Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Empowered Christians w/ Holy Spirit
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
James 5:7-11/ Last Day Christians/ 4-18-2010
James 5:7-11/ Last Day Christians/ 4-18-2010
Intro: The passage is directed towards those who are poor and oppressed in the Diaspora Community. The aim of the passage is to encourage the oppressed Christians of the Diaspora Community to demonstrate patience in the time of tribulation.
I. Demonstrate patience in the midst of tribulation
1. Farmers (v7): The Middle Eastern farmers of 1st Century did not have much control over farming. Unlike today, they neither had the control over irrigation system nor the weather. The farmers’ control was limited to planting the seed. Hence, the farmers had to learn to patiently acknowledge and wait for the things outside of their control, such as rain and weather, for harvesting.
2. Christians (v7): Just like the farmers, Christians are to learn to patiently wait in the time of tribulation. Human beings are not in control; thus, Christians are to acknowledge and learn to patiently wait for God’s dealing in all things knowing that God is the one who is in control.
II. Demonstrate patience for God’s vindication
1. The Last Days (v7,8): The time block between the resurrection of Christ to the return of Christ (1st Century AD to the second coming of Christ) is known as the “last days” (hence we are living in the last days in 2010). The significance of the “last days” is that it is the time preceding the “coming of the Lord.” When Christ returns in his second coming, he will return for the sole purpose of judging (not for encouraging, healing or saving) the world. Hence, he will be the one restoring all things (separating the just from the unjust, good from the wicked and etc.). Hence, Christians, knowing that His return is near, are to demonstrate patience for God’s vindication in the midst of tribulation.
2. The Hope: Since the Lord’s return is imminent and near, Christians demonstrating patience is not futile. Whether the deliverance or vindication comes with the return of the Lord or in our daily lives in present state, prior to the return of the Lord, one thing remains the same and that is that we have hope in Jesus Christ. Hence, Even in the time of tribulation, Christians are to live in the hope of meeting the Lord.
III. Christians are to demonstrate patience by:
1. Petitioning to the Lord (v9): Christians are not to “grumble,” or “murmur” against one another. Grumbling or murmuring is simply complaining and through out the biblical history, complaint never brought deliverance nor blessing from God; rather, it always resulted in God’s wrath. However, when people cried out to the Lord, meaning prayed to the Lord, God never delayed nor forsook the petition.
2. Steadfast faith (v11): The ESV bible uses the word “steadfast” to describe status of those who are blessed in demonstrating patience. The word “steadfast,” in this context, refers to unwavering, loyal, resolute, determined and firmly decisive faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Hence, Christians are to demonstrate patience in time of tribulation by having the steadfast (unwavering, loyal, resolute, determined and firmly decisive) faith in Jesus Christ.
IV. Conclusion: Christians are not to retaliate against the injustices and oppressions in time of tribulation. Rather, Christians are to demonstrate patience in all things waiting for God’s vindication (whether they come with the return of Christ or in our daily lives prior to his return). We may encounter various difficulties, injustices, hardships and oppressions in various levels in our lives, but our tribulation will be restored by Him and Him alone. So let us depend on him and live the life of patience. May the Lord strengthen you and encourage you in hope of His return.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
i'm grateful!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
TAXES!!!
"There is no such thing as a good tax." -Winston ChurchillMonday, April 12, 2010
James 5:1-6/ The Last Day Christians/ 4-11-2010
James 5:1-6/ The Last Day Christians/ 4-11-2010
Intro: In today’s passage, James rebukes the rich, but not for their riches, but for their ungodly characteristics.
I. The characteristics of the rich people of Diaspora Christian Community.
A. Characteristic of Greed (v2-3): The rich people of the Diaspora Community had stored up so much wealth that it was becoming, moth-eaten, corroded, rusticated, rotted and etc. The problem was that within the Diaspora Christian Community, there were also extremely poor people who were dying of starvation.
B. Characteristic of Injustice (v4): The workers/ Poor were being cheated out of their wages. The rich owners kept the wages to themselves in order to maintain their status quo. In addition, in order to judicially justify their wrongdoings, the rich owners used the court system to legalize their actions (v6). In the process, innocent people were condemned and even murdered.
C. Characteristic of Self-Indulgence (v5): The rich people used their wealth to pursue the pleasures of the world. God’s blessing always comes with responsibility. For example, in OT law, Jews are commanded not to harvest the field completely, so that poor or even the wild animals can have something to eat. In the NT, the emphasis is placed on caring for the widows and orphans. The idea is that those who are blessed by God are to help those who are weak or helpless. However, the rich people of Diaspora Community spent their wealth and resources for pursuing the pleasures of the world rather than helping those who are in need.
D. Characteristic of Indifference (v3): The rich people demonstrated indifference towards God’s plan. The phrase “last days” refers to the time block between the resurrection of Christ to the second coming of Christ (hence we, 21st Century Christians are living on the last days). The significance of the “last days” is that it is the time when God’s redemptive plan is taking place more powerfully than ever before. Hence as God’s people, all effort, resources and energy are to be spent for God’s kingdom, for his glory and for eternal things, which was not the case.
II. Relevant to us?
Above mentioned characteristics are relevant to all Christians of 21st Century because:
A. These are common characteristics of sin: Although degrees may differ, many Christians of 21st century also demonstrate above characteristics. For example, Greed (unnecessary workaholism), Injustice (nepotism or cheating), Self-Indulgence (resources spent on entertainment) and Indifference (personal interest over glory of God).
B. We live in the “last days:" Just as the rich people of the Diaspora Community, we also live in the last days, where we eagerly wait on the return of our Lord.
III. God’s people are to:
A. Use our resources for God’s glory: our resources (energy, time, money, effort and etc) are to be used for God and His kingdom.
B. Use our resources for caring for the needy: our resources (energy, time, money, effort and etc) are to be used for those who are suffering and weak.
IV. Doing these things (above mentioned) may be difficult at times, but if we realize that we are storing up the treasures in heaven and the fact that the return of Christ is near (last days), we will have the right urgency to do what is pleasing before God.
James 4:13-17/ Acknowledge His Will/ 3-28-2010
Intro: A type of people who consisted the Diaspora Christian Community was traveling merchants. These merchants were financially successful, most likely belonging to the Equestrian Order (a group of people who were financial backbone of the Greco Roman Empire), and their sole purpose in life was to make profit (as indicated in their speech: “today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town, and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”). And the Word of God is rebuking and instructing these people to acknowledge the will of God in their daily life.
I. Why are they being rebuked?
A. The Word of God does not rebuke these people (traveling merchants) for:
i. Working hard, planning for the future, going to different places and seeking out opportunities.
ii. Above characteristics are necessary things in life, and it is biblical for a God-fearing person to work hard, plan for the future, go to different places if necessary and seek out opportunities in all things (especially regarding serving God).
B. The Word of God rebukes these people (traveling merchants) for:
i. Boasting of what they can do and what they can accomplish as if they were the ones who were in control.
ii. Making the daily decisions and future goals without considering God’s will.
iii. The traveling merchants demonstrated a type of lifestyle that depended upon themselves and cared solely of creating profit. God’s will and his plans were excluded in their life. Hence, the rebuking is directed towards failure to acknowledge the will of God.
II. The instruction: Acknowledging God’s will. God’s people are to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that…” Acknowledging the will of God entails three aspects.
A. Prioritizing the will of God: God’s people must seek the will of God and consider His plan in prior to making any and every decision regarding success or the future. This means saying to oneself, “what does God desire from me?” or “what decision would glorify God?”
B. Obedience to the will of God: God’s people must obey the will of God even if it seems unprofitable or unfavorable at times (However, regardless of what one may think, God’s will is always good, pleasing and perfect). Knowing the will of God is merely the first step, and it must be followed by response of obedience.
C. Continual response to the will of God: the phrase “you ought to say…” is infinitive verb in Greek language; this means that the action at hand must be demonstrated continually. The obedience and the submission to the will of God is to be demonstrated consistently, and not just once.
Conclusion: As Christians living in the 21st Century, we are to acknowledge the will of God in our studies, in our works, in our free time, in our relationships and in our plans and goals. However, the most important will of God (His general will for his people) is for His people to acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior. Let us acknowledge Jesus Christ our Lord and savior in our daily life!!!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
"Prophetic" Confucian..I mean Confusion
It has been brought to the attention of some of the Youth of the confusion of evangelical leaders and their visions and "word of knowledge". If you have to time to read this it is from John MacArthur's post, http://www.gty.org/Blog/B100111. I believe it is very GOOD and helpful...especially on the bit of the Westminster Confession of Faith.
The charismatic movement began barely a hundred years ago, and its influence on evangelicalism can hardly be overstated. Its chief legacy has been an unprecedented interest in extrabiblical revelation. Millions influenced by charismatic doctrine are convinced that God speaks to them directly all the time. Indeed, many seem to believe direct revelation is the main means through which God communicates with His people. "The Lord told me ... " has become a favorite cliche of experience-driven evangelicals.
Not all who believe God speaks to them make prophetic pronouncements as outlandish as those broadcast by charismatic televangelists, of course. But they still believe God gives them extrabiblical messages—either through an audible voice, a vision, a voice in their heads, or simply an internal impression. In most cases, their "prophecies" are comparatively trivial. But the difference between them and Benny Hinn's predictions is a difference only of scale, not of substance.
The notion that God is giving extrabiblical messages to Christians today has received support from some surprising sources. Wayne Grudem, popular author and professor of theology and biblical studies at Phoenix Seminary believes God regularly gives Christians prophetic messages by simply bringing spontaneous thoughts to mind. Such impressions should be reported as prophecy, he says.[1]
Similar ideas have found sweeping acceptance even among non-charismatic Christians. Southern Baptists have eagerly devoured Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby and Claude King, which suggests that the main way the Holy Spirit leads believers is by speaking to them directly. According to Blackaby, when God gives an individual a message that pertains to the church, it should be shared with the whole body.[2] As a result, extrabiblical "words from the Lord" are now commonplace even in some Southern Baptist circles.
Why do so many modern Christians seek revelation from God through means other than Scripture? Certainly not because it is a reliable way to discover truth. All sides admit that modern prophecies are often completely erroneous. In fact, the failure rate is astonishingly high. In my book Charismatic Chaos I quoted one leading "prophet" who was thrilled because he believed that two-thirds of his prophecies were accurate. "Well that's better than it's ever been up to now, you know. That's the highest level it's ever been."[3]
In other words, modern prophecy is not a much more reliable way to discern truth than a Magic Eight-Ball or Tarot cards. And, I would add, it is equally superstitious. There is no warrant anywhere in Scripture for Christians to listen for fresh revelation from God beyond what He has already given us in His written Word. In fact, Scripture unsparingly condemns all who speak even one word falsely or presumptuously in the Lord's name (Deut. 18:20-22). But such warnings are simply ignored these days by those who claim to have heard afresh from God.
And not surprisingly, wherever there is a preoccupation with "fresh" prophecy, there is invariably a corresponding neglect of the Scriptures. After all, why be concerned with an ancient Book if the Living God communicates directly with us on a daily basis? These fresh words of "revelation" naturally seem more relevant and more urgent than the familiar words of the Bible. Is it any wonder that they draw people away from Scripture?
That is precisely why modern evangelicalism's infatuation with extrabiblical revelation is so dangerous. It is a return to medieval superstition and a departure from our fundamental conviction that the Bible is our sole, supreme, and sufficient authority for all of life. In other words, it represents a wholesale abandonment of the principle of sola Scriptura.
The absolute sufficiency of Scripture is summed up well in this section from the Westminster Confession of Faith:
The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man's salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men(1.6, emphasis added).
Historic Protestantism is grounded in the conviction that the canon is closed. No "new" revelation is necessary, because Scripture is complete and absolutely sufficient.
Scripture itself is clear that the day of God's speaking directly to His people through various prophetic words and visions is past. The truth God has revealed in Christ including the complete New Testament canon is His final word (Heb. 1:1-2; cf. Jude 3; Rev. 22:18-19).
Scripture—the written Word of God—is perfectly sufficient, containing all the revelation we need. Notice 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Paul tells Timothy:
From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
That passage makes two very important statements that pertain to the issue we are looking at.First, "All Scripture is inspired by God." Scripture speaks with the authority of God Himself. It is certain; it is reliable; it is true. Jesus Himself prayed in John 17:17: "Your word is truth." Psalm 119:160 says, "The entirety of Your word is truth."
Those statements all set Scripture above every human opinion, every speculation, and every emotional sensation. Scripture alone stands as definitive truth. It speaks with an authority that transcends every other voice.
Second, The passage teaches that Scripture is utterly sufficient, "able to make you wise for salvation ... [and able to make you] complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." What clearer affirmation of the absolute sufficiency of Scripture could anyone ask for? Are extrabiblical messages from God necessary to equip us to glorify Him? Certainly not.
Those who seek fresh messages from God have in effect scorned the absolute certainty and absolute sufficiency of the written Word of God. And they have set in its place their own fallen and fallible imaginations.
If the church does not return to the principle of sola Scriptura, the only revival we will see is a revival of the superstition and darkness that characterized medieval religion.
Does this mean God has stopped speaking? Certainly not, but He speaks today through His Word.
Does the Spirit of God move our hearts and impress us with specific duties or callings? Certainly, but He works through the Word of God to do that. Such experiences are in no sense prophetic or authoritative. They are not revelation, but the effect of illumination, when the Holy Spirit applies the Word to our hearts and opens our spiritual eyes to its truth. We must guard carefully against allowing our experience and our own subjective thoughts and imaginations to eclipse the authority and the certainty of the more sure Word.
-John MacArthur
two thumbs way up!!
Best regards,
The Bald One.