"We intended to say happy new year to brothers and sisters, while many of you may be not happy, especially this year. But our hearts should be peaceful, Amen!" says Rev. Huang on the Sunday service of Chongyi Church on February 7, whose former senior pastor, Gu Yuese was removed recently.
Huang quotes Proverbs 3:5-6 in the sermon: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your way acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." He thinks man's understanding is mostly petty trick, which drives us away from God." In for aspects, the preacher explains how to find back lost hope in God, to the congregations:
1. Trust in the Lord. Trusting in the Lord refers to staring at God's word that puts our eyes on God, not at God's servants. Huang believes that Eve was tempted by the serpent because she didn't trust in God. Later she saw the tree so that she took the fruit and ate it. He explains that trusting in the Lord is in front of God alone, those who concentrate on God are not afraid of storms. "The boat, Chongyi Church, has been into deep water. If you look at it you will be worried. However, you will find a light inlet God gives the church on the top, through which we can lift up our heads and cry for help to Him, who is the source that makes us not afraid or tremble."
In the middle of the Bible lies Psalm 118:8-9: "It's better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes." Jehovah is our only, biggest security. Today let's learn to lift up our heads and trust in the Lord.
2. Not rely on ourselves. Although facing big storms, we don't rely on ourselves but do our best. The Lord is in any circumstance, while you move your eyes from the Lord to the circumstance.
3. Hold on to your acknowledging. Huang says it's easy to acknowledge God, but hard to hold fast to your acknowledging. He shares his story of acknowledging his wife. He was determined not to date before the age of 27 when studying in the theological seminary. Later a pastor introduced a sister when he already had solid requirements for the future spouse. That day the sister dressed so casually without making up that he doubted if she was the right one God prepared. One night he dreamt that the sister got married with another man but he was really full of regrets. Tears were found on the pillow when he woke up. Then he texted to the sister that morning and got engaged with her soon.
4. Lead your way. When you acknowledge God, He will guide your way. Obedience means allowing God to lead you on the unknown road. Move forward whether there is risk or storm ahead. It is not asking God to move the road. Real obedience is to see God's rod and staff after walking through the valley of the shadow of death.
