Living Stones Fellowship Church

01/22/2026

This weekend's activities are cancelled due to inclement weather. We are going to have online service from our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/.

Stay safe and warm. God's willing, we will see you again in-person next weekend.

12/20/2025

Fading Hope

”Both of them (Zechariah and Elizabeth) were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.” (Luke 1:6-7)

The darkness grows deeper while hope grows dimmer. The days, months, years, and even decades have passed without any change of circumstances. Hope is fading faster with each passing month and year while we still clinging to the thought that just perhaps God may somehow intervene into our lives. Is it really possible?

Zechariah and Elizabeth, being from a priestly line of Aaron, were a godly couple. They were righteous in God’s sight, but did they ever ponder in their hearts, “Is God righteous toward me”? They observed all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly, but did they wonder, “Is God going to fulfill their one dream of having a child of their own”? Zechariah and Elizabeth were not just getting older. They were old. Zechariah and Elizabeth were out of time, but is God out of time?

As this month begins the closing of 2026, is your hope fading rather than growing brighter? God has blessed our church with Pastor Darren and Melissa being our pastor and pastor’s wife. We have grown numerically and spiritually. As we look at our personal dreams and hopes in and for our lives, is your hope dwindling with time?

Our hope may be that our spouse may be more loving or responsible. It may be contemplating whether to risk it all to start all over with a new company or stay with your company. At least, I have
a job! Is your hope of finding a life companion fading or growing at LSFC? Is there anyone interested in me or whether she or he is open to me? Time marches on and it doesn’t stop for anyone. You’re faithful to God, but is God faithful to you and to your hopes and dreams?

Our efforts may be fruitless because things are beyond our control, but not for God. For 11 months, I have been paying out of pocket expenses for Ramona’s medical treatments. The insurance company wouldn’t approve of her continuing treatment plan. Will an appeal be successful or is it fruitless? I wrote to the insurance company but didn’t receive a response letter. However, in November, the doctor’s office reapplied for her stating her condition. I received a letter from my insurance company that they have approved it! The doctor has reassessed her. She is on an updated treatment plan. Praise God.

Our hearts may become discouraged when we wait on God. We don’t understand why He isn’t working. There’s a greater story to be told which we can’t see from our perspective. God is not slow for His timing is always right on schedule. Be like Zechariah and Elizabeth, faithful to God despite the harsh reality of what seems impossible for us for God is working in mysterious ways.

May our hopes and dreams in 2025 be graciously granted to you and to me in 2026 and beyond. Don’t give up for God has not given up on you and me.

Kingston Tong
December 7, 2025

12/13/2025

The Uniqueness of the Incarnation

In the incarnation Jesus, as God, took on human flesh. He is the God-man. As so many Bible verses indicate, Jesus’ birth as a male human did not begin His existence.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:17).

Jesus is identified as the Savior.
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

Jesus is the only Savior.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me (John 14:6).

Jesus was worshiped as an infant.
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).

Jesus was worshiped as an adult.
And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!” (Matthew 14:33).

Jesus took on humanness, Yet, He did not lose His deity.
For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God (John 5:18).

Jesus remained sinless.
You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin (1 John 3:5).

Jesus understands what it’s like to live as a human on Earth.
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

Jesus as Lord-God.
9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).

Jesus coming to Earth as the God-man is the greatest missions trip ever! What greater gift could God have given us than the offer of forgiveness of all our sins and eternal life if we trust or place our faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ?

Note the Apostle Peter’s statement about Jesus the Messiah:

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Pastor Cecil

Bible verses are from The New American Standard Bible (1995).

12/06/2025

An Invitation to Community

Growing up, I always found myself looking for ways to be quietly useful. I was never the sort to enjoy the spotlight and yet I couldn’t help but feel left out when I wasn’t involved in something. Whether it be at recess during elementary where I wasn’t selected until late for teams due to not being particularly athletic, or at church where I watched as my older brother ingratiated himself with the praise team by playing bass guitar. I never imagined myself being anyone’s top pick or someone who would be on the stage nor did I ever desire to be at the center of attention, and as a matter of fact, I actually disliked the thought. In many ways I still do.

But the desire to belong and to be a part of community is something that is ingrained into all of us. God has created us to be within community with one another. This is true for the believer and the unbeliever. This is reflected in a growing loneliness epidemic that has been plaguing my generation. A generation that knew and experienced what life was like in an analog world but slowly bore witness to that world
shift to a digital one. We grew up with the technology that is now this generation’s default. At first, we were excited about how this technology cut the distance between people from across time zones or even neighborhoods. But now, we bemoan how technology has seemingly taken away our ability to connect in the physical world.

For the Christian, we see community as something that God has provided for us so that we may worship Him together in fullness and joy. We are instruments that were made to play in concert with a grand symphony of other instruments, not a solo, to worship our Creator. We are a community in the best of times in the worst of times. We seek to meet each other spiritual, physical, and emotional needs. We encourage each other forward when times are difficult for us.

For the non-Christian community, community is a place to belong. A fulfillment of the hole in one’s heart to belong and derive meaning from one another’s presence and acknowledgement. A place of comfort and of growth. That is to say, community outside of a Christian one isn’t a bad thing at all. One of my fondest and most loved communities is one from my childhood called Chinese Youth Leadership Camp. Nothing to do with Christianity and yet I love them for the lessons they taught me and the lessons I gave to them.

Community isn’t always easy because people aren’t always easy. You or someone you may know might have been hurt by a church member, perhaps even this church. However, I ask you to give our community another chance. While we may not be the best representatives of a great and loving God, we are learning how to be better representatives together as one body. At our church there is always a seat at the table for you and me, for the sinner, the outcast, the loner, the broken, the hurting, the sick, and the lowly. Why? Because we are a community that can relate to our brokenness and emptiness in our lives.

Stephen Lee

11/28/2025

I Thank God For You

“I thank my God every time I remember you” (Phil. 1:3, NIV).

Thanksgiving Day has come and gone. We have spent the day or the weekend enjoying family and friends over a wonderful meal. For many Americans, it’s the weekend of early Black Friday shopping sprees, watching football games, going to a movie theater or setting up the Christmas tree and lights. Thanksgiving brings back memories for us.

The apostle Paul had very fond memories of the Philippian Church and the believers there. His heart was filled with praise and thanksgiving to God for them. Paul, not only impacted their lives spiritually, but they impacted his life and ministry financially. He recalls their generous gift to him. The apostle remembers them fondly and frequently prays for them.

I wonder during this Thanksgiving Season is there anyone who thanks God for you and me? As we express gratitude to God for His blessings, will anyone thank the Lord for our love and care for someone this year? When our name comes up in their conversations, will they praise and thank God for our influence or impact on their lives?
To name a few things, I am blessed by:
o listening to the prayers of others in our Wednesday Prayer Meetings.
o the Liems, who open their home and the meal they provide each Friday for the worship time before the study.
o Sundays that lifts my spirit upward, and for the encouragement of members who attend my Adult Academy.
o the kindness others show to my wife and my grandchildren.
o the Pastoral Search Committee.
o the church members whose perseverance led to Pastor Darren Lim becoming our pastor.

This Thanksgiving Sunday in our worship service, recall someone who has impacted your life. Express thanks to our loving God for that person. And, why not personally express to that individual for how she or he encouraged or met a need in your life? When we are thankful for each other, we remember each other more fondly. I thank God for all of you and your warm welcome you express each Sunday.

Kingston Tong
November 30, 2025

11/22/2025

How to be a Good Witness with Our Walk and Speech

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt…” — (Colossians 4:5–6, NKJV)

Paul gives us practical guidance for how Christians should live and speak in front of others. These verses show how our actions, time, and words work together as part of our witness.

1. Walking in Wisdom Toward Outsiders
To “walk in wisdom” means to live in a way that reflects Christ. People who don’t know Jesus are watching how we act. Wisdom means being thoughtful, understanding our surroundings, and living in a way that points others toward Christ instead of pushing them away. Our everyday behavior can open the door to the gospel or close it.

2. Making the Best Use of the Time
The phrase “make the best use of the time” comes from a word exagorazó that means to “seize eagerly” or “take every opportunity.” Time moves quickly, and once a moment passes, we can’t get it back. Paul reminds us that spiritual opportunities come and go. Redeeming the time means being aware, ready, and intentional. It’s about recognizing that every moment matters for eternity.

3. Speaking with Grace
“Let your speech always be with grace” means our words should show the kindness and patience of Christ. Grace-filled speech is gentle, respectful, and thoughtful. It avoids harshness. When we speak with grace, people are more open to listen. Our tone matters just as much as our words.

4. Seasoned With Salt
But our words should also be “seasoned with salt.” Salt adds flavor and preserves. In the same way, our words should have truth, clarity, and meaning. Grace without salt becomes weak; salt without grace becomes harsh. Healthy Christian speech holds kindness and truth together

Paul’s goal is that we “know how” to respond to each person. This means listening well, understanding their situation, and letting the Spirit guide our words. Every person is different, and God gives us wisdom for each conversation.

Jeremy
11/22/2025

11/14/2025

Being Grateful

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow (James 1:17).

November begins the holiday season. Many stores already have their Christmas decorations up, and it’s not even Thanksgiving! Later this month, the Thanksgiving weekend will contain the busiest travel weekend of the year as family and friends gather for Thanksgiving Day.

In North America, the United States and Canada celebrate Thanksgiving. It is a blessing to have a holiday to reflect on the blessings from God and a special opportunity to give abundant acknowledgement and praise to Him for what He has done, is doing, and has promised to do.

Christians and non-Christians enjoy Thanksgiving. For followers of Christ, we can express gratitude for God’s goodness toward us. And, for believers in Christ, Thanksgiving is an avenue for reflection, worship, and joy.

God’s Word in the Bible provides us with ways we can express gratitude to God.
Here are a few helpful verses from the Psalms.

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart;
I will tell of all Your wonders (Psalm 9:1).

I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1).

I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with thanksgiving (Psalm 69:30).

Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples (Psalm 105:1).

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting (Psalm 136:1).

May our time of Thanksgiving not occur just once a year, but during every day of the year.

Pastor Cecil
November 2025

11/08/2025

It's More Than Food

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit,
who is in you, whom you have received from God?
You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price.
Therefore, honor God with your bodies” (I Corinthians 6:19-20).

I love going to buffet for lunch or dinner. It’s all that I can eat for one moderate price. Taking that first plate, my eyes brighten up seeing all the varieties of food from soup to sushi, salads and seafood, meats and vegetables. I can’t forget those desserts and softy ice cream cone at the end.

I walked out of the restaurant with my stomach bulging, believe it or not. However, after an hour or two at home, I am rummaging through the refrigerator for something else! Are you like me after eating a big dinner, you still want something more!

Each of us have those moments, but I wonder whether my body is truly hungering for physical food or for spiritual food! Maybe, my soul and spirit are trying to tell me that I need spiritual food. I need more than a one course meal of reading a chapter a day in the Bible. Could it be that my spirit and soul are still hungry for more spiritual food? Hmm, I must think about that!

Every three months I have a physical exam and blood work on my body to reflect on how I am caring for my physical body. Wouldn’t it be something if we also have a quarterly spiritual checkup on how we are caring for our soul and spirit! Would someone like to develop a spiritual health checkup for us? All of us need that exam.

We are more than just a physical being in this body. We are spiritual being with the Holy Spirit living in our bodies. What an honor to have Him live in us. Because His Spirit lives in us, our true motivation is not just to please our primary physician by restricting our diet, but it is to glorify God. That means more moderation of food intake, appropriate exercise and rest for the evening so that His Spirit can work in and through us. It’s being a fit vessel in His hands. That’s the true motivation.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. As our eyes brighten up with seeing all those dishes before us, remember that Scriptures have a variety of dishes for us as well. Let us strive to make the Holy Spirit truly happy as a resident in our bodies by dining on His dishes from the Word of God.

Kingston Tong
November 2nd, 2025

11/01/2025

Worship Song Analysis #2: WORTHY OF IT ALL

It has been one year since our first Worship Song Analysis of “Abide.” Today, we’re looking at a simple yet powerful song that invites us to join in the worship of the Lamb of God at His throne: “Worthy of It All.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLq_Wc81GCE

Take a few minutes to play the song as you read and meditate on Revelation chapters 4 and 5, which describe the Apostle John’s vision of the Kingdom of Heaven and its glory, a vision beautifully captured in this song.

Verse (Rev. 4:9-11)
All the saints and angels, they bow before Your throne
All the elders cast their crowns before the Lamb of God and sing

Chorus (Rev. 5:9-14)
You are worthy of it all. You are worthy of it all
For from You are all things, and to You are all things. You deserve the glory (Romans 11:36)

In Revelation 5, Jesus is revealed as the Lamb who alone is worthy to open the scroll and fulfill God’s redemptive plan. He was slain, and by His blood He redeemed people from every tribe and nation, making them a kingdom and priests to serve God. All creation worships Him, declaring that the Lamb who was slain is worthy of all honor, glory, and power forever.

The last line of the chorus reflects the truth of Romans 11, where the Apostle Paul marvels at God’s mysterious and perfect plan to bring salvation to both Israel and the Gentiles.

Romans 11:33-36 (ESV)
33“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35“Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen”

All things come from God, and creation itself points to His beauty, wisdom, and power. True worship turns our focus from ourselves to Him, celebrating His glory, joy, and worthiness. Scripture calls us to ascribe to the Lord all honor, strength, and praise—for He alone is worthy.

Bridge
Day and night, night and day let incense arise

In Revelation 5:8, we can discover what the incense represents.
“And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”

In the Old Testament, worship began with burnt sacrifices, and later, through the Tabernacle, God instructed that incense be burned continually as a pleasing aroma before Him. The prayers of His people are a fragrant offering to the Lord. In Psalm 141:2, David prayed, “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!” He longed for his prayers to rise to God like the continual fragrance of incense in the Tabernacle, offered from a heart that sought to honor and glorify the Lord.

I pray that we, too, share this longing, offering the same worship until we join all the saints in God’s heavenly throne room, with our eyes fixed on the One worthy of true and pure praise from every generation, every language, and every nation, for all eternity.

Chanhee
11/1/2025

“Worthy Of It All” by David Brymer from our new album BEST OF ONETHING LIVEAvailable everywhere now:Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/album/41LezzWyiGj8lanB...

10/25/2025

Some Results of Salvation

Followers of Christ living in a fallen, sinful world can have good days, so-so days, and not so good days. Be encouraged by your solid faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with the following Bible verses. Also, share these verses with other believers.

You are a child of God.
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12, 13).

You are a new creature.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come (2 Corinthians 5:17).

You are not condemned.
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

You have peace with God.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27).

You are indwelled by the Holy Spirit.
Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you
(2 Timothy 1:14).

You possess eternal life.
“For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40).

The Christian Life Following Salvation

Discipleship – Followers of the Lord Jesus Christ commit to and undertake a lifelong process of loving God through obedience to Christ’s teachings, seeking to please Him, while in our physical bodies living on Earth.

Sanctification – The progressive Christian spiritual growth process that followers of the Lord Jesus Christ pursue in cooperation with the Holy Spirit indwelling us, with the goal of becoming more like Jesus in our physical bodies, while living on Earth.

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1, 2).

Pastor Cecil Price
October 19, 2025

10/18/2025

Bear With One Another

“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3

A few years ago, I had served in a church as the media team lead, having served in the ministry for nearly a decade at that point and working part time as an AV technician. I knew our systems inside and out as I had a hand in its installation and trained several people in their use. Now I would also help out with our youth ministry and train them on AV systems as well, but there was someone on the youth leadership that I didn’t see eye-to-eye with, and we had an unspoken tension that was brewing more and more. Well one day, I was quickly instructing a youth student on how to operate the soundboard due to some issues before service began. When I told her what to do, she told me something that made me furious. She told me that that leader told her to ignore whatever I said because, “I didn’t know what I was talking about.”

When the Bible commands us to bear with one another, do you know what it means? There are two types of bearing that I would like to bring to your attention. The first is the Greek word Bastazo which is what most of probably think when we read the command to bear with one another. It is the idea of supporting one another in order to alleviate that which burdens our brothers and siters, whether that be a temptation that they are facing, a deeply emotional situation that they don’t have an answer to, venting about drama that is going on, etc. Bastazo is bearing in the sense of load bearing, taking weight off and supporting a structure. If we are a house then our brothers and sisters are our pillars making sure we stay upright.

The other type of bearing is one that we think about less but sometimes we practice a lot more without realizing it. That type of bearing is the Greek word Anecho, or as you might also read in your Bible as forbearing. The idea of forbearing is one of putting up with or long endurance. And what are we putting up with? It’s with other people, other believers actually. You will see the word anecho often paired with the command to be patient with one another. When you and I put up with someone do we think of it as positive? Probably not, or else it wouldn’t be putting up with them. To forbear is to recognize that you and another will not always gel and to extend patience and grace towards the other.

If I can put this into a gym analogy. To bastazo (load bear) is to be a spotter at a bench press. To anecho (forbear) is to be doing planks by yourself. One is an act of helping another, the other is a self-discipline.

When that youth student told me what that leader had said about me, I saw red. I navigated the beginning of the next service in the media booh but in the middle of the first worship song I asked my team to take over and went to seek someone who could load bear for me. I spent the entire Sunday venting to a pastor about what had happened and how angry I was, how disrespectful this leader had consistently been and how, for whatever reason, this felt like the straw that broke the camel’s back. The pastor received my bitterness and gave me encouragement, assuring me that everyone who knew me saw the value of my work, including the students whom I taught. The pastor exhorted me with the same one I now give you, forbear with one another. Even when it is difficult, even when it is awkward, even when the other is rude or immature. The beauty of God’s family is that no matter how dysfunctional His children are on this side of eternity, we are still family and everyone knows that family is not always easy. So accept one another, love one another, and bear one another in patience, in humility, and in grace.

Stephen Lee
October 4, 2025