Some of us at Faith Church got together to pray on the last Friday of 2006. It's great to remember the past year, reviewing how God has been transforming us. We are also privileged to pray for the coming year as we continue this relationship we have with God.
Here are the prayer topics, starting with the praises to God for 2006:
1. Gospel of Jesus Christ focus.
2. God raising up Kenny Kim and Will Lee as preachers/pastors.
3. New members settling in well.
4. The start to the sermon series on the book of Acts.
5. Summer missions (Indonesia and Toronto City Missions).
6. Men's camping trip.
7. An awesome retreat!
8. House Churches.
9. Desiring God National Conference 2006.
10. Marriage Seminar.
11. University of Toronto Korean Christian Fellowship.
12. Han-mi-dum Korean Presbyterian Church.
13. Donway Covenant United Church.
14. New Leaders.
15. New Friendships.
16. Corrected belief in certain individuals.
17. Communion.
18. God's faithfulness.
Prayers for 2006:
1. Han-mi-dum Church.
2. A few people that left...
3. Dahdrim Presbyterian Church
4. Oshawa Church.
5. Evangelism. To be more aware of it and be better at it, as we are led by the Spirit.
6. Welcoming. To be more open to others outside our community.
Praises for 2007:
1. God will be sovereign! Praise Him for revealing Himself to us (In Christ, the Holy Spirit, and through the Father)! Praise Him for His perfect goodness, kindness, grace, mercy, justice... and so much more!
2. Core members of our church celebrating Christ together in the new year.
Prayers for 2007:
1. Han-mi-dum members.
2. New location for our church.
3. Budget 2007.
4. Preaching. That it would only get better, without compromising the Gospel.
5. House churches.
6. Future missions.
7. Evangelism.
8. Relationships.
9. Leadership restructuring.
There's a lot to pray for, so I hope that everyone would join us in our conversations with God. May God be with all of you in the coming new year, and may you be most satisfied when God is glorified in you!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Christmas
Yesterday I was working with my friend David, who has down syndrome. Over the phone, Mel forced us to sing some Christmas carols when something struck me: I was having fun!
It's been long since I've had the simple joy of singing Christmas carols to and about our Lord and King. Watching my friend rejoice while singing was very uplifting.
I hope everyone has a great CHRISTmas!
It's been long since I've had the simple joy of singing Christmas carols to and about our Lord and King. Watching my friend rejoice while singing was very uplifting.
I hope everyone has a great CHRISTmas!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Sermon: Check Your Faith
Acts 8:9-24
Let me give a short Greek grammar lesson for verse 13: "Simon himself believed". Now the Greek word autos corresponds with the English word "himself". This is a pronoun that is used to intensify the subject. In other words, autos intensifies "Simon", most likely to emphasize him or refer explicitly to him. Note also that the verb used for "believed" is the Greek word episteusen, which is in the Aorist Active Indicative. Briefly, this just means that the verb for "belief", or "faith", does not convey a definite sense of time or duration. In fact, the phrase autos episteusen is unique in the New Testament because of this combination of words and word meanings (with the exception of John 4:53, which uses the same words but in different order: episteusen autos).
Now, there is no observation of the language that reveals explicitly why these words and word order are used. Rather, we start with the fact that the language that Luke, the writer of Acts, uses is unique in describing Simon's belief. If the context of the story is such that Simon's "belief" is atypical, and the verb is vague, and the pronoun intensifies the subject, then I personally understand this to mean that Simon did not have faith in Christ.
Simon did not believe in God, he believed in himself.
What if I told you that "I, myself, lift", or "I, myself, drive". Is my language telling you that the verbs "lift" or "drive" are central to the story or proposition? Or is the "I, myself" trying to show you that I am the center?
Simon, as I will show, wanted to be the center of attention. Perhaps the ESV, English Standard Version, is the best translation for verse 9: "There was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great". Notice the corresponding pronouns in verses 9 and 13? Here, Simon, before his supposed conversion, wanted to be "great". This lust for greatness was evident also in verse 18-19, when he asked for the "power" of Holy Spirit.
Friends, it's not about "I, myself, believe", but faith as a gift from God (Hebrews 11:6; Hebrews 12:2; Ephesians 2:8; Mark 9:24).
So what do we do in response to Simon's story? We check our faith.
1. Check your mind. What are your motivations? Are you meeting people or going to church for your consumption and your enjoyment? Or is your mind on Jesus, and on how to glorify Him by testifying Him to your friends about Him? What are your real intentions?
2. Check your heart. Is your heart hard? Cold? Barren? Dead? J.C. Ryle explains this best in: http://www.biblebb.com/files/ryle/is_thy_heart_right.htm
3. Check through prayer.
4. Check with the bible.
Lastly, I would encourage everyone to repent and make Jesus the center of their lives as the Spirit leads.
Let me give a short Greek grammar lesson for verse 13: "Simon himself believed". Now the Greek word autos corresponds with the English word "himself". This is a pronoun that is used to intensify the subject. In other words, autos intensifies "Simon", most likely to emphasize him or refer explicitly to him. Note also that the verb used for "believed" is the Greek word episteusen, which is in the Aorist Active Indicative. Briefly, this just means that the verb for "belief", or "faith", does not convey a definite sense of time or duration. In fact, the phrase autos episteusen is unique in the New Testament because of this combination of words and word meanings (with the exception of John 4:53, which uses the same words but in different order: episteusen autos).
Now, there is no observation of the language that reveals explicitly why these words and word order are used. Rather, we start with the fact that the language that Luke, the writer of Acts, uses is unique in describing Simon's belief. If the context of the story is such that Simon's "belief" is atypical, and the verb is vague, and the pronoun intensifies the subject, then I personally understand this to mean that Simon did not have faith in Christ.
Simon did not believe in God, he believed in himself.
What if I told you that "I, myself, lift", or "I, myself, drive". Is my language telling you that the verbs "lift" or "drive" are central to the story or proposition? Or is the "I, myself" trying to show you that I am the center?
Simon, as I will show, wanted to be the center of attention. Perhaps the ESV, English Standard Version, is the best translation for verse 9: "There was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great". Notice the corresponding pronouns in verses 9 and 13? Here, Simon, before his supposed conversion, wanted to be "great". This lust for greatness was evident also in verse 18-19, when he asked for the "power" of Holy Spirit.
Friends, it's not about "I, myself, believe", but faith as a gift from God (Hebrews 11:6; Hebrews 12:2; Ephesians 2:8; Mark 9:24).
So what do we do in response to Simon's story? We check our faith.
1. Check your mind. What are your motivations? Are you meeting people or going to church for your consumption and your enjoyment? Or is your mind on Jesus, and on how to glorify Him by testifying Him to your friends about Him? What are your real intentions?
2. Check your heart. Is your heart hard? Cold? Barren? Dead? J.C. Ryle explains this best in: http://www.biblebb.com/files/ryle/is_thy_heart_right.htm
3. Check through prayer.
4. Check with the bible.
Lastly, I would encourage everyone to repent and make Jesus the center of their lives as the Spirit leads.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Movie Review: The Nativity Story
Based the biblical events of Jesus' birth. The story is centered on Mary and Joseph, the human mother and father of Jesus, as they meet and travel to Bethlehem.
There are many subplots as well. King Herod, clearly the main antagonist in the movie, is portrayed as the paranoid ruler who fears losing his power. Though Herod does not actually come into contact with the main characters, with the exception of one brief scene, his influence as the "bad guy" is pivotal to the storyline. Also, another subplot is the wise men. The story explains their motivations in their quest to meet the King of Kings. As an observant movie buff, I would say that they come closest to being the comic relief, in an very non-comical movie.
Obviously, the biblical narrative does not describe the events leading up to Jesus' birth in as much detail as the movie. But, as far as I can tell, the movie stayed somewhat true to the bible. The only exception that was really noticeable for me was the scene in which the wise men decided amongst themselves to avoid telling Herod where baby Jesus was. In actuality, an angel came to them to warn them of Herod's plans (Matthew 2:12).
Aside from what is biblical or not biblical, the fiction was striking! I personally was enamored by the relationship between Mary and Joseph. It was interesting to visualize the problems that might have occurred when Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant. If I were him, would I have been so reserved in the seeming treachery of an adulterous woman? The movie and the biblical narrative tells of a Joseph who did not want to do harm to Mary no matter what she did (Matthew 1:19). The film, understandably, was far more generous in portraying a man who would do anything to protect and serve his wife throughout the movie.
Watching those scenes, I was encouraged to be such a man when that day comes. If the woman I marry were hungry, I would feed her even if that meant that I could not eat. If the woman I marry needed to be carried, then I would sacrifice my feet for sores in order to carry her. Men need to be men and serve their women. Too often do we see women as objects of our enjoyment and consumption.
That is why I think that we, as men, got to get our heads out of "who is compatible". God chose Joseph to be with Mary, even though her pregnancy brought shame on his family. And what happened? The Son of God was brought into this world. We are far too short-sighted to know what's best for us.
I am reminded of the Prophet Hosea; who God called to marry a whore, just to send Israel a message. She cheated on him, yet God told him to persevere in staying in the relationship. Not for Hosea's satisfaction in the marriage, but for God's purposes and in the satisfaction of glorifying God.
I encourage real men to read Hosea and reconsider their stance on marriage. Then read Ephesians 5:22-33 to understand the biblical mandate on marriage. I say this with all boldness: what is required in a marriage is in the bible; everything else, especially your preferences, comes after and cannot compromise the biblical mandate. Come out to the marriage seminar that Faith Church will host sometime in February or March.
Back to the movie, there was one last interesting thing I noticed. The movie shows how 3 converging stars represented the star that was raised over baby Jesus' stable (Matthew 2:9). I found out that the star issue is much more complicated; check out: "http://reformation21.com/Counterpoints/Counterpoints/278/vobId__4709/".
There are many subplots as well. King Herod, clearly the main antagonist in the movie, is portrayed as the paranoid ruler who fears losing his power. Though Herod does not actually come into contact with the main characters, with the exception of one brief scene, his influence as the "bad guy" is pivotal to the storyline. Also, another subplot is the wise men. The story explains their motivations in their quest to meet the King of Kings. As an observant movie buff, I would say that they come closest to being the comic relief, in an very non-comical movie.
Obviously, the biblical narrative does not describe the events leading up to Jesus' birth in as much detail as the movie. But, as far as I can tell, the movie stayed somewhat true to the bible. The only exception that was really noticeable for me was the scene in which the wise men decided amongst themselves to avoid telling Herod where baby Jesus was. In actuality, an angel came to them to warn them of Herod's plans (Matthew 2:12).
Aside from what is biblical or not biblical, the fiction was striking! I personally was enamored by the relationship between Mary and Joseph. It was interesting to visualize the problems that might have occurred when Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant. If I were him, would I have been so reserved in the seeming treachery of an adulterous woman? The movie and the biblical narrative tells of a Joseph who did not want to do harm to Mary no matter what she did (Matthew 1:19). The film, understandably, was far more generous in portraying a man who would do anything to protect and serve his wife throughout the movie.
Watching those scenes, I was encouraged to be such a man when that day comes. If the woman I marry were hungry, I would feed her even if that meant that I could not eat. If the woman I marry needed to be carried, then I would sacrifice my feet for sores in order to carry her. Men need to be men and serve their women. Too often do we see women as objects of our enjoyment and consumption.
That is why I think that we, as men, got to get our heads out of "who is compatible". God chose Joseph to be with Mary, even though her pregnancy brought shame on his family. And what happened? The Son of God was brought into this world. We are far too short-sighted to know what's best for us.
I am reminded of the Prophet Hosea; who God called to marry a whore, just to send Israel a message. She cheated on him, yet God told him to persevere in staying in the relationship. Not for Hosea's satisfaction in the marriage, but for God's purposes and in the satisfaction of glorifying God.
I encourage real men to read Hosea and reconsider their stance on marriage. Then read Ephesians 5:22-33 to understand the biblical mandate on marriage. I say this with all boldness: what is required in a marriage is in the bible; everything else, especially your preferences, comes after and cannot compromise the biblical mandate. Come out to the marriage seminar that Faith Church will host sometime in February or March.
Back to the movie, there was one last interesting thing I noticed. The movie shows how 3 converging stars represented the star that was raised over baby Jesus' stable (Matthew 2:9). I found out that the star issue is much more complicated; check out: "http://reformation21.com/Counterpoints/Counterpoints/278/vobId__4709/".
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Abide in Him
I've been thinking about Mark Driscoll's post, "I count it all joy", on www.theresurgence.com and I found his thoughts to be encouraging.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:2–4, ESV
Though I'm not going through the same things as Mr. Driscoll, there are definitely many things happening in my life and the the lives of other people at Faith Church right now that are very difficult. Sometimes it's so hard to see that God is using these times to shape us into what he wants us to be. In this way I can relate to the chorus of Keith Green's song "Make My Life a Prayer to You":
If I can ask anyone who reads this blog, please pray for the Faith Church leaders as they meet and decide many things that will impact the church very soon. Though I cannot go into detail, we have been increasingly burdened with many different tasks in recent times.
I would also encourage others who are going through struggles to count it all as joy. Abide in him friends (John 15:4-5). When I had eye surgery last year, I remember being bed ridden for 3 days because the pain kept me from opening my eyes. When I wanted to go to the bathroom, I had to open my eyes for just a second in order to see where I was going. Then I would take a couple of steps, and open my eyes again to see if I was on the right track. This is much like our spiritual lives. When we place our eyes on ourselves, we forget about God and being satisfied in glorifying Him.
So, open your eyes and adjust your path. Abide in Him. And be satisfied and joyful that he is our Lord and Saviour.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:2–4, ESV
Though I'm not going through the same things as Mr. Driscoll, there are definitely many things happening in my life and the the lives of other people at Faith Church right now that are very difficult. Sometimes it's so hard to see that God is using these times to shape us into what he wants us to be. In this way I can relate to the chorus of Keith Green's song "Make My Life a Prayer to You":
Well, I want to Thank You Now, for being patient with me,
Oh it's so hard to see, when my eyes are on me.
I guess I'll have to trust and just believe what You say...
Oh You're coming again, coming to take me away.
If I can ask anyone who reads this blog, please pray for the Faith Church leaders as they meet and decide many things that will impact the church very soon. Though I cannot go into detail, we have been increasingly burdened with many different tasks in recent times.
I would also encourage others who are going through struggles to count it all as joy. Abide in him friends (John 15:4-5). When I had eye surgery last year, I remember being bed ridden for 3 days because the pain kept me from opening my eyes. When I wanted to go to the bathroom, I had to open my eyes for just a second in order to see where I was going. Then I would take a couple of steps, and open my eyes again to see if I was on the right track. This is much like our spiritual lives. When we place our eyes on ourselves, we forget about God and being satisfied in glorifying Him.
So, open your eyes and adjust your path. Abide in Him. And be satisfied and joyful that he is our Lord and Saviour.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Sermon: Cross Cultural Missions
[The following is a summary of Pastor Sean's sermon]
Acts 8:1-8
1. Whenever we are scattered, preach the word. (vs. 4)
2. Preaching the word means proclaiming Christ. (vs.5)
3. Proclaiming Christ with evidence of His reality in your life. (vs. 6-7)
4. Jesus' purpose will be fulfilled. (vs. 8)
What should be proclaimed?
(a) We must proclaim that Jesus Christ was crucified in our place to make atonement for our sins. (Romans 3:25)
(b) We must proclaim that Jesus is the only one who is able to save us and that there is no other way. (John 14:6)
(c) We must proclaim that Jesus Christ is given a name above every name, "far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given." (Ephesians 1:21)
(d) We must proclaim that Jesus is saving his people, the elect sinners of Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and from the uttermost ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8; 2:39)
(e) We must proclaim that Jesus and the salvation through His gospel is the most important thing in the world. (1 Corinthians 15:3)
(f) We must proclaim that Jesus is the one we love, trust, and repent to for forgiveness of sins and are given saving grace. (Mark 1:15)
Acts 8:1-8
1. Whenever we are scattered, preach the word. (vs. 4)
2. Preaching the word means proclaiming Christ. (vs.5)
3. Proclaiming Christ with evidence of His reality in your life. (vs. 6-7)
4. Jesus' purpose will be fulfilled. (vs. 8)
What should be proclaimed?
(a) We must proclaim that Jesus Christ was crucified in our place to make atonement for our sins. (Romans 3:25)
(b) We must proclaim that Jesus is the only one who is able to save us and that there is no other way. (John 14:6)
(c) We must proclaim that Jesus Christ is given a name above every name, "far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given." (Ephesians 1:21)
(d) We must proclaim that Jesus is saving his people, the elect sinners of Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and from the uttermost ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8; 2:39)
(e) We must proclaim that Jesus and the salvation through His gospel is the most important thing in the world. (1 Corinthians 15:3)
(f) We must proclaim that Jesus is the one we love, trust, and repent to for forgiveness of sins and are given saving grace. (Mark 1:15)
Monday, November 27, 2006
Sermon: The Cost
[The following is a summary of Pastor Sean's sermon]
Acts 6:8 - 7:60 records the message and death of Stephen the martyr.
When we read 1 Peter 2:24 and Colossians 1:24, we could interpret wrongly that grace is both about Christ's death and Paul's work.
Rather, we must recognize that the cross is a gift that is complete, there is nothing to add to grace. So, in Romans 10:13-15, we learn that from that free gift, when God calls us to do something... we do it! When he calls us to go... we go! Even if death is the cost for following his call.
Stephen knew this well and was, consequently, the first known Christian martyr. So, what was his motivation? What was his message? How was he martyred?
Stephen's motivation:
1. He was full of the Holy Spirit.
2. He was full of wisdom.
3. He was full of faith.
4. He was full of power.
5. He was full of the grace of God (Acts 6:8).
Stephen's message [Rather than summarizing in my words, here are the biblical passages that basically explains the content of Stephen's message]:
Acts 7:48-50; Romans 10:4; John 4:23-24; Acts 7:54, 57; Acts 7:58a
Stephen's Martyrdom:
1. There is a hope for something more than this life (Acts 7:55).
2. He saw Jesus (Acts 7:55; Matthew 10:32). Actually, Jesus is described as standing when Stephen dies. Commentaries explain that this gesture is really symbolic of an invitation into the presence of God. In this sense, God the Son is our intermediary to the eternal and majestic God the Father.
3. Our lives end with sleep, not death (Acts 8:60). The word "death" or "died" are not used because we are told to look forward to the rest that is to come.
Lastly, Stephen died for the conversion of one man (Acts 22:17-21). Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul, explains that God used Stephen's death to call him to repent and convert. Paul, subsequently, was used and led by the Spirit to impart the knowledge of God and the gospel in his letters in the New Testament.
Acts 6:8 - 7:60 records the message and death of Stephen the martyr.
When we read 1 Peter 2:24 and Colossians 1:24, we could interpret wrongly that grace is both about Christ's death and Paul's work.
Rather, we must recognize that the cross is a gift that is complete, there is nothing to add to grace. So, in Romans 10:13-15, we learn that from that free gift, when God calls us to do something... we do it! When he calls us to go... we go! Even if death is the cost for following his call.
Stephen knew this well and was, consequently, the first known Christian martyr. So, what was his motivation? What was his message? How was he martyred?
Stephen's motivation:
1. He was full of the Holy Spirit.
2. He was full of wisdom.
3. He was full of faith.
4. He was full of power.
5. He was full of the grace of God (Acts 6:8).
Stephen's message [Rather than summarizing in my words, here are the biblical passages that basically explains the content of Stephen's message]:
Acts 7:48-50; Romans 10:4; John 4:23-24; Acts 7:54, 57; Acts 7:58a
Stephen's Martyrdom:
1. There is a hope for something more than this life (Acts 7:55).
2. He saw Jesus (Acts 7:55; Matthew 10:32). Actually, Jesus is described as standing when Stephen dies. Commentaries explain that this gesture is really symbolic of an invitation into the presence of God. In this sense, God the Son is our intermediary to the eternal and majestic God the Father.
3. Our lives end with sleep, not death (Acts 8:60). The word "death" or "died" are not used because we are told to look forward to the rest that is to come.
Lastly, Stephen died for the conversion of one man (Acts 22:17-21). Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul, explains that God used Stephen's death to call him to repent and convert. Paul, subsequently, was used and led by the Spirit to impart the knowledge of God and the gospel in his letters in the New Testament.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Reflection - D.A. Carson
Christ tells us to remain in his love by exactly the same means that he remains in his Father's love - by obedience (John 15:9). Thus we are disciplined, in love, that we might be loving and obedient children of the living God.
All this has transformed us, so that we in turn perceive the sheer rightness of the first commandment - to love God with heart and soul and mind and strength. As that is the first and greatest commandment, so the first and greatest sin is not to love God with heart and soul and mind and strength. For there is no remedy, save what God himself has provided - in love.
The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God
All this has transformed us, so that we in turn perceive the sheer rightness of the first commandment - to love God with heart and soul and mind and strength. As that is the first and greatest commandment, so the first and greatest sin is not to love God with heart and soul and mind and strength. For there is no remedy, save what God himself has provided - in love.
The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God
Thursday, November 23, 2006
What is my Calling?
A lot of people ask this question: "What is my calling?"
It is a wonderful thing for a person to realize that they are called into some sort of Godly service. By asking this question, it is obvious that such a person is committed, or at least preparing to commit, to a life in Christ. No doubt, there is much to be celebrated in this.
That being said, we must still clarify for those who don't know, and correct those who think they know, what "calling" really means.
In the Old Testament, God simply called people into ministry. He called Abraham to be the father of a nation. He called David to be the King of Israel. The question, "What is my calling", may easily imply that we have a choice in the matter. This is far from the case in the Old Testament. People who are "called" did not discern God's will or deliberate on what their paths were, they were simply sent. At times, they were even put in ministry situations against their own will.
In the New Testament, "calling" was not understood as a "vocation" or "ministry". Rather, "calling", or klesis, was used in terms of a relationship with God (1 Corinthians 1:26; Romans 11:29; 2 Corinthians 1:2). This means that calling, much like the Old Testament understanding, is not preceded by a process of discerning God's will, nor is it a means in pointing us towards some particular ministry. The New Testament understanding of "calling" is only about living under the grace of God.
He who has saved us, and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 1 Timothy 1:9
How and why is this important?
It's important because everything must start with the cross. We hold on to the truth that it is by faith alone, and not by our works. It's important because we can now stop asking the question "What is my calling?", and by faith alone say "I AM CALLED!"
So what about ministry?
After Dr. Gregory House's leg was healed in Episode 1 of Season 3, in the joy of being healed he relentlessly exercised his leg. In the same way, in the joy of being healed (or called) by Christ we relentlessly exercise our spirit.
Only then can we ask the right question(s). Professor John Bowen suggests asking these specific questions about ministry: What are my gifts? What gifts do others see in me? Will the church recognize and bless the exercise of my gifts, and if so how? What gifts do I lack, and therefore what kind of gifts do other leaders around me need to have?
I hope that this explains some things. But more than that, I pray that we can be joyful together in serving the Lord.
It is a wonderful thing for a person to realize that they are called into some sort of Godly service. By asking this question, it is obvious that such a person is committed, or at least preparing to commit, to a life in Christ. No doubt, there is much to be celebrated in this.
That being said, we must still clarify for those who don't know, and correct those who think they know, what "calling" really means.
In the Old Testament, God simply called people into ministry. He called Abraham to be the father of a nation. He called David to be the King of Israel. The question, "What is my calling", may easily imply that we have a choice in the matter. This is far from the case in the Old Testament. People who are "called" did not discern God's will or deliberate on what their paths were, they were simply sent. At times, they were even put in ministry situations against their own will.
In the New Testament, "calling" was not understood as a "vocation" or "ministry". Rather, "calling", or klesis, was used in terms of a relationship with God (1 Corinthians 1:26; Romans 11:29; 2 Corinthians 1:2). This means that calling, much like the Old Testament understanding, is not preceded by a process of discerning God's will, nor is it a means in pointing us towards some particular ministry. The New Testament understanding of "calling" is only about living under the grace of God.
He who has saved us, and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 1 Timothy 1:9
How and why is this important?
It's important because everything must start with the cross. We hold on to the truth that it is by faith alone, and not by our works. It's important because we can now stop asking the question "What is my calling?", and by faith alone say "I AM CALLED!"
So what about ministry?
After Dr. Gregory House's leg was healed in Episode 1 of Season 3, in the joy of being healed he relentlessly exercised his leg. In the same way, in the joy of being healed (or called) by Christ we relentlessly exercise our spirit.
Only then can we ask the right question(s). Professor John Bowen suggests asking these specific questions about ministry: What are my gifts? What gifts do others see in me? Will the church recognize and bless the exercise of my gifts, and if so how? What gifts do I lack, and therefore what kind of gifts do other leaders around me need to have?
I hope that this explains some things. But more than that, I pray that we can be joyful together in serving the Lord.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Letter
The following is a letter I wrote to a good friend. As I wrote this, I realized that this is exactly how I feel about the sisters at Faith Church:
In a strange sense, our weakness reveals our absolute need to rely on God's strength.
You are my sister. In that regard, I will never fail you. I will do that by reminding you as much as possible that you need Jesus. If that sounds idealistic, it is not. It is the truth that I know you believe, deep in your heart.
You are my friend. So be strengthened by the grace that is extended to both of us through Christ. I take this very seriously, and I will not compromise the faith given to me and to you.
I sense something more is happening that you aren't telling me. Whatever it may be, know that there is someone praying for you; I will pray for you. But be even more comforted by the very fact that the Spirit is interceding for you.
You are a wonderful child of God; and if you are with Jesus, you are a crowned in glory creation of God. Have peace in what I say, and know that I love you.
In a strange sense, our weakness reveals our absolute need to rely on God's strength.
You are my sister. In that regard, I will never fail you. I will do that by reminding you as much as possible that you need Jesus. If that sounds idealistic, it is not. It is the truth that I know you believe, deep in your heart.
You are my friend. So be strengthened by the grace that is extended to both of us through Christ. I take this very seriously, and I will not compromise the faith given to me and to you.
I sense something more is happening that you aren't telling me. Whatever it may be, know that there is someone praying for you; I will pray for you. But be even more comforted by the very fact that the Spirit is interceding for you.
You are a wonderful child of God; and if you are with Jesus, you are a crowned in glory creation of God. Have peace in what I say, and know that I love you.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Sermon: Our Holy Pursuit
[The following is a summary of Pastor Sean's sermon]
"Be killing sin, or it will be killing you." John Owen
The word "sin" has taken a backseat in our post-modern culture. But contrary to our culture, Apostle Paul's attitude towards sin was for it to be put to death. For him, there was no putting off sin, or middle ground to sin. We are either ruthless with sin, or reckless; serious, or foolish.
Why? Because sin is like a lion on the prowl (1 Peter 5:8). We may close our eyes, but the lion will still be there.
How to pursue Holiness:
You have to be Christian (Colossians 3:1-4; 2:11-14). This is not a moral issue, it is a cross issue. We are not fixed on the morality of Christianity, we are consumed by the grace of Jesus, "who is the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
You cannot be a quietist. This is the view that: since God is in control of our faith we don't need to do anything. The pursuit of Holiness, however, is active and participatory, even if it is completely dependant on the work of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).
How do you know you are pursuing Holiness? (A) Prayer; (B) Scripture. Are you praying to actively pursue Christ in complete dependance? Are you praying for God's strength to empower you to actively overcome, while giving all praise and credit to God? Is the word (scripture) sanctifying you? Are you eating the word of God?
Dealing with sin:
1. Slay sexual immorality (Colossians 3:5).
2. Slay idolatry (Colossians 3:5).
3. Strip hate (Colossians 3:8).
4. Strip deception (Colossians 3:9).
Why pursue Holiness?
1. So that your joy may be complete (John 15:10-11; Philippians 1:25-26).
2. So that God may be glorified (John 15:8; Philippians 1:9-11).
The pursuit of Holiness is not about you!
"Be killing sin, or it will be killing you." John Owen
The word "sin" has taken a backseat in our post-modern culture. But contrary to our culture, Apostle Paul's attitude towards sin was for it to be put to death. For him, there was no putting off sin, or middle ground to sin. We are either ruthless with sin, or reckless; serious, or foolish.
Why? Because sin is like a lion on the prowl (1 Peter 5:8). We may close our eyes, but the lion will still be there.
How to pursue Holiness:
You have to be Christian (Colossians 3:1-4; 2:11-14). This is not a moral issue, it is a cross issue. We are not fixed on the morality of Christianity, we are consumed by the grace of Jesus, "who is the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
You cannot be a quietist. This is the view that: since God is in control of our faith we don't need to do anything. The pursuit of Holiness, however, is active and participatory, even if it is completely dependant on the work of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).
How do you know you are pursuing Holiness? (A) Prayer; (B) Scripture. Are you praying to actively pursue Christ in complete dependance? Are you praying for God's strength to empower you to actively overcome, while giving all praise and credit to God? Is the word (scripture) sanctifying you? Are you eating the word of God?
Dealing with sin:
1. Slay sexual immorality (Colossians 3:5).
2. Slay idolatry (Colossians 3:5).
3. Strip hate (Colossians 3:8).
4. Strip deception (Colossians 3:9).
Why pursue Holiness?
1. So that your joy may be complete (John 15:10-11; Philippians 1:25-26).
2. So that God may be glorified (John 15:8; Philippians 1:9-11).
The pursuit of Holiness is not about you!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Great Teacher!
God deserves all the credit for blessing our church with so many wonderful teachers and leaders.
I just want to point out another great teacher from Toronto, Kirk Wellum. I had the pleasure of attending one of his lectures at the Toronto Baptist Seminary. Needless to say, he is very knowledgeable about scripture, but also exudes a passion for Christ. Fortunately, some of his teachings are on a blog: http://redeemingthetime.blogspot.com/
I would encourage anyone to read and enjoy!
I just want to point out another great teacher from Toronto, Kirk Wellum. I had the pleasure of attending one of his lectures at the Toronto Baptist Seminary. Needless to say, he is very knowledgeable about scripture, but also exudes a passion for Christ. Fortunately, some of his teachings are on a blog: http://redeemingthetime.blogspot.com/
I would encourage anyone to read and enjoy!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
What about Jesus?
What things come to mind when you think about church? Is it worship? Is it tradition? Do you think about fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?
Or do you think: BOBBLEHEADS!!!
Well, the United Church of Canada certainly has thought about bobbleheads. In fact, they are now investing 10 million dollars into advertising their church. This means that we will be seeing Jesus bobbleheads very soon at a United Church near you!
Why?
Well, apparently it's not a means to attract people to go to church per se, nor are they trying to tell people what the church is about. Instead: "the advertisements encourage [people] to ask questions about issues of faith and discuss them on the internet."
10 million dollars to get people "talking"...
It's funny, but the unbiblical nonsense doesn't stop there. Not available on the internet article, the printed article is titled: "Campaign doesn't aim to convert, Church says".
Now, you can do a lot of things in response to what the United Church of Canada is doing (personally, Pastor Sean and I cracked up!). But the first thing we should ask is: What about Jesus? Jesus is mentioned only one time in the whole article! And only then is he talked about as an "alternative" to Santa Claus.
Instead of writing a series of expletives against the United Church of Canada, I'll say this: "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." Matthew 7:15
Jesus is not some bobblehead or Santa Claus. Jesus is God, a king that is to be worshipped, not placed on a dashboard of a car. We can't compromise the depiction of Jesus, in Revelation 4:1-11, as enthroned and worshipped.
Link to the article:
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=0ea01978-4543-4510-acb4-fa59a210f861&rfp=dta
Or do you think: BOBBLEHEADS!!!
Well, the United Church of Canada certainly has thought about bobbleheads. In fact, they are now investing 10 million dollars into advertising their church. This means that we will be seeing Jesus bobbleheads very soon at a United Church near you!
Why?
Well, apparently it's not a means to attract people to go to church per se, nor are they trying to tell people what the church is about. Instead: "the advertisements encourage [people] to ask questions about issues of faith and discuss them on the internet."
10 million dollars to get people "talking"...
It's funny, but the unbiblical nonsense doesn't stop there. Not available on the internet article, the printed article is titled: "Campaign doesn't aim to convert, Church says".
Now, you can do a lot of things in response to what the United Church of Canada is doing (personally, Pastor Sean and I cracked up!). But the first thing we should ask is: What about Jesus? Jesus is mentioned only one time in the whole article! And only then is he talked about as an "alternative" to Santa Claus.
Instead of writing a series of expletives against the United Church of Canada, I'll say this: "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." Matthew 7:15
Jesus is not some bobblehead or Santa Claus. Jesus is God, a king that is to be worshipped, not placed on a dashboard of a car. We can't compromise the depiction of Jesus, in Revelation 4:1-11, as enthroned and worshipped.
Link to the article:
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=0ea01978-4543-4510-acb4-fa59a210f861&rfp=dta
Monday, November 06, 2006
Propitiation
1. This word occurs in the New Testament 3 times (Romans 3:25;
2. In Greek, “propitiation”, or hilasmos, means: 1) to render one's self, to appease, conciliate to one's self 1a) to become propitious, be placated or appeased 1b) to be propitious, be gracious, be merciful.
3. The dictionaries define the word as: the act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing (especially appeasing a deity).
So, why is this important? Why is it such an important word? Why should we add it to our vocabulary and use it without fear of being misunderstood?
It’s because it is essential in understanding God’s love for us. “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1
So many people ask: how could a loving God put up with the suffering in this world? But we can’t understand God’s loves without first asking: “Do we love God?”
So, do you love God?
If you have trouble answering this question, it’s because you can’t get past the how-can-a-loving-God-put-up-with-suffering question. You’ve set yourself up for failure because you can’t even see past yourself. You can’t understand God’s love because you don’t even know what “love” is in your life.
Instead, we start with the premise: God loves you.
That’s why “propitiation” is such a wondrous and glorious word! Because it starts with “God loves you”. It begins with a Holy and Infinite God that loves you, even though you are utterly depraved, confused, unknowing and finite. Propitiation begins with love, and ends in the love that is completed in Jesus.
Begins with love, ends with love. Because of love, he was sent as propitiation for our sins. Because of love, propitiation rescued us. This is propitiation, this is love.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
A Copy of a Letter Sent to a Friend
You are a sinner. You cannot love God. You deserve the wrath of God. "For the wages of sin is death" Romans 6:23.
Ever wonder about the greatest commandment and how impossible it is to follow it? Love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your heart and all your mind. The superlative "all" is really an impossibility. How can we do this all the time with every faculty we have? The answer is: we can't.
That is why Jesus died. Because we can't even do a fraction of what God demands from us. Jesus absorbed the wrath of the Father: "In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (an atoning sacrifice) for our sins" 1 John 4:10. Then He did for us what was impossible for us (Luke 18:27), he became that love necessary for us to have a passion for God, and joy in God.
Why am I writing this to you... because this is the gospel. Because I believe you need to hear that, though you deserve death, you have been given life. Who are you... you are a crowned in glory creation of God. Preach this, because if you don`t share the gospel BOLDLY and UNEQUIVOCALLY then you distort the Good News. Don`t let the gospel be a sidebar. Glorify God by making Jesus the center stage.
Ever wonder about the greatest commandment and how impossible it is to follow it? Love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your heart and all your mind. The superlative "all" is really an impossibility. How can we do this all the time with every faculty we have? The answer is: we can't.
That is why Jesus died. Because we can't even do a fraction of what God demands from us. Jesus absorbed the wrath of the Father: "In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (an atoning sacrifice) for our sins" 1 John 4:10. Then He did for us what was impossible for us (Luke 18:27), he became that love necessary for us to have a passion for God, and joy in God.
Why am I writing this to you... because this is the gospel. Because I believe you need to hear that, though you deserve death, you have been given life. Who are you... you are a crowned in glory creation of God. Preach this, because if you don`t share the gospel BOLDLY and UNEQUIVOCALLY then you distort the Good News. Don`t let the gospel be a sidebar. Glorify God by making Jesus the center stage.
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