牧者心聲

我們外遊時，常會去認識當地的歷史傳統與文化事蹟。我們探索各地傳統的視野及角度時，不應只停留在過去時代的風俗習慣與運作體制，更要查看它在不同世代中持續的貢獻及意義，以及它對未來繼續發揮的影響。

北宣開堂至今已逾 73 年的歷史，其中有不少推動著基督徒信仰成長、並值得我們細察與關注的屬靈傳統。誠如北宣榮譽顧問蕭壽華牧師在《宣道會北角堂屬靈傳統》中所說：「在教會發展的過程中，神曾經藉著不同的牧者、信徒，或是某種順或逆的處境，賜下特別的信息與異象，勉勵北宣內神的眾子民，在這些屬靈的美德及路線上，殷切地追求和實踐。漸漸地這些美德和路線，也就成為了北宣的『屬靈傳統』。」這些屬靈傳統包括：謙卑者才可以蒙恩；和睦同心、彼此尊重；施比受更為有福；一切以神為中心；以真理教導為本；信心認獻；愛教會。

新一屆執事選舉在即，今期的 10 月《北宣家訊》以屬靈傳統為題，刊載了新一屆執事的見證文章，我急不及待細讀，期待對新提名的候選執事能有更多的認識與代禱。感謝神，當中我們所看見的，盡是神在教會屬靈傳統中的美善作為：有人藉著穩定的團契生活，進入以真理教導為本的基地，塑造屬靈的生命，回應事奉；亦有人學習愛護教會，願意用和睦同心與聆聽尊重的態度，無分彼此、群策群力地完成事奉；又有多人見證說：當我們以神為中心謙卑服事，神就在大家意想不到的時候，彰顯祂奇妙的作為，讓各人看見永恆國度的美麗，經歷豐盛生命的實在。

親愛的弟兄姊妹，耶穌基督的福音已把我們從黑暗的權勢中救出來，讓每一位歸向神的子民終身在主基督的國度裡，無所懼怕地用聖潔公義來事奉神（路一 74-75；西一 13-14）。當北宣的執事被神用神聖的能力、榮耀和美德呼召的時侯，他們是何等樂意以基督的心為心，作主的僕人使女，承擔教會的職務（彼後一 2-5；腓二 5；可十 44）。為此，我們也當在教會的屬靈傳統中，藉著「述說見證、勉勵承傳」的方法，接受信仰生命的塑造，讓自己也能踏上神施恩賜福的路（書四 19-24）。執筆至此，願鼓勵眾人在北宣的屬靈傳統中滋養更豐盛的信仰生命，也在教會屬靈傳統的氛圍與環境下，效法執事的榜樣，羨慕聖工，參與事奉，回應基督耶穌捨命救贖的恩典。

When we travel abroad, we often take the opportunity to learn about the local history, traditions and cultural heritage. As we explore the traditional perspectives and angles of different places, we should go beyond merely observing past customs and systems of operation. Rather, we should also consider their continuing contribution and significance through the generations, as well as the influence they may yet exert in the future.

NPAC has a history of over seventy-three years since its founding. There are many spiritual legacies that have fostered the growth of Christians in their faith and that deserve our close observation and attention. As Rev. Gordon Siu, NPAC's Honorary Advisor, wrote in "The Spiritual Legacy of North Point Alliance Church": "In the process of the church’s development, God has, through various pastors, believers, or certain favorable and adverse circumstances, given particular messages and visions to encourage His people in NPAC to earnestly pursue and practice certain spiritual virtues and directions. These have become the 'spiritual legacies' of NPAC." These spiritual legacies include: God gives grace to the humble; work together in harmony, respecting each other; it is more blessed to give than to receive; God is the centre of everything; teaching the truth is our basis; offering by faith; and love our church.

As the new deacon election approaches, the October issue of the NPAC Newsletter features testimonies from the newly nominated deacon candidates under the theme of "spiritual legacies." I eagerly read them, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of these candidates and to pray for them. Thanks be to God. What we see in these testimonies are the beautiful works of God along the church’s spiritual legacies. Some have entered into fellowship life grounded in truth-based teaching, shaping their spiritual lives and responding to the call to serve. Others have learned to love the church, willing to serve with harmony and unity, listening to and respecting one another, and working together with one heart and mind. Many also testify that when we humbly serve with God at the center, He manifests His marvelous works when we never expect, allowing us to glimpse the beauty of His Eternal Kingdom and to experience the reality of an abundant life.

Dear brothers and sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and brought every one of God's people who turn to Him into Christ’s Kingdom, to serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness all our days (Luke 1:74-75; Colossians 1:13-14). When deacons of NPAC are called by God with His divine power, glory, and goodness, they willingly take on the mind of Christ to be servants of the Lord, shouldering the responsibilities of the church (2 Peter 1:2-5; Philippians 2:5; Mark 10:44). For this reason, we too should, following the church's spiritual legacies, allow our faith and life to be shaped through "sharing testimonies and passing on the legacies," so that we may walk the path of God's grace and blessing (Joshua 4:19-24). As I write these words, I wish to encourage everyone to nurture a richer faith life with NPAC's spiritual legacies, and in the atmosphere and environment of these legacies, to follow the example of the deacons – cherishing the holy work and taking part in serving in response to the grace of Christ Jesus who gave His life for our redemption.