New Blog!!!

For anyone who reads this blog, we have now moved to: http://faithfamily.wordpress.com/blog/

Feel free to check out other Faith Church stuff on the website: www.faithfamily.ca

Hey, hey, I'm finally on!!!

Sean D has finally made it into the blogging world! (Not sure why I'm using the third person.)

Never thought I'd see the day; my technological savvy is limited to say the least - I tried like a hundred times to log in yesterday, but I kept getting an "error" code... Anyway, I'm on, and by God's grace I hope that my posts will be at least a fraction of the encouragement as that which I've received from the postings of others.

In later posts I'll give more info about my life here in Korea. For now, I want to share this personal reflection: the Word of God is so precious and its truth ever new, but the flesh is so wicked that a man easily takes that precious Word for granted such that its beauty becomes dull in his sight. And it is only by a mighty working of the Spirit that a man's heart can again be enthralled by the majestic splendour of Jesus and his eyes once more see the glory of the Good News as if for the first time. Only then can he cast down his idols and return to the Living God.

Thus, my prayer these days is that of the song, "Magnificent Obsession" by Steven Curtis Chapman:

So capture my heart again,
Take me to depths I've never been
Into the riches of Your grace and Your mercy
Return me to the cross,
And let me be completely lost
In the wonder of the love
That You've shown me

Cut through these chains that tie me down
To so many lesser things,
Let all my dreams fall to the ground
Until this one remains
...

Jesus be my one magnificent obsession!

God's Providence Follow-up

(THE FOLLOWING IS A "BIT" THAT WAS NOT SHARED ON SUNDAY - a lot of quotes from Wayne Grudem)

The word “providence” does not occur in the Bible, but the doctrine is stated and illustrated as a major theme throughout Scripture. As many of you probably know, it is the theme of the Book of Esther, which never mentions God directly. And yet His providential hand is behind the twists and turns of the story, preserving His chosen people from destruction.

Deists deny God’s providence by asserting that He created the world, but He is no longer actively involved in it. Others say that God is active in the events of the world, but that He is not sovereign over evil. Rather, evil is the result of free will.

But the Bible teaches that God is actively controlling or directing even evil events and evil people in such a way as to accomplish His sovereign will, and yet He is not the author of evil and is not responsible for it (as Eph. 1:11 states). No evil person or act changes or thwarts God’s sovereign will (see the discussion in Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology [Zondervan], p. 322-331).

Here is how theologian Wayne Grudem defines God’s providence:

God is continually involved with all created things in such a way that he (1) keeps them existing and maintaining the properties with which he created them; (2) cooperates with created things in every action, directing their distinctive properties to cause them to act as they do; and (3) directs them to fulfill his purposes.

John Calvin puts it (The Institutes of the Christian Religion, ed. by John McNeill [Westminster Press], 1:16:4), “providence means not that by which God idly observes from heaven what takes place on earth, but that by which, as keeper of the keys, he governs all events.”

As Grudem’s definition outlines, there are three aspects of God’s providence in the Bible (I’m following his treatment and quoting him, pp. 315-354, here).

1. First, God’s providence means preservation.

That “God keeps all created things existing and maintaining the properties with which he created them” (p. 316).

Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Christ “upholds all things by the word of His power.” The Greek word translated “uphold” means to carry or bear. Grudem says, “It does not mean simply ‘sustain,’ but has the sense of active, purposeful control over the thing being carried from one place to another” Colossians 1:17 also asserts that “all things hold together” in Christ. If Jesus were to “let go,” the entire universe would instantly disintegrate! Thus God did not just design the laws of science and nature and step away from them. Rather, He actively maintains such laws.

2. God’s providence means concurrence.

That “God cooperates with created things in every action, directing their distinctive properties to cause them to act as they do” (p. 317).

This includes God’s causing things to happen that we would think of as merely “natural” occurrences. For example, the Bible says that God causes the rain and snow to fall on earth, along with the wind to blow and the lightning to flash (Job 37:6-13; Ps. 135:7). God also gives food to the wild animals and birds (Ps. 104:27-29; Matt. 6:26).

God governs what we might call random chance events, such as the casting of lots (Prov. 16:33). Also, God causes things to happen where His creatures also play a role. For example, I may water and fertilize my grass or a farmer his crops, but God causes them to grow. I can put water into the freezer, but God makes it freeze (Job 38:27, 29-30).

God also governs human affairs. He determines the time, existence, and boundaries of the nations (Acts 17:26). He sets up rulers and takes them down again (Dan. 4:34-35; Ps. 22:28).

He governs every aspect of our lives (Jer. 10:23; Prov. 16:9; 20:24), including the number of days that we will live (Ps. 139:16). He is even sovereign over evil, although He is not tainted in any way by it nor is He responsible for it (Gen. 50:20; Acts 2:23; 4:27-28; 1 John 1:5). But He uses evil men and events to carry out His sovereign plan, even as He is doing in our story with this evil plot to kill Paul.

3. God’s providence means government.

That “God has a purpose in all that he does in the world and he providentially governs or directs all things in order that they accomplish his purposes” (p. 331).

“He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” (Dan. 4:35). God “works all things after the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11).

The doctrine of God’s providence is very practical and comforting on a daily basis. If we live in a world of random chance, it is a most scary place to be! You never know what bad things might happen to you or your loved ones, and so all you can do is hope for “good luck.” Or, if as some Christians believe, God is not sovereign over evil, then when terrorists fly airplanes into the World Trade Center and kill thousands of people, or a crazy gunman kills your loved one, that’s tragic, but there was nothing that God could have done about it, since He gave them “free will.”

But if even that evil event was under God’s providence, then we know that He can work it together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). Those who lost loved ones can know that those wicked men did not in any way thwart God’s sovereign plan. Rather, those evil men were inadvertently carrying out His sovereign plan for history and they will face God’s eternal judgment!

Thus, God has a sovereign plan for each of us. Evil men cannot thwart God’s purpose. God carries out His sovereign plan through His often behind-the-scenes providence.

Newest blogger on the Faith church blog

With my first-ever entry I thought i would share the passage I've been reflecting on lately:

Galatians Chapter 3

Verse 3
Are you foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
...

Verse 11
Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "the righteous shall live by faith."


Personally, I find it easier to understand the concept of being SAVED by grace. But what about the rest of our life on this earth? the years that follow accepting Christ as our Savior?

It seems like the resounding answer to Paul's rhetorical question, 'Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?'....is OF COURSE NOT.

Saved by grace...now able to live every day by grace...

Realizing this fact...along with knowing how short I fall of God's holiness...has filled me with a lot of hope lately...hope to grow, hope to change and hope to be used.

My prayer today, reflecting on this, is that our community at Faith can have just that...hope.

Thank you Jesus.

Apparently this blog is on the level of genius!

I just tried an online tool that supposedly analyzes blogs and rates its readability. Tim Challies got a junior high score. Faith Church's blog got a genius score!

You can try it out at http://www.criticsrant.com/bb/reading_level.aspx

Theologically, I would say that it would be dangerous for me or anyone else who contributes to this blog that we deserve any praise for this. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6,

"we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others"

In the same way, I hope none of us seeks the praises of men for our worldly accomplishments or successes. Jeremy once asked me, "How do you think ministry successes should be weighed?" In response, I would say that one way successes or accomplishes can be determined is by reflecting on how closely we imitate Christ in them. 1 Peter 2:21 says,

"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."

So please keep us accountable. If you feel that at any time we are being proud of ourselves more than God, or in serious theological error, tell us by commenting. And may God be with you.

Would you give?

I found this article very encouraging: link. It's on the efforts of Christians in Cambodia, who are bringing the bible to the people there through technology. It's really interesting that millions are being spent on spreading God's word.

Economically, this is the worst investment. There is no return on your investment. All that money that goes into making audio and visual bibles will not result in more money. It is a capital black hole.

Spiritually, this is the best investment. This is God's words afterall!

I remember when Timothy Keller explained that the word "righteousness" was used by the Israelites for people that were blessed abundantly and gave abundantly. In other words, a righteous man or woman is one that gives as much as they receive.

There are rich people that are good stewards of their wealth. This is not a knock on rich people. Rather, rich or poor, what do you do with your money that makes you righteous? If are saving up to get that nice car or house, are you doing it for yourself or for the glory of God. Are you planning to use that nice car to evangelize and help those in need (i.e. give rides), or do you think that you would be swallowed up in pride for that which you possess? These are good questions to ask yourself when considering righteousness and being a good steward of your money.

Using our Time Wisely

Here is another illustration from another blogger. This one involves a reflection about using our time wisely. Very interesting: This is What $3 Gets You

The Cry of a Father

I read this touching story told by Tim Challies about an encounter between a pastor and a theologian. Those who know me, know that I'm not an emotional guy...

Anyways, here's the link: A Blessed Assurance

Reach the Unreached

Just to let you know, the link to "Reach the Unreached" has changed from www.melissamltan.blogspot.com to www.reachtheunreached.blogspot.com

This blog will primarily deal with matters concerning missions. It will also be filled with Melissa's reflections and my thoughts. Hope you visit it!

Priscilla Accepted as an OMF Associate!

OMF is an international organization that I work for. They specialize in the "urgent evangelization of East Asia's peoples." My wife and I specifically work in the short term missions department, called Serve Asia.



I am proud to announce that we have officially accepted Priscilla Kim, a good friend and part of our faith community, as a member of our Serve Asia team. She will be handling much of our administrative needs, amongst other things. Together, we hope to bombard Asia with Gospel-minded, evangelical Christians who want to see what God is doing in that part of the world!

For more information on Serve Asia opportunities from Canada, please visit: www.omf.org/omf/canada

Or for OMF in other countries, please visit: www.omf.org

An Ideal Christian Woman

Not my thoughts, but the biblical reflections of a woman at Mars Hill Church: Check it out you women!

When Should I get Married?

Not everyone gets married fast.

Melissa and I may be an exception, but I noticed that more people around me date for a long time before they get married. At least in comparison to older generations, the trend in society is for people to get married later, if at all. Every situation and person is different, so there are a plethora of reasons for these trends.

But I have to wonder, can we more definitively discern when a couple should or should not get married? To answer the former, there's an article that grapples with the biblical understanding of marrying sooner rather than later. Check it out: Marry soon!

Difference b/w Men and Women

Men watch out! A study from Deloitte & Touche USA concludes:

"Body language differs by gender. Men tend to stare as they listen and nod to signify they understand. Women may nod when they don't yet understand to encourage the speaker to keep talking."

(HT: http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=1031)

Women Incognito!

Paranoia is another way of not trusting the providence of God... but that doesn't mean it isn't funny when it leads people to do hilarious things!

I like coffee, but not that much!

I found this article in a Malay prayer letter:

Kopi Luwak is an Indonesian coffee that can fetch as much as $600US per pound! These coffee beans are not harvested by human hands. They are plucked by wild civets (cat-like beasts that live in places such as South Sumatra). The civet plucks only the sweetest red coffee berries from robusta coffee plants, eats fruity exterior, and then swallows the hard center. Inside the civet's stomach enzymes in its gastric juices smooth off the edges that make coffee bitter. The beans are then excreted. After the beans are excreted they are separated from the civet's dung, a further thin outer layer is removed, and the beans are ready for roasting!

Appetizing!

Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and Our Worldview

Want to know more about what the bible says about biblical manhood and biblical womanhood? Check out this website: http://www.cbmw.org/

These resources are there for people who would like to find out God's perspective on this topic. I would advise anyone to be gracious when reading articles on these topics. We all have a particular worldview, and must be very careful about how our preconceived notions distort our Christian perspective.

If you are a predisposed chauvinist or feminist, then deconstructing your personal belief systems should be your first step. In other words, evaluate yourself and see where you stand on certain issues. You may have to admit and reconcile your chauvinistic or feministic tendencies before you can read with objectivity.

One easy indicator of deconstructing your personal (not necessarily biblical) belief systems is by asking yourself: Do I get emotional when I read this? Always be suspect of your feelings, not to dismiss them but to evaluate them. Your feelings are valid when it is ultimately aligned with your passion for God and to see His name proclaimed in all the earth. If there is a break in your reasoning that does not lead up to this alignment. Then you may have identified a false belief.

Sermon Jams

Check out this website: link.

It's basically a bunch of sermons mixed in with background music. The sermons are biblical and gospel-centred.

Racism Properly Defined, A Quote from Carson

The following is an excerpt from D.A. Carson's article on racism. Simply put, he plainly explains that racism takes shape in the form of discriminating against cultural differences. I don't think anyone would object to that. But he keenly observes that racism can happen within a supposed race. The following example of racism concerns the kind of discrimination that happens between the generations of a particular race, specifically Korean. I suggest you read the whole article: link.

Once again if we are interested in integrated local Christian churches, it is high time that we recognize that the challenge extends beyond the black/white divide and that the attitudinal problems are on both sides of most divides. Many a Korean-American church (to take but one example) is run by first-generation Korean Christians who are most comfortable with the way things are done back home. That means that "otherness" is hard for them, especially if part of the issue is language, part of the issue is preserving Korean culture (and even Korean forms of "spirituality"), part of the issue is a Confucian preservation of hierarchy and order, and part of the issue is their desire that their children marry other Koreans. Sometimes these churches keep calling senior pastors fresh from Korea, thus renewing the strong linguistic and cultural links with "home." This practice may have the effect sooner or later of repelling second- and third-generation Korean-American Christians, whose command of Korean may not be all that good anymore and, more importantly, whose cultural adaptation means they no longer live in the world of their parents. Those same parents can easily see these developments as cultural or even personal betrayal, or the fruit of degenerative and corrupt moral influence. Some of this judgment, of course, may be right! But some of it, quite frankly, is racist. To add to the complexity, some in the third generation, by now profoundly Americanized, choose to revert to their Korean roots, and in consequence tend to shun other American "friends." At what point is this an expression of racism?

Article on Benny Hinn

Here's a very revealing article on Benny Hinn: link.

I was surprised to find out that he started off in Toronto 30 years ago!

How to listen to a bad sermon!

Five suggestions from Ligon Duncan (via "The World From My Window")

1) You must listen to the sermon as if your life depended on it--because it does. (Matthew 4:4)

2) You must recognize the seriousness of your life situation--there is an intense spiritual battle being waged for your soul. (Ephesians 6:12)

3) You must realize that it is God's Word that you need in the difficulties and pressures of this life--because God's Word is your only hope in those circumstances.

4) You must understand that it is God's help that you need--help that comes through the hearing of God's Word. (Psalm 40:17)

5) You must recognize that communion with God is your goal--that we would desire and love God above everything else. (Psalm 27:4; 42:1)

Response to a Good Friend

I just want to thank my friend Jess, who had commented on a recent post. I am so grateful for her friendship and partnership in ministry for many years. She is important to me, and thus I hope to respond to her with love and a hope for further discussion on the theology of God's Sovereignty.

Jess said concerning the Firefighter:

I struggle with this. Because although the grace and the saving is 100% HIM, I believe that we do have a slightly bigger role than that of simply being the subject of grace.
Take this twist to the anology into consideration: When that firefighter calls, and the flustered and discombobulated woman heeds his or her call, does she not need to do a few things before taking the necessary steps towards them?

1. She must trust the firefighter through her panic and have the courage to move out of frozen fear (or whatever may inhibit her from doing the rational self-preserving thing)

2. She must not grab (and cling) to her treasured posessions but value only life. (related to 1st point) My point is that, bound to flesh and born in sin, mistakes are inevitable.

However, we are not inanimate and irrational objects but willing and living children of God. Our being saved by him is that much more of a wonderful thing when our will comes into play. Our will to deny our limitations and, in turn, trust and receive his grace.

Notice Jess, in your analogy, that even her "ability to trust" still gives some credit to the woman. The focus, then, is still partly on the woman. The firefighter analogy originally was only meant to point out which circumstance gives full "attention" to the one who is saving. You see, the point is to see which circumstance shows who is fully deserving of praise in comparison to someone who is partially deserving.

The truth is that we must first start with how we can fully praise God. Then we can truly relish and love the fact that because God is able we are able! Because of His sovereign control exercised through the blood of Christ, we are able to come to him. If this is translated into reality, then we can say that if God is deserving of FULL adoration and praise, then he must also be in FULL control.

So what about the woman? Is she some sort of "inanimate" object? No, she is very animate, but she is animated towards sin.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4

We chose to dismiss God. The woman chooses to cling to her worldly possessions as the fire rages around her. She may even fight off the firefighter to grab as many possessions as she can. You may ask, "would we really do that?" Well, unfortunately, the limit of the analogy has been reached, we would be stretching it too far. Now, you can only go and search your heart and recall those times when Christ brought you out of darkness. In those times of darkness and despair, did you not ask God: "Help me Father!" not "Help me get better animated or rational!" Also, were you not able to ask these things because it was God who revealed it to you (i.e. through His revealed word in the bible)?

Whatever your answer may be, it reveals what you heart truly possesses. If you truly want God's help, you ask for his full sustaining grace (available only to a sovereign God) and freedom from sin. Or if you want your own path to be fulfilled (through the hope of sovereign God "acting" as a non-controlling being), then you are really a slave to your own desire and autonomy.

I don't think we disagree about this, but I emphasize these points about salvation because we must glorify God in the fullest sense. This is only attainable by "de-emphasizing" (to the point of negation) ourselves as the participants of grace to emphasizing ourselves as only the objects of grace.

I know that you are saying that we are not puppets, and neither am I. You are right to say that we are "not inanimate objects." However, you are wrong to say that we are necessarily "rational." We are very "irrational" people in the eyes of God. Like the woman in the burning building, we are lost confused and have even chosen to stay longer, fighting off the firefighter to collect our worldly possessions. Very irrational is it not? Just as it is irrational to chose a temporary pleasure in the world over and above the most eternal pleasurable being that is God.

I hope that this is made clear that I am trying emphasize that ALL glory goes to God. All glory to God because He saved us from sin. All glory to God because He conformed us to His will.
All glory to God because He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Thank you so much for your insightful comment Jess, it has helped me think more deeply about these issues. I look forward to future conversations.

What the?!

Who Saves?

One of the most disputed topics within Christendom is the subject of salvation. There's no question that Jesus saves. This is fundamental to the Christian faith.

Many controversies, rather, arise from the "how" of this salvation. That is, how are we saved? Does Jesus do all the work? Or do we have some part in our being saved through free will?

Without directly answering these questions at this time, instead I propose an analogy:

If a there was a fire in a building, and a woman was trapped inside. Imagine that she is discombobulated from the smoke, and therefore direction-less and confused.

Who is most worthy of being praised? Is it the firefighter that shouts out to her and guides her out of the burning building, without taking a step into it?

Or is it the firefighter that risks his life by entering the building? Only this firefighter does not only look for her regardless of the harm that may come to him, he finds her. And once he finds her, he picks her up and carries her out to safety.

Who is most worthy of being praised?

The firefighter that relies on the incapacitated free will of the woman, or the firefighter that takes it upon himself to save the woman?

We do have a part in salvation. But our part, our role, is in being the saved ones, not the saviour. If we do try to wrest that role from God, then we are glorifying ourselves. It would be like that woman saying that she was the one who ultimately walked out of that building alone, so she deserves the credit.

The firefighter, then, is not the one most worthy of being praised, but only partially worthy. Similarly, God is not the one most worthy of being praised in the hearts of those who deny the sovereignty of God.

One person told me that there is nothing wrong with having different opinions about how God is in control. But I sincerely pray for him to understand that there is something very wrong. And that is, as a people whose ultimate end is to glorify God, we must believe that God is most worthy of being praised!

Who sent His son to die on the cross? Did we?
Who died on the cross for our sin? Did we?
Whose story makes possible our salvation? Us?
By no means! It is God!

A post from Team Pyro that I really liked

Proverbic distillation:

For the Christian, all misery is temporary.
For the non-Christian, all pleasure is temporary.

More poetically:

The sorrows of the godly are fleeting,
As are the pleasures of the wicked.

Scriptures:

Line A:
Psalm 16:11; 23:6; 73:23-26; Isaiah 24:1-9; Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-23; Romans 8:18, 28-39; 16:20; 2 Corinthians 4:16 — 5:10; James 1:2-3, 12; 1 Peter 1:5-6; 5:10; 1 John 2:17; Revelation 21:4; 22

Line B:
Psalm 1:4-6; 17:14a; 37:10; 73:16-20; Proverbs 10:28; 11:7; Matthew 16:26; Luke 6:24-26; 12:16-21; 16:19-31; Romans 2:5, 9; Colossians 3:5-6; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 11:25b; James 5:1-6; 1 John 2:17; Revelation 20:10, 15; 21:8

Quote from "Between Two Worlds"

As many of you know, the word for “church” in the New Testament is the Greek word “Ekklesia.” It refers to those who have been called out of darkness in order to be called together by God into his presence. In other words, we have been “called out” of bondage and “called into” community so that we might worship God the Father, through God the Son, in God the Spirit together. Thirsting for God together and receiving from God together is what we were all created and designed for. This is why I look forward to Sunday mornings more than any other time of the week. When I am with God's people and we are worshipping together (praying, praising, preaching), my anticipation for the “great gathering” on the last day intensifies. What we do together on Sunday mornings is nothing less than a glorious rehearsal of what we will experience when the “ultimate assembly” is fully and finally brought together by Christ. Our weekly worship is a foretaste of that day when our “feasting” will be permanent and our “fasting” will be over. I could dream about that all day long! Wait a second...it's Sunday...I can! And so can you.

Reformed Conference in Toronto!

Hello anyone who reads this blog! I've certainly been waiting for a reformed conference to come to Toronto... and guess what? There's one coming!

Check it out: link.

There is one pastor name Thabiti Anyabwile and one theologian names James White. Both are fantastic teachers, each in their own right.

No doubt, this will be on the scholarly side, but I'm sure some people from Faith Church would like to go.

Lies!

"I got the camera bag for fifty dollars," says Will.
"But that's so much!" replied Melissa.
"Don't worry, we'll use it well," rebutted Will.

It was at that point that Will casually bent over to pick up the garbage, when the receipt for the camera bag stuck out of his back pocket. In an instant, Melissa grabbed the receipt. She curiously read what was written and exclaimed: "Liar!"

"What the, huh?" floundered Will.
"You said the camera bag was fifty dollars," said Melissa. "Why then does the receipt say that it was 80 dollars?"

Will, like a child caught with his hand in the piggy bank, could only somberly reply: "I lied"

All lies are bad.

To think that white lies, small lies, or half-truths are okay is a lie in itself. The enemy wants us to think that the little sins we commit are inconsequential. He wants us to fail by convincing us that we can flippantly and facetiously ignore our lies. But that does not glorify God. Nor does it progress the gospel in our lives or in others.

There are three things that I've learned from this true incident.

1. Lies, no matter what, do not build up the faith of our Christian friends.

By lying, we undermine the earnestness of praying for the one we lied to. By lying, we essentially sin against a brother/sister; and if the lie persists, we sin also by not promoting their Christ-likeness, whereby we deny them the ability to forgive us of our lie (Matthew 18:25).

2. Lies, no matter what, do not build up our own faith.

By lying, we show that we do not have the integrity in our hearts to share in the Ultimate Truth, which is the gospel (1 John 2:21).

3. Lies, no matter what, do not glorify God.

God wants us to be pure so that we can glorify God (Philippians 4:8; Titus 1:15). No one can glorify God if he/she is not cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Lies prevent us from worshiping God.

In the North American worldview, lies don't seem to be as major as murder. But if we truly understood the glory of God, then it is clear that all sins are equally devastating to our souls.

Why? Because the mode of all sin is to "de-god" God. In other words, the mode of sin is our very natures. Our natures are inclined to sin, as it is evident through our acts of sin. And when we are inclined to sin, then we "de-god" God and "Godify" our sinful nature. This, for obvious reasons, offends God. No glory should be given to anyone but God.

"Lord, we need help.
We are intrinsically God-defying and sinful.
Our lies testify to our inability to worship You.
Lead us to your mercy.
Forgive us.
And may we be transformed by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.
And on that claim, and that claim alone, do we cry:
'Abba, Father,
Holy is the Lord,
Most worthy of praise!'"

1 Timothy 2:9-10

I couldn't help but comment on the following article found in the Toronto Star: Article.

As I reflected on what was said, I could not help but think of 1 Timothy 2:9-10.

9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

Two things come to mind:

1. A message to women: 1 Timothy 2 is not merely a suggestion, but a way to point to Jesus in your life. Take seriously the words of Paul. He isn't trying to create a legalistic rule for you to follow, but describe for you a Godly and holy lifestyle that leads others to that same holy calling (Romans 6:13). This ultimately glorifies God.

2. A message to men: Men have to have grace when reading this article. My personal reaction to the article was not very pleasant. Instead of my reaction, the Gospel-centered thing to do is to pray for these women. Remember the context of 1 Timothy 2:9-10 is for men to "pray" and "lift up holy hands" (verse 8). Not to quarrel with these women.

My personal opinion (which arises from these reflections on the article and bible) is that both men and women are fallen creatures. Men don't have the right to stare lustfully at women. Women don't have a right to selfishly dress the way they want if it causes another to sin. That means that neither a man nor women is permitted to impose their lifestyles on one another. We must find Jesus and have the grace to let go of our worldly desires and promote in one another faith, not lifestyle!

One thing is clear: it is obvious that we need much grace from Jesus in order that we may be graceful with one another.

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At the Heart of Christianity

The following website goes step by step through the message of Christianity. It is a fantastic resource for new believers, or those that want to hear the basic gospel through succinct steps.

Go to it at "Two ways to live".

Rated R

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Discerning Reader

Tim Challies, a native of Toronto, maintains a website called the Discerning Reader, and a well known blog. I personally enjoy reading his articles, and trust that he writes as a God-fearing man. Discerning Reader is a great site for reading reviews of various books from a reformed perspective.

Great site!

Heart to Heart

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

(Message (summary) given at Faith Church on June 10, 2007, 1:30pm)

Heart to Heart

Speaking to you heart to heart came about few weeks ago. Normally, at faith church, we take a book in the bible and go through it in order but few weeks ago, during our anniversary dinner, my heart was struck with wanting to let all of you know what God has been laying on my heart. Thoughts and feelings for you and our church as your pastor and one of the leaders in our church. In a sense, this is very much a pastoral care message to everyone. I love you very much.

There are five things I would like to share with you but before we get to those, I want to let you know that they all five revolve around what is of most important in our lives. That is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you— unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:1-6 (ESV)

What is this Gospel? “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day …” and then he appeared to many people. To clarify, the opposite of the Gospel is Religion.

Religion is about what I do. Gospel is about what Jesus has done.

And the Bible says, this is of “First importance.” Because Religion leads to pride or despair; Gospel leads to humility and joy.

Why do we need to be reminded of the Gospel? Because Religion is death; Gospel is life.

Religion is not our goal; Gospel is.

Five things that the Gospel does in our lives. May you by FAITH in Jesus Christ embrace them.

First, be …

1. Humbled by the Grace of the Gospel.

Heart to heart – “Let us be humble.”

If you want to know if you are being humbled by the grace of the gospel, it will show mainly in your service to others.

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV)

Now, if you are struggling with humility, let me remind you about something. Let me remind you, brothers and sisters of the Gospel. Because when we are reminded of the Grace of the Gospel, we are humbled.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)

Second be …

2. Transformed by the Power of the Gospel.

A permanent salvation transformation. Justified so that there would be a new walk with the Lord today. Sanctified so that there is a closer walk with the Lord today then yesterday. And one day to be Glorified so that there would be a perfect walk with the Lord.

This kind of transformation can only come from the power of the gospel.

Because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. 1 Thessalonians 1:5a (ESV)

If you want to know if you are being transformed by the power of the gospel, it will mainly show in your prayer life. The idea of prayer is one of dependence. We are saying to God that we cannot change on our own but need His help.

Heart to heart – Let us be prayerful.

Let me tell all of you who may not know Jesus Christ and have not accepted this gospel we are talking about. The truth is that we are praying for you. We are praying that you see Christ on the cross and you see that He died for your sins and rose again in victory. Simply we are praying for you to believe the gospel. And for all of you who do know Jesus Christ, you must also pray for your self and one another.

Now, if you are struggling with transformation, let me remind you about something. Let me remind you, brothers and sisters of the Gospel. Because when we are reminded of the Power of the Gospel (and thus not relying on the power of self), there is transformation.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16a (ESV)

Third be …

3. Instructed by the Word of the Gospel.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

Please make sure you understand. The goal of God’s Word is not to prescribe to you and I how we can be more righteous or how we can be more in favor with God. That is religion. This is not Word of my religion but it is the Word of the Gospel. Meaning, the goal of God’s Word is to describe to you and I what a life with Jesus looks like. Description of faith in Jesus and embracing of His Gospel.

Bottom line is that the Bible is the Word of the Gospel because Jesus is the hero who has made the way for us to now walk with God.

Heart to heart – Let us love the Word.

If you want to know if you are being instructed by the Word of the gospel, it will mainly show in your love for the Word.

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Psalms 119:10-16 (ESV)

Now, if you are struggling with being instructed by the Word, let me remind you about something. Let me remind you, brothers and sisters of the Gospel. Because when we are reminded of the Word of the Gospel (that it is not just rules of do’s and don’ts, but a Word that leads to knowing Jesus), there will be a love for the Word.

Fourth be …

4. Affected by the Call of the Gospel.

Philippians 2 would say if you have been united with Christ then serve one another. Ephesians 2 would say there is good works God has prepared for us to do. Throughout the Scriptures, there is a clear understanding that when we have faith in Jesus Christ by embracing His Gospel this is an eternal life changing faith. That our whole life is affected. The purpose and vision that we live for has changed. The things that we desire have changed. The things we talk about have changed.

Jeremiah says … If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. Jeremiah 20:9 (ESV)

Heart to heart – Let us be passionate. Let us give our whole lives to this call of the Gospel.

If you want to know if you are being affected by the Call of the gospel, it will mainly show in your sharing of the Gospel.

Now, if you are struggling with being affected by our call, let me remind you about something. Let me remind you, brothers and sisters of the Gospel. Because when we are reminded of the Call of the Gospel, there will be an affect on our lives.

Fifth be …

5. Focused on the Glory of the Gospel.

It is about believing God, trusting God, and wanting to be with God. It is about staying focused on Him. This is the glory of the gospel. Gospel has made a way for us to have peace with God.

Heart to heart – Let us stay focused. There will be tough times ahead. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

If you want to know if you are staying focused on the Glory of the gospel, it will mainly show in your desire for God.

Now, if you are struggling with staying focused on God, let me remind you about something. Let me remind you, brothers and sisters of the Gospel. Because when we are reminded of the Glory of the Gospel, we will stay focused.

I think we were all at one time proud religious self-trusting, self-absorbed individuals. However, the Gospel of Jesus Christ has taken a hold of our lives and now everything is different. Praise God.

TRUE GOSPEL is LIFE

Have not posted in a while because I did not want to post just anything. I will be posting a lot more but in the meanwhile enjoy this video someone made. Praise God for the TRUE GOSPEL.

Encouraged

I was at a United Church the other day and an interesting thing happened. An elderly man, having heard that I was a pastor, asked me, "Are you some sort of religious person?" The funny thing about this was that he was a regular attendee of the church, yet he didn't know how to articulate "Christian" or "follower of Jesus"!

Then, right after, another elderly person came up to me about my vocation and basically told me that "Jesus is the only way" and "Jesus is Lord". He also quoted to me Psalm 22 and reminded me about penal substitution. When I asked him about United Church theology, which typically denies the existence of hell and doesn't affirm Jesus as the only way, he quietly responded: "I'm an evangelical"! Imagine that, an evangelical in a United Church!

I was truly blessed by both of these encounters for two reasons: 1. There is hope for churches that do not have the gospel, 2. There is hope in God changing the elderly to receive the gospel.

God is amazing!

Heaven

This has got to be one of the greatest sermons I've ever heard on heaven: Link.

Sermon on Luke 2:41-50

When I was in middle school, I grew up in a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood. Since it was a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood, the majority of my friends were invariably Jewish. So, having many Jewish friends at the age of 12, I regularly attended bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs. From what I remember, these festivals were coming-of-age rituals, or ceremonies that officially usher a child into adulthood. It was a time when families and friends got together and had a huge birthday party. I remember there being so much food, music and dancing. And at that age we danced with our arms straight out in front of us! Needless to say, this Jewish festival was celebrated with unmitigated joy and gladness. In contrast, when my Jewish friends told me about their participation in Passover, they conveyed a piousness that seemed deep and convicting. Whatever the tradition, there was always a sense of profound emotion, whether in elation or in heavyheartedness.

Now Jesus, at the age of twelve, was one year too young to be celebrating a bar mitzvah, assuming that bar mitzvahs even existed in his day. Nonetheless, he was on the verge of adulthood, celebrating the Passover (vs. 41-42). And this is where the story begins.

Now, it says that Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem while his parents unknowingly leave for home in verse 43. At first glance, it seems like Jesus is playing hooky with his parents. At least I read it that way because I was a young bratty twelve year old that played hooky all the time. I also played hide and seek a lot when I was twelve; was Jesus playing hide and seek?

These initial observations were obviously way off the mark. They were off the mark because Jesus was doing something remarkably unlike what typical children would do. Quoting a seasoned biblical scholar, Professor Glen Taylor: Jesus remains fixed in the Temple in contrast to the frenetic movement of his parents.

Why is this? Why is Jesus “fixed” in the temple? Taylor goes on to say: Note the contrast between mention of Jesus' earthly relatives who are many and who can't keep track of him and Jesus’ single parental relationship and the fixedness of his residency in the Temple. In other words, Jesus is fixed on the Father. We know he is fixed on the Father simply because he chooses to be in the God’s temple, in verse 46. We know that he is fixed on the Father because he immerses himself with conversations about God, in verse 46 and 47.

Now we have to ask the questions: Who is really lost here? Is it Jesus, or is it the parents and the relatives?

At this point in the story, Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus, finally find him. They are obviously shaken from the whole ordeal, having been searching for him for days. Understandably, they express their frustrations in verse 48 saying, “Why have you treated us this way?” We know that Mary is saying this with some forcefulness because she says right after, “Behold!” Mary is crying out for attention here, because “behold”, or ivdou, (idou) in Greek, is often used to make a serious point. What is this point? Mary’s point is this: “Your father and I have been anxiously looking for you.”

And instead of answering Mary’s distress; instead of consoling her, or apologizing to her, or seeking resolution with her; instead of empathizing with her anxiety; Jesus poses two questions that seem to ignore Mary’s state of angst: (1) Why is it that you were looking for me? (2) Did you not know that I had to be in my Father's house?

I have to be honest, but I struggled with Jesus’ answer. I could not immediately understand why Jesus answered this way; I couldn’t discern the purpose of his answer, and what he was driving at. I couldn’t understand the questions: (1) “Why is it that you were looking for me?” and (2) “Did you not know that I had to be in my Father’s house?”

After some time of study and reflection, I realized that when Jesus asked “Why is it that you were looking for me?” his parents should have understood that this was an important time in Jesus’ life. You see, this was the year when Jesus was instructed in the law, or the Torah, which was the word of God. He was at an age when most Jewish boys would learn about God, and God’s works in the history of Israel. Jewish tradition stipulates that young boys be educated the year prior to them entering into adulthood; this tradition is now known as bar mitzvahs. So, it is understandable that boy-Jesus was in the temple. It is understandable that boy-Jesus was surrounding himself with teachers of the law. It is understandable that Jesus can counter-ask his mother, “Did you not know that I had to be in my Father’s house?” It is understandable because we know that Jesus was fixed on the Father.

Perhaps the second thing I struggled with was: What does it mean when Jesus calls God “father”? So what does it mean when Jesus calls God “Father”? By calling God “father”, Jesus is declaring his “sonship”. Or, in other words, Jesus is saying that he is God’s son, suggesting that this was a particularly intimate relationship.

Jesus displays his sonship by submitting to God. Jesus’ submission to his biological parents is different from his submission to God. In Luke 2:48, Jesus’ parents are surprised by Jesus’ absence. This probably means that Jesus was normally submissive to his parents. It was not until now, on the verge of adulthood, that Jesus willfully chose to submit first to God by staying in the temple. It is not until Luke 2:49 that Jesus reveals that his submission to God is a priority. What Jesus is conveying here is that he willfully subjects himself to God over his biological parents.

Jesus’ submission to God shows how intimate Jesus is with God. New Bible Commentary explains that: “[Luke 2] shows that from an early age Jesus was aware of an intimate relationship to God as his Father in a way which went beyond the normal religious consciousness of a devout Jew, and that he was putting this relationship first in his life—although he was careful to continue to obey his parents.”

God, as Jesus’ father, displays his unique parental relationship by bestowing His grace on Jesus. There is a similarity between Jesus and John. Jesus and John are contrasted throughout the beginning chapters of Luke: (1) the foretelling of John’s birth contrasts with Jesus’ (1:5 – 1:38); (2) prenatal story of John contrasts with Jesus’ (1:39 – 1:56); (3) Jesus’ birth contrasts with John’s birth (1:57 – 2:21); (4) In Luke 1:80, John the Baptist grew and became strong in the spirit. Similarly, in Luke 2:52 and 2:40, Jesus grew and became strong.

So there is a similarity between John and Jesus, but there is also dissimilarity between John and Jesus. Namely, Jesus, unlike John, is explicitly given God’s grace. Using the NASB, I did not realize that the word “favour” in Luke 2:52 was the same word as “grace” in Luke 2:40. You see, the Greek text uses the same word in both Luke 2:52 and Luke 2:40. This Greek word is ca,rij (charis), which means “grace”. This means two things: first, God’s grace is consistently bestowed on Jesus before and after Jesus’ trip to Jerusalem; second, God’s grace on Jesus shows God’s partiality towards Jesus. God’s grace on Jesus shows how intimate God is with Jesus.

So, if Jesus is intimate with God because of submission and grace, what does this mean for us? In other words, when Jesus calls God “father”, what does that mean for us? It means that we can have a relationship with the Father through Christ.

Jesus tells us that there is no way to have a relationship with God except through Jesus. In Luke 10:21-22, Jesus says, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

That’s why Jesus died on the cross. When Jesus died on the cross, he brought us near to God. Paul says in Ephesians 2:13, “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” And once we are brought near to God because of Jesus, we are adopted sons of God. Paul also says in Romans 8:14, 15, “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” In this way, we are given God’s grace, just as boy-Jesus has God’s grace in Luke 2:40, 52.

Because of Jesus, we can also have an intimate relationship with God.

Most of my childhood was spent living in a predominately Chinese-populated in Scarborough. When I moved to a predominantly Jewish-populated in North York, I felt like an alien in a foreign land. At first, it was hard to fit in at school, being a little Korean boy amongst Jews. Everyday I would hate going to school, dreading the free time that I would spend sitting in the hallway alone. But one day, one guy from my class came up to me in the hallway, his name was Josh, a Jew. He took the time to talk to me. Everyday, he would come up to me and invite me to eat lunch with his friends. Eventually, this turned into a friendship that I cherished. I no longer hated going to school. I no longer was alone. I had a friend! I even went to his bar mitzvah!

Much in the same way, we have a friend in Jesus. Only he doesn’t just introduce us to friends, he introduces us to the eternal God, who is his Father. So let’s cherish this relationship together.

Invited

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to announce that I've been invited to the Candidate Course (CC) for Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF).

For those of you who don't know, I've applied to work in OMF with Melissa. This is just one of steps in merging Melissa's ministry and my ministry together. OMF has officially invited me to a training course (CC), and I'll be training at the OMF guest house in July.

Please pray for Melissa and I as this process of ministry-merging continues. God has been opening a lot of doors so far, and I can testify to his sovereign hand in all of this! May God be glorified!

Thanks guys!

Figurines

A couple of months ago, I posted a blog about how there is a dangerous correlation between idolatry and created images of God (i.e. Jesus bobbleheads). Nothing created can do justice (or truly give glory) to the uncreated God.

That's why Jesus came! That's why we need Jesus to be our substitute, whereby only Jesus can truly give glory to God (Romans 3:23; Romans 16:27).

But I don't think there is anything wrong with created persons creating images of created people. Check it out!

Ah blog!

Blog maintenance is not an easy thing! But here' a couple of things:

1. Faith Church moved!!! Yes, we've moved again, only this new place is more permanent. Here is the map.

2. We look forward to a new blog space! More news to come...

3. Did you check out the devotional blog? It's still being worked out. For now, we're going through Philippians.

Pray for Perseverance of the Saints in Turkey

Friends,

There is an urgent call for prayer in Turkey. Read the open letter sent to all protestant churches.

Several of our brothers have been martyred, and there is expected to be more persecution and strife for the Christians in Turkey. They have asked for all of us to pray for the perseverance of their faith.

May grace abound as we glorify Christ together, even amidst these tragic times.

Will.

Run to the Battle

Acts 13:4-12
(Message given at Faith Church on April 22, 2007, 1:30pm)

INTRODUCTION

What we see in today’s passage are two people called by God and sent by the Holy Spirit to RUN TO THE BATTLE.

What I mean by that is first, “RUN.” We see Barnabas and Saul not milling around thinking about “should I or shouldn’t I.” They are not taking their sweet time making sure all their affairs are in order. Figuratively, they were not walking. They were running.

And they were running “TO.” We see them not running away from or running around. They knew where they had to go and so they ran “TO.”

And they were running to “THE BATTLE.” As you will see, they knew exactly what they were running to. They knew the heartaches and the hardships. They knew that they were running into “THE BATTLE.”

That is why today’s message is titled “Run to the Battle.” I am going to unpack today’s passage but before we go through them, I want you to clearly understand what I believe.

I believe all of you who profess to be a Christian, if God has truly called you into a saving faith, with that you are also called to run to the battle. To be people who live out their earthly lives going where God calls them to go, doing whatever God calls them to do.

So I believe Sideline Christian is an oxymoron. There is no bench warming. There is no just watching the battle for true Christians.

Therefore, when I say run to the battle. I am just merely describing what a God-glorifying, Jesus loving Spirit-empowering life looks like. I am not “suggesting” that you run to the battle as if I am saying that it is an option for us to take or not take. This is the life of a Christ-follower.

I just wanted you to know what I believe. Now, some body here might say, “But Sean, I am struggling. I believe I am a Christian, but I don’t see my life as running into the battle. Nor do I even want to.” “How do I make my heart want to run to the battle?” To that, let me answer this way.

You cannot make your heart want to do something. You can force your body to do something but not your heart.

But here is what you can do. Do what Barnabas, Saul, and the other people were doing in verses 1-3.

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:1-3 (ESV)

Love God, worship God, be with God, seek God, pray and ask others to pray for you, and etc. And not because you have earned it but because of His grace, what will happen is that the Holy Spirit will minister and reveal to you how beautiful and glorious God is.

Then, and only then, you will want to run to the battle. In fact, no one can stop you.

Let’s unpack today’s passage. And we are going to see four things about running into the battle. First, we see that Barnabas and Saul are running into a …

1. Great Mission (Vs. 4-5)

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. Acts 13:4-5 (ESV)

In Acts 13:4 we read that Barnabas and Saul were sent on their way by the Holy Spirit. Not only were they sent by the church, but they were also sent by the Holy Spirit. This is an important point. Human leaders may lead us into ministries and places, but if the Holy Spirit does not lead us, we will fail. Conversely, when the Holy Spirit sends us, he goes with us, for Jesus Christ said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

No matter what ministry we are called to, we must not focus on whether or not we have the know-how, the resources, or whatever we think we need. Rather, we need to focus on whether or not the Holy Spirit is leading us. If the Holy Spirit is with us, he will take care of all our needs. God will accomplish what He needs to accomplish.

However, that does not mean that we sit and twiddle our thumbs. The Spirit of God sends us out. He does not drag us or deceive us, but sends us by calling. And look at the next part of the verse.

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. Acts 13:4-5 (ESV)

They went; they sailed. In other words, they obeyed.

Now, we could just say, “cool.” But we must look at where they went. Where did they go?

Antioch to Port city of Seleucia – 15 miles. Sailed Seleucia to Cyprus. They arrived in the port city of Salamis. Cyprus was a province of Rome, ruled by a senatorial proconsul beginning in 22 B.C.

Cyprus was known as the isle of commerce. Very busy island because of its location. It was a shipping lane between Syria, Asia Minor, and Greece. It was also a trade center of many things.

However Cyprus was also known as the isle of happiness. Why, you might ask. On the one hand, it was because of great weather and other abundance the residents and travelers enjoyed. On the other hand, the island was known for temple prostitutes. There was a temple of Aphrodite, or Venus in the capital city of Paphos where people could engage in cultic prostitution. Ironically, one of the nicknames for Cyprus was, “the Happy Isle.”

Before Barnabas and Saul went to Cyprus, do you think they knew where they were running into? Of course they did. Because Barnabas was from Cyprus.

So when they knew that God was leading them to Cyprus, they must have thought, “God, are you sure.” We must see that their obedience to God included clearly knowing where and what they were running into.

And they also clearly knew what their mission was.

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. Acts 13:4-5 (ESV)

They did not go there for a sunny holiday. They did not go there to do some commerce. They definitely did not go to Cyprus to “hang out” at the temple.

Into this place of deep moral darkness, Barnabas and Saul went to shine the light of the gospel. Into this place where pleasure is proclaimed to the number one goal, they went to proclaim the Word of God.

This was a great mission and brothers and sisters in Christ, God too has called us to this same great mission. However, with great mission, there is always …

2. Grim Opposition (Vs. 6-8)

When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Acts 13:6-8 (ESV)

In Paphos the missionaries met the Jewish sorcerer and false prophet Bar-Jesus. This guy was not a clown doing a magic show at a kid’s birthday party. Bar-Jesus was a well-known sorcerer. Who worked for the proconsul (like a mayor), Sergius Paulus.

The Bible says Sergius Paulus was a very intelligent man and it seems to me that he was thoroughly dissatisfied by the trickery, hollow philosophies and deceit of these retainers. This prominent Roman official invited the missionaries to preach the word of God to him.

At this point Saul and Barnabas began to experience serious opposition in their missionary venture. There will always be opposition, inspired by Satan, in the world against the gospel.

This opposition came through Bar-Jesus. Bar-Jesus means “son of salvation” or “son of Jesus.” But Bar-Jesus had another name, Elymas, which means “skillful one,” or “sorcerer.” As we just said, Bar-Jesus was a Jewish magician and false prophet, a man who pretended to be a source of divine revelation.

It seems like Luke writing this account wants the reader to know that this magician says he is Bar-Jesus but his real name is Elymas.

History had always had false prophets. We see such false prophets throughout the history of Israel, such as the four hundred false prophets of Baal who stood against the prophet Elijah. Jesus warned against false prophets.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15 (ESV)

As an attendant of Sergius Paulus, Bar-Jesus knew he could lose his income if Sergius Paulus became a Christian, so he began to vigorously oppose the missionaries and tried to turn the proconsul from the gospel.

In our obedience to the Spirit of God, there will always be opposition. Opposition that may even seem grim. As we move forward, … Not enough money, not enough people pitching in, not enough of this or that.

This is very much the situation in our lives. There is always temptation to be down about our situation. That is not the Spirit of God speaking but another spirit.

Here is the Good News. No matter how grim the opposition might be, we have the …

3. Greatest Power (Vs. 9-11)

Because we have a great God who sends us out on a great mission. And with that we have the Holy Spirit.

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (ESV)

In the midst of what may seem like a grim opposition, the Holy Spirit came upon Paul. God’s Spirit will always come upon you the moment you need him, energizing you, guiding you and making you competent to meet the opposition. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul took charge of the situation.

But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time." Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. Acts 13:9-11 (ESV)

First, Paul said, “You are a child of the devil,” or in the Greek, “a son of the devil.” In other words, the Holy Spirit was saying, “Bar-Jesus, despite your name, you are no son of Jesus. You are no son of salvation. You are a son of the devil!” Then he said, “You are an enemy of everything that is right.” Next he said, “You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?”

How can we know if someone is a false prophet?

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:1-4 (ESV)

How can we know? Ask your selves, is Jesus the central message? Is the gospel of Jesus Christ the central message? Is Jesus the hero?

I am usually not overly concerned about cults because they are very obvious. But concern that I seem to have is when a Bible teacher or preacher stands and do not preach the gospel as recorded in God’s word.

Spirit through Paul and John says they are the sons of the devil, enemies of righteousness, perverters of the straight ways of God. (say this softly, humbly, and regrettably)

Every false prophet, every cult member, and every preacher who refuses to preach the gospel as given to us in the word of God, is rejected by God.

Just as Bar-Jesus was full of evil spirits, deceit, and trickery, Paul and Barnabas were full of the Holy Spirit and the gospel. The Holy Spirit empowered them to deal with the lies of Satan and his demonic power as manifested by Bar-Jesus.

The Holy Spirit came upon Paul, not to bless Bar-Jesus, but to curse him. Paul pronounced a curse, and Bar-Jesus was instantly blinded and totally defeated. Verse 11 tells us, “Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.”

Ironically, God blinds Elymas because he has been blinding others.

This was the triumph of the gospel over the lies of Satan, the triumph of the Holy Spirit over evil spirits, and the triumph of Christ over Satan in Cyprus.

4. Glorious Faith (Vs. 12)

Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. Acts 13:12 (ESV)

The proconsul believed; “Pisteuo.”

With Bar-Jesus out of the way, Sergius Paulus could hear the gospel without hindrance and he believed in Jesus Christ.

I say GLORIOUS faith because this faith was made possible because of the Spirit of God. It was God who planned this. It was God who did this.

And I say glorious FAITH because through faith in Jesus Christ, He is glorified. So through Barnabas and Saul’s faith there were others who also came to faith. The will of God is that, through our faith, others will come to know Jesus as well. And humbly, maybe the will of God be that through our faith family, others in the Willowdale community will come to know Jesus as well.

What About You?

The gospel tells us to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and we shall be saved. Would you do that today? Would you put away the idols of your heart – the stubbornness, the arrogance, the pride, the twistedness, the self-centeredness – and give your life over to Jesus Christ to serve him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength?

It is my prayer that you will be like Sergius Paulus – this intelligent man who welcomed the missionaries and their message. He realized the emptiness of all the trickery, the mystery religions and the philosophies offered by the world. By the grace of God, he was looking for something and he found the gospel of Jesus Christ.

And will you join us in running into the battle? Will you run to the battle?

The title of the sermon is taken from an old song that I use to listen to. As we close today, let me read (not sing) it for us and then I will pray.

RUN TO THE BATTLE
(Steve Camp)

Some people want to live
Within the sound of chapel bells
But I want to run a mission
A yard from the gates of Hell
And with everyone you meet
I'll take them the gospel and share it well
And look around you as you hesitate
For another soul just fell
Let's run to the battle
Run to the battle

Do you have your armor on
We're in the middle of a raging war
We've been training for so long
Have we learned to use His sword?
We may not be ready
But we serve a mighty Lord
And He's made us more than conquerors
So what are you waiting for?
Let's run to the battle
We got to run, run to the battle

He has trampled down the enemy
And has given us the victory
When we pray we learn to see
That His army
We are marching on our knees

There'll be times when we grow weak
Let's keep our faith alive
Let your faces shine with glory
For He's helped us to survive
And in that final hour
When you feel like you're ready to die
Will you hear the trumpet sound
Will you hear the warrior cry
Run to the battle
We got to run, run to the battle


Steve Camp
© 1981 Word Music (a div. of Word, Inc.)(ASCAP)