Celebrate together—God invites us to pause, rejoice, and unite as a community! “Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me,” says Exodus 23:14 (NIV). When we embrace these sacred rhythms, our celebrations become more than traditions—they forge meaningful connections and gratitude for God’s goodness. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Philippians 4:4-9 //Final exhortationsRejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Life’s battles can drain us, but Jesus reminds us of a deeper truth: he came so we might have life—and have it to the full. Spiritual tenacity means staying rooted in that promise, even when the thief tries to steal our joy, hope, or peace. Keep pressing into the rhythms of prayer, worship, and love. In Christ, we don’t just survive; we thrive. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Ephesians 6:10-17 //The Armour of GodFinally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

True generosity isn’t measured by the size of our gift, but by the heart behind it. In the midst of rising need and widening gaps in the city, Jesus spotlights the widow who gave all she had—she trusted God fully with her small, sacrificial gift (Mark 12:43–44 NIV). Let’s make generosity our rhythm, sharing lovingly even when resources feel limited. Every act of kindness brings light to our city! If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Matthew 6:19-26 //Treasures in HeavenDo not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! ‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Do Not WorryTherefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Trusting God with our time and serving others is more important than ever. In a city where everything moves fast and uncertainty is everywhere, Psalm 31:14-15 reminds us that each moment is in God’s hands. Let’s choose a rhythm of service—loving our neighbours, uplifting friends, and bringing hope even when life gets tough. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference anywhere. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Numbers 27:1-11 //Zelophehad’s DaughtersThe daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah. They came forward and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly at the entrance to the tent of meeting and said, “Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among Korah’s followers, who banded together against the LORD, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.” So Moses brought their case before the LORD, and the LORD said to him, “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and give their father’s inheritance to them. “Say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, give his inheritance to his daughter. If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. If his father had no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan, that he may possess it. This is to have the force of law for the Israelites, as the LORD commanded Moses.’”

In Romans 8:15, Paul reminds us that we are no longer slaves to fear, but beloved children who can cry out, “Abba, Father.” In our city’s fast pace, this is our holy pause—an alliance of hearts aligned with God’s Spirit. Let us step into that rhythm of prayerful alliance as we breathe, pray, and move with the Spirit who reminds us we belong. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Matthew 6:9-13 //This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

There’s something sacred about the stillness before the city wakes. In Mark 1:35, we see Jesus very early in the morning, while it was still dark, slipping away to a quiet place to pray. Even amidst crowds, demands, and noise, He made time for stillness—not out of routine, but to stay rooted in His Father’s love. Here in Hong Kong, our days move fast—MTRs packed before sunrise, inboxes buzzing before breakfast. Yet Jesus reminds us: it’s in the quiet, not the hurry, that our souls find rhythm and renewal. Maybe your “solitary place” today is a coffee corner before work, a park bench during lunch, or a moment of calm on your commute. Wherever you are, take a breath. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/

Grace is God’s gift and faith is our response—let’s live it out boldly as we know that happiness is faith in action—real, everyday steps trusting God’s love, right where we are. As Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God...” If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/

Happiness is gratitude in action. In Luke 17, only one man returned to thank Jesus, and in that moment his joy was complete. Gratitude turns healing into worship, and blessing into joy. This week, let’s practise slowing down to thank Him—not just in our hearts, but with our voices and actions. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Luke 17:11-19 (NIV) //Jesus Heals Ten Men With LeprosyNow on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Happiness isn’t found in money, power, pleasure, or prestige—it’s found in God alone. Jesus reminds us: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21 (NIV) The world tells us to measure happiness by what we own, achieve, or enjoy. But those things fade. God calls us to set our hearts on Him, the One who never fails, the wellspring of lasting joy and peace. When our treasure is in Christ, our hearts are steady, our perspective shifts, and our lives overflow with meaning greater than ourselves. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Matthew 16:24-26 (NIV) //Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Happiness is not found in the noise of the world, but in the quiet strength of family and the bond with true friends. In good times they celebrate with us, and in hard times they hold us up. As Proverbs 17:17 reminds us: "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Let’s be intentional in treasuring our relationships, standing by the people who stand by us. That is where happiness and resilience begin. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Ecclesiastes 4:8-9 (NIV) //There was a man all alone;    he had neither son nor brother.There was no end to his toil,    yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.“For whom am I toiling,” he asked,    “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?”This too is meaningless—    a miserable business!Two are better than one,    because they have a good return for their labor.

Work in Hong Kong can feel overwhelming—long hours, crowded commutes, constant pressure. Yet from the very beginning, God showed us that work was meant to be meaningful, not draining. Genesis 2:15 says, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Work was part of God’s good design—a way to bring life, nurture, and joy. True happiness isn’t just about achieving more, but about finding purpose in the tasks God has entrusted to us. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Genesis 2:15 (NIV) //The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Happiness is so much deeper than just a fleeting feeling—it’s a fullness of life that goes beyond what circumstances can take away. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) While challenges and uncertainties can dim our mood, remember that the life He offers is unshakeable—a wholeness no busy schedule, changing weather, nor tough news can steal away. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV) //I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Doubting? In a city like Hong Kong, with so much change and uncertainty all around, questions are only natural. Jude 22 says, “Be merciful to those who doubt…” Let’s create space for honest conversations, gentle compassion, and faith that welcomes questions. Mercy is a gift we can give each other—especially in seasons of doubt. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV) //Jesus Walks on the WaterImmediately he made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

In ancient times, the city gate was the place where justice was done, decisions made, and strangers welcomed or turned away. Today, our “gates” are less visible but just as real: the doorways of our workplaces, our communities, and even the screens where we decide whether to scroll past or stop and listen. Proverbs 21:3 (ESV) teaches us, “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” In Hong Kong, we know what it feels like to live in a city of gates with our crowded streets, MTR turnstiles, estate entrances, and invisible social boundaries. Yet the question remains: Who is at your gate? If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Luke 16:19-31 (NIV) //The Rich Man and Lazarus“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Jesus’ invitation to Philip—“Follow me” (John 1:43)—is still for us today. In a city that never stops moving, His call is simple: “Come and see.” Amid changing headlines and daily rush, Jesus invites you into hope, purpose, and connection. Whether you’re facing new beginnings or uncertainties, His invitation stands. Will you come and see what He has in store for you? Join us as we hear from guest speaker Patricia Lau on how all are invited. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Matthew 6:19-25 (NIV) //Treasures in heaven‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy,[b] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! ‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Do not worry‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Jesus’ invitation to Philip—“Follow me” (John 1:43)—is still for us today. In a city that never stops moving, His call is simple: “Come and see.” Amid changing headlines and daily rush, Jesus invites you into hope, purpose, and connection. Whether you’re facing new beginnings or uncertainties, His invitation stands. Will you come and see what He has in store for you? Join us as we hear from guest speaker Patricia Lau on how all are invited. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// John 1:35–51 (NIV) //John’s disciples follow JesusThe next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning round, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means ‘Teacher’), ‘where are you staying?’ ‘Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see. ’So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.  The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter). Jesus calls Philip and NathanaelThe next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ ‘Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?’ Nathanael asked. ‘Come and see,’ said Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig-tree before Philip called you.’ Then Nathanael declared, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.’ Jesus said, ‘You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig-tree. You will see greater things than that.’ He then added, ‘Very truly I tell you, you will see “heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on” the Son of Man.’

Our city is bustling, and sometimes the noise of all that is happening can drown out what our souls really crave: meaning, peace, and hope. In times of uncertainty and change, let’s pause to remember that true satisfaction is found not just in what we achieve, but in drawing close to God. Join us today as we seek what truly sustains us. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Luke 4:1-13 (NIV) //Jesus is tested in the wildernessJesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone.”’ The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendour; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”’ The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘“He will command his angels concerning you    to guard you carefully;they will lift you up in their hands,    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”’ Jesus answered, ‘It is said: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’ When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. Jesus rejected at NazarethJesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.

Amidst Hong Kong's summer festivals, bustling events, city celebrations, and sometimes random weather, finding a quiet moment feels rare. Yet in the midst of all the noise, God invites us to a sacred pause. When the world feels overwhelming, take time to sit in quiet. God meets us there. Join us this Sunday as we explore the power of silence together. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NRSV) //Elijah Meets God at HorebHe said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake, and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire, and after the fire a sound of sheer silence.

No matter how broken we feel—amidst busy Hong Kong days and uncertain times—God’s voice still calls us “beloved.” Just as He declared over Jesus, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy” (Matthew 3:17), He speaks love and joy over each of us. Join us this Sunday as we are encouraged to remember that we’re not defined by our struggles, but by the One who calls us His own. From broken to beloved, you are cherished. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Psalm 139:13-14 (NASB) //For You created my innermost parts;You wove me in my mother’s womb.I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made;Wonderful are Your works,And my soul knows it very well.

When we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, we discover the true power of team—unity, strength, and gratitude. In a city as vibrant and ever-changing as Hong Kong, we’re reminded that together, as one body, we can face any challenge and shine even brighter. Let’s stay ignited, support one another, and be thankful for the gift of community! If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================This Week's Scripture:// Acts 18:1-22 //In CorinthAfter this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.’ Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshipper of God. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptised. One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.’ So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. ‘This man,’ they charged, ‘is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.’ Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, ‘If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanour or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law – settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.’ So he drove them off. Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever. Priscilla, Aquila and ApollosPaul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, ‘I will come back if it is God’s will.’ Then he set sail from Ephesus. When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.