Knowing God's Will
John 4:34
In our last sermon, we looked at Jesus' satisfaction in doing God's will and finishing His work. Now, I know we're spending a lot of time in this chapter, but I did want to spend a few weeks on a very important topic: Knowing God's will. Why? I never talked with a Christian who denied those fundamental truths that were taught in the last sermon. Actually, there are many people who are fired up about doing God's will. The problem is that many of these same people who are fired up about doing God's do not know how to discern God's will. I have met many people in my college days, many collegians that were passionate about following after God. It breaks my heart to see these people living completely against God's will and thinking that they are in God’s will at the same time. This is a very serious issue. You will be like them, if you're not serious about knowing and discerning God's will.
This is why we're going to spend at least three weeks on this topic. Afterwards, I pray that you will know how to "prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2).
God wants us to know His will. It is unquestionable that God desires for us to know His will. Paul expresses this repeatedly in his epistles. For instance, he writes, "So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17). Again, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed in the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is" (Romans 12:2). He prayed for the churches to know God's will: "For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Colossians 1:9). Obviously, if doing God's will is important, it necessitates that we know God's will in order to do it.
The Bible teaches that there are two different types of God's will. We call one the Will of Decree, and the other the Will of Command. This might seem to you an unimportant nuance, but I want you to know that this distinction is clear in Scripture and that it is immediate, practical implications. Now, what is the difference between these two wills of God and which will are we to know and understand?
1. The Will of Decree - The will of decree is God's sovereign purpose that cannot be thwarted. For example, Daniel 4:35 states, "All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and no one can ward of His hand or say to Him, 'what have You done.'" Therefore, God's will here is always accomplished, and he is not responsible towards man to explain what He has done. Isaiah also writes, "For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient of times things which have not been done, saying, 'My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure'" (Isaiah 46:10). God is in complete control of all that happens and everything that happens can be said to have been God's will; He declared the end from the beginning.
2. The Will of Command - The Will of Decree does not leave us with nihilism (i.e. do whatever you want because God's doing it). Remember that God, though he declares all things to be, is not responsible for your sins or any evil (James 1:13). We also need to understand we are under the authority of God's Will of Command. This will can be disobeyed, and our response to this Will of Command has eternal ramifications (i.e. we are held responsible). For example, Jesus states, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heave, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter" (Matthew 7:21). This implies that men are capable of disobeying God's will and are responsible for their actions (unlike God's Will of Decree)! This Will of Command is revealed to us in His Word.
It is very important for us to understand this. Let's say one of us was molested as a young child by our father. Was it God's will for us to be molested in that way? NO! Of course not! God's will of command surely teaches that it is abominable in the sight of the Lord for men to have indecent acts with one another, and especially with young children. Jesus tells us that it is better for one to put a millstone around his neck and throw himself into the sea than to let one of these little ones stumble. So it is definitely not God's will. But at the same time, YES! It is God's will! And though we do not know why God would allow such a horrible thing to be done to me, I trust in His sovereignty, in His Will of Decree that He will cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Understanding these two wills of God reminds us of our responsibility to not only obey His will, but also to trust in His will.
God wants us to know His will of command. I will give you two reasons why I believe so.
1. Deuteronomy 29:29 explains that "the secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law." Therefore there are things that we ought not to dabble in, and there are things we ought to devote our lives to knowing. The secret things are God's Will of Decree. The revealed things are God's Will of Command.
2. The Greek word repeatedly used for "will" is thelema. It is different from boulema in that thelema expresses desire while boulema expresses decision. We are called to understand and know God's thelema. Never is boulema used to express the will of God that we must know and understand.
We are called by God to know His will. We are called to know His desires rather than His decisions. In our next sermon, we'll discuss how we can start knowing God's will from what is revealed. But let me leave you with a foretaste by quoting to you what John Piper has said on this issue: "God's will of command is revealed finally, decisively only in the Bible." Let's get serious about knowing God's will; let's get serious about knowing God's Word. Stay strong and God bless!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Introducing Monday Meditations
From now on, I will try to post some of my meditations on scripture every Monday for your edification. I can not promise that every Monday there will be a post, but I will try my best. The meditations will be short and sometimes, simply a bible passage that captured my attention.
Here's the first Monday meditations!
Amos 2:16
"'Even the bravest among the warriors will flee naked in that day,' declares the Lord."
Wow, how frightening is that? The audacity of some people simply amazes me. I remember sharing the gospel on the UC Berkeley Campus, and many times people will tell me that they are fine with going to hell.Some would even say something along the line of, "Well if there is a God, He's messed up. I'd rather be in hell. I'll enjoy it." Wow. They do not know what they are even talking about. People who say things like that will flee naked in that day when the Lord comes with judgment. They will scream like a little girl and beg for mercy but will not find it. Let's pray for them. Let's pray for the hard-hearted. Let's pray for the mighty. Let us learn to pray to God to vindicate Himself among people like these, as well as pray for God to save people like these. Stay strong and God bless!
Here's the first Monday meditations!
Amos 2:16
"'Even the bravest among the warriors will flee naked in that day,' declares the Lord."
Wow, how frightening is that? The audacity of some people simply amazes me. I remember sharing the gospel on the UC Berkeley Campus, and many times people will tell me that they are fine with going to hell.Some would even say something along the line of, "Well if there is a God, He's messed up. I'd rather be in hell. I'll enjoy it." Wow. They do not know what they are even talking about. People who say things like that will flee naked in that day when the Lord comes with judgment. They will scream like a little girl and beg for mercy but will not find it. Let's pray for them. Let's pray for the hard-hearted. Let's pray for the mighty. Let us learn to pray to God to vindicate Himself among people like these, as well as pray for God to save people like these. Stay strong and God bless!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
10-12-08 Sermon Review
Doing God's Will
John 4:27-38
Jim Boice recounts a very interesting story about a Spanish king. "About the beginning of the twelfth century, there was a debate about whether the country's churches were to use Gothic or Roman prayer books in their services. The question eventually came before Alfonso VI, who was king at the time. Alfonso decided to leave the matter to chance, so he threw a copy of bth prayer books into a fire, declaring that the one that survived the ordeal should be chosen. However, when the Gothic missal survived the blaze, the king immediately threw it back into the fire and chose the Roman liturgies. Thus was the matter decided..."
Most of us can relate to the story. We are more prone to reject God's will than to do God's will, even if His will was clearly set before us as the noonday sun. It reminds me of St. Augustine who said, "Lord, make me chaste, but not yet!" We pray, "Your will be done," but in our hearts we are saying, "My will be done."
Jesus was wholly different from this Spanish king as well as from most of us. He sets the perfect example of following God's will.
Jesus enjoyed doing God's will - In our passage for today, Jesus makes an extraordinary statement: "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work." I believe this statement shows the major difference between those who will not do God's will and those who do. Jesus saw doing God's will as equal to physical food. Now, it's obvious that food nourishes the physical body and so we can draw spiritual parallels, but Jesus is saying more than that. Food is not supposed to be only for nourishment. Food is enjoyable! The Psalmist writes, "My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness" (Psalm 63:5). In the NIV, "marrow and fatness" is translated as "the richest of foods." Food not only nourishes, it satisfies. What an outlook on doing God's will!
We must also note that Jesus was satisfied in doing God's will, not simply desiring it. He was not merely satisfied to desire God's will. It is easy to desire something. And therefore, Jesus is not satisfied with merely desiring to God's will. It satisfied Him only when He did it. Jesus emphazies this by using stronger language to describe the actual doing of God's will. To do God's will is "to accomplish His work." The word "accomplish" in the Greek is the same word Jesus said on the cross, telao. The word when used by Jesus on the cross is translated in most translations as "It is finished." The same word to describe the completion of Christ's sacrifice is the same word employed here to describe what satisfies Jesus. It is only when He has finished His work that He could be satisfied.
What was satisfying to Jesus must be satisfying to us as well. Remember, the Lord commands us for our own satisfaction. Let us not be satisfied with merely desiring to do God's will. Let us be satisfied when we can say, "I have finished His work." Taste and see how good His commands are!
There is no better time to do God's will than now - After Jesus explains his satisfaction in doing God's will, He encourages His disciples to do God's will. He says, "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say yo you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest." The harvest is ripe! The harvester is gathering in his crop! Jesus is telling us that there is no better time than now!
Jesus also encourages us by reminding us that we are not alone. The work that God calls us to is a work that spans the centuries and incorporates people from all generations. Jesus says, "I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labor." We are not alone; we do not need to start a new work. We are merely building upon the work that those who have gone before us have started.
There is a certain loneliness in doing God's will - By now, I pray that Jesus' statement and encouragements have aroused in you a fervor to do God's will. But let me remind you that in this world, doing God's will is not a popular choice. Let us move back to verse 27. John recounts, "At this His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman". The word "amazed" can be translated "marveled," but it was not because they beheld something marvelous that the disciples are said to have been amazed. The word highlights the peculiarity of Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman. Do not think that the world will embrace you when you actually do God's will. They will consider you strange. Even to His disciples Jesus looked strange. They did not understand, and the world will not understand. If we do not have the conviction that God's will is satisfying to our souls and if we are not strengthened by Jesus' encouragements, we will not overomce the barrier of loneliness. Oh, it is far better to be the outcast and be satisfied in His will, than to have all the world love you and never taste what true joy is.
I think the author of Hebrews put all that I want to say today so perfectly: "let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run the race with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2). I pray God will not only give you the perseverance necessary to run the race of doing God's will, but that He allow you to taste the joy of doing God's will. Press on Christian soldier! We must finish His work! Let us capture the prize! Stay strong and God bless!
John 4:27-38
Jim Boice recounts a very interesting story about a Spanish king. "About the beginning of the twelfth century, there was a debate about whether the country's churches were to use Gothic or Roman prayer books in their services. The question eventually came before Alfonso VI, who was king at the time. Alfonso decided to leave the matter to chance, so he threw a copy of bth prayer books into a fire, declaring that the one that survived the ordeal should be chosen. However, when the Gothic missal survived the blaze, the king immediately threw it back into the fire and chose the Roman liturgies. Thus was the matter decided..."
Most of us can relate to the story. We are more prone to reject God's will than to do God's will, even if His will was clearly set before us as the noonday sun. It reminds me of St. Augustine who said, "Lord, make me chaste, but not yet!" We pray, "Your will be done," but in our hearts we are saying, "My will be done."
Jesus was wholly different from this Spanish king as well as from most of us. He sets the perfect example of following God's will.
Jesus enjoyed doing God's will - In our passage for today, Jesus makes an extraordinary statement: "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work." I believe this statement shows the major difference between those who will not do God's will and those who do. Jesus saw doing God's will as equal to physical food. Now, it's obvious that food nourishes the physical body and so we can draw spiritual parallels, but Jesus is saying more than that. Food is not supposed to be only for nourishment. Food is enjoyable! The Psalmist writes, "My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness" (Psalm 63:5). In the NIV, "marrow and fatness" is translated as "the richest of foods." Food not only nourishes, it satisfies. What an outlook on doing God's will!
We must also note that Jesus was satisfied in doing God's will, not simply desiring it. He was not merely satisfied to desire God's will. It is easy to desire something. And therefore, Jesus is not satisfied with merely desiring to God's will. It satisfied Him only when He did it. Jesus emphazies this by using stronger language to describe the actual doing of God's will. To do God's will is "to accomplish His work." The word "accomplish" in the Greek is the same word Jesus said on the cross, telao. The word when used by Jesus on the cross is translated in most translations as "It is finished." The same word to describe the completion of Christ's sacrifice is the same word employed here to describe what satisfies Jesus. It is only when He has finished His work that He could be satisfied.
What was satisfying to Jesus must be satisfying to us as well. Remember, the Lord commands us for our own satisfaction. Let us not be satisfied with merely desiring to do God's will. Let us be satisfied when we can say, "I have finished His work." Taste and see how good His commands are!
There is no better time to do God's will than now - After Jesus explains his satisfaction in doing God's will, He encourages His disciples to do God's will. He says, "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say yo you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest." The harvest is ripe! The harvester is gathering in his crop! Jesus is telling us that there is no better time than now!
Jesus also encourages us by reminding us that we are not alone. The work that God calls us to is a work that spans the centuries and incorporates people from all generations. Jesus says, "I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labor." We are not alone; we do not need to start a new work. We are merely building upon the work that those who have gone before us have started.
There is a certain loneliness in doing God's will - By now, I pray that Jesus' statement and encouragements have aroused in you a fervor to do God's will. But let me remind you that in this world, doing God's will is not a popular choice. Let us move back to verse 27. John recounts, "At this His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman". The word "amazed" can be translated "marveled," but it was not because they beheld something marvelous that the disciples are said to have been amazed. The word highlights the peculiarity of Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman. Do not think that the world will embrace you when you actually do God's will. They will consider you strange. Even to His disciples Jesus looked strange. They did not understand, and the world will not understand. If we do not have the conviction that God's will is satisfying to our souls and if we are not strengthened by Jesus' encouragements, we will not overomce the barrier of loneliness. Oh, it is far better to be the outcast and be satisfied in His will, than to have all the world love you and never taste what true joy is.
I think the author of Hebrews put all that I want to say today so perfectly: "let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run the race with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2). I pray God will not only give you the perseverance necessary to run the race of doing God's will, but that He allow you to taste the joy of doing God's will. Press on Christian soldier! We must finish His work! Let us capture the prize! Stay strong and God bless!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Book Promo - Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World
I enjoyed this video, and thought the young ladies in our church might be edified by it. I have a long, growing list of books I want to read. So I probably won't get to this one, but from the looks of it, it seem likes a worthwhile book. Enjoy the video!
Some blurbs:
"Few voices are speaking the truth contained in these pages—but so many need to hear it. Amidst our culture's radical confusion about womanhood, Carolyn teaches the radical truth of God's wise and gracious design for women...Women young or old, married or single, will be instructed an inspired by this book."
- C. J. and Carolyn Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Ministries
"As a young woman, Carolyn McCulley eagerly embraced many of the tenets of our 'feminist world.' A personal encounter with Christ radically changed her life and led her to pursue what it mast to live as a redeemed woman. This book is the fruit of her journey."
- Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Host, Revive Our Hearts radio program
Some blurbs:
"Few voices are speaking the truth contained in these pages—but so many need to hear it. Amidst our culture's radical confusion about womanhood, Carolyn teaches the radical truth of God's wise and gracious design for women...Women young or old, married or single, will be instructed an inspired by this book."
- C. J. and Carolyn Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Ministries
"As a young woman, Carolyn McCulley eagerly embraced many of the tenets of our 'feminist world.' A personal encounter with Christ radically changed her life and led her to pursue what it mast to live as a redeemed woman. This book is the fruit of her journey."
- Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Host, Revive Our Hearts radio program
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Embracing Accusation
This Sunday, some of our girls told me that they did not know who Shane and Shane was. I found this video clip of their song "Embraing Accusation" awhile ago with an insert of a sermon clip by John Piper. It has blessed me time and time again and explains justification so well. As I was looking for the song for the video on Youtube so I could be blessed again, I found that they updated the video with lyrics and bible verses. It is by far one of my favorite Youtube videos and wanted to share it with you all. Enjoy, and be blessed!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
10-05-08 Sermon Review
Christ-centered Evangelism
John 4:27-42
There is no doubt in my mind that the greatest work we can apply ourselves to is the Great Commission. I believe with all my heart that it is God's will for us to take this work seriously and diligently work for its completion. Many realize the significance of Jesus' command, "God and make disciples of all nations," but sadly, many have also given in to the market-driven mentality of church growth movements. During a time when mega churches are on the rise but faithfulness to Christ is low, we really need to ask some serious questions about our evangelism methods. In a day where marketing techniques are the norm for evangelism, it is necessary for us to sit down and see what the Bible has to say about evangelism. What is amazing is that the Bible is not silent on this topic. Today in our text, we see a glimpse of true evangelism taking place as the Samaritan woman's story comes to a conclusion.
The motive for Evangelism - As the Samaritan woman realizes the significance of Jesus' words, John tells us that she "left her water pot, and went into the city" (4:28). Though we cannot conclude exactly why she left the jar, we can conjecture that she felt a sense of immediacy and joy from speaking with Jesus Christ that she was aroused to action. Lesslie Newbigin writes, "Mission begins with a kind of explosion of joy. The news that the rejected and crucified Jesus i alive is something that cannot possibly be suppressed. It must be told. Who could be silent about such a fact? The mission of the Church in the pages of the New Testament is like the fallout from a vast explosion, a radioactive fallout which is not lethal but life-giving." What drives you to share the Gospel? Do you feel compelled to share Jesus Christ because you have seen His glory and His salvation? Or is it that you know it is evangelism is a Christian duty, but feel that He is not really worth sharing? Let us never preach the Gospel out of mere duty. We must preach because we have encountered the God-man, Jesus who can save the sinner and set the captives free. You must truly believe He's worth sharing before you share Him with others.
The message of Evangelism - Now, if we are motivated by joy and knowing Jesus Christ, what then is the message that we must share? What we see here from the text is that the Samaritan woman made Christ the center of her message. She said, "Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?" (4:29). "See" here is the same word John the Baptist used when he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Her basic message was a call to examine Jesus, and to see whether or not He is the Christ. In a lot of our Gospel-sharing, we forget that we need to call people to examine Christ. We tell people to receive God's love, to confess their sins, but we forget to lead them to examine Christ so that they can "confess with [their] mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in [their] heart that God raised Him from the dead" (Romans 10:9). We must not forget that we are called to proclaim Christ, and not the benefits of knowing Christ. If we do, we will highlight His gifts and not Him. People will seek the gifts and bypass Christ; they will look like Christians, but they will be wholly without Christ.
The marvel of Evangelism - Lastly, we must marvel at this great work of Evangelism, namely that Christ uses the weak like us to do His work. The Samaritan woman, who was an outcast, in one meeting with Christ became the bearer of good news for the whole city! "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things" (Romans 10:15). God was able to use such a woman to bring many to know Christ; that is something marvelous. Do you feel inadequate to share the Gospel? God can still use you. Do you still you're too great of a sinner to be able to share the Gospel? God can still use you. The marvel is this: God uses people like you and me to do His mighty work. The market-driven mentality has discouraged many from doing personal evangelism, convincing them to leave the job of sharing the Gospel to the professionals. The Christian's duty is not to share Christ but to bring them to church. Let us never forget that we, the individuals, are the vessels that God uses to carry His good news. I am no more useful to the Lord than you are. John Macarthur is no more useful to the Lord than you are. John Piper is no more useful to the Lord than you are. The reason why all of us can be effective in this work is not because we are great, but the God who commissioned us and empowered us is great. Let us marvel that God used the Samaritan woman. Let us marvel that He will use us as well.
Christian, if you are saved, you have come to know the King of kings and Lord of Lords. you have come to know the Savior of the world. He is valuable. He is precious. He is amazing. He is worth sharing. We hold the message of the Gospel that is called the "power of God for salvation" (Romans 3:16). And we are all individually called by God to carry the good news. Will you this day decide that your highest calling will be to make disciples of all nations? Oh I pray that as you go to your schools, to your friends, to your work places, and share Jesus Christ with others, the same kind of revival will take place as it did when the Samaritan woman went into the city. "And they were saying to the woman, 'It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world'" (4:42). May God bless and confirm the work of your hands. Stay strong and God bless!
John 4:27-42
There is no doubt in my mind that the greatest work we can apply ourselves to is the Great Commission. I believe with all my heart that it is God's will for us to take this work seriously and diligently work for its completion. Many realize the significance of Jesus' command, "God and make disciples of all nations," but sadly, many have also given in to the market-driven mentality of church growth movements. During a time when mega churches are on the rise but faithfulness to Christ is low, we really need to ask some serious questions about our evangelism methods. In a day where marketing techniques are the norm for evangelism, it is necessary for us to sit down and see what the Bible has to say about evangelism. What is amazing is that the Bible is not silent on this topic. Today in our text, we see a glimpse of true evangelism taking place as the Samaritan woman's story comes to a conclusion.
The motive for Evangelism - As the Samaritan woman realizes the significance of Jesus' words, John tells us that she "left her water pot, and went into the city" (4:28). Though we cannot conclude exactly why she left the jar, we can conjecture that she felt a sense of immediacy and joy from speaking with Jesus Christ that she was aroused to action. Lesslie Newbigin writes, "Mission begins with a kind of explosion of joy. The news that the rejected and crucified Jesus i alive is something that cannot possibly be suppressed. It must be told. Who could be silent about such a fact? The mission of the Church in the pages of the New Testament is like the fallout from a vast explosion, a radioactive fallout which is not lethal but life-giving." What drives you to share the Gospel? Do you feel compelled to share Jesus Christ because you have seen His glory and His salvation? Or is it that you know it is evangelism is a Christian duty, but feel that He is not really worth sharing? Let us never preach the Gospel out of mere duty. We must preach because we have encountered the God-man, Jesus who can save the sinner and set the captives free. You must truly believe He's worth sharing before you share Him with others.
The message of Evangelism - Now, if we are motivated by joy and knowing Jesus Christ, what then is the message that we must share? What we see here from the text is that the Samaritan woman made Christ the center of her message. She said, "Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?" (4:29). "See" here is the same word John the Baptist used when he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Her basic message was a call to examine Jesus, and to see whether or not He is the Christ. In a lot of our Gospel-sharing, we forget that we need to call people to examine Christ. We tell people to receive God's love, to confess their sins, but we forget to lead them to examine Christ so that they can "confess with [their] mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in [their] heart that God raised Him from the dead" (Romans 10:9). We must not forget that we are called to proclaim Christ, and not the benefits of knowing Christ. If we do, we will highlight His gifts and not Him. People will seek the gifts and bypass Christ; they will look like Christians, but they will be wholly without Christ.
The marvel of Evangelism - Lastly, we must marvel at this great work of Evangelism, namely that Christ uses the weak like us to do His work. The Samaritan woman, who was an outcast, in one meeting with Christ became the bearer of good news for the whole city! "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things" (Romans 10:15). God was able to use such a woman to bring many to know Christ; that is something marvelous. Do you feel inadequate to share the Gospel? God can still use you. Do you still you're too great of a sinner to be able to share the Gospel? God can still use you. The marvel is this: God uses people like you and me to do His mighty work. The market-driven mentality has discouraged many from doing personal evangelism, convincing them to leave the job of sharing the Gospel to the professionals. The Christian's duty is not to share Christ but to bring them to church. Let us never forget that we, the individuals, are the vessels that God uses to carry His good news. I am no more useful to the Lord than you are. John Macarthur is no more useful to the Lord than you are. John Piper is no more useful to the Lord than you are. The reason why all of us can be effective in this work is not because we are great, but the God who commissioned us and empowered us is great. Let us marvel that God used the Samaritan woman. Let us marvel that He will use us as well.
Christian, if you are saved, you have come to know the King of kings and Lord of Lords. you have come to know the Savior of the world. He is valuable. He is precious. He is amazing. He is worth sharing. We hold the message of the Gospel that is called the "power of God for salvation" (Romans 3:16). And we are all individually called by God to carry the good news. Will you this day decide that your highest calling will be to make disciples of all nations? Oh I pray that as you go to your schools, to your friends, to your work places, and share Jesus Christ with others, the same kind of revival will take place as it did when the Samaritan woman went into the city. "And they were saying to the woman, 'It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world'" (4:42). May God bless and confirm the work of your hands. Stay strong and God bless!
Friday, October 10, 2008
09-28-08 Sermon Review
Jesus Messiah!
John 4:25-26
"Messiah" is a term that is frequently used in churches, and though it is used frequently, many who use it do not understand the term. It doesn't really help that people know Christ is the Greek translation of the Messiah which is Hebrew word. Some actually believe Christ was Jesus' last name! I do not want you to be ignorant of such a wonderful term. Chris Tomlin says he's been wanting to use this precious term for a long time, and recently came out with a song "Jesus Messiah." It is a title, not Jesus' last name. Themore you know about this term, you will understand why it is so precious to call Jesus our Messiah.
Messiah is a Hebrew word denoting "anointed one." Will Varner, who has an excellent book on this term, explains that "The idea of being 'anointed' is that the person so anointed is consecrated and equipped to do a sacred task." In the Old Testament there were three specific offices which required anointing. The coming Messiah of whom the Jewish people were expecting had to to fulfill all three offices to be the legitimate Messiah prophesied of in the Holy Book. There was only one person in all history to fulfill all three offices, Jesus Christ. And so when the Samaritan woman spoke of the Messiah, Jesus affirmed, "I who speak to you am He."
Messiah the Prophet - The Samaritan woman, when she brings up the Messiah, was probably thinking of Deuteronmy 18:18. The Samaritans only accepted the first five books of the Old Testament as inspired, and therefore, their concept of the Messiah hinged on this famous passage. Their interpretation wasn't wrong - the prophet of whom the Lord speaks of is the Messiah, since no other prophet was like Moses - speaking face to face with the Lord almighty. Only Jesus fulfilled this expectation of the Messiah.
How should we then view Jesus? We need to listen to him. A prophet was someone who spoke the word of God. Hebrews highlights Jesus' supremacy among revelation: "God after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son" (Hebrews 1:2). God put the emphasis on Jesus' prophetic ministry when He said during the transfiguration, "This is My beloved son, with who I am well-pleased; listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5). If Jesus is the Messiah, if He is the prophet to come, then we must listen to Him. Where can we find His word? The Bible.
Messiah the Priest - The Messiah was not only a porphet, but also a priest. Speaking of the Messiah, David prophesied "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4). The priestly duty can be categorized into two specific tasks. One was to perform the sacrifices. Second was to make intercession for the people. Only the priest was able to make sacrifices, and only the High priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year to give the atonement sacrifice. What is interesting in the prophecy is not that the Messiah will do these tasks, but that the Messiah is a priest "in the order of Melchizedek." All priests in Israel had to come from the family of Levites. What does it mean then that the Messiah is "in the order of Melchizedek." The author of Hebrews explains: "Without father, without geneology, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually." Only and eternal man could fulfill this description! Only Jesus fits the prophecy perfectly for He is the Son of God, from everlasting to everlasting.
How then should we view Jesus? We need to come to Him as the only one who can make adequate atonement on our behalf to God. But the amazing thing is that He has already completed the sacrifice - He died on Calvary's tree and endured the wrath of God in our place. He has made atonement for us as our High Priest. Not only that, but Jesus is now exalted and intercedes for His people! What encouraging words does the author of Hebrews gives us: "Therefore, since we have ag reat high priest who passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:14-16). Draw near o soul to Jesus! He will wash you sins away and make intercession for you! He has proved it with His cross.
Messiah the King - Lastly, the Messiah also needs to be a King. This makes the prophesied Messiah absolutely unique in all of history. Zechariah proclaims of the Messiah, "Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices" (Zechariah 6:13). There were quite a few kings who were prophets (David, etc), and there prophets who were also priests (Samuel, etc). But never has there been a prophet who was both a priest and a king! The only one who combined the office of priest and king was Melchizedek, but he was not a prophet. Jesus is the only man who fulfills this expectation of the Messiah adequately - a priest on the throne.
How should we then view Jesus? We need to honor and obey Him. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). We need to honor Him and give Him the praise that He deserves as Sovereign of creation. But we must also obey Him as obedient subjects. Let us not forget the warning Jesus gave us, "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness,'" (Matthew 7:22-23). He is a good king, a just king, a mighty king, a worthy king. Let us honor Him and obey Him.
The Messiah is a prophet, a priest, and a king. And Jesus is our Messiah. When the Samaritan woman brought up the Messiah to Jesus, He simply stated, "I who speak to you am He" (John 4:26). What's amazing here is what's not seen because of the English translation. Jesus actually used the Greek words "Ego Eimi." This is the consistent Greek translation of what's known as the tetragramaton "YHWH." It is translated in the English frequently as Jehovah or Yahweh. Jesus was claiming much more than affirming that He is the Messiah. He was claiming divinity. What does this mean? Our God has come to be our Messiah. Our God has come to speak to us. Our God has come to die for us. Our God has come to intercede for us. Our God has come to rule over us. When we consider that Jesus our God is the Messiah, our hearts should pour forth gratitude and praise to the Father who is ever gracious towards us. I pray that as you learn to call Jesus our Messiah, that you will grow in your appreciation of Jesus our Lord. Messiah, what a wonderful title! But even more so: Jesus, what a wonderful name! Stay strong and God bless!
John 4:25-26
"Messiah" is a term that is frequently used in churches, and though it is used frequently, many who use it do not understand the term. It doesn't really help that people know Christ is the Greek translation of the Messiah which is Hebrew word. Some actually believe Christ was Jesus' last name! I do not want you to be ignorant of such a wonderful term. Chris Tomlin says he's been wanting to use this precious term for a long time, and recently came out with a song "Jesus Messiah." It is a title, not Jesus' last name. Themore you know about this term, you will understand why it is so precious to call Jesus our Messiah.
Messiah is a Hebrew word denoting "anointed one." Will Varner, who has an excellent book on this term, explains that "The idea of being 'anointed' is that the person so anointed is consecrated and equipped to do a sacred task." In the Old Testament there were three specific offices which required anointing. The coming Messiah of whom the Jewish people were expecting had to to fulfill all three offices to be the legitimate Messiah prophesied of in the Holy Book. There was only one person in all history to fulfill all three offices, Jesus Christ. And so when the Samaritan woman spoke of the Messiah, Jesus affirmed, "I who speak to you am He."
Messiah the Prophet - The Samaritan woman, when she brings up the Messiah, was probably thinking of Deuteronmy 18:18. The Samaritans only accepted the first five books of the Old Testament as inspired, and therefore, their concept of the Messiah hinged on this famous passage. Their interpretation wasn't wrong - the prophet of whom the Lord speaks of is the Messiah, since no other prophet was like Moses - speaking face to face with the Lord almighty. Only Jesus fulfilled this expectation of the Messiah.
How should we then view Jesus? We need to listen to him. A prophet was someone who spoke the word of God. Hebrews highlights Jesus' supremacy among revelation: "God after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son" (Hebrews 1:2). God put the emphasis on Jesus' prophetic ministry when He said during the transfiguration, "This is My beloved son, with who I am well-pleased; listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5). If Jesus is the Messiah, if He is the prophet to come, then we must listen to Him. Where can we find His word? The Bible.
Messiah the Priest - The Messiah was not only a porphet, but also a priest. Speaking of the Messiah, David prophesied "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4). The priestly duty can be categorized into two specific tasks. One was to perform the sacrifices. Second was to make intercession for the people. Only the priest was able to make sacrifices, and only the High priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year to give the atonement sacrifice. What is interesting in the prophecy is not that the Messiah will do these tasks, but that the Messiah is a priest "in the order of Melchizedek." All priests in Israel had to come from the family of Levites. What does it mean then that the Messiah is "in the order of Melchizedek." The author of Hebrews explains: "Without father, without geneology, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually." Only and eternal man could fulfill this description! Only Jesus fits the prophecy perfectly for He is the Son of God, from everlasting to everlasting.
How then should we view Jesus? We need to come to Him as the only one who can make adequate atonement on our behalf to God. But the amazing thing is that He has already completed the sacrifice - He died on Calvary's tree and endured the wrath of God in our place. He has made atonement for us as our High Priest. Not only that, but Jesus is now exalted and intercedes for His people! What encouraging words does the author of Hebrews gives us: "Therefore, since we have ag reat high priest who passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:14-16). Draw near o soul to Jesus! He will wash you sins away and make intercession for you! He has proved it with His cross.
Messiah the King - Lastly, the Messiah also needs to be a King. This makes the prophesied Messiah absolutely unique in all of history. Zechariah proclaims of the Messiah, "Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices" (Zechariah 6:13). There were quite a few kings who were prophets (David, etc), and there prophets who were also priests (Samuel, etc). But never has there been a prophet who was both a priest and a king! The only one who combined the office of priest and king was Melchizedek, but he was not a prophet. Jesus is the only man who fulfills this expectation of the Messiah adequately - a priest on the throne.
How should we then view Jesus? We need to honor and obey Him. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). We need to honor Him and give Him the praise that He deserves as Sovereign of creation. But we must also obey Him as obedient subjects. Let us not forget the warning Jesus gave us, "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness,'" (Matthew 7:22-23). He is a good king, a just king, a mighty king, a worthy king. Let us honor Him and obey Him.
The Messiah is a prophet, a priest, and a king. And Jesus is our Messiah. When the Samaritan woman brought up the Messiah to Jesus, He simply stated, "I who speak to you am He" (John 4:26). What's amazing here is what's not seen because of the English translation. Jesus actually used the Greek words "Ego Eimi." This is the consistent Greek translation of what's known as the tetragramaton "YHWH." It is translated in the English frequently as Jehovah or Yahweh. Jesus was claiming much more than affirming that He is the Messiah. He was claiming divinity. What does this mean? Our God has come to be our Messiah. Our God has come to speak to us. Our God has come to die for us. Our God has come to intercede for us. Our God has come to rule over us. When we consider that Jesus our God is the Messiah, our hearts should pour forth gratitude and praise to the Father who is ever gracious towards us. I pray that as you learn to call Jesus our Messiah, that you will grow in your appreciation of Jesus our Lord. Messiah, what a wonderful title! But even more so: Jesus, what a wonderful name! Stay strong and God bless!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
True Woman Conference Live Stream
Hello all, a live stream of the True Woman conference will be available for free online. I highly recommend that you try to catch some of it if you can. Click here to access the live stream. strong and God bless!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Look Who's Irrational Now?
I came acrros this interesting article on the Wall Street Journal titled "Look Who's Irrational Now?" I thought it was insightful and true to God's Word. It is well worth your read. Here are some excerpts.
"The reality is that the New Atheist campaign, by discouraging religion, won't create a new group of intelligent, skeptical, enlightened beings. Far from it: It might actually encourage new levels of mass superstition. And that's not a conclusion to take on faith -- it's what the empirical data tell us.
'What Americans Really Believe,' a comprehensive new study released by Baylor University yesterday, shows that traditional Christian religion greatly decreases belief in everything from the efficacy of palm readers to the usefulness of astrology. It also shows that the irreligious and the members of more liberal Protestant denominations, far from being resistant to superstition, tend to be much more likely to believe in the paranormal and in pseudoscience than evangelical Christians."
"Surprisingly, while increased church attendance and membership in a conservative denomination has a powerful negative effect on paranormal beliefs, higher education doesn't. Two years ago two professors published another study in Skeptical Inquirer showing that, while less than one-quarter of college freshmen surveyed expressed a general belief in such superstitions as ghosts, psychic healing, haunted houses, demonic possession, clairvoyance and witches, the figure jumped to 31% of college seniors and 34% of graduate students."
How interesting. Stay strong and God bless!
"The reality is that the New Atheist campaign, by discouraging religion, won't create a new group of intelligent, skeptical, enlightened beings. Far from it: It might actually encourage new levels of mass superstition. And that's not a conclusion to take on faith -- it's what the empirical data tell us.
'What Americans Really Believe,' a comprehensive new study released by Baylor University yesterday, shows that traditional Christian religion greatly decreases belief in everything from the efficacy of palm readers to the usefulness of astrology. It also shows that the irreligious and the members of more liberal Protestant denominations, far from being resistant to superstition, tend to be much more likely to believe in the paranormal and in pseudoscience than evangelical Christians."
"Surprisingly, while increased church attendance and membership in a conservative denomination has a powerful negative effect on paranormal beliefs, higher education doesn't. Two years ago two professors published another study in Skeptical Inquirer showing that, while less than one-quarter of college freshmen surveyed expressed a general belief in such superstitions as ghosts, psychic healing, haunted houses, demonic possession, clairvoyance and witches, the figure jumped to 31% of college seniors and 34% of graduate students."
How interesting. Stay strong and God bless!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Reformation Conference
Grace Church of Sacramento, the church that my Hebrew professor pastors, is throwing a Reformation Conference. The keynote speakers will be Dr. Bill Barrick of the Master's Seminary along with Steve Fernandez, president of Cornerstone Seminary. What's so appealing about the conference is that it's free! More information can be found by clicking the banner above. Stay strong and God bless!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Praying Backwards - Bryan Chapell
This is the first book I read by Bryan Chapell, and I really enjoyed it from start to finish. The emphasis of this book is what captivated me. Bryan Chapell so graciously deals with our wrongful approach to prayer while teaching how we ought to involve Christ in our prayers. He deals with a variety of issues concerning prayer: praying fervently, praying expectantly, praying persistently, etc. I particularly enjoyed reading what he had to say about Spirit-filled prayer. He writes, "The Holy Spirit fills our heart with this supreme love for Christ so that his purposes are our greatest desire. Thus Spirit-filled prayer is preeminently Christ-loving prayer" (pg. 78). Such Christ-exalting phrases can be found throughout the book. I also appreciated that Chapell dealt with discerning God's will on his chapter "Praying in God's Will," as well as "Praying in God's Wisdom." Teaching on practical discernment is often times neglected when discussing God's will and prayer.Though I think this is a great book on prayer, there were a couple of things that I wanted to see that I did not: He did not press upon me the urgency of prayer as well as discuss the merits of congregational prayer with great depth. It would have also been helpful for me if he discussed the relevance of posture in prayer. Still, Chapell gives great teaching on what it means to pray biblically. It is a book that will be welcome by many who desire to pray biblically and more effectively.
Pages - 194
Reading Difficulty - Normal
Rating - 4/5
Buy or Borrow - Borrow
A New Look
Our blog is getting a face lift. Here are some new features:
1. An updated blogroll
2. Pastor James' Amazon Wishlist with 110+ books
3. More subscription choices
4. A simple, clean template
Enjoy! Stay strong and God bless!
1. An updated blogroll
2. Pastor James' Amazon Wishlist with 110+ books
3. More subscription choices
4. A simple, clean template
Enjoy! Stay strong and God bless!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
09-21-08 Sermon Review
A Song We Must Sing
John 4:19-24
In our last sermon, we saw what God's Word taught on true worship. We noticed from God's Word that true worship is living life according to God's Word. Worship is not simply singing, it's being saved and striving after Jesus' image. But if that is the case, why do Christians sing so much? Why does singing have a prominent place in our gatherings? What's so great about music? After pondering on it for awhile, I thought of four good reasons why we sing.
Singing is a perfect medium for praise. - Isaiah 43:21 states that God formed His own people with the purpose of having them give Him praise. He delights in the praises of His people. But why sing? Praise does not necessarily have to be singing.
Singing is an interesting phenomenon. It is a universal language (anywhere you go, you will find people express through singing). It is beautiful (People find pleasure in listening to songs). It is emotionally powerful (People relate to songs). It is propositional (People state things in songs). Singing therefore, is a unique, universal medium that engages both our minds and our hearts. It is the perfect medium for giving praise to a God of all peoples who demands worship that is both in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
God's people have always responded to His grace with singing. - From Genesis to revelations, we find God's people singing. Before the world began, God received praise from the angels. The Israelites sang when God delivered them out of Egypt (Exodus 15). An entire book of the Bible is dedicated to the songs that were sang to God. Paul and Silas were singing hymns together in a prison (Acts 16:25). We see that throughout history, all God's people sang.
Singing edifies one another. - Not only is singing upward to God, it is edifying to one another. In Ephesians 5:18, 19, Paul tells us that one of the results of being filled by the spirit is that we sing psalms and spiritual songs to each other. Though Paul does not state explicitly that singing is edifying, considering the context of Ephesians, it is assumed that Paul sees singing as edifying to Christians. We find similar words in Colossians 3:16. In this case, singing is practiced in order to admonish one another.
Singing is our business for the rest of eternity. - Finally, what we see of heaven in the revelation that John received is the myriads of myriads singing to Jesus. John paints a picture of the heavenly scene in Revelation chapter 5: "And they sang a new song, saying ' Worthy are you to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.'" One day we will join them, and when we do, we will not be silent.
With this said, we can draw two conclusions: First, we have an obligation and reason to sing. Second, we ought to be mindful of what we sing.
John Piper writes, "Thirteen years ago we asked: What should be the defining sound of corporate worship at Bethlehem, besides the voice of biblical preaching? We meant: Should it be pipe organ, piano, guitar, drums, choir, worship team, orchestra, etc. The answer we gave was 'The people of Bethlehem singing.'" The church ought to sing. We should not be shy about it. God's people have never been ashamed to declare His praise. I pray the defining sound of our church music is the people of Living Word Korean Baptist Church singing.
But it's not hard finding people who sing. The Scientologists sing. The atheists sing. The Mormons sing. What makes Christian singing different? Sadly in the state of the American Church, nothing. A Comedy Central show once made a parody of Christian music where the characters on the show made a Christian band. They made their songs simply by changing the lyrics to secular music, and the only words they changed was "Baby" into "Jesus." What is extremely sad is that this really happens. A "worship" leader took the song "You Spin Me Right Round" a popular in 80's song, and made it into a worship song. Interestingly, the only word that was changed was "Baby" into "Jesus."
It is sad to see that Christians care very little about what they sing. I remember when a famous rap artist came out with a song "Jesus Walks." Because of its popularity among Christians, I decided to check the lyrics recently. I almost wept when I saw the lyrics. Why would any right-minded Christian ever sing a long to such a song that portrays Jesus as nothing more than a talkshow host? Why would he be so ecstatic about such a song? This is simply unacceptable.
I pray that our people will think twice about the music they sing and the music they listen to. I pray that the filthy music of our generation will no longer be on the lips of our people. Beloved, there is a better song to sing than what the world offers. There's a song that we must sing. There's a song that rightly engages our hearts and our minds. There's a song that lifts God to His rightful place. There's a song that brings heaven to our soul. There's a song that builds us up. Let us raise our voices with such a song as we join the heavenly chorus. No other song should satisfy these voices of ours. Stay strong and God bless!
John 4:19-24
In our last sermon, we saw what God's Word taught on true worship. We noticed from God's Word that true worship is living life according to God's Word. Worship is not simply singing, it's being saved and striving after Jesus' image. But if that is the case, why do Christians sing so much? Why does singing have a prominent place in our gatherings? What's so great about music? After pondering on it for awhile, I thought of four good reasons why we sing.
Singing is a perfect medium for praise. - Isaiah 43:21 states that God formed His own people with the purpose of having them give Him praise. He delights in the praises of His people. But why sing? Praise does not necessarily have to be singing.
Singing is an interesting phenomenon. It is a universal language (anywhere you go, you will find people express through singing). It is beautiful (People find pleasure in listening to songs). It is emotionally powerful (People relate to songs). It is propositional (People state things in songs). Singing therefore, is a unique, universal medium that engages both our minds and our hearts. It is the perfect medium for giving praise to a God of all peoples who demands worship that is both in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
God's people have always responded to His grace with singing. - From Genesis to revelations, we find God's people singing. Before the world began, God received praise from the angels. The Israelites sang when God delivered them out of Egypt (Exodus 15). An entire book of the Bible is dedicated to the songs that were sang to God. Paul and Silas were singing hymns together in a prison (Acts 16:25). We see that throughout history, all God's people sang.
Singing edifies one another. - Not only is singing upward to God, it is edifying to one another. In Ephesians 5:18, 19, Paul tells us that one of the results of being filled by the spirit is that we sing psalms and spiritual songs to each other. Though Paul does not state explicitly that singing is edifying, considering the context of Ephesians, it is assumed that Paul sees singing as edifying to Christians. We find similar words in Colossians 3:16. In this case, singing is practiced in order to admonish one another.
Singing is our business for the rest of eternity. - Finally, what we see of heaven in the revelation that John received is the myriads of myriads singing to Jesus. John paints a picture of the heavenly scene in Revelation chapter 5: "And they sang a new song, saying ' Worthy are you to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.'" One day we will join them, and when we do, we will not be silent.
With this said, we can draw two conclusions: First, we have an obligation and reason to sing. Second, we ought to be mindful of what we sing.
John Piper writes, "Thirteen years ago we asked: What should be the defining sound of corporate worship at Bethlehem, besides the voice of biblical preaching? We meant: Should it be pipe organ, piano, guitar, drums, choir, worship team, orchestra, etc. The answer we gave was 'The people of Bethlehem singing.'" The church ought to sing. We should not be shy about it. God's people have never been ashamed to declare His praise. I pray the defining sound of our church music is the people of Living Word Korean Baptist Church singing.
But it's not hard finding people who sing. The Scientologists sing. The atheists sing. The Mormons sing. What makes Christian singing different? Sadly in the state of the American Church, nothing. A Comedy Central show once made a parody of Christian music where the characters on the show made a Christian band. They made their songs simply by changing the lyrics to secular music, and the only words they changed was "Baby" into "Jesus." What is extremely sad is that this really happens. A "worship" leader took the song "You Spin Me Right Round" a popular in 80's song, and made it into a worship song. Interestingly, the only word that was changed was "Baby" into "Jesus."
It is sad to see that Christians care very little about what they sing. I remember when a famous rap artist came out with a song "Jesus Walks." Because of its popularity among Christians, I decided to check the lyrics recently. I almost wept when I saw the lyrics. Why would any right-minded Christian ever sing a long to such a song that portrays Jesus as nothing more than a talkshow host? Why would he be so ecstatic about such a song? This is simply unacceptable.
I pray that our people will think twice about the music they sing and the music they listen to. I pray that the filthy music of our generation will no longer be on the lips of our people. Beloved, there is a better song to sing than what the world offers. There's a song that we must sing. There's a song that rightly engages our hearts and our minds. There's a song that lifts God to His rightful place. There's a song that brings heaven to our soul. There's a song that builds us up. Let us raise our voices with such a song as we join the heavenly chorus. No other song should satisfy these voices of ours. Stay strong and God bless!
September 08 - December 08 Schedule
Bible Study Series Healthy Church Membership
September 28th - The Case for Membership
October 5th - pg.11-37 WIHCM – The Word in Membership
October 12th - pg. 38-56 WIHCM – The Gospel in Membership
October 19th - pg. 57-62 WIHCM – The Great Commission in Membership
October 24th - BWF for October
October 26th - No Bible Study – PPA Meeting
November 2nd - pg. 63-82 WIHCM –Commitment in Membership
November 8th - Baptism Class Begins
November 9th - pg. 83-104 WIHCM –Growth in Membership
November 16th - pg. 105-117 WIHCM –Intercession in Membership – Series ends
End of Year Schedule
November 23rd - Thanksgiving Potluck for Youth Families
November 27th - Thanksgiving Holiday
November 30th - Outing TBA
December 7th - Baptism Service
Bible Study – Q & A
December 14th - Bible Study – Christmas
December 21st - No Bible Study – Christmas Sunday – Gift Exchange
December 28th - No Bible Study – New Years Resolution Writing.
December 31st New Year's Service
September 28th - The Case for Membership
October 5th - pg.11-37 WIHCM – The Word in Membership
October 12th - pg. 38-56 WIHCM – The Gospel in Membership
October 19th - pg. 57-62 WIHCM – The Great Commission in Membership
October 24th - BWF for October
October 26th - No Bible Study – PPA Meeting
November 2nd - pg. 63-82 WIHCM –Commitment in Membership
November 8th - Baptism Class Begins
November 9th - pg. 83-104 WIHCM –Growth in Membership
November 16th - pg. 105-117 WIHCM –Intercession in Membership – Series ends
End of Year Schedule
November 23rd - Thanksgiving Potluck for Youth Families
November 27th - Thanksgiving Holiday
November 30th - Outing TBA
December 7th - Baptism Service
Bible Study – Q & A
December 14th - Bible Study – Christmas
December 21st - No Bible Study – Christmas Sunday – Gift Exchange
December 28th - No Bible Study – New Years Resolution Writing.
December 31st New Year's Service
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