Bridging Cultures: A Journey of Identity and Belonging
Summary
In my sermon, I shared my personal journey of learning English and adapting to a new culture. I spoke about my experiences as a young man in Australia, where I felt out of place due to language barriers and cultural differences. I emphasized the importance of communication and understanding in bridging these gaps. I also shared my experiences in the construction industry, where I learned practical skills and English terms. I highlighted the importance of names and identity, sharing my own story of adopting different names in different contexts. I also discussed my work in the film industry, where I tried to convey important messages through my movies. I ended my sermon by expressing my love for Australia and considering it as part of my home.
Key takeaways:
- The importance of communication and understanding in bridging cultural and language gaps. [ 11:17]
- Practical skills and language learning can go hand in hand. [ 12:41]
- Names and identity are significant and can be influenced by cultural contexts. [ 14:35]
- Movies can be a powerful medium to convey important messages. [ 22:27]
- Embracing a new culture can lead to a sense of belonging and home. [ 01:34]
Study Guide
This sermon does not contain any Bible passages, therefore a Bible study guide cannot be created based on this content.
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Unfamiliar
In life, we often find ourselves in unfamiliar situations, much like the speaker who found himself alone in a shopping mall, unable to communicate with others due to language barriers. These moments can be daunting, but they also present opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace these moments, for they are stepping stones to personal development and self-discovery. [11:17]
Bible Passage: Exodus 2:22 - "And she bore him a son, and he called his name Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.”
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt out of place or uncomfortable. How did that experience shape you?
Day 2: The Power of Names
Names hold power. They shape our identities and how others perceive us. The speaker's journey from being called Chang Gong Sun to Stephen and finally to Jackie Chan is a testament to this. Our names can be a source of strength and a reminder of our unique journeys. [11:57]
Bible Passage: Genesis 17:5 - "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations."
Reflection: How does your name shape your identity? How does it reflect your personal journey?
Day 3: The Importance of Hard Work
The speaker's experience in the construction site taught him the value of hard work and perseverance. These lessons are crucial in our spiritual journey as well. We must be willing to put in the effort and work hard to grow in our faith. [12:41]
Bible Passage: Proverbs 14:23 - "In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty."
Reflection: How have you experienced the value of hard work in your spiritual journey?
Day 4: The Influence of Media
The speaker acknowledges the influence of his films on young viewers and takes responsibility for the messages he sends. As Christians, we too have a responsibility to be mindful of the messages we send and the influence we have on others. [22:27]
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:16 - "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you use your influence to positively impact others and glorify God?
Day 5: Correcting Our Mistakes
The speaker reflects on his past mistakes and takes steps to correct them. This is a powerful reminder for us to acknowledge our sins, seek forgiveness, and strive to do better. God's grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. [21:36]
Bible Passage: 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: Reflect on a mistake you've made recently. How can you seek God's forgiveness and make amends?
Quotes
1. "If you really don't know, I mix myself happy. Like, there's small things like... Dragon Blade, is he Dragon Blade? Yeah. It's about peace, because a few years ago, why there's so many wars in the Middle East, I have to make a movie called Peace, so I make Dragon Blade." - 22:27
2. "You can, from a movie, I hope, from these small things, if in Australia, in the whole world, everybody walk around, see the rubbish, just pick up, then the whole world will be very clean. That's my little inside. I want to show something." - 23:20
3. "And also, my Jackie. My Jackie, Jackie, Jackie, Chen, Jackie's name is from Canberra. And that time, I was in Canberra, didn't have nothing to do. Really, because I was going to Canberra to visit my parents." - 09:37
4. "Then they find an old lady, who's a little bit Feng Shui. Then sit in the office. He writes so many names. So many... All Dragon. Like Cloud Dragon, Small Dragon, Big Dragon. Tang Long. Tang Long. Tang Long." - 15:10
5. "So I look back at the Drunken Master one. Why I'm telling the people drinking and fighting is wrong. So this is why I immediately make the Drunken Master two to correct myself. Don't drink. Don't fight. I don't know all day and you know a lot. Do you know? If you don't know, you look at the movie. Ah, good. It's a good movie. But I make myself comfortable. I correct myself. Anything I do is something wrong. I correct myself." - 21:36
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