every week in remembrance of the Lord. Fourth, in the break-bread meeting, we have to receive the bread and cup ourselves. Fifth, the Lord said before the last supper that He desires to eat this feast with the disciples. Sixth, the early churches also treasured the break-bread meeting. The new covenant and break bread meeting demonstrate the love dream of the Infinite One. May you also treasure the new covenant and the break-bread meeting.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Lord established with us the eternal love covenant by His blood.” TheLord Jesus laid down His life to establish with us the eternal love covenant by His blood. He also established a life-long love feast, that is the break-bread meeting. We can continue to know the Lord, and be amazed throughout eternity, because the Lord will use eternity to illustrate His love. Hebrews 8 talks about the four blessings in the new covenant, which are the contents of the covenant the Lord established with us. He is also the mediator and the guarantor of the new covenant. It’s so precious that the new covenant is eternal, forever fresh, and will not grow old. Most importantly, we should enjoy its blessings every day.
Brothers and sisters, this is Treasures for the Soul. Today’s topic is “How to Live a Life of Faith”. The Lord is the target of our faith. Therefore, we need to turn our eyes to Him, behold Him, and think about Him. Being heart to heart with the Lord is a concrete way that helps us to live a life of faith. The first two verses of Hebrews chapter 12 speak of the Lord being the most glorious role model of faith and love. We should look to Jesus. Our spiritual experience with the Lord is real and it can affect our daily lives and help us overcome the world.
Brothers and sisters, this is Treasures for the Soul. Today’s topic is The Importance of the Mind. Romans chapter 12 mentions about being “transformed by the renewal of your mind.” In Colossians chapter 3, Paul reminded us to “seek the things that are above.” He especially pointed out that Christ is seated at the right hand of God. We need to behold the Lord. Many Bible passages mentioning what our mind should pay attention to are referred in this message. The examples of David, Moses, Paul, Peter, and John all illustrate to us some important content to which our mind should pay attention. We must guard our mind diligently.
Brothers and sisters, this is Treasures for the Soul. Today’s topic is “How to Live a Life of Faith”. The Lord is the target of our faith. Therefore, we need to turn our eyes to Him, behold Him, and think about Him. Being heart to heart with the Lord is a concrete way that helps us to live a life of faith. The first two verses of Hebrews chapter 12 speak of the Lord being the most glorious role model of faith and love. We should look to Jesus. Our spiritual experience with the Lord is real and it can affect our daily lives and help us overcome the world.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic in Treasures for the Soul is “Our Spirit Can Hear, Think, and See.” Our spirit is very awesome. It can know God, understand about eternity, and see what our naked eyes can’t see. Our spirit has free will. Our choices affect our minds, which in turn affects our feelings, which then would go back to affect our will and choices. Therefore what we choose is very important. In our mind, what we listen to will generate many pictures. We can enjoy the truths in the Bible by applying it to ourselves.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Learn to Protect Our Spirits From Virus Prevention". Recently, we have all increased our awareness of virus prevention and hygiene. Through this the Lord is reminding us to protect our minds, for from a vigilant heart flows the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23). We must avoid wrong teachings, strengthen our spiritual immunity, return to Him often, and eat the bread of life. Only He can heal and save us.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of “Treasures for the Soul” is The Importance of Seeing Him with Our Spiritual Eyes. From the Book of Psalms, we can see that the psalmists directed their prayers to God in heaven. The Lord is very real and He will manifest Himself to us. The Gospel of John mentions many times regarding the Lord’s appearings after His resurrection. When the disciples saw Him, they experienced transformation and joy. In all circumstances, if we can see the Lord, our hearts can be at peace, just as David setting the Lord always before him (Ps 16:8), Moses seeing Him who is invisible (Heb 11:27), Stephen fixing His eyes to heaven even in difficult times (Acts 7:55). May we fix our spiritual eyes on the Lord every day.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of “Treasures for the Soul” is “Enjoying the Lord and not being disturbed.”
Having our hearts turning to the Lord is the first step of prayers. The Song of Solomon mentions about kissing and embracing the Lord, drinking of His love and not stirring up love, which means not being disturbed. The precious contents of the hymns can lead us to the Lord. However, the most important is that we are able to enjoy Him. We do not just think about truths that are related to the Lord. We need to enjoy Him. When we are before the Lord, we can speak to Him and we can be quiet before Him. Sometimes, these quiet moments without words may be even better than speaking out. Indeed, it does not matter whether you speak to Him or remain silent. The best portion is that we have the Lord and we can enjoy Him.
Brothers and sisters, the topic for “Treasures for the Soul” today is “Living a life of union with the Lord in a stable pattern every day.” When we behold the Lord, we need to realize that He is in glory, He is everywhere and He is in our hearts at the same time. It is precious that we can behold the Lord in this way. Moreover, we can also realize that we have been united with the Lord. Our spirit has sense and it can sense things which cannot be seen by the physical eyes. The Lord desires us to abide in Him always. When we practise beholding the Lord in this way, we abide in Him always. Indeed, this way of beholding the Lord is also a way of prayers, drawing near to God, and gives us enjoyment in our spirits. Hence, we live the life described in Psalms - to be continually with Him.
Brothers and sisters, the topic of today’s Treasure for the Soul is “Enjoy Embracing with the Lord”. The Song of Solomon mentions three times that the Beloved says, “Do not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.” This means when we are in an embrace of love with the Lord, we should be free of disturbances, stay focused, and stay there. In this spiritual embrace, we are also having an interflow of love, and face to face fellowship with the Lord. It is our spiritual foundation, as well as a background we set for our spirit. With the precious contents and truths of the hymns, we can enjoy and remain being heart to heart with the Lord. The most important is that we can experience the Lord Himself, and continue to enter deeper into this experience, so that we can have an everlasting revival.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is “Realize Being Heart to Heart with the Lord in Singing and Worship”. “Singing and worship” is about having fellowship with God Himself, and drawing near to Him. In other words, God Himself is more precious than the truth or knowledge about Him. When we behold, sing, or pray, we go back to Him through the content, enjoying Him and paying attention to Him. We are not studying or preparing for messages. We turn to Him, being face to face and heart to heart with Him. While we sing and worship, we are continually seeing the preciousness of the Lord more and more. Our response does not need to be complicated. What’s important is that our hearts are touched by Him, naturally flowing forth thanksgiving and love response.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is “The Song of Solomon Often Mentions About ‘Eyes’”. Beholding is very important; it can transform us, and change us to be more glorious. The Lord also desires to see our face and to hear our voice. To behold is to give Him our attention of love and have fellowship with Him. In the Book of Song of Solomon, “eyes” are often mentioned. Chapter 1 says that the eyes of his darling are like doves. Chapter 4 says that the eyes of his darling have captivated His heart. Chapter 6 says that the eyes of his darling even overwhelm Him. All these tell us our eyes are very important, able to give the Lord enjoyment. So, we really need to look at Him more, to behold His glory and His beauty.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Our Spirit Needs to Enjoy the Lord Himself.” Both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible mention that the Lord is our enjoyment. Psalm 16 mentions that the Lord is our chosen portion and our cup. Psalm 34 tells us to taste that the Lord is good. The Song of Solomon talks about kisses and embraces. The Lord Himself told us that He is the bread of life. We feed on His flesh and drink His blood, which means we believe in Him, enjoy Him and receive Him. Thus, we gain eternal life, and we live by the Lord, full of life and joy, as a normal person should. We must take pleasure in Him and experience Him daily.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Looking at the Lord with our Inner Eyes”. In Psalm 27, David expressed his desire to behold the beauty of the Lord all the days of his life. In 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, Paul mentioned that beholding the glory of the Lord is the way to transformation. We can be transformed into the likeness of the Lord. When we behold the Lord, at the same time, we take delight in His beauty and glory. The Lord’s glory includes His love, which nourishes and satisfies our hearts. Furthermore, when we behold the Lord’s glory, the Holy Spirit will do His work in us. For example, He will open our inner eyes so that we can enjoy the Lord even more. We gain more than the truth—we gain the Lord Himself. When we go to the Lord, we will have life.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “How to Worship God with Our Spirit”. We worship in spirit and in truth. Truth is very important because it helps us to have accurate knowledge towards God and true experience in Him. Moreover, we must worship in spirit, that is, to have fellowship with God from the bottom of our heart. We must pray and sing to Him, having communion with Him. Our spirits are real, and our inner eyes can see reality that our physical eyes cannot see. With our inner eyes we put the truth before us again and again. May we all enjoy the sweetness of worship and our heart to heart fellowship with Him.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Our Spirit is Satisfied Only When We Worship God and Deeply Experience Him”. In John chapter 4, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman to worship the Father in spirit and truth. Worship is most precious. When we pursue other things in the world, we will not be satisfied, because they are things “under the sun”. Christ is already seated at the right hand of God. At the same time, He is in our hearts. Therefore, we can experience Him and enjoy His presence. Experiencing God and having interflow of love with Him can satisfy our lives the most. This is “above the sun”, for we are having fellowship with the Lord, who is above the sun.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is How Should Our Spirit Respond to the Lord? It is very important to have peace and quietness in our hearts. We need to practice more on how to Behold the Lord and realize that He is in glory, He is everywhere, and He is in our hearts at the same time. Also, we need to know how to live to Him. When we sing, worship, read the Bible and draw near to God, we only need to enjoy the plain content and truths. It is actually not complicated. After enjoying the precious truths, even if we just respond by telling the Lord, “Lord, I love You”, it is already very precious. When you stay before Him and draw near to Him like this, you will enter into a state of only you and the Lord, the Lord and you. This is a face to face experience with the Lord. Song of Solomon 1 says, “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!” This is actually the appearing of the Lord described in the Gospel of John. The Lord desires to see our face and to hear our voice the most.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is “Let Not Your Hearts be Troubled, Neither Let Them be Afraid.” In John 14, Jesus told the disciples not to let their hearts be troubled. When He said that, His own heart was surely not troubled. Not being troubled doesn’t mean you are not realistic or lack empathy. It means knowing that our hearts need to be in good condition in order to bless others. What we are doing on earth is most important, and can help people the most - it can affect their eternity, and impact their hearts. What’s more, is that what we are doing is greatly related to God’s commission. For us to accomplish God’s will, we must have peace in our hearts. This is how our spirits can be uplifted and strengthened. It is very important that our spirits are in good condition. That’s why every day, it’s most important that we draw near to God.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasures for the Soul is “Enjoying God’s Peace in Your Heart.” After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to the disciples. Many times He said to them, “Peace be with you!” Jesus gives us peace. This shows that peace is special and important. When your heart does not have peace, you cannot have enjoyment in your spirit. The Lord desires us to have a peaceful heart to enjoy deeply the love fellowship with Him. His desire and longing for us is the reason why He left peace with us. When our hearts are troubled, we need to quickly return to Him. You can pray, “Lord, save me!” He will immediately help you. The peace in our hearts helps us to have a clearer mind and better understanding. We can realize more of God’s guidance and have more insights from Him.
Brothers and sisters, our topic for today is “Be Influenced by the Lord Throughout this Year”. May we have a good environment to draw near to God. May we enjoy Him in all cases, whether reading the Bible, singing and worshipping, or staying quietly before Him. We can be very flexible when we practice all these, and not rigid at all. We need to be influenced by God’s words, and enjoy how He and His words nourish our spirits. The devil will input thoughts into our minds to disturb our relationships with God, but these are not from our true self, the new creation. We just need to ignore them. Most importantly, we must stay focused, and continue to enjoy the Lord. May you be influenced by the Lord and His words in each of every day in this year.
Brothers and sisters, this is Treasures for the Soul. Today’s topic is “Just as His Anointing Has Taught You, Abide in the Lord”. By His blood, the Lord has established an everlasting covenant with us. The Holy Spirit has already come. He strengthens us and transforms us from glory to glory. 1 John chapter 2 states that the Holy Spirit is the Anointing and He teaches us about all things. “Anointing” conveys that the Holy Spirit is gentle and He is the Comforter. He comforts and guides us. We need the work of the Holy Spirit. We need to heed His voice and follow His guidance. Hence, we will be filled with joy and be closely connected with the Lord!
Brothers and sisters, the topic for today’s Treasures for the Soul is “The World Needs People Who Deeply Experience God”. Nowadays, there is never-ending information to browse. However, nothing can replace the alone time you directly spend with the Lord. Psalm 45 mentions that we need to listen, consider and incline our ear. This means we need to pay close attention to the Lord. When the Lord was transfigured on the mountain, a voice from above said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When we draw near to God, it’s not a one-sided conversation from us to Him. Instead, it’s an interflow, and we are building a relationship with Him. We also hear the Lord speaking to us directly through the Bible. We really enjoy the alone time with Him.
Brothers and sisters, today’s topic of Treasures for the Soul is “Give the Lord Time and Space to Speak in Our Hearts”. It’s so precious the Holy Spirit by the truth works in our hearts, leading us into all the truths. The Holy Spirit also sanctifies us by the truth. When we focus on listening and considering, our spirit will transform to be more beautiful, just as the daughter mentioned in Psalm 45. Every day we need the Lord’s fresh words in our hearts. Our spirit is the most precious in the whole universe. The Lord desires to speak in our hearts. Therefore we need to protect our minds, not be disturbed, and wholeheartedly enjoy Him.
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Brothers and sisters, this is Treasures for the Soul. Today’s topic is “Our Spirits Need the Words of God”. In Psalm 28, David writes, “If You [God] be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit.” We really need God to speak to us. We live “by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matt 4:4) Not only do we need the words in the Bible, we also need the work of the Holy Spirit. Many parts of the Bible talk about the preciousness of God’s words. But our spirits need to be present. That is, we need to pay attention to the words that the Holy Spirit speaks in our hearts through the truth.
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Brothers and sisters, the topic for today’s Treasures for the Soul is “The Importance of Peace”. In the Gospel of John, the Lord said He has especially bestowed peace on us. Actually, peace affects our relationship with Him. It affects our joy and also other aspects of His provision. Peace is our spirit’s foundation. The peace the Lord gives to us is very unique. It is greater than any suffering. Only in the Lord can we have peace. This message explains the different blessings that we gain when we have peace, according to the Bible. “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely.”
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Brothers and sisters, our topic for Treasures for the Soul today is “Our Spirit can Feel God and Have Fellowship with Him.” Having peace in our hearts and listening to God’s words are closely related. Psalm 45 says, “Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear,” We need to focus. Our spirit has sense. Ephesians 2 says that, before believing in God, we were dead in our trespasses and sins; but then, we were made alive again. What this means is that our spirit was made alive again from the day we believed in God. Our spirit has come to its senses and we can feel God. We are also united in one spirit with God. This is a union of love and relationship; our lives are bound up with His. Our spirit can feel God and that’s why we can enjoy the sweetness of drawing near to Him. The most important is that we need to have firsthand enjoyment of God.
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Brothers and sisters, our topic for Treasures for the Soul today is “Our Spirit can Feel God and Have Fellowship with Him.” Having peace in our hearts and listening to God’s words are closely related. Psalm 45 says, “Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear,” We need to focus. Our spirit has sense. Ephesians 2 says that, before believing in God, we were dead in our trespasses and sins; but then, we were made alive again. What this means is that our spirit was made alive again from the day we believed in God. Our spirit has come to its senses and we can feel God. We are also united in one spirit with God. This is a union of love and relationship; our lives are bound up with His. Our spirit can feel God and that’s why we can enjoy the sweetness of drawing near to Him. The most important is that we need to have firsthand enjoyment of God.
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Brothers and sisters, this is Treasures for the Soul. Today’s topic is God’s Greatest Work Starts in Our Hearts. God loves us very much, and He wants to use us greatly. He desires to work in our hearts. The time alone with God is really precious. Throughout history, those who are glorious, such as Elijah, David, John the Baptist, and Paul, all spent much time alone with God, gaining abundant insights and enlightenment. There is really nothing more precious than to enjoy the Lord and His love and to love Him back. Our time on earth is short; may we treasure the time alone with God every day.
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Brothers and sisters, today our topic is The Lord Speaks to Us and Helps Us in Our Hearts. The Lord lives in our hearts. Our spirit is the contact point with the Lord. When we pray, we pray to the Lord in glory, and He will work in us. The Lord speaks to us in many different ways. It could be an impression, a thought, His anointing, which is the guidance by the Holy Spirit, or His mighty power working in our hearts, and so on. When we often draw near to God and know Him better, we can understand better what He wants to tell us. The Lord speaks in our hearts, opens our eyes and enlightens us. All these mould us into glorious people. We need to enjoy the Lord Himself.
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Brothers and sisters. Today’s topic is Abide in the Lord’s Love at All Times. John 15:9-11 tells us the Lord loves us the same as Abba loves Him. This is the highest love that only God can give. This manifests that we are especially precious. We need to abide in the Lord’s love at all times, ever enjoying His embrace. Then we can love Him back. To abide in His love, we must obey His commandments. If we disobey the Lord, we will only reap sorrows. But shall we obey Him, we will enjoy the Lord and enjoy His life. May we always stay in the Lord’s love.
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Brothers and Sisters, Treasures for the Soul today’s topic is Abide in the Lord Always. In John 15, Jesus used the metaphor of the branches and the vine to resemble our close connection with Him. Abba prunes the branches so that they will be even more fruitful. We need to abide in the Lord in order to bear much fruit. It includes feeling the close connection to Him, being touched by Him, feeling no separation with Him, having different spiritual experiences with Him. May we go before God and enjoy the closest union with Him, living a life that’s hand in hand with Him.
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Brothers and sisters, today’s topic for Treasure for the Soul is “The Message from John the Baptist”. John was the pioneer of Jesus. He mentioned a few very important points. Firstly, he knew the Son of God was the Lamb of God. The Son of God became a Man to ransom us. Secondly, John understood that Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit. Abba, the Lord, and the Holy Spirit forever live in our hearts. Thirdly, John knew that Jesus was the Bridegroom. We are the Lord’s darling. This is truly great! What the Lord had accomplished made what was impossible to be possible.
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Brothers and sisters, today the topic of Treasures for the Soul is “The Most Blessed Generation”. The church has appeared, and we live in the most blessed generation. Firstly, we are Abba’s true children. Secondly, the Lord has set up the break bread meeting. By His blood, He has established a better covenant with us. Thirdly, we are the Lord’s brothers, which was His first declaration after His resurrection. Fourthly, we are at the last stage of the age of the church. We have a chance to cross the finish line together. Fifthly, the Lord has restored many truths in this generation, so that we may know and enjoy them. Let us do what Psalm 22 describes, praising God in the assembly; let the Lord lead us to praise Abba together. He will continue to declare Abba’s name to us.
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“And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32)
Paul loved the brothers and sisters in Ephesus! However, he could not always stay with them. He longed for them to understand God’s words and to be able to stand firm in the truth.
The Lord has given us precious truths. We want to share these truths in an organized way by producing short messages with clear topics. This way, we hope the listener can absorb the truths more easily. We hope to help brothers and sisters to build their foundation so that we may all know God and His purpose more deeply. Both audio messages and notes are available for download.
Brother Daniel Yu has shared with us the abundant enlightenment that he received from the Lord. We translated his messages with the aim to share them with non-Chinese brothers and sisters. This way we can learn and progress together, and receive the same blessings.
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