The ordinances of the Passover

Exodus 12:43-51; 5/31/2026; BCBC/IOUC; Rev. Paul Wang

Introduction

Passover has many regulations.  But today, we will focus on the rules about eating.  It seems that God really cares about what we eat and drink.  Especially what we eat, how we eat, where we eat, and who we eat with.  And of course, He also cares about our attitude when we eat.  Now let’s look at the first point: Continue reading “May 31, 2026 The Ordinances of the Passover” →

At the end of 430 years

Exodus 12:29-42; 5/24/2026; BCBC/IOUC; Rev. Paul Wang

Introduction

Finally, the hammer of the Lord God fell upon the firstborn of Egypt.  And God had already spoken beforehand: “Every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die — from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on the throne, even to the firstborn of the servant girl behind the mill, and all the firstborn of the livestock as well.” (Exodus 11:5)  From the time God gave this warning until now, when the judgment on the firstborn is finally carried out, we have already gone through five messages together.  Now let us look at the first point. Continue reading “May 24, 2026 At the End of 430 Years” →

Careful instruction

Exodus 12:21-28; 5/17/2026; BCBC/IOUC; Rev. Paul Wang

Introduction

After returning from the short-term mission trip, we discovered that God is renewing the church and renewing our lives. Turkey seems like the last piece of cake God has prepared for the end-time church — inviting those who are willing to go out to labor with Him and share together in the joy of missions. Of course Pharaoh was not happy! He realized that the Israelites were really about to leave. And true to his nature, Pharaoh would do everything possible to stop the church from going out! Let’s look at the first point: Continue reading “May 17, 2026 Careful instruction” →

Faithfulness in Christ

Eph. 1:1-2; 5/10/2026; Sister Xiang

Introduction

When we read Scripture, this simple passage is often treated as an ordinary greeting and easily overlooked. But if we study it carefully, we discover that, compared with most of Paul’s letters, this greeting is different: it describes the saints as those who are faithful. This raises several important questions for us: Why is faithfulness mentioned in this letter? What does it truly mean to be faithful? What significance does it have for God’s children? And how can we live it out in our daily lives?

Reflecting on these questions can bring profound transformation to our lives.

The Source of Faithfulness

In China, there has long been reflection on the idea of faithfulness. In The Analects, faithfulness is described as consistency, wholehearted devotion, and the pursuit of one’s inner conscience and heavenly principle. Yet human knowledge alone cannot fully answer the question of where faithfulness comes from.

1. God’s Will
   The first phrase of this passage is “by the will of God.” Paul the Apostle, moved by the Holy Spirit, wrote God’s affirmation of the saints in Ephesus. The Spirit chose the word “faithful.” This is a spiritual quality that God desires, delights in, and encourages.

Moreover, human beings are capable of faithfulness because they are created in God’s image. God is faithful—He is the One who was, who is, and who is to come, unchanging and steadfast, and His love for us is immeasurable in breadth, length, height, and depth. When we discover the source of faithfulness, we develop a longing to trace it back to its origin and to look up to Him.

2. Christ’s Commission
   The second phrase of the passage, following “by the will of God,” is “an apostle of Christ Jesus.” Paul was personally called and sent by Christ. Jesus Christ not only worked in unity with God but also lived out perfect faithfulness, fulfilling God’s will in Himself. In the same way, He sent out His apostles to live out this same faithfulness.
3. The Mission of the Apostles
   The mission of the apostles was to make all people disciples of Christ. They themselves were to become faithful vessels and to lead many others to become the same, passing this on from generation to generation.

At this point, we can see a complete chain concerning faithfulness. God reveals to us that faithfulness comes from Him and is a noble spiritual quality that He values. Although Confucius pursued devotion to heavenly principle and steadfastness, he did not recognize that truth is found in the Lord Jehovah. Missing the Lord of life in this way is indeed a great loss.

The Faithfulness of the Saints

Since faithfulness is so precious, we now ask: what does the faithfulness of the saints look like?

1. Faithfulness as the Identity of the Saints
   In verse 1, Paul the Apostle writes: “To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus.” Here, he explains the saints as those who are faithful. The two appear almost interchangeable—faithfulness becomes the identity marker of the saints.

Our identity is that we are chosen by God, people who have eternal life, set apart from the world. When we remain watchful about our identity, faithfulness becomes a clear measure. It helps us turn back when we should turn back and repent when we should repent, rather than becoming like Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Christ for thirty pieces of silver.

2. Faithfulness Must Be in Christ
   If faithfulness is our identity, then where is this “identity” kept? Is it like people in the world who carry their ID in a wallet or phone case?

Faithfulness can only be found in Christ. Because He is God, He is the heavenly source of faithfulness. Because He died for our sins, He is the faithful mediator between God and humanity. Because He is the Word made flesh, He shows us how to live out faithfulness.

When praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Christ said, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Through His life, He showed us what faithfulness is: faithfulness is submitting to God’s sovereignty. Our faithfulness is found in Christ.

He accomplished the redemption that sinners could not achieve, making them new creations, so that they may live for Him in faithfulness.

3. Paul’s Testimony
   From the great light when he was called on the road to Damascus to his imprisonment when writing Ephesians, Paul’s faithfulness endured to the very end of his life. It was a life in which he decreased so that Christ might be magnified. At the end of his life, there was no confusion, bitterness, or complaint—only peace and satisfaction after giving his all, ready to return to his heavenly home.

This stands in contrast to Judas, who, after betrayal, did not truly repent and ended his life in disgrace.

In Chinese history, when speaking of loyalty, a series of well-known names often appears: Qu Yuan, Yue Fei, Wen Tianxiang. Qu Yuan drowned himself in a river; Yue Fei was falsely accused and executed; Wen Tianxiang died heroically for his country. When loyalty is not aligned with truth, it can become misguided loyalty—turning into tragedy and ultimately vanity.

Only faithfulness in Christ brings peace and grace, guiding us toward eternal life.

Living Out Faithfulness

Finally, how do we live out faithfulness?

1. “Do You Love Me?”
   Some may say: I will start reading the Bible devotionally, listening to Sunday sermons, attending prayer meetings, or sharing the gospel. These are all good and right. Yet in the long run, what matters most is our relationship with the Lord—a personal, intimate relationship between Him and us. Others can hardly judge our motives, and one day we ourselves will give an account.

We remember how, by the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus Christ called Simon Peter by name three times—“Simon, son of John”—and asked him, “Do you love me more than these? Do you love me?”

Our love is a response to the love the Lord has already shown us. So we should ask ourselves: Do we love the Lord more than our children, our money, and our status?

2. Watchfulness in the Church
   Living out faithfulness should take place within the church, because the church is the body of Christ. It involves commitment in tithing, participation in evangelism and missions, and even the refining process of serving alongside brothers and sisters. It includes remaining silent when wronged, as well as receiving the shepherding, intercession, and watchful care of pastors.

Just as Paul the Apostle, while in prison, prayed and kept watch over the believers in Ephesus—teaching them the truth about the church, helping them remain united, resist false teachings, and hold fast to faithfulness.

3. Grace and Peace
   For God’s children, when we live out faithfulness, heavenly grace and peace will naturally follow. This is God’s promise and His reward for faithfulness. It also encourages us to continue being faithful, forming a cycle of grace.

In an age driven by material desires, faithfulness has become a scarce resource—sometimes even seen as a costly burden people are unwilling to bear.

Christians, too, may struggle. I have experienced unfaithfulness and inner conflict in tithing; times when, in serving, I sought the praise of others; and moments when sharing the gospel or engaging in missions was driven by fear of disappointing a pastor rather than love for Christ.

At times, brothers and sisters may face even greater challenges—we may all find ourselves like Peter. Yet the Lord calls us by name and asks, “Do you love me more than these?” And He grants us the faith and strength to live faithfully.

Conclusion

In the eyes of the world, Confucius is honored as a sage—almost an unsurpassable peak. Yet a mountain is still a mountain; it remains on the earth. Throughout history, there have been tragic examples of misguided loyalty that leave people with deep regret. And today, faithfulness itself seems to have become something unfamiliar, bringing anxiety and restlessness to countless lives.

In Christ, however, faithfulness becomes an identity given to God’s children after receiving new life. It is preserved by God and leads us into grace and peace in His presence after salvation. Let us remain watchful and never lose this identity.

Dear friends who are seeking the gospel: will you continue in anxiety and despair, or will you receive this identity that brings true peace?

 

Peace in the Midst of the Storm

Mark 4:35-41; 05/03/2026; BCBC/IOUC; Brother Zhao He

Introduction

We all face many challenges on the journey of life, don’t we? They may come in different forms—perhaps our health is failing, our family is struggling, our children are disobedient, or there is a lack of unity between spouses. Maybe we feel uncertain about the future after graduation, or see no hope in our work. These could be challenges we are facing right now or ones we will face in the future.  Are we afraid? Do we have the assurance that Jesus is with us?  Now, let us look at the first point: Continue reading “May 03, 2026 Peace in the Midst of the Storm” →

Removing sin

Exodus 12:15-20; 4/26/2026; BCBC/IOUC; Rev. Paul Wang

Introduction

As we unroll the scroll of this stage of history, we see that beginning in chapter 12, God has been preparing for the striking down of the firstborn in Egypt.  He changed the calendar of the Israelites, established the requirement to sacrifice a lamb, and commanded them to apply the blood to the door frames.  Today, God is instituting the regulations for the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  To remove leaven is to remove sin.  If sin is not removed, it is difficult to draw near to God.  Now, let us look at the first point: Continue reading “April 26, 2026 Removing Sin” →

Passing over death

Exodus 12:12-14; 4/19/2026; BCBC/IOUC; Rev. Paul Wang

Introduction

Can death actually be crossed over?  Is it death that somehow passes us by…or is it that the children of God are the ones who pass through death?  life really comes down to just two words: life… and death.  So after we cross over death, what will we encounter?  Let’s look at the first point. Continue reading “April 19, 2026 Passing over Death” →

The Night of Eating the Lamb

Exodus 12:1-11; 4/12/2026; BCBC/IOUC; Rev. Paul Wang

Introduction

Why do we eat lamb?  Is it simply because lamb tastes good, is nutritious, and gives us strength?  The answer is found in the New Testament, in the very words of Jesus Christ.  Jesus said, “My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink” (John 6:55). Now, let’s look at the first point: Continue reading “April 12, 2026 The Night of Eating the Lamb” →

The announcement of the death of the firstborn

Exodus 11:1-10; 4/5/2026; BCBC/IOUC; Rev. Paul Wang

Introduction

In the scene of Exodus, we see many dialogues between God and people.  The LORD God not only speaks with Moses, but also speaks to Pharaoh through Moses.  Because Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, Moses and Pharaoh said to each other, “We will not see each other again.”  With that, God set in motion the final act—the death of the firstborn.  Now, let’s look at the first point: Continue reading “April 05, 2026 The Announcement of the Death of the Firstborn” →

When darkness divides

Exodus 10:21-29; 3/29/2026; BCBC/IOUC; Rev. Paul Wang

I remember once, when I was sharing the gospel on a university campus in Europe, a group of atheists came and started debating with me—arguing about whether God really exists.  And I said to them: For those who believe, God is real and can be known.  But for those who do not believe, everything is darkness—they simply cannot see.  Now, let’s look at the first point. Continue reading “March 29, 2026 When Darkness Divides” →