Week 29 (14 - 20 July): God's Banquet Invitation

A wedding banquet is a feast held to celebrate the union of two people who are embarking on a new life together. It is an occasion filled with joy and love, where the host and guests come dressed in their best attire. When we read Matthew 22, we were intrigued by the free wedding invitation by the King. Yet, those invited made excuses. They were too busy and refused to come.

Why would people turn down an invitation to a free wedding feast with good food? Not only did the invited guests ignore and rejected the invitation -- they responded with violence, even killing the messengers sent to them (Matthew 22:4-6). This incurred the wrath of the King, and he ordered the destruction of the murderers and their city. Still, the banquet was ready, and the King told his servants to go out and invite all people they could find, good or bad. When the hall was filled, the King noticed one guest without the proper wedding attire. The man was bound and thrown into darkness.

What can we learn from this parable? The banquet represents the kingdom of God. It is his invitation to salvation through Jesus Christ. This gift is extended to everyone, regardless of background or past. Yet, many reject it because they are too caught up in responsibilities, relationships and chasing after earthly possessions. Accepting this invitation means asking for forgiveness for our sins and choosing to walk in God's ways. God is not looking at our abilities but our availability.

As believers, we are called to extend this invitation to others, even though the response may be disappointing. For many are called, but few are chosen.

Our God is loving and just. He loves us and wants us to experience His peace and joy. His plan is to establish life on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). However, there are consequences and punishment for rejecting God's salvation and harming His messengers. To attend His banquet, we must be properly clothed -- clothed in righteusness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. God's invitation is for all, but it requires a personal response of faith and obedience. Are we prepared to accept God's invitation, acknowledge our need for God and commit to living according to His will? Are we prepared to be challenged, rejected and even persecuted when carrying out God's work?

ZCDX - Sunday Breakfast Invitation

Chinese Breakfast Fellowship on 20 July 2025

Last Sunday, we welcomed 15 residents and friends who accepted our invitation for breakfast fellowship. While it wasn't a banquet, we did share a delightful spread of local favourites! More importantly, we hope to start new friendships, just as God intended, to encourage and support one another in our Christian walk.

Many have tried to cope with life's struggles on their own, only to find their problems unresolved and their hearts still weighed down by worry and anxiety. Ps Ben shared a parable from Matthew 9:14-17, about the pouring of new wine into old wineskins. When that happens, both the wine and wineskins are ruined. Instead, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. The old ways of thinking and living (old wineskin) hinder our growth and prevent us from accepting new possibilities (new wineskin). Accepting the new way of living helps us to grow and live according to God's will, which offers us freedom and a life of purpose and joy.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your divine invite to Your kingdom. We are willing to be your messengers to invite others that they may also receive this gift of salvation. Help us to let go of the old and seek the new ways of thinking and living through our actions. Amen.

On behalf of Chinese HF

Sandie