One life, What is done for Christ will last

Preacher's Portrait-Reflections

2012-01-09T18:25:00.000-08:00

To be a more effective preacher...

(1) Get to know your people

"There is no quicker way of bridging the gulf between preacher and people than meeting them in their homes and in our home. The effective preacher is always a diligent pastor. Only if he makes time each week both for visiting people and for interviewing them, will he be en rapport with them as he preaches. The more they speak to him in his study on weekdays, the better he will speak to them from the pulpit on Sundays.

(2) Be simple

Preachers should not preach to preachers and seminarians, but to normal working, discouraged, anxious, fearful, downcast, simple people. Augustine said, "A wooden key is not so beautiful as a golden one, but if it can open the door when the golden one cannot, it is far more useful."

(3) Turn the ears into the eyes

Use illustrations. Make complex and abstract concepts simple in illustrations.

(4) Plead Earnestly

"The true function of a preacher is to disturb the comfortable and to comfort the disturbed." Chad Walsh

(5) Preach with a purpose and a response

Do not preach academically, but preach to the hearts of your people.

(6) Preach by Example

"Christianity is better caught than taught." Be a spiritual example unto your people. Your decisions reflect who you are spiritually and you are accountable to your people

(7) Preach by the power of prayer

A man must labor to know God in secret, intercede for his people, and long for the lost salvation through private prayer.

Living Church

2011-11-25T20:33:00.000-08:00

From Acts 2:42-47, a living a church is a:

1. Learning Church

The early Christians devoted them to the apostles teaching

2. Fellowshipping Church

The early Christians shared things in common, gathered day by day, informally and formally.

3. Worshipping Church

They also "broke bread" referring to the Lord's Supper and fellowship centered upon Jesus Christ.

4. Evangelizing Church

The Lord added to their number day by day. It was the Lord Jesus Christ that was working through his people. Stott writes, "We simply do not share the gospel if we do not declare God's love in the gift of his Son to live our life, to die for our sins and to rise again, together with his offer through Jesus Christ, to all who repent and believe, of a new life of forgiveness and freedom, and of membership in his new society" (Living Church, 63).

5. A Holy Church

"If our life contradicts our message, our evangelism will lack all credibility. Indeed, the greatest hindrance to evangelism is lack of integrity in the evangelist" (66). Furthermore, "Worship without holiness was hateful to God" (45).

6. A Visible Church

God is seen through Creation (Psalm 19, Rom. 1:19-20), His Son (John 1:18), Our Love for one another through the local body (John 13:34-35).

7. A Sending Church

Stott observes, "Some zealous churches organize an overfull program of church-based activities. Something is arranged for every night of the week. On Monday night the committees meet, and on Tuesday night the fellowship groups. On Wednesday night the Bible study takes place, and on Thursday night the prayer meeting. Even on Friday and Saturday evenings other good causes occupy people's time and energy. Such churches give the impression that their main goal is to keep their members out of mischief! Certainly they have neither time nor opportunity to get into mischief since they are busily engaged in the church every single night of the week." (Living Church, 56) The Church must learn to avoid the two extremes of coming to church activities alone and going to people without worshiping the living God. The Church must come (Worship) and go (Evangelism) to be healthy.

Important Questions to consider in Evangelism:

1. What sorts of people live in our area? Ethnic origin, nationality, religion, culture, media preference, and work? Single parents? Families? Housing Situation?

2. Has the local area any centers of education, whether schools, colleges, adult education centers, or reading groups?

3. What places of business are found in it? Unemployment?

4. Where do people live? Do they occupy houses or flats? Own or rent?

5. Where do people congregate when they want to relax? Mall? Recreation Centers? Parks? Concert halls? Cafe? Starbucks?

6. Has the community change in the last ten years? If so, what can be forecasted in the following years?

7. What public services have their headquarters locally? Police? City Hall? Library? Other Social Services

The priority of the Church is worship. Worship (come) then becomes Mission (Go). All Christians are to partake in worshiping the living God through Jesus Christ and to be sent into the world as Christ's ambassadors. In other words, God calls out a people for himself (1 Peter 2:9-10) and sends out a people to declare his excellencies. The church must be holy (not of the world), but also engaging in the world.

Some Personal Applications from 1 and 2 Timothy

2011-09-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

1. Devote yourself to prayer for the lost (1 timothy 2).

I need to pray for the salvation of my unbelieving family, friends, leaders, and officials.

2. Be aware that every deed, whether good or bad, will be expose (1 timothy 5:24-25)

God sees all my secret sins. I cannot hide from him and everything will be found out. I should confess my sins to God, repent, and walk in the light. I must be rich in good deeds in secret, not doing evil deeds in secret. I must learn to pray, give, fast, and hunger for righteousness in secret.

3. The Goal of Paul's teaching was love (1 timothy 1:5)

It comes from a pure heart, clear conscience, and sincere faith. What is bothering my conscience right now and how can I cleanse myself from the defilement of my flesh?

4. God uses honorable vessels ( 2 timothy 2:21)

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. How do you become a honorable vessel? (v.22) Flee youth lusts (sex, pride, greed, power) and pursue righteousness (purity, service, compassion), faith (reading God's word and prayer), (service to my neighbor and sincere obedience to God) love, and peace (reconciliation with my neighbors, asking forgiveness, confession of sins, and repentance of sin).

Christ abolishes Death

2011-09-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

"[He] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" 2 Timothy 1:9-10

The Lord saved us by sheer grace. And this calling is a holy calling. Christ appeared to destroy death and open the floodgates of heaven and eternal life. This is why we must suffer for the gospel, because heaven has been given freely to us through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will guide us to our Glorious Risen Savior as we walk the narrow path that will one day end in glory when we see our Lord face to face!

Devotions in Ezekial

2011-09-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

God promises to send judgement to Jerusalem because they have acted faithlessly. The prophets and the priests carry idols in their hearts and they prophesy peace when destruction is over the horizon. Ezekial is sent to the false prophets to rebuke them. Israel is called a rebellious house because even though they have ears, they do not hear. My take away from the passage is that I must speak God's Word and not my own opinions. I must not be led by my own deceptive heart, but by the Spirit God that inspired the Word of God.

Insights from Minister as Shepherd by Charles Jefferson

2011-09-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

A shepherd watches, guards, feeds, leads, and feeds the sheep.

"Lovers delight in repeating the words of the one they love." (218)

"The ideal preacher never goes into the pulpit without carrying all the people on his heart." (218)

"Character is the greatest of all treasures, and character is built by action." (219)

"The minister who watches and guards and guides men, heals and rescues and feeds them, develops by his work the virtues and graces of the Savior himself." (220)

"The work of a shepherd is full of interruptions, vexations, and disappointments, but these try his soul and refine it...in working with human nature a man gets something fo the patience of a mother. He is not daunted by a score of failures. He does not surrender to apparent defeat." (221)

"To a shepherd's work there is no limit. After he has done a thousand things, he can think of a thousand other things still to do. After he has done his best, he feels like confessing himself an unprofitable servant. The shepherd's work is never done." (223)

"To every man who shepherds Christ's sheep is the privilege granted of growing into the likeness of the perfect shepherd." (226)

Fail Proof Ministry

2011-09-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

John MacArthur preached this morning in Chapel from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-14. Very simple, yet profound and powerful message that made me want to live a life of integrity.

(1) Boldness in Gospel Preaching (v.2)

We do not water down the gospel message to make it more relevant to an unbelieving and sinful culture. If you want to be successful in ministry, you must make a commitment to preach the gospel even in the midst of opposition, hostility, and rejection.

(2) Integrity in Motive (v. 3)

There was no error or deceit or impurity in Paul's ministry. He was examined by God (2 Cor. 4:2, 5:11). We do not water down the content of what we preach and we must examine our motives in how we live.

(3) Purity in Behavior and Heart (v. 4)

The Gospel is a sacred trust that has been confirmed by the Seminary, Church, and God's Word. God examines our hearts and He is our Witness. God is witness to everything I do even when no one else sees.

(4) Gentleness in Ministry (v. 6-7)

Paul did not abuse his authority. How gentle was he? Like a nursing mother. An intimate picture of his love for the church.

(5) Gentleness in Affection (v. 8)

The theassalonians became very dear to him in heart. People need to know that you sacrificially love them. Success is determined by how low you can go and what can meet their needs and how willing you are to lay down your life for them.

(6) Diligence in Labor (v. 9)

Paul worked not to be a burden to the church. Sunday Message is not enough. You must toil night and day to serve the people of God.

(7) Holiness in Behavior (v.10)

Our lives must be open books. We must be transparent. There is no compromise in our ministry and our selves.

(8) Faithfulness in Care (v. 11-12)

A Fatherly care that exhorts, encourages, and commands.

(9) Humility in Attitude (v. 12-13)

Everything Paul did was for the glory of God. Paul was effectually called by God to give glory to God.

This results in a fruitful ministry (v. 13-14). Lord, please cleanse me from the defilements of my flesh and make me useful for your glory by your grace. In Christ name, amen.

Philippines Day 5 and 6

2011-07-27T19:23:00.001-07:00

Day 5

Because of the Typhoon, classes were canceled. I was supposed to preach at BBCA, but I did not because of class cancellation. I got to talk to Helen on Skpye and how I praise God for the Internet. We then proceeded to RockWell Mall and watched Captain America. Went home by 3:30 and slept most of the day because I have not adjusted. We ate dinner and I read a little.

Day 6

About to Board to Iloilo. My cell phone works here. Praise God!

Devotions in Matthew

2011-07-27T15:43:00.001-07:00

Matthew 4:17 "From that time Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand."

Matthew 7:11 "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"

Matthew 9:12-14 "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Matthew 9:37

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

Everyday, the Scriptures seem brand new to me. To be honest, I do not know what I am doing and where I am going. I just know I want to follow Jesus and treasure Him. I feel the pull of sin in my heart to treasure other things rather than Christ. But these passages spoke to my heart this morning:

1. In Jesus Preaching ministry, he emphasized the need for repentance. Why? Because the kingdom of God is at hand. In other words, in the person of Christ, he has and will inaugurate God's kingdom where He will reign and put down all the wicked and unbelieving. I must preach to others here to "Repent" and believe the good news of Christ.

2. God wants me to ask good things. I want to treasure Christ in my mind, but my heart pulls me towards different directions of sin, worldliness, and temptation. God help me treasure you because I know in my heart I don't. I'm asking honestly to help me turn my eyes away from worthless things that distract me from seeing your glory in everything and all that I do. You promised to answer this prayer. Give me a heart that treasures and magnifies Christ.

3. Jesus comes to call sinners to repentance. This is good news for me because I am desperately wicked. I am glad that my Lord is aware of my shortcomings and failures, yet He comes to save, redeem, and renew sinners.

4. There are few following Christ today. God is telling me to pray for more workers in the harvest field. I pray that I would be a humble servant and obedient servant and willing servant that I may proceed into God's harvest field.

Father in Heaven,

Do for me what I cannot do for myself. Help me follow your will and make your will clear to my life and stay out here in the Philippines.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Goals when I Get Home

2011-07-26T07:39:00.001-07:00

(1) Talk to Desiring God and TMS to get more books for the Philippines

(2) Build the Library of CBS and BBCA

(3) Send a Balikbayan Box over there

(4) Pray about building a school/seminary/TMI/orphanage over here

(5) Pray about having a consistent team to come here to minister

(6) Pray about teaching modular courses in the Summer

Philippines Day 3 and 4

2011-07-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

Day 3

Woke up early in the morning and went with Pastor Art to a province north of Manila. Pastor Art taught a three hour counseling class. The people were warm and receptive. We then had lunch with Pastor John and proceeded home. I got to talk to my lovely fiance on skype and then proceeded to Robinsons where we met Pastor Luis, Joshua, and Dan to eat Chinese food.

Day 4

Woke up early and went to a Senior's Ministry. Pastor Art made me preach on the spot!But I preached the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-10). After the meeting was over, we went upstairs and talked to some slum kids who were detained for stealing. My heart was breaking for them because one six year old girl had no shoes and steals because of the poverty in the Philippines. My heart was breaking for them and I really wanted to buy them shoes. Afterwards, we took a two hour car ride to Antipolo where Center for Biblical Studies was located. It was raining hard today and it was type 1 Typhoon (which is not so bad). Ate Cookie greeted us when we got there and showed us the library. The students were fascinated to see a foreigner visit (BTW: Cookie is Pastor Art's Sister and "Tita Ritz" in the Philippines for CBS). 3pm came and Pastor Leo was going to teach apologetics. However, when he found out that it was my field, he insisted that I teach his 3rd year class. I was rushing and scattered because I was trying to teach them everything in one hour sitting. I gave some the students Piper books and they were leaping for joy. We proceeded to the faculty lounge where we had fellowship with Cookie and Pastor Leo. We ate shakeys pizza. Cookie and I were discussing possible opportunities in the future to teach at CBS. Need to pray about it. We then left CBS and went to Pasig where Pastor Art played basketball with the other pastors. I read J.I. Packer's Keeping in Step with the Spirit. Packer argued that the main ministry of the Holy Spirit is to mediate the presence of the living Christ to a believer. As I was reading, I got stung by a lot of mosquitos because it was really humid. Long day. Tired. But God is good. I am a sinner, but the Spirit is still working in me. I really miss Helen.

Philippines Day 2

2011-07-24T07:00:00.001-07:00

I preached this Lord's Day on Ephesians 2:1-10. I woke up at 5a.m. and started to prepare my heart to preach. God is so kind to me in answering my prayers. After the service, we went to Manila Bay to eat at "Army & Navy" which was an imitation of Chipotle. We came back to Pastor Art's House and I read, rested, and slept till seven in the evening. At night, we went to Robinson's Mall to eat KFC with the Youth Group. Praise the Lord for my salvation in Christ, his answer to my prayers, the internet so that I can talk to my lovely fiance, and safety.

Philippines Day 1

2011-07-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

I arrived 3:40 a.m. in Manila. It was a blessing because I slept for ten hours on the plane. I had a whole row to myself or the first few hours. Pastor Art picked me up and then we came back to his place. At 9:30 a.m., we went to Robinsons Mall where I went to a starbucks to prepare for the evening youth service. We came back home, ate shakeys, and rested for a bit until 5pm came. We arrived at Pastor Faller's Youth Service where four different churches gather together to sing. The music was very contemporary with each youth group performing their songs. I preached on 1 Cor. 15, "What is the Gospel?". I hope these kids do not have a shallow understanding of God, but that they may see Christ magnified.

The wrong reasons to avoid sin

2011-07-21T00:46:00.000-07:00

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

I have been noticing that I avoid sin for the wrong reasons. For example, I want to avoid sin because I want to be the "perfect pastor." Or I want to avoid sin because I hate failing God. Or I want to avoid sin because I hate feeling guilty. The problem with this mind set is that it is not rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I fundamentally avoid sin because I want to be my own savior, that is why I keep failing to keep God's standard (Rom. 3:23).

As I was meditating on Ephesians, holy living always flows from gospel believing: God loved us that He would send His Son to die for us, lavish his grace upon us, predestine us, redeem us, raise us from the dead, seat us with Him, make us alive in Him. In other words, I should avoid sin because I have been bought with a high price. To sin is to disbelieve the infinite riches I have in Christ. To sin is to disbelieve that my salvation is precious. To sin is to disbelieve that I have been bought with the blood of Jesus Himself. To sin is to grieve the Spirit of God that has been freely given to me when I trusted Jesus to save me from my sins. To sin is to disbelieve that God is good. To sin is to neglect the promises of God. To sin is to ultimately reject Jesus and the greatness of what He has done for me so that He can deliever me from my radically self-centered self, sin, and death. May I remember that I have been bought with a price, the precious blood of God himself in the person of Jesus Christ.

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me for my sin. I confess to you my unwholesome talk and for dishonoring your name with my behavior. Thank you that Jesus has bought with His blood. Please seal within my heart the good news of Jesus death and resurrection. Make it clear to me so that I might not sin against you. Thank you that Jesus was the perfect pastor. Thank you that Jesus is the perfect Savior. Lord, please examine my motives and help me repent of any hypocrisy and unbelief.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Salvation by Christian Ministry vs. Salvation by Christ and HIm Crucified.

2011-07-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

May I never forget the sufficiency of Christ and Him crucified. I am not saved by how well I preach, how many disciples I make, how many people acknowledge me. I am saved by the blood of Christ crucified period. He makes righteous through his death and resurrection. And the grace of God teaches me to renounce wordly passions, sin, ungodliness, and unbelief.

Lord, I believe in the gospel, yet help my unbelief.

The Practice of Godliness

2011-07-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

In The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges, he gives some very helpful exhortations in the pursuit of godliness. First of all, godliness begins with a sincere devotion to God. It begins with a fear of God, understanding his infinite majesty and being. God is holy. God hates sin. God will judge sin. God cannot stand evil. But not only should we fear God, but we should understand the love of God. God's love is so deep because He sent his Son to atone for all our sins. We do not earn merit through our good deeds, but only through the shed blood of his Son by which we are forgiven. Both a fear and love of God will lead to a desire for God. Understanding who God is and what He has done for us will lead us to worship and desire to please Him. Jerry Bridges argues that the practice of godliness will ultimately flow from devotion to God. How do we practice godliness?

(1) Godliness demands commitment

We cannot mystically wait to be godly and "let go and let God." Sanctification does not happen like that. We must be active in our sanctification (Phil 2:13), while God works within us to accomplish His good will.

(2) Godliness demands the Right Teacher

We must be trained by the Holy Spirit. And the greatest means the Holy Spirit uses is the Word of God. We must commit ourselves to reading the Word of God daily. The Word will inform us, convict us, rebuke us, encourage us, strengthen us. In other words, the Word will keep us in relationship to God as we meditate and pray.

Second of all, we must memorize scriptures on the holiness of God, the love of God, the mercy of God, forgiveness, etc.

(3) Godliness demands practice

We must practice godliness in all our lives. We must be prayerful in how God should lead us.

Lord, increase my devotion to you. I've been busy, but not being busy devoted to you. Lead my heart to you again. Forgive me for my transgressions and sins against you. Turn my heart to you again and help me be active in my fight against sin. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Avoid Wreckless Living

2011-06-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

I am being reminded of how weak I am and how I need to depend on the Lord to fight my flesh. I need to kill sin in the "small" areas of life: oversleep, gluttony, lust, complaining, dishonoring my parents...because little sins eventually become big sins, and big sins become character sins, and character sins leads to death....

For grace to kill my sin, help me Lord, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Lecture to My Students by Spurgeon: Lecture 2

2011-06-13T13:20:00.001-07:00

How do you know you are called to Pastor?

1. Do I have a genuine burning desire?

2. Do I have a ability to preach and teach publicly?

3. Do people get converted through my ministry?

4. Do the people of the church affirm my preaching and teaching

Some quotes:

When young fellows say that they have not made up their minds upon theology, they ought to go back to the Sunday school until they have. Pg. 41

We must try whether we can endure browbeating, weariness, slander, jeering, and hardship; and whether we can be made the offscouring of all things and be treated as nothing for Christ's sake. If we can endure all these, we have some of those points which indicate the possession of the rare qualities which should meet in a true servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pg. 42

A man who would succeed as a preacher would probably do right well either as a grocer or a lawyer or anything else. A really valuable minister would have excelled at anything. There is scarcely anything impossible to a man who can keep a congregation together for years, and be the means of edifying them for hundreds of consecutive Sabbaths; he must be possessed of some abilities, and be by no means a fool or ne'er do well. Jesus Christ deserves the best men to preach his cross, and not the empty headed and the siftless. Pg. 39

Lecture to My Students by Spurgeon: Lecture 1

2011-06-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

Robert Murray McCheyene: “My people’s greatest need is what? My personal holiness.”

"When we say to you, my dear brethren, take care of your life, we mean be careful of even the minutiae of your character. Avoid little debts, unpunctuality, gossiping nicknaming, petty quarrels, and all other of those little vices which fill the ointment with flies. The self-indulgences which have lowered the repute of many must not be tolerated by us. The famimliarities which have laid others under suspicion, we must chastely avoid. The roughness which have rendered some obnoxious, and the fopperies which have made others contemptible, we must put away. We cannot afford to run great risks through little things. Our care must be to act on the rule, "giving no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed...Even in your recreations, remember that you are ministers. When you are off the parade you are still officers in the army of Christ, and as such demean yourselves. But if the lesser things must be looked after, how careful should you be in the great matters of morality, honesty, and integrity! Here the minister must not fail. His private life must ever keep good tune with his inistry, or his day will soon set with him, and the sooner he reitres the better, for his continuances in his office will only dishonor the cause of God and ruin himself." Lecture 1

A pastor cannot neglect to watch his own life. A very loving brother of mine once texted me this verse,

"Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench;

so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor " (Ecclesiastes 10:1 ESV)

There is no such things as little sins. Little sins that go unconfessed, hidden, and unrepented of will destroy me, my ministry, and cause Satan to blaspheme my Lord who died for me. I cannot keep abusing the grace of God. The grace of God should motivate me to holiness, not licentiousness. I may build people up with my teaching, but I may destroy them by how they view my life. The Lord's work is serious business.

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me for sinning against You, and only You. Whom do I have in Heaven but You? Lord, forgive me for my folly, indulgences in the flesh, impatience, gossip, and tolerating evil within my soul. Help me see Christ crucified once again for these sins. Help me be holy because you are holy. Help live out my identity as your child, in holiness, righteousness, and truth. Help me repent of my hypocrisy in the private moments. Help me repent of my lack of love for my very own family. Help me repent of my gossip and slander and obscene talk from my mouth. Help me repent of any unknown sins and may I walk in your light. Protect me from the Evil One by your Spirit.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

Need to Kill my Hypocrisy

2011-01-31T22:59:00.000-08:00

"Teaching will be of little worth if there is not a corresponding uprightness and holiness of life." John Calvin

Father,

Help me imitate our Lord Jesus. Forgive me for my failures and shortcomings. I look to the cross again. I am bought with a price. I am redeemed from the slavery of sin. Grant me grace to walk in obedience to you

For your glory,

Amen.

The Mark of Christian Maturity

2011-01-29T13:19:00.000-08:00

The mark of Christian maturity is how highly you treasure Jesus Christ. It how much you value what He has done on your behalf. May I glory and boast in the Cross alone (Gal. 6:14).

Purity

2011-01-29T13:16:00.000-08:00

"Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart." (Psalm 51:6 ESV)

Father in Heaven,

You know how inadequate I feel. I am unworthy to do anything for you. I am a sinner. I go astray so many times. Please forgive my shortcomings. Please cleanse me from the inward being. Please grant me purity of mind, thought, deed, and conduct. Grant me purity of heart and conscience that I might freely worship and adore you.

For your name's sake,

Amen.

What is the Gospel?

2011-01-24T20:33:00.000-08:00

I preached this past Sunday on the topic: What is the Gospel? Preaching can be mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting; however, by God's grace, I felt a deep peace and calmness while up on the pulpit. I felt confident in the Savior and His Righteousness. The text I preached the gospel was from Romans 3:21-26.

What is the Gospel?

The heart of the Gospel is that God saves sinners through faith alone in Christ alone. All have sinned and are utterly lost, hopeless, and condemned before a holy God. But God in his great mercy sent His Son to die on the cross in our place, be buried, and rise again so that we might be declared righteous before the Father because he was our substitute. Jesus redeemed us from the slavery of sin and God's wrath was satisfied on the cross. Now God looks on us with favor because of the work of Christ when we embrace the Son of God by Faith. What glorious news!

Titus Chapter 3

2011-01-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrels, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, dissensions, genealogies, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division,after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas and Tychius to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do you best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfruitful. All those who are with me sends greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Titus Chapter 2

2011-01-04T08:32:00.001-08:00

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything, they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and holy lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things: exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Titus Chapter 1

2010-12-24T19:19:00.000-08:00

Paul,

A servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior,

To Titus, my true child in a common faith.

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order and appoint elders in every town as I directed you, if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery and insubordination. For an overseerer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant, or quick-tempered, or a drunkard, or violent, or greedy for gain; but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also rebuke those who contradict it.

For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. These must be silenced since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons." This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commandments of people who turn away from the truth. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are destatable, disbobedient, and unfit for any good work.

What are my idols?

2010-12-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

An Idol is anything you find satisfication, joy, acceptance, significance, and worth that is not God.

I'm trying to be aware of my own idolatrous heart and how Christ can only meet my need through his death. In Christ, I am satisfied, joyful, accepted, significant, and worth.

Some idolatries I struggle with:

The Idol of Acceptance from Academics

If only I can get that degree, I'll be sastisfied and happy.....

The Idol Preaching

If only people are blessed with my preaching, I'll find my worth....

The Idol of Ministry

If only the people would grow to love Jesus, I'll feel significant....

The Idol of Morality

If only I do not sin and live a holy life, I'll feel like I have lived up to the Christian life...

All these things are good things, but when they become ultimate things and take the place of God, they will kill me and leave me emptied.

I am accepted, significant, worthy, and adored because Christ loved me and gave himself for me at the cross. He gave me his righteousness and I am fully accepted in Him. Why do I need to turn to these other idols that only destroy me?

The Old Testament and Justification

2010-11-22T23:16:00.000-08:00

[6] Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. And the glory of the LORD appeared to them, [7] and the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, [8] “Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their cattle.” [9] And Moses took the staff from before the LORD, as he commanded him.

[Moses Strikes the Rock]

[10] Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” [11] And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. [12] And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” [13] These are the waters of Meribah, where the people of Israel quarreled with the LORD, and through them he showed himself holy.

(Numbers 20:6-13 ESV)

[8] And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” [9] So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.

(Numbers 21:8-9 ESV)

The promises of God and the deliverances of God always rested on belief. Unbelief always resulted in God's judgment. Moses strikes the rock twice because of Israel's rebellion and he did not believe the words of the Lord. The children of Israel were bitten by fiery serpents because they failed to believe that God was leading them to a better land.

However, God has alway provided a way of deliverance. It is through faith, or belief in what God says He is going to do. For the rebellious children of Israel, they were to acknowledge their wickedness and rebellion by looking to the bronze serpent to heal them.

Fast forward to the New Testament. I am a rebellious sinner who has a heart that is naturally inclined to evil. I distort boundaries so that I can accomplish my sinful agendas. I am ungrateful, unholy, and reject God in my actions and thoughts. God's judgment is upon me. But God provides a way of escape through belief in His Word, in his Son Jesus Christ. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." (John 3:14-15 ESV) I can be healed of my sin by looking to the Cross of Jesus Christ, where the Lord Himself bears my judgment and pays the penalty of my sin that I may be declared righteous. The Lord is Holy and He will not tolerate my sinful rebellion. The Lord Himself bears my judgment and provides a way of escape by believing in the good news of Jesus Christ.

Sowing Holiness

2010-11-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

"To 'sow to the flesh' is to pander to it, to cosset, cuddle and stroke it, instead of crucifying it...Every time we allow our mind to harbor a grudge, nurse a grievance, entertain an impure fantasy or wallow in self-pity, we are sowing to the flesh. Every time we linger in bad company whose insidious influence we know we cannot resist, every time we lie in bed when we ought to be up and praying, every time we read pornographic literature, every time we take a risk which strains our self-control, we are sowing, sowing, sowing, to the flesh. Some Christians sow to the flesh every day and wonder why they do not reap holiness."- John Stott, The Message of Galatians

"What you see in your spiritual life today is the direct result of what you've put in the soil of your life in days past...The difference between the person who grows in holiness and the one who doesn't is not a matter of personality, upbringing, or gifting; the difference is what each has planted into the soil of his or her heart and soul. So holiness isn't a mysterious spiritual state that only an elite few can reach. It's more than an emotion, or a resolution, or an event. Holiness is a harvest." Josh Harris

Father in Heaven,

Help me sow well. Every decision I make either leads me closer to you or draws me farther from you. Help me flee. I'm weak. I need your grace.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Seminary as Worship

2010-11-13T16:34:00.001-08:00

Most seminary students go through a dry spell when the Bible is not fun and edifying to read anymore. What has happened is that the student creates a dichotomy between his academic life and spiritual life. Greek Exegesis, Grammar, and Philosophy becomes an academic discipline that is separated from the heart. This is very dangerous in seminary because the mind gets disconnected from the heart and vice versa. I need to rethink how I study at school, for all of life should be worship, including academic studies.

How do I worship God in Introduction to Exegesis?

Read the Word Reverently
Pray before class and ask for the Spirit's help
Seek to understand the true meaning of the text
Seek the long term goal and benefits of studying Greek rather than the now, the payoff is great.

How do I worship God in Philosophy?

How does God's attributes affect my spiritual life? (Self-Existence: God does not need us, Cosmological: God is immensely powerful, Teleological: God is immensely wise, Ontological: God is Necessary, Immutability: God does not change, Moral: God is the True, Good, and Beautiful

All of life needs to be an act of worship to God, whether tutoring, greek homework, resting, singing, fellowshipping, washing dishes, watching movies, etc....as an act of gratitude towards the merciful and loving Creator.

Reflections on the Gospel Coalition

2010-11-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

What is the Gospel?

The Gospel is the good news of what God has done in Jesus Christ, supremely in his death and resurrection (Rom. 3:21-26).

I want to live a gospel-centered life in my ministry, church, and relationships. I want to grow in godliness and grace by applying the work of Jesus Christ to my life. He has made atonement for my sins and I am declared righteous before God the Father through faith in his work.

1. The Gospel shows me that I am an idolator (Rom:1-18-3:21)

I have sinned against God by loving created things more than the Creator. I am sinful by nature and my heart is naturally inclined to evil (Matt). I have rebelled against the Creator and deserve judgment and death.

2. The Gospel shows me that God gave His Son on my behalf (Rom. 3:24-25)

The Lord Jesus Christ came to this earth, born of a virgin, lived a perfectly righteous life, was condemned as a criminal on a bloody cross, was buried, rose again on the third day, and is coming back again to bring the final salvation of all those who believe and bring judgment and wrath on all those who do not believe.

3. The Gospel shows me that God is just (Rom.3:26)

God does not tolerate idolatry and sin. He does not sweep my evil deeds under the rug. Every single sin will be punished. The Lord Jesus Christ bore my wrath to show that God is just.

4. The Gospel shows me that God is merciful (Rom. 3:26)

God is not only just, but merciful. He justifies the wicked and ungodly by the death of his Son. Because His Son was my substitute, I go free from sin, condemnation, and death. I have eternal life because God the Son became my substitute. It was not because of the deeds I have done in my righteousness, but all because of his gracious provision of Christ’s righteousness on my behalf.

5. The Gospel shows me that faith alone is necessary for salvation

I just embrace and receive this message by simple trust. I believe that Jesus loves me and gave his life for me. I believe that I can approach the throne of grace bodly because Jesus has made a way for me to approach God through his death. The curtain was torn in two to symbolize access to the very presence of God to me through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the supreme revelation of God.

The Gospel and Pastoral Ministry

1. The Gospel needs to be preached (2 Timothy 4)

Preach the Gospel in every sermon

The Storyline of the Bible is awaiting the announcement of what God is supremely going to do in Jesus Christ.

John 3:1-21, Rom. 3:21-26, 2 Cor. 5:18-21, 1 Cor. 1:18-2-2

2. The Gospel needs to be defended (Jude 3, 2 Cor. 10:3-5, 1 Peter 3:15)

How can I create a gospel ministry and gospel culture in my own life?

Personal

Read and Listen to Gospel-Centered authors: Tim Keller, John Stott, D.A. Carson, Charles Spurgeon, John Piper, Elise Fitzpatrick, Tim Chester, Mark Driscoll

Preach the gospel to myself everyday (Gal 2): My old sinful nature was crucified with Christ and I live a new life with the Resurrected Christ as a joint-heir and child of God.

Sunday School

Begin Teaching Gospel Christianity 101 by Tim Keller

Sermons

Preach Gospel Centered Texts and Christ in Every Sermon (See Ed Clowney/ T4TG Material)

Preach the Atonement and how everything flows from the penal substitionary death of Jesus Christ.

Conferences

Attend Gospel-focused conferences (The Gospel Coalition)

Small Groups

Think about how the Gospel affects daily life in community.

Create a culture of gospel people

1 on 1 Discipleship

Read Understanding the Gospel Handout

Read Greg Gilbert’s book: What is the Gospel?

Ask the question to everyone I see: What is the Gospel?

Train people to know the Gospel.

Train people to propagate the Gospel

Youth Group

Pray for them

Preach the Gospel in every Bible Study

Ask one another about the Gospel

I need to be intentional

2010-11-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly" Col. 3:16

The greatest weapon to fight sin is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. I need to be intentional in fixing my heart and mind on God's word. I have been putting it aside lately because of my busy schedule. But I have also been a lot weaker in fighting sin. This is a healthy reminder to get back into the word of God.

A Blessed Retreat

2010-10-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone...(Matthew 14:23 ESV)

This past Friday, I had to go on a retreat for my Spiritual Vocation's class. It was one day of withdrawing from the world of internet, school papers, homework, ministry, people, facebook, phones, and work. The purpose of the retreat was to reflect and enjoy God's goodness. The retreat took place at the beautiful Hilltop Renewal Center (http://hilltoprenewal.org) in Idyllwild, CA. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. It was a beautiful three-story house with wonderful people, BOOKS, and God's beautiful creation. In my room, there was a painting of Jesus washing Peter's feet; which I felt that I was being served by God the whole time there. I got to walk up some trails, sing some praise songs, read a couple books in the library, nap, eat great food, and ENJOY GOD!

Here are some things I am thankful to God for as I was reflecting:

God's creation
God's majesty
Rest in Naps
Recreational Reading at the Hilltop Library
God's acceptance of me in Christ, for he loved me while I was a sinner and has given me a new identity in Christ
Standing in awe of God as the Creator of the stars
The Cross
God's attributes, especially the fact that he is incomprehensible
Him saving me in college
Wonderful Church Family
God working through my brokenness
God delivering me from myself and my idols
God always being there for me
Providing me with a beautiful godly girlfriend
Providing me with the opportunity to study at Talbot
Providing me with a home, clothes, and food
and many more....

All these undeserved blessings were blood bought for me at Calvary. I love you Lord Jesus. Thank you for letting me enjoy you this Friday. Help me walk in the light and my new identity in you. I love you Lord, help me be faithful because you first loved me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

A Crazy Week

2010-10-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

This week is going to be so crazy. I am teaching at Wednesday Prayer meeting, Sunday School, and Preaching on Sunday. My greek exam is next tuesday and my two of my philosophy papers are due next week. I feel so overwhelmed! But the Lord reminds me that I should not be anxious about tomorrow, for each day has enough of its own troubles (Matt. 6:33-34).

I am so excited to preach on Sunday. I need to really be dependent on the Spirit of God this week (which I should be dependent on him always) because I am standing before God declaring his all-powerful word. Who am I? I just want to please God. I just want to be happy in Jesus. I just want to lift up the savior and the glorious gospel. The gospel is so glorious, the reality that Jesus has conquered my sin through the cross and has given me a new life through the resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit. The reality of the Coming of the Lord and the restoration of all things because of the promises of God's goodness in Jesus Christ: the death, burial, and resurrection of the Son of God (1 Cor. 15:3-5).

Father in Heaven,

Please help me. I just want to please you. You have already given me everything I need in your Son. I just ask you that you would use me, because I'm weak and scared. I don't want to be preaching for the praise of man, but only for your glory. Please work this weekend in your church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Please do miracles. The greatest miracle you performed was the Resurrection of your Son. Please do miracles of the new birth this weekend. Please cause your saints to be refreshed in the gospel. Please cause my heart to labor and preach in love (1 Cor. 13). Help me marvel at your glory and see your greatness in your son. I love you and my heart's desire is to please you. Please rid me of all my sin and sinful desires! May my meditation be pleasing in your sight, my Lord, Rock, and Redeemer. I need your grace this week and everyday Lord. Help me be satisfied in you alone. Whom do I have in heaven besides thee O Lord? There is nothing on earth that I want except you. Only you can satisfy my thirsty soul. I love you God. I thank you for what your doing in my life. I thank you for your lavish grace that I do not deserve. I thank you that you loved me when I was unlovable. I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ. I thank you for my hope in Jesus Christ. I thank you that you conquer evil and will conquer evil. Open our eyes Lord and cause a season of refreshing. We are so lukewarm and we need you Lord. I don't want to settle for average, but excellence and the glory of your name. May your glory shine and MAY NEVER BE GIVEN TO ANOTHER. Hide me and keep me from the evil one.

In the Name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

I'm FREE!!

2010-10-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

"Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God" Romans 7:4

I love the gospel. I love God's reconciling work. I love that my God came to this earth in the person of His Son to die a bloody death for me. I love that I was a condemned sinner, but Christ came to be condemned for me. I love that I am no longer a slave to the power of sin, but I am a slave to Christ, enslaved now to righteousness, leading to eternal life. I love that I am raised with the resurrected Christ. I love that I am a child of God. I love that I am declared righteous before the Heavenly Father because my Lord Jesus lives! I LOVE THE GOSPEL!!

Christ Finishes It All

2010-09-26T22:53:00.000-07:00

" The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil" 1 John 3:8

Through the death of Christ, I have been crucified along with him with my old sinful nature. I have a new life with Jesus Christ, to walk in the light as He is in the light. I am called from darkness into his marvelous light. Called to be free. Called to be holy. Called to be a co-heir with Christ.

Father,
Help me believe these precious promises that I might partake in the divine nature. Keep my eyes fixed upon you above all else. Help me seek your kingdom first and your righteousness. And when I stray, I pray your Holy Spirit would hit me with the rod of discipline to get me back on track. I love you Lord. You are my portion. Only you can satisfy my finite heart. I want to stand in awe of you. I want the whole earth to be filled with the glory of the Lord, your righteousness, your justice, your mercy, your grace. Protect this feeble sheep who needs your guidance daily.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Reflections on Leviticus

2010-09-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

Leviticus is one of the hardest books of the Bible to read devotionally, but I am actually enjoying it. The main theme I see in this book is that God is holy and his people are suppose to be holy. I am reminded of the bloody sacrifices that took place in front of the tent of the meeting. The animals were slaughtered in front of the congregation and burned up before the Lord as an pleasing aroma. God would not allow anything unholy or undefiled touch his presence. His wrath would consume the people if they did not present the sacrifice of atonement. Moreover, the priests needed to be consecrated properly before the Lord. Aaron's sons even died because they did not revere the Lord. I am reminded once again how I need to live a holy life, and that is only possible through the blood of the true lamb of God, Jesus Christ. I can enter God's holy presence because the blood of Jesus has made a way for me. Sanctify me completely Lord, body, soul, and mind. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Devotional Reflections

2010-09-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

1. Love the Family of God

"Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity" 1 Tim. 5:1-2

God has given me countless mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers at CFBC. I need to love them and honor them and provide for them.

2. Love my family

"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially the members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" 1 Tim 5:8

My Christian testimony should not be inconsistent. Who I am at home, should be who I am at church, work, and school. I should care for my brother, mother, and father.

3. Love my Pastor

"Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching" 1 Tim. 5:17

I need to honor Pastor Ed. I need to encourage him and thank him for "ruling well." How can I honor him better in a way that glorifies God?

4. Love my Boss

"Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved" 1 Tim 6: 2

I need to go above and beyond at the workplace, especially because my bosses are believers. I should do everything to promote the well being of the businesses I work at. I should be a blessing to my employers, not a burden.

5. Love Contentment

"Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world." 1 Tim 6:6-7

Love simplicity. Do I really need to be rich to be happy? Do I need a better car? Do I need to have a bigger house? I am already rich in Christ. I do NEED some more BOOKS though. I can live in a sleeping bag as long as I have my books!

6. Love righteousness and the Faith

"But as for you, O man of God. Flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 tim 6:12-13

RUN! RUN! RUN! RUN FROM SIN!! RUN! RUN! RUN! RUN TO RIGHTEOUSNESS, GODLINESS, FAITH, LOVE, STEADFASTNESS, GENTLENESS!! Defend the faith through my studies at seminary and live an exemplary life!

And the Word became Flesh...

2010-09-12T23:46:00.000-07:00

And dwelt among us.

Transcendence meets imminence in Jesus Christ. God above and beyond becomes intimate and enters his creation that He created. God becomes all in all in the person of Jesus Christ. The unique One, becomes aquainted with our sorrows and our griefs. The Creator God lays down his life for fallen humanity lost in darkness. The Light of the World becomes forsaken so that he might turn men from the darkness to the Light. The Creator enters creation in the Incarnation. Divine meets humanity, Infinite meets Finite. The Incarnation of the Son of God blows my mind. It shows me that the Creator loves me. He became like me. He made me. He layed down his life for me that I might be filled with his fullness. Mercy, Justice, Grace, Faithfulness, Sovereignty, Wrath, Goodness, and Patience all come crashing in the cross of Christ, the blazing center of the Glory of God.

Father in Heaven,
Thank you that you have made me your child through my Lord Jesus Christ. Be near to me. Help me stand in awe of the Word became flesh. Grant me a worshipping heart.
In the Word's Name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

I Love my Lord Jesus

2010-09-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

I've been so thankful these past weeks and reflecting on how God's love of me is relentless and persistently divine. God sees all my wickedness, darkness, shame; yet He still pursues me. My greatest confidence of His pursuit of me is in Jesus Christ. God sent His Son into the world to become my curse, shame, guilty, darkness, wickedness, sin, and wrath bearer. I have new life now because my old self was nailed to the cross with Christ and I have been raised with Christ by the power of His resurrection. I love that old hymn, "When Jesus is my portion...a constant friend is He...His eye is on the sparrow, and I know that He watches me...I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free"

Lord Jesus,
I love you. I thank you that you love me despite my failures and shortcomings. You captivate my heart. Even when I stray from you, you will not let your sheep go. I'm so sorry for messing up so many times. Your love is amazing. Lord Jesus, you are my portion. Whom do I have in heaven besides thee? Transform me by your divine love. In your precious name, Amen.

Pressing On into the Kingdom

2010-09-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

"Let what will be in the way, heaven is what he must and will obtain, not if he can without difficulty, but if it be possible. He meets with temptation: the devil is often whispering in his ear, setting allurements before him, magnifying the difficulties of the work he is engaged in, telling him that they are insuperable, and that he can never conquer them, and trying all ways in the world to discourage him; but he still presses foward." Jonathan Edwards.

I have to lay down everything to follow Christ. I must press on and continue to focus my eyes on Jesus. Lord, make your voice stronger in my Spirit. May your Spirit dictate my thoughts. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Vision

2010-09-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law

I love this quote from Kent Hughes in Disciplines of a Godly Man:

Leadership must have a dream, a vision, a mental image, a precise goal of what is to be accomplished. Vision is the currency of leadership. A vision or dream must grab the leader, and when it does, it will pull others along. The challenge of leadership is so great today because modern man is dreamless. (169)

Father in Heaven,
Give me vision for your glorious and majestic kingdom found in your Holy Word. Captivate me O Lord. Help me see the Risen Lord of Glory.

For your Name's Sake,
Amen.

The Importance of the Church

2010-09-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

"So today, at the end of the twentieth century, we have a phenomenon unthinkable in any other century: churchless Christians. There is a vast herd of professed Christians who exist as nomadic hitchhikers without accountability, without discipline, without discipleship, living apart from the regular benefits of the the ordiances...The entire Christian Life is about commitment-first and above all to Christ, but also to the Church, to family, to marriage, to friendship, to ministry...Men, on the most elementary level, you do not have to go to church to be a Christian. You do not have to go home to be married either. But in both cases if you do not, you will have a very poor relationship." Disciplines of a Godly Man, Kent Hughes

If you love God, you will love God's people. If you are committed to Christ, you will be committed to Christ's sheep.

A healthy Christian commits to:

Regular Attendance of the Church (Understand the Priority of the Church)
Membership (View the Church as a Family)
Giving to the Church (Israelites gave about 25% of their income)
Participation (Serving, Teaching, Preaching, Leading)
Love and Prayer (Discipleship, Intercession, Servanthood)

Reflections on Exodus

2010-09-03T00:29:00.000-07:00

It is interesting to see that the work of the tabernacle was to be done with excellence and precision. Everything in it, from the consecration of the priests, to the building of the altars, to the small details of purification showed that God is holy. Moreover, the Lord gave intelligence and wisdom to people constructing the tabernacle. So here I saw that its really not by wisdom that the work of the Lord is accomplished, but by the Spirit of the Living God. I was also blessed to see that God speaks. He speaks to Moses and to the children of Israel.

Another obersvation I saw was that the children of Israel took the Sabbath seriously. If anyone violated the sabbath, they were put to death (exodus 31:15). God takes his commandments seriously and the people of Israel were to take the commandments seriously. They were to show that they were God's chosen people.

Application:
I should be diligent to observe the commands of the Lord for my good and joy and for his glory. I should take the command to rest seriously. But my final rest is in Christ, who cried out on the cross, "It is finished" who showed that the true temple of God was Christ himself.

Reflections on Jonathan Edwards

2010-09-01T08:38:00.001-07:00

What made Jonathan Edwards such an effective preacher that caused the Great Awakening and Revival in America?

1. Edwards understood the Wrath of God

"They must be sensible that they are the children of wrath; that the law is against them, and that they are exposed to the curse of it: that the wrath of God abideth on them; and that he is angry with them every day while they are under the guilty of sin. They must be sensible that it is a very dreadful thing to be the object of the wrath of God; that it is a very awful thing to have him for their enemy; and that they cannot bear his wrath." (268)

2. Edwards understood the Justice of God

"The holiness of God will not suffer him to give the least countenance of sin, but inclines him to give proper testimonies of his hatred of it."

3. Edwards understood the free Grace of God

"But Christ having satisifed for sin, God can now love the sinner, and give no countenance at all to sin, however great a sinner he may have been...The whole contrivance of the way of salvation is for this end, to glorify the free grace of God." (271)

Before one can taste the beauty of Christ, he must see that he is in a miserable condition. That God's wrath is upon him unless he repents and puts his faith in the finished work of Christ. God's Holiness demands justice and payment of sins, which was done at Calvary. Once a sinner sees his miserable condition, acknowledges his helplessness, turns from his sins, and looks to Christ for pardon, then he receives forgiveness and magnifies the free grace of God on his behalf. Christ sacrifice was sufficient to cleanse the foulest of all sinners (Hebrews 10:13-14).

BIG HEARTS!!

2010-08-31T23:39:00.001-07:00

"The man who has this heart puts out for Christ and His Church. He is willingly inconvenienced. He allows his comfort zone to be invaded. Sometimes he will work to the point of exhaustation" (100)

"Big hearts, the enlarged hearts that God uses, are laboring hearts which, though weary, will willing be expended as necessary...Ministering hearts are disciplined to labor, for they regularly move beyond their comfort zones, they put themselves in vulnerable spots, they make commitments which cost, they get tired for Christ's sake, they pay the price, they encounter rough seas. But their sails billow full of God's Spirit" (197)

"D.L. Mood's bedtime prayer on one occasion, as he rolled his bulk into bed, was, 'Lord, I'm tired! Amen." (197)

"Cultivate a small heart and life may be smooth sailing, but you will never experience the exhilaration of the wind of the Spirit in your sails." (201)-Disciplines of a Godly Man, Kent Hughs

Man, how I needed to hear this. I was laughing after reading D.L. Moody's prayer, "Lord, I'm tired, Amen!" I have many of those prayers. I'm so thankful that God uses tiredness and suffering to sanctify my soul. I can get so bitter sometimes and tell myself, "I deserve better!", but the reality is that I deserve God's judgment instead. Yet, God sent his Son to face my judgment that I might now become a child of God and labor for Him and His glorious Kingdom. I thought being tired was being a bad thing, and in some sense yes when one does not retreat; but even our Lord was wearied when he talked to the woman at the well in John 4. Despite his weariness, the Lord still ministered to a broken woman when HE was the one that needed to be served. Instead, the Lord serves the woman (Mark 10:45). True Greatness lies in servanthood, being incovienienced, and laboring for the the kingdom of God.

Father,
Give me a big heart. While you enlarge the pain, enlarge the joy. Help me endure.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Answered Prayer

2010-08-29T21:48:00.001-07:00

This weekend was a blessing. We started homeless ministry this saturday and it was a HUGE success. I was praying that God would lead us to the right people and he answered that! We saw homeless people at City Hall and gave them sac lunches. They were super friendly and directed us to Ganisha park where more homeless people stay. At Ganisha Park, we continued to pass out food and bless the people there. There is even an amphitheater there! So I was thinking we can start doing homeless ministry more consistently, bless the people there, and even start developing relationships with the people so that we can share the Word of God with them! I'm so glad that we get to apply the Word in this area in helping the oppressed.

Sunday service was a blessing. Pastor Sam preached on the sufficiency, power, and wisdom of Christ in healing Jairus daughter and the woman who touched his garments. Afterwards, I had small group meeting where we continued to discuss what it means to live on mission. Then went to Sierra View and I was blessed to have my lovely choir back me up in singing (i.e. Grandma and Monina) and taught on the seeking Savior and Zacchaeus in Luke 19, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the Lost."

The biggest blessing of the day was going to Tita Lilia's house and continuing vision casting for Amazing Grace Missions. We had good fellowship and new members added to the board. I'M SO EXCITED TO SEE WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN WITH THIS PROJECT! "The Harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." My dreams of the orphanage and the seminary are slowly acutalizing as we continue to plan, and my heart rejoices in the fact that I can be part of God's amazing mission to serve the oppressed, visit the orphan, clothed the naked, and bless less fortunate people! The Lord loves justice, mercy, and compassion. What does the Lord require of me? "He has told you, O Man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)

Father in Heaven,
The devil is seeking to destroy me and my ministry. Please keep me from the Evil One. Help me be aware of his schemes and not fall for his lies and traps. Lord, you have great things in store for me. Keep me following the narrow way and lead me in the way everlasting. Help me flee from sin and distractions that keep me from looking unto you. God, help me. Teach me to number my days that I might get a heart of wisdom. Help me be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in your work knowing that my labor is not in vain.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Prayer

2010-08-27T22:21:00.001-07:00

Lord, lift the darkness. Touch my heart and help me be captivated by the grace of Jesus once again. Take my burden. Taken my discouragements away. Renew my stength. I am weak. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Following Jesus

2010-08-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

"And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life would lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole wolrd and forfeit his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels" Mark 8:34-38

There will always be a crowd of uncommitted followers and committed followers in the same group. Jesus describes a true disciple in this passage: A person who counts EVERYTHING as loss for the sake of knowing the suprassing greatness of Christ and the power of his RESURRECTION and the FELLOWSHIP of his SUFFERINGS. Here we see an apparent contradiction: in losing your life, you find your life, and in trying to save your life, you lose it. Why will you lose your life if you try to save it?? Some people try to save their life by their careers, relationships, money, material things. However, these things do not satisfy at the end of the day. Therefore, they lose their life pursuing something that never quenches a thirsty heart. But those who lose their life and give up everything for Christ FIND it. I have tasted glimpses of this truth. I gave up paintball, the Lord led me to finish up my Master's Degree in Philosophy. I gave up my friends, the Lord gave me a church family who loves me. I gave up my money, the Lord gives me the opportunity to bless others. I gave up popularity, I learn true greatness lies in serving. I gave up my idols, I got the true God who loved me and gave himself for me. Why would I want to be satisfed in the things that never brought satisfication. Only Christ, the fountain of everlasting living waters, can satisfy my dry soul.

Lord,
Help me not be ashamed of your words in this unbelieving, sinful, and adulterous generation. Help me be faithful to you, unto death. Let me know that you are with me. I can do all things through you who strengthens me. Help me be captivated by your beauty once again Jesus. Amen.

Waiting on God Again

2010-08-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.

The cross before me, the world behind me
The cross before me, the world behind me
no turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow
Though none go with me, still I will follow
no turning back, no turning back

I feel like I'm in a spiritual desert right now. Pastor Ed always says how lonely it can be sometimes pastoring and I can definitely relate to him. I can get so discouraged easily because I know that God is glorious and our worship of Him does not reflect that. I hate my sin, lukewarmness, cold-hard heart, and lack of gratitude for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't know what's going on in my spirit, but I have been crying out to God that he would deliver me from the season of dryness. I've been asking God to comfort me and be with me. I have knowledge of God, but I want to feel his presence with me. The lie that I'm constantly fighting is to settle for complacency, rather than EXCELLENCE. I want to be an athelete, running according to the rules, suffering for the gospel of God. There have been victories and there have been losses, but God is still faithful. I should not be like the Israelites, who in the wilderness, were grumbling and complaining to God. God was leading them through the wilderness to test them and see if they would follow the Lord with their whole hearts because God was going to lead them to the promised land. O Lord, please renew my spirit. I've been praying this for awhile, probably over a year now. I don't know if it is growing pains or my faith is being tried, but please deliver me from it. My soul is downcast. Renew me so I can praise you again. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Preach the Word

2010-08-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

"I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:1-5

This is the job description of a young pastor that Paul is writing to. I love the pastoral epistles because I can relate to Timothy's struggles. I could be so timid, fearful, weak, and discouraged so easily. But Paul exhorts his younger son in the faith to "preach the word." Paul places significant emphasis on the Word of God. The Word has the power to convict, rebuke, reproof, and exhort (2 Timothy 3:16). Preaching in our age right now is "out of season." People do not like to hear about judgment, sin, wrath, and God's holiness. And I am choosing to an "out of season" position! But God, give me grace to follow you, for "you have the words of eternal life." "I can do all things through Christ" who strengthens me. Remind me of your grace and your faithfulness. Help me see the upward call you have for me in Christ Jesus, the highest calling a human can ever receive. C.S. Lewis quoting Augustine said, "The Son of God became man that he might enable men to become Sons of God." Christ humbled himself in the form of servant found in human likeness to share in my weaknesses and give me grace when I need help. Paul also exhorts Timothy to "endure suffering" in the ministry. There is no doubt that there WILL BE SUFFERING in the ministry. We live in a fallen world with rebellious sinners who turn away from the truth. I am so fearful of the suffering that will come, I know that there will be dark times and seaons of discouragement. But remind me of the cross. Remind me that there is hope in suffering and you do this to refine me and be more like you. There is resurrection three days later. Help me be sober-minded, in my thoughts, actions, and lifestyle. Help me be discplined and self-controlled so that I might be an honorable vessel used for your glory that I might magnify your marvelous grace. In Jesus Name, Amen.

The Will of God

2010-08-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

1 Thessalonians 4:3
For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that you abstain from sexual immorality

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

A Christian lives as a citizen of a heavenly kingdom, awaiting for the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. To make my calling more sure and God's choice of me, I should be striving for holiness. Paul argues that one of the marks of a true Christian is that he knows how to control his body in a honorable manner, abstaining from all sexual immorailty. Paul also commands us to rejoice always. Why? The Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins and he is coming back again not to bring wrath, but salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:10-11). To give thanks in all circumstances means that a Christian should be putting on the "new man" reflecting the likeness of God and trusting God for his providence, blessings, and the coming glory that is to be revealed. Pray without ceasing refers to a constant communion with the heavenly Father, so that I might be sober-minded for the sake of my prayers. Father, help me be conformed to your will more and more. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Honorable Vessels

2010-08-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

"Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:20-21

I want to be an honorable vessel used by the Lord. If I want to be the Lord's instrument, I have to seek holiness, righteousness, and purity. I think one of the Devil's lies is that he wants me to settle for mediocrity and the normal American Dream of comfort; rather than radical servanthood that lays down my life for the gospel. I KNOW God has great things in store, but I must constantly fight the temptation to settle for comfort and make lesser things ultimate things. I need to resolve to fight the good fight of faith and to flee youthful passions and pursue rightousness, faith, love, and peace (2 Timothy 2:22). I have seen so many in the church settle for a cold lukewarm faith. Their Christian life is so boring, rather than exciting. They think that all Christianity is just a sunday event rather than reaching the NATIONS with the GOSPEL of God. They think its about personal comfort, rather than cross bearing sacrificial love. I DON"T WANT TO LIVE A LIFE OF COMPLACENCY! I DON'T WANT TO WASTE MY LIFE!

Father in Heaven,
Keep me from distractions. Keep me from sin. Keep me from foolishness. Not to us, but to your name be the glory. Help me be obedient to your will and grant me patience to fight the good fight of faith. As I wait for you, strengthen me and keep me from temptation and the Evil one. I want to be set apart and used by you. Give me a theology of beauty: that your are the most beautiful being that has ever crossed my mind. Help me see that your glorious, magnificent, all powerful, awesome, and wise beyond measure. Grant me to be faithful by your grace. Help me not settle for less, but strive to obtain excellence.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Freedom

2010-08-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

For freedom Christ has set us free, stand firmtherefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery Galatians 5:1

But far be it from to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14

In his epistle to the Galatians, the dominant theme that runs through this letter is the concept of freedom in Christ. Paul is defending the gospel: the death of Jesus for our sins and his resurrection. Because Christ has come to be our curse-bearer, we can have a new life in Christ. We are new creation. We no longer have to live trying to earn favor or acceptance before God. The Judaizers were trying to earn their acceptance with God by their Sabbath observances, rituals, and practicing circumcision. Even Peter and Barnabas were being led astray by false human religion. But Paul argues in Galatians 2, that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. We are sinners and we need a sinless substitute to take our place. It was love for God and love for us that Jesus Christ went to the cross. Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, Christ died for no purpose" (Galatians 2:20-21). It is really important to see that slaves try to earn favor before God. On the other hand, children are heirs with Christ through God's promise to Abraham.

In short, the gospel is about salvation by grace alone while all other false religions try to promote salvation by works. In the gospel we boast in the work of Christ on the cross while in false religion we boast in ourselves because of our human effort. Praise God for the gospel and the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ who loved me and gave himself for me. Amen.

Learning to Retreat

2010-08-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

Mark 1:35
And rising early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and and went out to desolate place, and there he prayed.

I am learning how it is important in my ministry to retreat from ministry. When I am not happy in God, ministry becomes duty and I become weak. But when I am happy in God, in my alone time with him, I find strength to declare his marvelous grace. The Lord ministers to my heart first before I can minister to others. Learning to say "no" is such an important lesson for all ministry leaders to learn. People can be demanding, emotionally draining, and your own sin creeping at the door to take you in your weakest moments. I need to be alone with God to remind myself of his forgiving grace and the death of his Son on my behalf and the power of his resurrection who is the One who lives and interecedes on my behalf. God has to fill me with His Holy Spirit.

Father,
Forgive me for grieving your Spirit. Forgive me for my failures as a leader. Forgive me for not looking to you to be my strength. Thank you for your unfailing love and your faithfulness. Remind me that I am loved by you despite my shortcomings because you sent your Son to be the propitiation for my sins. You command my sins and guilt to be washed away by the blood of your precious Son. Thank you for the gospel.

In Jesus name,
Amen

Great Preaching Begins with God's Power

2010-07-31T23:14:00.000-07:00

"Then the Lord said to him, 'Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.' But he said, "Oh, my Lord, please send someone else." Exodus 4:11-13

I got a lesson of humility during last Wednesday's prayer meeting. It was my turn to preach on the Parable of the Rich Fool. During my message, I was stumbling over my words and my thoughts were unclear. I started sweating and everyone noticed that I was so nervous. I wanted to finish quickly because I just wanted to be out of the spotlight. As I left prayer meeting, I ask the Lord, "What was that? Where were you Lord? I never want to do that again if you are not with me?" If I stand before God's people trusting my own wisdom, there will be no spiritual power and divine action. I need to trust God. I don't want to preach or teach if God will not go with me.

In this passage, Moses acknowledges that he is not an eloquent man. He does not want to do what God has called him to do. Yet, in the future, Moses will be one of the most eloquent preachers and powerful spiritual figures in all of biblical history. Why?

It was because God uses the weak to display his strength. God picks the nobodies to shame the strong. God doesn't choose people who trust in themselves. He chooses those who are broken, humble, and willing to listen to his voice.

Father,
I don't want to do anything if you don't go with me. What is the point? I will be humiliated or be in shame or puffed up in self-righteous pide. Don't make me do things where your not with me. I don't like it. Help me always be dependent on you. May I just be a vessel used for your glory, even if it means just teaching kids all my life. You use the weak, not the strong. You use the humble, not the proud.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Reflections on Exodus

2010-07-30T23:23:00.000-07:00

God reveals himself to Moses as the Great I AM. God hears the groanings of his people in Egypt. They are oppressed and sold into slavery. God also preserves the life of Moses. Moses fled into the wilderness because his own countrymen grumbled against him, yet God was with him. I found in interesting that God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. What is significant about this is that God is a God of promises. God promised Abraham to bless him through his son and God came through. I am reminded once again that God keeps his promises to his people because of his character.

"He was delivevered over to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification" (Romans 4:25)

Tita Lilia Soledad (aka Yoda)

2010-07-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

I got the opportunity to stay with Ed and Lilia Soledad this week because their family is out of town and they needed someone to watch them. It has been like a little mini retreat to me. We wake up, pray, eat breakfast, read our bibles, pray, eat lunch, read our bibles, and share our faith with one another. I love it!! The Soledad's house reminds me of a monastery where I can read books all day and pray and talk to tita Lilia about my future dreams in honoring the Lord.

I am so blessed by this woman's life. She is a godly humble servant who was one of the church planters of CFBC in her jewelry store. She is also a missionary and has planted the Amazing Grace churches. Just observing her life while I was with her really blesses me. Here are some insights I got:

1. Be Prayerful
Tita Lilia is always prayerful of whatever she does. Whether its reading her Bible, eating breakfast or even going out to run errands, she is soaked in prayer.

2. Love God's Word
She showed me her lesson plans and they are SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY notes from the BIBLE ALONE. She does not rely on commentaries, but on the Holy Spirit to reveal new truths to her in the sufficient and inerrant word.

3. Dream Big
We were talking about maybe the possibility of starting an orphanage and Christian school in the philippines. It only cost $10,000 to get a school building up on that beautiful island they steward for the Lord. That's only the cost of one year of my Talbot Tuition!! Lord, do great things!!

4. Lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

5. Let the Lord instruct me.
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

6. Be Patient
Wait upon the Lord to renew my strength and lead me. Isaiah 40:31

7. Again, Be prayerful
Prayer shows your dependence on God. And I see it the life of Tita Lilia. She sees God's providence in all things. It is so encouraging. She definitely encouraged my faith this week.

"God Sent Me Here"

2010-07-23T00:23:00.001-07:00

"God sent me here" says Joseph. After being betrayed by his brothers, accused of sexual immorality, sent to prison, and forgotten, the Lord was with Joseph all along the way. Joseph rises to power in Egypt and becomes second in command. After many years, all the pain, hurt, and evil is made right when the Jacob's sons come to Egypt for the famine relief. Joseph weeps because he remembers all the pain he went through. Yet he still believes God is in control, sovereign, and good. "God sent me here." This is a profound statement that Joseph makes. He could've have said, "IT IS BECAUSE OF YOU THAT MY LIFE WAS TAKEN FROM ME!" Instead, he sees God's good pleasure and goodness worked through all the evil and suffering he experienced.

Fast foward to the New Testament. Jesus is betrayed, beaten, mocked, misunderstood, treated unjustly, and ultimately crucified. Jesus in one sense, says "God sent me here." He left the Father's throne to come to the "Egypt" of our sin cursed world. His Jewish brothers betrayed him. Christ hanging on the cross could have said, "IT IS BECAUSE OF YOUR SIN I AM HANGING HERE!" Instead, he says, "Father, forgive them." Christ sees God's good pleasure working through the evil of the crucifixion. Christ believes that God is in control, sovereign, and good.

Now, I am a child of God because God sent Jesus to the cross on my behalf. I meant for evil against God, but God meant it for good. Now Christ calls me to do the same to a lost world. When people mistreat me, abuse me, mock me, betray me; I can also testify, "God sent me here."

Oh, the depths of the riches of the wisdom of God. How unsearchable are his ways! How profound his wisdom!

Profound words, "God sent me here."

The Blessings of the Gospel

2010-07-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

I am amazed with all the blessings that Christ has purchased for me. I have a right standing with God because Christ lives on my behalf. I am a child of God because of Christ. I have access to the God the Father through the Holy Spirit. I dread no condemnation because Christ was condemned for me. I fear no shame because Christ was shamefully treated at Calvary. I fear no guilt because the penalty of sin was dealt with at the cross. I am a heir of God because Jesus was made like his brothers in every way, yet without sin. AMAZING GRACE!

I've been realizing what A FOOL I have been by trying to fight sin in my own strength rather then to surrender to Christ. You cannot fight sin by your own will power, or what Paul calls the flesh. It is impossible because you are trusting in your own self to deliver you from the power of the law. Only in Christ is there freedom because we do not have to earn our salvation. I am already unconditionally loved by Christ and accepted by God the Father because of Christ work on my behalf.

It is really important to understand justification. Faith in God's righteousness always precedes my personal righteousness and sanctification. I have been learning that what you believe about God is really important. Do I believe that I am unconditially loved despite my sin? Do I believe that God accepts me by the merits of Christ alone? Am I trying to gain acceptance with God through my personal holiness, bible study, prayer, meditation? Or Do I believe that God calls me His beloved already because of the gospel: the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ?

Good works will come from BELIEVING RIGHT THINGS ABOUT GOD FIRST! Alex, believe the precious promises of God! "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his pprecious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire" (2 Peter 1:3-5)

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. Galatians 2:20-21

Memorize!

2010-07-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

Romans 13:13-14
Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, thing about these things.

Ephesians 6:16-18
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perserverance, making supplication for all the saints.

Lord Jesus,
There really is a spiritual war out there. I need your grace to live a pure and holy life before you, pleasing. I know you have great things in store for me. Give my heart affections for you so that the things of the world will seem complete folly compared to the heavenly pleasures. Open my eyes to the reality of your Spirit. I need you Lord. Thank you for being my God. Thank you for being my first love. Thank you for your faithfulness despite my unfaithfulness. Thank you for taking my condemnation, guilt and shame at the cross. Thank you for the POWER of your Resurrection. I believe, help my unbelief.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Prayer

2010-07-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

In prayer, real prayer, we begin to think God's thoughts after him: to deisre the things he desires, to love the things he loves, to will the things he wills. Progressively, we are taught to see things from his point of viee-Celebration of the Disciplines-Richard Foster

Listening to God is the necessary prelude to intercession...We must hear, know, and obey the will of God before we pray it into the lives of others. Celebration of the Disciplines-Richard Foster

New Reading List

2010-07-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

God, Philosophy, and the University by Alasdair MacIntyre
Celebration of the Disciplines by Richard Foster
Genesis/ 2 Corinthians
Grounded in the Gospel by J.I. Packer
Gospel Christianity Notes by Tim Keller
Tactics by Gregory Koukel
The Lord's Prayer by R.C. Sproul

Meditation

2010-07-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the way of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers,
But his delight is on the Law of the Lord,
And on his law he meditates day and night-Psalm 1

Christian meditation, very simply, is the ability to hear God's voice and obey his word-Celebration of Discipline-Richard Foster

Christian meditation is an attempt to fill the mind...Christian meditation leads us to the inner wholeness necessary to give ourselves to God freely, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster

Otium Sanctum means "holy Leisure." Foster aruges that it is a sense of balance in the life, and ability to be at peach through the activities of the day, an ability to rest and take time to enjoy beauty, and ability to pace ourselves (27). Our churches lack a deep experiental knowledge of God. We do not know how to commune with the living God. We do not know how to walk in day to day life with God. Instead, we have an external righteousness that lacks substance, depth. I picked up Foster's book to help me cultivate my intimacy with God. Distractions, Business, and Ministry crowd out me sitting at the Lord's feet, opening my heart to him, and learning from Him.

Why do Christians lack growth and fall into lukewarmness? (1) We harden our hearts because we have become "dull" of hearing the Word. As the apostle James says, We should be "doers" or the Word and not only "hearers" lest we deceive ourselves. Here are some important princples I learned from reflecting on this time:

1. Stop
Find places where you are not distracted from emails, phonecalls, people, and work. Be consciously telling yourself that this time you have is to have One on One time with the Lord.

2. Be Comfortable
Find a place where you can meditate freely. For me, this is the beach, my backyard, and my room in the evening.

3. Open Your Heart
Tell the Lord what is really going on in your heart: Anger, Betrayal, Anxiousness, Hurt, Pain, Joy.

4. Listen to God
Ponder on the Scriptures. Ask God to show wonderful things in His Law.

Application:
Morning Times-I get so distracted in the morning. The first thing that pops into my head is that I need to go running or get ready for work. I also want to check my email, facebook, or bank account before I start reading my Bible.

Afternoon-I rarely spend times with God in the afternoon. I get caught up with studying or meeeting with people or preparing lessons.

Evening-I believe this is my most important time of the day. I normally reflect in the Scriptures in Genesis. Playing Worship Music relaxes me. In other words, here are times where I am able to contemplate and open up my heart to God.

Lord, grow me in becoming more intimate with you. Open my heart to recieve your word. I confess to you that I have hardened my heart and have stop listening to you because I have become "dull" of hearing because I have been so "busy" serving you. Help me stop, think, reflect, and listen once again.

Thank you for grace, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Conferences and Future Travel Goals

2010-07-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

Think: The life of the Mind and the Love of God: October 1-3, Minnieapolis, MN

2011 The Shepherd's Conference: March 9-13 Los Angeles, CA

2011 The Gospel Coalition: April 12-14 Chicago, IL

2011 Philippines Summer Mission Trip.

God, please provide the funds!!!

Unity and Diversity II

2010-07-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

God gives coherence to all things. The Trinune God is the only reasonable explantion: One God manifested in three persons. God is one in essence, three in persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus said: "I and the Father are One" John 10:30

a. The Body of Christ.
One Spirit, many members. One Spirit, many gifts.

b. Univeristy.
One unifying Discipline (Theology), many diverse disciplines (Biology, Philosophy, Cosmology, Physics).

c. Essay.
One unfiying thesis, many main points that support the thesis.

d.Marriage
One flesh, yet two distinct persons: Male and Female

e. Sermons
One main unifying propostion, diverse main points.

f. Family
One family, different members: Father, Son, Children.

g. Art
One portrait, yet diverse color schemes and strokes of paint.

h. My Christian Relationship.
I am not God. Jesus did everything in obedience to the Father. Jesus accomplishes my salvation. When I obey Christ, I abide in Him, and therefore am one with Christ as Christ is one with the Father. There is the mystery of plurality and unity.

Thinking about God's Will and Vocation for my Life

2010-07-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

Romans 12:4-8
For as one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts taht differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them; if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contibutes, in generositiy; the one who lead, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

There is no such thing as a "Super-Christian." The only super Christian who had all the gifts was Jesus, who was God.

For me, I was called into one body with specific gifting. I cannot do everything. It will cause burn out. Here are some important questions I need to think about before considering my calling:

1. Is there a desire for me to preach the pure word of God?
2. Does the community of God affirm this gift?
3. Is this something I cannot live without doing?

Everything is still unclear to me right now. I am young and inexperienced. I am not mature and do not have enough life experiences to minister to my full capacities.

What do I love to do??

a. Teaching
I love teaching. I love teaching Sunday School classes in Apologetics, Bible, Theology, and Philosophy. I love interaction with students to get them thinking deeply of why they believe what they believe.

b. Studying
I find joy in reading. I love books. To love God, you must have to know Him. You have to know his likes and dislikes, his passion and his hatred for sin. You must think right thoughts about God for you to honor him. I can spend all day reading my Bible, books in Theology, Philosophy, and whatever interests are at the moment.

c. Preaching??
Not so sure. It takes a lot of work to be a deep preacher. You have to be immersed in prayer, be captivated by God's Word, transformed by it, and share it with others. I don't know, preaching is a high calling as you stand as a herald of God to correct, rebuke, reproof, and encouraged with the Word of God.

d. Defending (Jude 1:3, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Ideas have consequences. You are what you believe. A godless generation is rising because they do not know how to discern good from evil. They do not know how to critique false beliefs and gain true wisdom and understanding. I want every thought of my to be taken captive to the Word of God and obedience of Christ.

e. Shepherding??
I have failed many times in this area. I lack empathy and compassion at times. I sin by not listening to people. I fail to be sensitive. I need God's grace in this area of my life.

What now?
Right now, God is working even though everything is unclear to me. I know God has great things in store for me in the future. I just need to be faithful and have an enduring Spirit. God has me at the pefect place at the perfect timing. I am a student who gets to study philosophy and theology at seminary. I am also a teacher who gets to teach friday bible studies, sunday school, small groups, prayer meetings, and local outreaches.

Father,

Help me use the gifts you have given me for the edification of your church for the glory of your name. When praise comes to me, let it always be directed to the cross of calvary. To God be the glory both now and forevermore. Amen.

Important "Closet Work" Questions

2010-07-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

1. Why was this exegetical idea necessary for its original recipients?

2. What is God revealing about Himself in this text? (Godward)

3. What is God saying to ME in this text? (Application/ Inward)

4.What does God want to accomplish through this text?

5.What could negate the progress I have just made through this text?

taken from Deep Preaching

Reminding Myself of the Gospel

2010-07-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to fight my sin and temptations in my own strength and I find out I fail miserably. I keep resolving to "try again" and try better but always end up coming short. I am reminded once again that I am a sinner. There is nothing righteous or good or lovely in me because I have rebelled against a holy and pure God. The only thing that is going to help me fight sin is reminding myself of the gospel and the full forgivness of Jesus Christ and his full atonement.

Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. He came to give his life as a ransom for many. He went to calvary, shed his blood, was buried, and three days rose again. By the power of his indestructible life, he lives forever as a High Priest who intercedes on my behalf. Not only that, he is coming back again to save us, "For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him" (1 Thessolonians 5:9). In other words, Jesus accomplishes salvation for us in the past, present, and future. How I need his present work to save me from the weakness of my flesh. I hate the guilt, and shame, and failures of sin. I hate griveing the Holy Spirit. I hate dishonoring the Lord. I find myself weak when I am not captured by grace.

I am glad that my salvation is not ultimately depended on my love for God, but God's love for me in Christ. My love fluctuates, His love remains the same. I change, God does not change. I am wretched, He bore my wretchedness on the cross. I am guilty of sin, he bore my guilt on the cross. I have shame, He was left naked on the cross to take my shame. I feel abandoned when I sinned, He was abandoned by the Father so that the promise "I will never leave your nor forsake you" will come true for in my life.

Father in Heaven,
Please forgive me of my sin. Forgive me for not living the life I should live. But thank you that Your Son lived the life I should have lifed. Thank you that he died the death I should have died. Thank you for his merciful blood that washes me and makes me holy and blameless and above reproach. Thank you for the gospel.

In the name of the Living Savior who is my High Priest,
Amen.

A Great Relationship with God

2010-07-07T10:23:00.001-07:00

Great preaching starts with a great relationship with God.
Godliness starts with a great relationship with God.
Love for the Church starts with a a great relationship with God.
Love for believers starts with a great relationship with God.
Love for the lost starts with a great relationship with God.
Love for my family starts with a great relationship with God.
Love for the oppress starts with a great relationship with God.
Hatred for sin starts with a great relationship with God.
Hatred for unwise spending starts with a great relationship with God.
Hatred for selfishness starts with a great relationship with God.
Hatred for wasted time starts with a great relationship with God.

Everything starts with a great relationship with God. Just as human relationships need to be cultivated and maintained, how much more my relationship with God. Why do I feel weak spiritually? LAZINESS has made me become dry. I use to be attentive and was passionate to read the Scriptures and Pray and Memorize. But the relationship becomes dull when you forget doing the things you once did at first. Just as in romantic relationships, people forget to be kind and loving when they are married for awhile. Same thing with God. God desires me to find him fresh in new ways everyday and have my love for him increase daily.

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." John 14:15

Reflections on Genesis

2010-07-06T21:57:00.000-07:00

During my devotional, I was reminded that God is faithful. God had promised Abraham to make his name a blessing to all nations and to grant him offspring as great as the stars in the heaven. However, Abraham wavered in his faith before God. God promised Abraham a Son, and Abraham was becoming unsure of God's promise as he grew older. When Sarah started doubting, she asked Abraham to sleep with Hagar. So Abraham agreed. And Ishmael was born and Hagar was neglected.

We all know the story. God did come through with his promises. Sarah eventually became pregnant and had a child named Isaac. I was reminded that I should not doubt God's goodness and promises. Whatever God says, he will do; even if it does not make sense to us. More than that, God's promises is not ultimately depended on our faithfulness, but his faithfulness and character.

What promises can I believe now that seem hard to believe? God works out everything for good on our behalf, even the evil I have suffered. God promises to raise me from the dead because of Jesus Christ's Resurrection. God promises to present me blameless and above reproach and holy because of the death of Jesus Christ and his reconciling work. God promises to give me strength in weakness.

God, overcome my unbelief. Help me believe your promises and that you are good. In Jesus Name, Amen.

The Primary Duty of a Christian

2010-07-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

The primary duty of a Christian is not service, evangelism, ministry, or social justice; but worship. In other words, the primary duty of a Christian is to be happy in God. Why do we sin? We sin when we are not happy in God. We look for earthly pleasures when we are satisfied with godly pleasures.

I have seen in my life that even good things such as service, ministry, and evangelism can crowd out God. My duty as a Christian is to get my soul satisfied in Jesus Christ. To remember what he has done for me. That he has reconciled me to the Father through his atoning sacrifice at the cross. That I am guilt-free and there is not condemnation for me because of Christ (Romans 8:1).

Christian service, evangelism, ministry, and social justice will flow from a heart that is grateful in God (Eph 2:10). I do not have to earn my salvation because Jesus has already accomplished it at Calvary.

When I was a non-believer, I needed to repent of my immorality. Now, as a believer, I need to repent of my righteousness. Preaching, teaching, serving, and leading are not good indicators that you are close to God. In fact, it can be a disguise for self-righteous moralism. I am close to God because of Jesus. It is not Jesus plus something. It is Jesus alone by his grace alone. I am the beloved child of the Father because Jesus has done his work on my behalf and continually does it as my High Priest. He is my greater older brother. He is my greater prophet. He is my greater example. He is my Substitute. He is my divine lover. He is my God.

Back to Basics

2010-07-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some more great insights I got from Deep Preaching.

Meditation
There is a significant coorelation between great preaching and meditation. If I want to be godly, I have to meditate on the Word. As Kent Edwards says, it is easy to read the bible like how we eat 99 cent cheesburgers. I read my Bible in the morning as water flows through a pipe. It does not get the chance to settle in my mind throughout the day. The text has to be chewed over and over again until it becomes part of me. I have noticed that my Scripture reading has not been carried over to the rest of my day. Instead, I have comparmentalized my scripture reading to a morning and evening block without every affecting my daily life. In other words, I need to carry my scripture reading with me throughout the day.

Prayer
The Pharisees prayed, but not the way Jesus prayed. It is so easy just to pray before meals, a Bible Study, and Sunday Service. But if I am not nurturing a daily prayer life the way I breathe oxygen, then I have become like a Phariseee. When I am prompted to pray by the Holy Spirit, I must speak my mind to God. God, help me fight this sin. Lord, what would you have me do? Forgive me for being unkind. Teach me your thoughts. Be with me today. How does what you spoke with me this morning have to do with my situation right now as I work and study?

I bet the reason why our church is so lukewarm is because we don't pray and meditate on the Word. I am guilty of this as well. The apostles gave up a noble task (feeding widows) in Acts 6, to devote themselves to the priority of the Word and Prayer. We are spiritually immature because we do not spend time with the Son of God. We do not hear his voice in the pages of Scripture. Instead, we let facebook, emails, phonecalls, adminstration, and events crowd out the "closet work" of alone time with God.

Forgive us Father, help us spend time with you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Insights from Deep Preaching

2010-07-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

"Great preaching begins with a great relationship with God. It is impossible for a preacher to compensate for a relationship that has gone cold for the 'mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.'"- J Kent Edwards, Deep Preaching

"Do you want God or God's blessings? Do you want personal advancement or personal intimacy with God? Your honest answer to these questions will have a major impact on how you preach"

"God does not pastors or churches that are not passionately in love with Him. The prerequisite to deep preaching is a deep and passionate relationship with God for whom we speak."

"The goal of the preacher must not be to have a successful ministry. It is not wrong for people to swell and applaud your ministry, but it is dangerous when they gegin to distract you from what is most important. When some measure of fame comes knocking, it often holds the door open for pride to pay you a visit."

"If you are not enjoying a deep relationship with your heavenly Father--and you want to preach deeply--then you have to fake it."

How can we be better preachers? We should not remember our passion for God, but God's passion for us in sending His Son to die for an unfaithful people. It is not our faithfulness that drew God to us, but God's faithfulness that drew Him to us. In other words, God's character is what loved a sinful people. God wants us to be passionate about Him. He does not want cold lukewarm hearts. He wants hearts that are on fire for Him.

How do we get this fire burning in our lives? By remembering the love of God and his passion for us. He left heaven to come to earth. He left glory to come to a suffering world. He lived a perfect life. He died a criminal's death. The primary goal of a Christian is to be happy in God. When ministry takes over intimacy with the divine lover, you have lost sight of why you are doing ministry. Here is a definition of sin: You love yourself more than you love God.

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments" John 14:15

God, consume me with a holy passion for you! Please!! FOR YOUR NAME'S SAKE!!!

quick summer goals

2010-07-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

Read a Chapter of Biblical Greek a day.
Finish Philosophy of Religion Paper
Finish memorizing Colossians
Memorize Jude
Pay off debt and save $$

Good Reminder from Pastor Ed.

2010-06-27T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Man of God...

(1) Flees Sin

I need to be relentless in running away from evil. There is no cowardice in running from things that dishonor the Lord. In fact, it is actually wise. Great illustration from Pastor Ed: When you meet a bear, you do not confront it. Instead, you RUN!!

(2) Pursues Virtue

I need to spend time in things that make an eternal difference. I need to be spending time in prayer, the Word of God, serving, worship.

(3) Keeps God's Commandments

Obedience to God waiting for the revealing of the Lord Jesus Christ.

(4) Fights the Good Fight

In a world of lies, as the apostle Jude declares, I need to earnestly "contend for faith" that was once delivered for all the saints. We take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and destroy every false idea and speculation raised up against the knowledge of God (2 Corin. 10:3-5).

Jesus died for failures

2010-06-26T23:11:00.000-07:00

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:17

I mess up so many times. I hate living a life of hypocrisy. I still feel the war that goes on within my soul everyday between the flesh and the Spirit of God. It is so easy to fall into unbelief and believe the lies of the devil. And when you sin, the devil immeditately comes to accuse you night and day, "Look at you, your abusing the grace of God", or "how can you lead people when you are so sinful," "You are living a double life", "God will not use you because of your sin, you need to be holy and blameless." This is how Christians fall into despair. This is how I fall into depression and do not want to serve God anymore because of my sin.

But how foolish of me to look to myself rather than Christ to cleanse me. "For the righteous falls seven times and rises again" (Proverbs 24:16). There really is a spiritual war going on everyday. We do not wrestle with flesh and blood, but with the spiritual forces of darkness (Eph 6). When Satan comes and tells me all these things, I need to say, "You are right, I am guilty. I am unworthy. But I have an advocate with the Father. I have One who has satisfied the wrath of God on my behalf. In other words, I have the risen Savior who stands on behalf of my failures and shortcomings. God can accept my failures because Christ did not fail. Christ can take my sins that I commit because he died on the cross for me. Flee from me Satan in Jesus Name!"

Father in Heaven,
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

By the grace and blood of Jesus, make me righteous,
Amen

My Summer Reading List

2010-06-22T14:51:00.001-07:00

What is Faith? By Gershem Machen
Preaching with Passion by Alex Montoya
Deep Preaching by Kent Edwards
Tactics by Greg Koukel
The Emotionally Healthy Church
By Grace Alone by Sinclair Ferguson
Basics of Biblical Greek by William Mounce
Philosophy of Religion by William Lane Craig

SUMMER READING HERE I COME!!

Embracing Limits

2010-06-20T23:04:00.000-07:00

Maturity in life is when someone is living joyfully within their God given limits

Much of burnout is a result of giving what we do not possess

Christian leaders all too often allow themselves to be disrespected, allowing people to speak to them and about them in ways that are inappropriate-Emotionally Healthy Church

These quotes really spoke to my heart. I have been a horrible steward of maintaining boundaries these past two years. I thought I could do everything. I really love Jesus and want to serve Him in anyway I can. But I do not possess all the gifts. God has given me limits so that the body may function properly. I felt like I needed to go after every straying member, disciple every person, and teach constantly while at the same time working and going to school full-time.

Alex, it's ok to say no. You are not god. God is good and sovereign. It is not what you do for God that brings you salvation. It is what Christ has done for you. You must serve of out gratitude found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Lord, teach me to say "no" and embrace my limits and set proper boundaries. If your Son said "no" to people, how much more do I who is flawed and sinful? Teach me to trust you and really discern what my gifts and joy are. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Random Thoughts

2010-06-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

We live in a fallen world. Furthemore, we are sinful human beings needing grace everday. No one is perfect (Romans 3:23). How can we endure the crazy trials of life? How do we deal with financial, marital, familial, and spiritual brokeness?

WORSHIP. I need to understand the work of my Savior. He came into this world to free me from the bondage of self, the flesh, and the devil. I need to look at him who was crucified for me. I need to find my satisfaction in His love above all earthly pleasures. I sin and fall so many times. But I can rest assured that my Jesus has loved me and gave his life for me. At the cross, I can come back asking for forgiveness for my moral and spiritual failures. I can embrace God the Father because Jesus was the revelation of the Father (John 14:6). I can come to the Father because Jesus died on my behalf to make me holy and blameless and above reproach before him.

Lord, teach me to worship. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Everything I Need is Found In Christ

2010-06-14T00:21:00.000-07:00

I do not need anything except Christ. It's when the gospel becomes theoretical and my heart becomes cold, dull, and calloused when I start seeking for lesser things. Sin is so enticing and deceptive. Why does it seem so pleasurable at times? I think it's because I do not have a healthy theology of suffering and the cross. I want short term gratification rather than suffer in obedience. But when I give in to whatever sin, it ALWAYS leaves me empty and wanting more. It's so crazy to see that the Christian life is one of growth, sometimes very painful. I do not like my sin and hypocrisy, I hate it. I want to be completely obedient to the Lord and lay down my life for him. However, Peter said the same exact thing and left the Lord. Peter was very sincere, but sincerely wrong. He trusted in himself. Only Jesus can transform a sinner like me. Only Jesus can give me strength.

Lord, as you prayed for Peter's faith not to fail, please pray for me as well. I think I can do things apart from you, but the curve balls of life show me otherwise. Would you keep me? Would you use me? Would you become more real to me? You desire truth in the innermost parts. Search me and know my heart, see if there is any wicked way in me.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Living in Emergency

2010-06-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

I just watched the film Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders and it was a slap to my face. I have been disillusioned with living in America nelgecting the injustice of millions of people around the world. How can I just sit here comfortly thinking about my own career, my success, and future when there are millions around the world living in poverty?? This movie brought me back to my missionary experiences in the Philippines and Colombia and reminded me that there are many oprhaned children who have no medical resources, money, and do not ultimately have Christ. Satan is so deceptive and smart to make the American church fall asleep and settle for pleasure, entertainment, and comfort. John Piper's book title puts it well, Don't Waste Your Life. I do not want to waste my life and stand before the Lord on Judgment Day hiding my talents in the ground and not using it for his glory.

This movie also reminded me to not waste my money foolishly. How can I live in luxury when that money can be used to fight oppression and injustice? I am ashamed of myself for being seduced by the comfort of the American Dream. I say I hate it outwardly, but it lures the innermost parts of my heart. CHANGE MY HEART GOD! OPEN MY EYES TO REALITY OF INJUSTICE IN THE WORLD. I cannot be your disciple if I do not forsake all: posessions, family, wealth, career, success, and marriage to do what you are calling me to do. Please forgive me for being complacent.

I need to stop having a theoritical theology, and have an applied theology of action. James puts its very clear that a faith that does not show no works is not a faith at all. James says, "religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (James 1:27).

If I want to be used by the Lord, I have to count the cost. I have to see that Christ calls me to die to myself and take up a cross of suffering. Christ becomes real when we experience the fellowship of his sufferings and walk a lonely road. But there is a Resurrection three days later.

God, I am tired of theorizing about you. I am tired of being just a hearer. I am discontent with my own walk. I am such a talker and not a doer. Please change this. Please give me perpective. Please give me vision. Please give me a greater obedience to you. Help me see what you see. Help me know you from my heart, not my head. Teach me and lead me and help me ACT. I am so complacent and lukewarm. Help me steward your money wisely.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Need to get back on track

2010-06-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

I learned today how much I need to be in the Word. The Word is what sanctifies me and conforms me to the image of Christ as I behold the glory of the Savior. I was also reminded that I need to spend much Secret Time with the Lord. My passion for God on Sunday will show how passionate I was during the week. If I am only passionate about God on Sunday, I will end up living a double life, which is hypocrisy. Professor Saucy also said that WORSHIP will keep us from sin. This is so true. Sin blinds so that we end up desiring trash rather than infinite treasures of delight in God.

How can I be a better worshipper of God?

1. Listen to Music that exalts Him
2. Spend time in Secret with Him
3. Ask Him to open my heart to receive His Word
4. Acknowledge my emotions before Him and not suppress them.
5. Embrace the Cross as the sufficient and display of God's grace to me a sinner.
6. Ask things from God boldly because Christ has purchased my acceptance before Him.

What am I called to do?

2010-06-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

What do I love to do? I need to figure out and specify my passion in where God wants me to serve Him. Well, I love how early theologians were not only committed to their local church, but were pastors, professors, scholars, philosphers, theologians, scientists, mathematicians, conselours, evangelists, apologists, and godly men. It is abosultely amazing to see how brilliant early theologians were like Augustine, Calvin, and Luther.

I think I am called to be a Christian apologist (2 Cor. 10:3-5). I love TRUTH. I love how UNCHANGING TRUTH IS. I love REVEALED TRUTH. God has made himself known in history, archeology, science, and the person of Jesus Christ. I confident that the claims of Christianity can stand the attacks of skepticism.

Secondly, I also love to teach the Word of God. The Word of God is life-transforming. It has changed my life and has changed the lives of millions throughout history. As the Psalmist says, "I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation, I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts" (Psalm 119:99-101).

Third, I love the the local church. The local church is sanctifying me and has been a great joy to be in fellowship with the saints bought with the blood of Christ, and indwelt by the Spirit of God.

The Psalm 1 Man

2010-06-02T22:13:00.001-07:00

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the way of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of scoffers,
But his delight is in the Law of the Lord,
And on his law he meditates day and night.

I have been neglecting my meditation time because of the busy-ness of life. School and Ministry have crowded out my prayer time and personal bible study. But I am realizing that meditation on the Word of God is essential to my spiritual growth and spiritual health. I have already seen the fruits of my past meditations, how much more do I need to seek after an infinite eternal God that I will never figure out? God, grant me a desire for Your Word. Your Word keeps me from sin, keeps me close to the Savior, and gives me wisdom that no human philosophy can destroy, for the knowledge of God's mystery is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Help me become a doer of the Word, and experience the reality of your unchanging truth.

Father, what are you calling me to do? How do you want me to apply your Word? What areas have you opened to practice mercy, kindness, justice? Grant me wisdom.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Theology is the Queen of the Sciences

2010-06-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

Summer school has started and I am taking Theology I, which is Doctrine of the Word and Doctrine of God. I was so amazed to see how incomprehensible, mind-blowing, and awesome God is. I was worshipping in class and was seeing what a privelege for me to studying theology. I learned again that the creation of the University was to train Christian men in practice and godliness. University comes from two words, Unity and Diversity. What united all the different disciplines (i.e. biology, physics, cosmology, anthropology, philosophy) was Theology, which was the highest discipline one could study in the University. Today, the university system has a completely different mindset of how to train people. Today, people can be an expert in a specific field, without having character and being "empty" inside. Earlier universities promoted not just knowledge, but wisdom, teaching people how to live life. Studying theology is so important because it is "training in godliness." Sound Doctrine and Teaching is suppose to lead people to godliness, not just give them intellectual assent. How I need to take doctrine seriously.

The irony of study theology is that the petri dish is the one studying the Scientist. The only way the petri dish can study the Scientist is if the Scientist reveals himself. And that is what exactly God did, "And the Word became Flesh."

I also learned today that everything we do must be in the Trinitarian model. To know God the Father, we must know Christ the Son. To know the Son, the Holy Spirit must illumine our hearts to see the beauty of Christ. So Christ is next to us, the Holy Spirit is in us, and we worship the Father who is above us. WOW! Praise the LORD!

God, teach me to be like you! Your thoughts are too wonderful too me to conceive! Thank you for revealing yourself in Your Son by Your Spirit. Thank you for the privelege of getting to know you deeper. Thank you for being a seeking God when I did not seek you (Luke 19:10). In Jesus Name, Amen.

A High Calling

2010-05-31T22:01:00.001-07:00

I need to make a big decision. God, grant me strength, for I am weak. Grant me courage, for I am fearful. Grant me wisdom, for I am foolish. Grant love, for I can become bitter. Grant me love for Your Son with all my heart. You carry my burdens (Matt 11:28-30) so I can carry other's burdens. You lay down your life for me so that I can lay down my life. Apart from you I can do nothing (John 15:5). God, your calling me to do an impossible task, this is only something you can do. Help me lean not on my own understanding, and you will make my paths straight.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

My Philosophy of Ministry

2010-05-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

EXALT CHRIST! EXALT CHRIST! EXALT CHRIST! DISPLAY THE BEAUTY OF CHRIST! LIFT UP CHRIST! MAGNIFY CHRIST! WORSHIP CHRIST! EXALT CHRIST! EXALT CHRIST! EXALT CHRIST! MAKE CHRIST KNOWN! MAKE CHRIST SWEET TO THE SOUL! EXALT CHRIST!

I think this is a good start.

God is Faithful

2010-05-25T00:39:00.000-07:00

Fear not, For I Am with You
Be Not Dismayed, For I Am Your God;
I will strengthen You, I will help You
I will uphold you by my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10)

I preached my first sermon this past sunday. I was terrified. I was scared. How can God use a sinner like me? Does he not know the things that go on within my evil heart? I hate my sin. But I look to the Savior. I look to the One interceding on my behalf. I was so anxious. I didn't know what was going to happen. But during the time, God's grace was sufficient for the task. All I wanted to do on the pulpit was to exalt Christ (Phil. 1:21). I just wanted to shift the focus from humans, to look at Christ and him crucified again. This should be the philosophy of my ministry: to exalt Christ and make him known. God came through by the prayers of the church and me being on my knees throughout the whole week. Before I walked onto the pulpit, I was tellling myself, "Someone is already there. The Holy Spirit is the true minister of the Pulpit." This really comforted me that I am just a vessel. The pulpit belongs to the Holy Spirit. I just have to be faithful to the text and trust God to work on the hearts of people.

I see the danger of pride though...it can be settle. O how I need to be aware of this evil and cast it away in Jesus name. The kind remarks of people can really puff you up in pride. Another princple I should learn from is to deflect attention from myself, to the Savior. Jesus, help me do this! May lal the glamor, fame, and exaltation be directed towards you! Who am I compared to your infinite worth. Impress upon my mind your inifinte worth. Help me see that YOU ARE A BIG GOD, not a small god that is made in our own image!

Thanks for coming through, like you always do. Thank you for your faithfulness. Forgive me for my weak faith Lord. Please take my weakness and display your strength. Take my loaves and multiply them. Help me be a humble servant to you. Help me be found in you, not having a righteousness of my own, but a rightheousness of Christ. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Saturday Night

2010-05-22T23:07:00.000-07:00

I am so scared, I do not know what is going to happen tomorrow. Preparing to preach has been an emotional roller coaster for me this week. I have been praying throughout the week that I would rest in Christ. Out of all weeks, I was assigned to preach before my finals week with all the papers and exams. However, I spent most of my time thinking and chewing on my text. I spent all day today preparing my manuscript, but I do not think I will use it tomorrow..because I want to speak from my heart. I'm really nervous and excited at the same time to see what God is going to do tomorrow. I find my comfort in this, that God will be exalted no matter what. God uses even the wicked to exalt Him. For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy" and "I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

Father in Heaven,

I am so nervous. I am actually trembling. I am scared and fearful because of my indwelling sin. You have called me to do a holy task, and I feel so unworthy. Please help me look to Christ, not myself. Please help me to be faithful to Your Word. Help Me trust in the power of your Word. Help me Exalt the Risen Savior. Help me make the people say, "What a Marvelous Saviour!" I pray that your Holy Spirit would give me the right words to use. Help me not rely on my own understanding, but acknwoledge you in all that I do, and you will make my paths straight. Lord, comfort me. Give me peace. I do not want to go up there if your presence will not go with me.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Nervous

2010-05-17T22:53:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to preach sunday. I have this wierd feeling of nervousness, passion, peace, joy all compiled into one big emotion. I'm preaching on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. I just want to boast in Christ and Him crucified. I want to glory in the Son of God this weekend. God stir in my heart to exalt your Son. Help me trust your Holy Spirit to work in my heart and the hearts of your people. Help me marvel at your greatness. BE MAGNIFIED!

Building Intimacy with God: Taking a Sabbath

2010-05-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

In Emotionally Healthy Spiritually, the author argues that taking a Sabbath is essential for a healthy spiritual life. I agree. I am always thinking about buidling relationships, finishing papers, paying bills, preparing sermons, reading for school; rather than resting. The author gives four principles:

1. Stop
2. Rest
3. Delight
4. Contemplate

How does this look like in my life? I think ideally my day of rest should be Friday. What refreshes me?

1. Going for a run listening to Keller
2. Being away from people
3. Napping
4. Reading my Bible without any constraints (teaching, homework, sunday school preparation)
5. Having my phone off.
6. Consciously telling myself, everything is going to be OK because God is in control
7. Going to a Bookstore
8. Reading in a Park and playing with the duckies.
9. Meditate in the love of Jesus and refreshing my heart in the gospel.
10. Eating Cheesecake and Reeses Pieces Baskin Robins 10000 calorie sunday
11. Drinking some Boba
12. Listening to Jazz

Lord,
Forgive me for idolizing work and not taking your command seriously to rest. Teach me to practice these things.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

A Conversation with a family member

2010-05-12T22:54:00.001-07:00

Alex: When are you going to become a believer?
Family Member: When you start acting like one.

Alex: What are you going to say before God when you stand before Him?
Family Member: Maybe you did or did not exist? I love your Christ but I hate your Christians.

Thoughts
1. I do need to live a better life in the Home. However, I praise God that Jesus is the One who died for my sins. It is the grace of God that saves me, not my perfection. "For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

2. "Maybe you did or did not exist?"
Maybe God's Response: I gave you Creation, the Sun, the Stars, the Moon, Animals, Human Creativity, Morality, Truth, Goodness, Beauty, my Son, His Resurrection, My Word, my children who were martyred, the apostles, the church, your conscience. It is not a question of evidence, but of unbelief.

3. I love your Christ, I hate your Christians
Jesus: "Then he will answer them saying, "Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it one of the least of these, you did not do it to me" And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matt. 25:45-46)

O My Soul, Love Christ!

2010-05-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

Soul, are you tired? Look to the One who says my yoke is easy and burden is light. Are you discouraged? Look to the One who was betrayed by his closest friends. Are you weary? Look to the One who became flesh and slept on the boat while the storms raged on. Are you sad? Look to the One who weeped for the sin of the people. Are you suffering? Look to the One who bled and died on the cross. Are you sick? Look to the One who took on our infirmities. Are you discouraged with abuse? Look to the One who was mocked. Are you doubting God's presence? Look to the One who said, "Why have you forsaken me?" for our behalf. Are you lonely? Look to the One who said, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." Are you hopeless? Look to the Resurrection and the promises of God. Are you incomplete? Look to Jesus who completes you.

My Eyes Need to Be on You Jesus. "It is good to be near the Lord."

Wow

2010-05-09T21:23:00.001-07:00

I was sitting down to with my mom, aunts, and uncles for dinner; and all of them are bound on the wide road to destruction. Man, this is NOT the life I want to live. We were talking about Vietnam, and the persecution of Christians there because of Communism. They were saying how wicked and dark that place is, and assuring me that I should not go to preach the Word. However, in my heart, there was a glimmer of hope and the reality of Jesus seemed so real as we were having the conversation. They were telling me that I am too idealistic, people will kill me, persecute me, mocke me, and torture me if I talk about religion there. This is scary stuff, but the Lord spoke that we should not fear man who kills the body, but God who can throw both soul and body in hell. I know it sounds crazy, but I want to see the power of God in these dark places. I want to see the power of the resurrection. As were talking about this, I was reminded of the book of Acts and how much Paul suffer for the spread of the gospel.

I need to be prepared to suffer for the gospel.

God, please give me strength and help me be faithful if the time comes. There is no way I can do this in my own strength. It has to be you that gives the strength. I am too weak, cowardly, and scared to do anything myself. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Alex, SLOW DOWN!!!

2010-05-08T23:51:00.000-07:00

God is so good. In his sovereignty, God placed Emotional Healthy Spirituality in my hands. As I picked up the book, I was hooked. The book really ministered to my heart. I have been so emotionally tired the past two years. Why? Because I have been a human doing rather than a human being. John Calvin argued that true wisdom consists of knowledge of self and knowledge of God. I have been a Martha for the past two years and have not had time to think, reflect, and process. I have been distracted with many things: XL, Family, Youth Leadership, Teaching, Sunday School, Papers, School, etc. God has revealed to me how sinful I really am!! I am such a people-pleaser, thats why I can't say no to things. I masquerade that I am some sort of Super-Christian, when deep down I have not been joyful. Instead, I have been bitter, tired, angry, and discouraged. My family life shows this. God is calling me back to reflection in his love. Lord, lead me as I begin this process of Contemplative Spirituality.

1. Realize and acknowledge the sin in my life: Lying by trying to be outwardly righteous, feelings of anger and resentment. Acknowledge that I am a sinner. "Lord, have mercy upon me a sinner"

2. Rest in the presence of God. I have been a human doing rather being with God. I need time for thoughtful reflection with God.

3. Jesus did not heal everyone. It seems that I am trying to do more than Jesus himself, who was God! How absurd!

4. I have been rushing to finish school and get on with life without enjoying the journey and process. Alex, slow down with school! Slow down with ministry! Do you not believe that God is the one in the saving business?

The Lord is my Comfort in Need

2010-05-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

I have nothing apart from God. There is only One that deserves my true affection, God himself. Countless times I have been forsaken by many people close to me, yet God remains true everytime. Whom do I have in heaven besides thee O Lord? Why would I want to trade you for something infinitely less? Thank you that you remain true while we are untrue. Thank you that you shine in darkness. Thank you for the truth, that comforts me. Thank you for Jesus, who was abandoned, forsaken, betrayed. He went through all the emotions I go through, but more. He was forsaken by the Father so that I might draw near to the Father when men hurt me and despise me. I love you O Lord. Do not forsake me, lest I perish. Break the generational sin. Break the darkness. I pray that I would see your glorious salvation in my life because I trust you.

Today's Reflections

2010-04-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to "set my mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth?" I think that this means that I should not be concerned with earthly pursuits as the final end: degrees, a comfortable house, a comfotable life, tithe 2 % of my income, go to church, never make disicples, invest in programs instead of people. This is the mind set on earth and O HOW I NEED TO FIGHT THIS TYPE OF THINKING.

The New Testament presents a radical, cross-bearing, sacrifical, God-glorifying, Christ-exalting life. How can I live radically for Jesus? Give my time, education, money, life, as unto the Lord.

A. Time
This means I need to be devoted to the things of the Lord: Bible Reading, Prayer, Service, Worship, Relationships.

Not
Too much time on facebook, internet, email

B. Money
I need to give my firstfruits to the local church. I need to think about eternal investments: Beehive in Colombia, the kids in the Philippines, my personal family, Seminaries.

Not
Just my house, my comfort, my pleasures, eating out all the time, clothes, even my books.

C. Education
I need to use this for the service of the Lord. Philosophy is a tool to proclaim the excellencies of the Lord Jesus Christ. Philosophy is a tool to defend the faith (2 Cor. 10:3) Theology is a tool to serve the people of God. To help people understand the Word of God that there may be transformed into the likeness of Christ.

Not
Just to get the letters M.A. and P.H. D to my name. Not for my personal acclaim and reputation. Not for the praise of man.

D. Life
I need to be immersed in the love of Christ. Because of Christ's love for me, his atoning work on the the cross, his glorious Resurrection and Second Coming, I need to set my hope fully on the grace that is to be revealed when he comes, my inheritance, undefiled and unblemished. When I see Christ, I shall be like him. Romans 12:1-2, "I appeal to you brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the Lord, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern the will of God, what is good and acceptable and pleasing to God.

Not
Love Christ to make much of me. Christ has died that I can fall in lvoe with him, his resurrected Life. He died that I can bring him praise and glory because of his infinite great love towards me displaed at Calvary.

Lord Jesus,
I love you. Burn that fire once again. I fail so many times and I am so fragile. I am such a stupid sheep somtimes. I fail to listen to you because of my stubborn heart. Remind me and walk with me. "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Help me keep your commandments by seeing the beauty of your love.

TRUTH, GOODNESS, BEAUTY=Jesus Christ

Colossians 1-3 80% Done

2010-04-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

Psalm 119:11 "I have stored up your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you"

Chapter 1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God and Timothy, our brother,
To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae,
Grace to you and peace from God our Father,

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing, as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras, our fellow beloved servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to Father who has qualifed you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of the cross.

And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you sake and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations, but now revealed to his saints. To them, God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Chapter 2
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for all those at Laodecia and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in Spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Therefore, as you receive Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells in bodily form, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting of the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame by triuphing over them in him.

Therefore, let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, incisting on ascetism and worship of angels, going on detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations, "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch", referring to things that all perish as they are used, according to human precepts and teachings. These indeed have an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and ascetiscm and severity of the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

Chapter 3
If then you have been raised with Christ, set your mind on things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away, anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, Barbarian, Sycthian, slave, free, but Christ is all, and in all.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another, and if, one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. And above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called into one body. And be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom. singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh to them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers do not prove your children, lest they become discouraged. Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye service, as people pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for man, knowing that you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoerer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly.

Lord, Jesus, now please help me apply this. Even the demons know scripture and shutter.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Trying to find my passion

2010-04-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

I love studying ancient philosophy, specificially the concept of Eudaimonia, or human flourishing. This is derived from the Hebrew Scriptures of learning to love wisdom
I love reading books, Gospel-Saturated, Cross-Centered, God-Glorifying, God-Exalting devotionals that exalts the magnificence and beauty of Jesus Christ
I love reading the Bible when I am free from constraints
I like solitude to spend time with God and have thoughtful reflection
I love being captivated by the love of God, knowing that He is with me
I love listening to podcasts while I run: John MacArthur, John Piper, Tim Keller, Apologetics, Ravi Zacharias
I love "Faith Seeking Understanding"
I love school! Classes in Biblical Discipleship, Apologetics, Philosophy of Religion, Exegesis, Virtue, etc.
Spiritual Formation and the forming of Christ in me