Lecture 3 of the Easter Retreat at Oceania Olivet Center was delivered by Pastor Faith Yang, OA Oceania General Secretary. The retreat continued to bring deep spiritual insights and powerful reflection through this important lecture.

Before the message, cell groups were given three discussion questions to prepare their hearts and minds. Two questions were designed to review the previous sermons and lectures, while the third question invited participants to reflect more personally. It asked: What is the reason for joy in Jesus? Another key question was: What are the three purposes of the coming of the Lord? These questions helped to guide the audience into the theme of the lecture.

Pastor Faith’s message focused on the judgment that was brought through the life of Jesus Christ. She clearly explained the meanings of sin, righteousness, and judgment as taught in the Gospel of John.

1. Sin

The lecture began with the topic of sin. It was explained that even worldly standards of morality help people recognize sinful actions. John the Baptist also called people to repent, but the repentance he taught was mainly about various deeds and behaviors.

However, the sin highlighted through the Gospel is deeper. On the day of Pentecost, Peter spoke about the sin of “murdering the author of life.” This means that rejecting Jesus, who is the full expression of God’s love, is a great sin. To not believe in Jesus is to reject the love God has freely given to all. This gave the audience a deeper understanding that sin is not just about actions, but also about rejecting the One whom God has sent.

2. Righteousness

Pastor Faith then explained the difference between the old righteousness and the new righteousness. The old righteousness, based on the Law, exposes people’s sins and brings judgment. But Jesus revealed a new righteousness-one that comes from the grace of God.

Even though all people have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, they are justified freely through faith in Jesus Christ. This grace is given without discrimination. Not only did Jesus reveal the righteousness of God, but He also gives this righteousness to those who accept His love.

The message strongly emphasized that faith means accepting. Many retreat participants were touched by this point. Some shared later that they had always thought they needed to do something or give something to receive salvation. But the message helped them realize that salvation comes by receiving and accepting what Jesus has already done. The children of God are called to open their hearts to what the Lord has given, not to rely on human works.

3. Judgment

The final part of the lecture explored the meaning of judgment. Pastor Faith led the audience through the reasons behind God’s creation of the world and human beings. Using Jeremiah 17:9, she explained how the human heart became corrupted-“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.”

Because of sin, Satan became the ruler of this world, ruling over people through the weakness of their flesh. Many false teachings separate the heart from the body, claiming to be spiritual while continuing in corruption, like empty kernels of weeds.

However, Jesus came in the flesh and lived as a real man. Through His physical death on the cross, He overcame the power of death and broke Satan’s rule. This judgment came not only in words, but through the very life of Jesus. The church is now called to witness this truth and live by the victory Jesus has accomplished in His body.

Lecture 3 was a powerful time of truth and grace. It helped the retreat participants understand the deep spiritual meaning behind sin, righteousness, and judgment, and led many to reflect on how the children of God are to respond to the love of God. The message made clear that true joy in Jesus comes not from what the believers do, but from receiving what Christ has already done.

Dr. Kathy explained three main purposes for Jesus’ coming: first, as the revelation of God; second, as the Saviour to save sinners; and third, as the Lord to show the Way of life. Jesus made God known, brought salvation, and guided people into a new life.

The lecture then explored the role of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent to lead those who had been justified through Christ. While Jesus changed their state-from sinners to forgiven-the Holy Spirit changes their status by sanctifying them and making them holy. The Spirit completes and perfects the salvation Jesus provided, preparing believers to live in God’s presence.

Another important part of the message was the explanation of the “Era of the Holy Spirit.” Dr. Kathy taught that history has passed through three stages: first, the era of lawlessness when people did not recognize sin; second, the Era of the Law, when Moses received the law that pointed out sin but could not remove it; and third, the Era of Grace through Jesus Christ. In a broader view, history is also divided into the Era of the Father (when God spoke through messengers), the Era of the Son (when God revealed Himself through Jesus), and the Era of the Holy Spirit (when God dwells in those who believe in Jesus).

Dr. Kathy concluded by sharing the most important truth: God revealed Himself as a Triune God because of His deep love. The Holy Father loves the world. The Holy Son loves the world. The Holy Spirit loves the world. Out of this love, the Triune God makes Himself known to His people.

This lecture helped all participants grow in their understanding of God’s love and His divine plan of salvation through the Trinity. It was a powerful reminder of how deeply God cares for His people and how He continues to be with them through His Spirit.

Before the crucifixion, Jesus prepared His disciples for what was to come. He spoke of sorrow turning into joy, and encouraged them with the promise of resurrection. But He also revealed a joy that was already present even before the resurrection, and was not dependent on circumstances. This is the joy rooted in divine love.

At the heart of creation, when God formed man and woman, He said, “It is very good.” This wasn’t merely the satisfaction of finishing a masterpiece. It was the joy of a parent giving birth to a new life. God’s joy was in creating beings who could grow, mature, and freely respond to His love. Love gives freedom, and in that freedom there is joy when the child responds to the parents’s love. That is the heart of God in creation.

Even though man fell, God didn’t give up on man. Instead, He sent His Son, Jesus, to show us how to live in response to that love. Jesus, as a true human being, prayed with tears and learned obedience. In doing so, He showed us what it means to live as true human.

As Jesus faced the cross, He didn’t see it as defeat, but as the doorway to new life. The cross was not the end-it was the beginning of resurrection. And that resurrection life now lives in us.

This is the joy we are called to live with as a church-not a superficial happiness, but a deep, redemptive joy. It is the joy that comes from communion with the Father and the Son, a unity formed in love and tested through suffering. Just as the apostles in Acts 5:40-42 rejoiced in sharing Christ’s suffering, so too can we rejoice in our trials, knowing they are part of God’s redemptive work.

After the message, the members joined in Holy Communion to remember the Lord’s suffering and resurrection, partaking in the body and blood of Christ with reverence and gratitude.

May the church be filled with this joy-the joy of the resurrection that is alive in us through Christ.

Drawing from Romans 5:11-21, Pastor Yang preached a sermon titled “Grace Reigns through Righteousness Leading to Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The message highlighted the limitless grace of God, which, through the righteousness of Christ, offers eternal life to all who believe. The congregation was led to reflect deeply on the true meaning of Christmas—a celebration of God’s redeeming love and the salvation given through His Son.

The sermon explored the “Theory of Representation,” grounding it in both Old and New Testament passages. It explained the spiritual connection and influence of Adam’s sin and Christ’s righteousness, as well as the resulting curses and blessings. Pastor Yang addressed contemporary challenges in understanding how Adam’s sin continues to affect humanity today and how the righteousness of Jesus Christ, established 2,000 years ago, is imparted to believers. The theological depth of the message offered clarity and inspiration, urging attendees to embrace the transformative power of Christ’s righteousness.

This special service served as a poignant reminder of the hope, joy, and peace found in Jesus Christ and called believers to live as witnesses of His grace and righteousness.

May the message of this Christmas continue to inspire hearts to draw nearer to the Lord and to walk boldly in the light of His grace.

On December 9, a Bible student from Melbourne New Hope Church presented two cartoon drawings featuring Bible verses as gifts to the Pastor’s family. She shared that while listening to the senior pastor of Melbourne New Hope Church’s testimony, an image formed in her mind, inspiring her to create the drawing. The pastor’s wife had already envisioned the story and completed the artwork during her flight from China to Australia two weeks ago.

The pastor’s wife was overjoyed upon receiving the gift and praised God for blessing this Bible student with such creativity. She expressed her hope to connect the sister with the church’s Creatio Fellowship when the time is right.

The Book of Galatians, a powerful New Testament letter penned by the Apostle Paul, was the centerpiece of the retreat’s agenda. Participants delved deeply into its themes of Christian freedom, faith, grace, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Through guided discussions and reflective sessions, the staff explored Paul’s teachings that emphasize salvation by grace through faith alone, without the necessity of adhering to the old Mosaic Law.

Keynote speakers led the group through each chapter, highlighting the pivotal messages that Paul conveyed to the Galatian churches. The retreat underscored the liberating power of the Holy Spirit, who not only frees believers from the bondage of legalism but also empowers them to live a life marked by the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Through communal prayer, worship, and interactive workshops, the retreat fostered a deeper understanding of how to live out these Christ-like qualities in daily life and ministry. Attendees left the retreat renewed and inspired, equipped with a refreshed vision to guide their congregations in embodying the freedom and grace found in Christ, and in cultivating a life led by the Spirit. The Olivet Centre’s tranquil environment contributed to a spiritually enriching experience, making the retreat a resounding success.

The Olivet Centre in Central Coast, NSW, hosted a special Easter retreat organized by Olivet Assembly Oceania. Around fifty people joined in for a three-day, two-night event filled with learning, fellowship, and fun.

The retreat focused on understanding a part of the Bible called Romans 3. Through simple lectures, attendees learned about important ideas like why bad things happen and how Jesus saves us. The retreat helped everyone understand more about their faith and how it connects to their lives.

Besides the lectures, there were small group discussions where people could share their thoughts and make new friends. And of course, there was time for games and relaxation, adding to the joy of the event.

Many people felt a special sense of closeness to God during the retreat. They left feeling refreshed and inspired, ready to live out their faith in a deeper way.

The Easter retreat at Olivet Centre was a wonderful time of learning, friendship, and spiritual growth. Attendees left with hearts full of hope and gratitude for the experience.

Pastor Faith Yang delivered the sermon on Genesis 15:7-21, urging attendees to consecrate themselves even in very small places and to honor God with holiness.

Fellowship took place after the Sunday service. The church in Sydney was blessed by the visit of these precious missionaries and leaders. May the mission in Sydney be revived by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The joining of the new team member has brought new vitality to the whole worship. Brother Daniel has been studying guitar with missionary Daniella for more than a month. This was the first time he played guitar in the service worship and praise session.

Members were all very thankful to the Lord for giving him such a wonderful gift. May the worship team in Melbourne become greater blessings to many.

P.Taylor emphasized the vision of Oceania and the commission of a Chinese church in Australia. The attendance of the events were encouraged to accept the love of Christ and share His love to many, with either same or different cultural backgrounds.

It was also decided that in every fellowship activities in the future, the sharing of the Word of God will be included. Church core members will take turns to share the Bible and lead the Bible discussion during the gatherings.