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)
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