tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64206196665870032982024-03-14T14:42:50.501+07:00Reformation MissionsA blog about missions, reformation theology and how the two work together.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-44647184395592267302015-01-28T16:31:00.000+07:002015-01-28T16:32:17.674+07:00MORALISTIC SHRAPNEL AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PROCLAIMING CHRIST FROM THE GOSPELS<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>(This article originally appeared on the <a href="http://www.seareformed.org/moralistic-shrapnel-and-the-importance-of-proclaiming-christ-from-the-gospels/" target="_blank">Southeast Asia Reformed Network blog</a> on July 28, 2014. Scroll to the bottom of this post to download audio for the accompanying workshop.)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31 ESV)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Apostle John wrote his Gospel with two goals in mind. First, he wrote it to make a declaration about who Jesus is. Second, he wrote it for you, that you might believe in the name of Jesus. All four Gospels were written with the same hopes for the reader. Since this is the case, then why are so many sermons and Bible studies from the Gospels devoid of any mention of these two goals? Why do they instead focus on moralistic advice, or felt-needs, or purpose driven practicals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Matthew 10, we see a story about Jesus healing a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. She thought that if she could only touch the fringe of Jesus’ garment, then she would be healed. What is the main point of this story? Is it about learning what it means to take risks for God? It seems silly to me as I am writing, but I have heard this passage preached in this manner. Instead of focusing on how amazing our Lord is, and that faith in Him is what can heal us all, the attention is turned towards the self, and how God will use us if we are willing to take risks. It turns a story about the greatness of God into a story about our own potential for greatness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This narcissistic hermeneutic of reading ourself into the Gospel texts has become the norm in many Christian circles today. The world of Southeast Asian missions is no exception. Many poorly thought out, yet popular Christian books have been translated into Asian languages. For too many national pastors, these kinds of media become some of their primary resources for preparing sermons and Bible study materials.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many missionaries have been trained to read themselves into the Bible as well. This type of man-centered hermeneutic gets passed on to the people they minister to. As a result, the four books of the Bible that most explicitly speak about the identity and mission of Jesus are drained of their life-giving power. Instead the Gospels are used to fire off moralistic imperatives that send spiritual shrapnel into the souls of men and women.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the plenary session entitled “Proclaiming Christ from the Gospels”, we will explore this issue deeper and look particularly at the passage in Luke 10:25-37, where Jesus shares the story of the good Samaritan. We will see how this teaching directly impacts our sinful hearts and points us to a Savior. We will clear out the pieces of shrapnel from our souls and begin to build on the only foundation that can stand: the Rock, Jesus Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Would you like to learn more?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can listen to my plenary session on <a href="http://www.seareformed.org/conference-audio-2014/#plenary2">“Proclaiming Christ from the Gospels: Luke 10:25-37: The Good Samaritan"</a>, recorded at the 2014 Southeast Asia Reformed Conference.</span></div>
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/185785585&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-62818093967284961692014-10-13T22:32:00.000+07:002014-10-13T22:39:12.270+07:00PLEASE PUBLICLY CRITICIZE ME!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The New Morality</b></div>
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The "Church" today has a new set of morals that all must follow or face the consequences. The top new rule on that list is to avoid any type of public criticism of a "Christian" leader or "Christian" denomination. It doesn't matter if the leader is spouting things that have been considered heretical since Paul penned Galatians; if you post a critical comment on Facebook, or tweet a warning on Twitter, you will be judged a slanderer of the brethren and deemed to be possessed by a critical spirit.</div>
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Criticism is now seen as a hate crime and will no longer be tolerated. "Live and let live!" is the motto of our day. If God wants to stop a false teacher, He has the power to do it without a critic making a bunch of noise and dividing the sheep. And if you really have an issue that you cannot ignore, you should follow the example of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt+18&version=ESV">Matthew 18:15-17</a>. Go to the person privately and follow the prescribed order laid out by Jesus. To do anything else is sinful, right?</div>
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<b>Public Criticism is Biblical</b></div>
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The problem with this new morality, is that it is not the Biblical example set forth by Scripture. Matthew 18 specifically deals with unrepentant sin and not false teaching. Though this passage applies to everyone in the Church, when it comes to Church leadership, there are different standards that Scripture lays out. Also, how would you practice Matthew 18 when a whole denomination has gone apostate?</div>
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Heretical and false doctrine have always been dealt with in a public manner, and Jesus sets the example for us in the Gospels. In <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt+15&version=ESV">Matthew 15:1-9</a>, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and Scribes publicly, proving false their manmade traditions. In <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2022&version=ESV">Matthew 22:22-33</a>, Jesus openly opposes the false belief of the Sadducees that there is no resurrection. Then in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2023&version=ESV">Matthew 23</a>, He speaks to the CROWDS, saying that the Pharisees and Scribes are talking the talk, but not walking the walk. He then proceeds to proclaim "woes" upon them. He calls them blind guides, hypocrites and white washed tombs. </div>
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You may be thinking to yourself, "Well, that was Jesus, and He is God. He can do that sort of thing, but we Christians should not be so arrogant!" Was the Apostle Paul arrogant when he publicly refuted false teachers and unrepentant sinners? (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+cor+5&version=ESV">1 Corinthians 5</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Tim+1&version=ESV">1 Timothy 1:18-20</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+tim+2&version=ESV">2 Timothy 2:16-18</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+tim+4&version=ESV">2 Timothy 4:10-14</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus%201&version=ESV">Titus 1:10,11</a>) Paul even opposed the Apostle Peter openly when Peter was not acting according to the gospel. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=gal+2&version=ESV">Galatians 2:11-14</a>) Yet Paul is not the only Apostle to name names. John did the same thing to Diotrephes. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+1&version=ESV">3 John 9,10</a>)</div>
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There are many instances in the Bible where we see warnings of false teachers coming from within the Church. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt+7&version=ESV">Matthew 7:15-23</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+20&version=ESV">Acts 20:28-31</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+cor+11&version=ESV">2 Corinthians 11:12-15</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+peter+2&version=ESV">2 Peter 2:1-3</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+john+4&version=ESV">1 John 4:1-6</a>) If we are to stay silent while wolves are among us, then why does Scripture raise the alarm so many times? Should we not follow the advice of the Apostle John?</div>
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<i>"For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works."</i> (2 John 7-11 - ESV)</div>
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John seemed to think that we should not even receive these people. This type of reception would only give credence to their false teaching and could lead others astray. While this may not seem very loving, it is loving to God's sheep. False teachers need to be called out publicly for who they really are. As members of Christ's body, we must warn one another of the wolves among us.</div>
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<b>Public Criticism is Necessary</b></div>
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Throughout Church history, we see heretical teachers being publicly named as such: Arius... Pelagius... Socinus... and the list continues. Why have we now decided that publicly criticizing false teachers is not okay? Was Martin Luther sinning when he posted his 95 theses? Or how about Walter Martin, when he wrote his book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Kingdom-Cults-Analysis-Systems/dp/B002JYTQ0A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1413178193&sr=8-3&keywords=the+kingdom+of+the+cults"><i>The Kingdom of the Cults</i></a>?</div>
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Any Christian who publicly speaks or writes should be open to public critique. This especially applies to pastors. As God's shepherds, they possess a position of high responsibility and they are held to a loftier standard. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%203&version=ESV">1 Timothy 3:1-7</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus%201&version=ESV">Titus 1:5-9</a>) The Church has a right to know if their leaders are qualified to teach. The only way the Church can know, is if open criticism is allowed. Public critique is an indispensable weapon that protects the flock of God.</div>
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<b>Please Publicly Criticize Me!</b></div>
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As both a writer and public speaker, I open myself up to this same criticism. Everything I write in this blog that does not fall in line with Scripture needs to be corrected. Every sermon I preach that does not accord with sound doctrine, needs to be refuted. (You can find and download my sermons for your own critique <a href="http://www.reformationmissions.com/p/s.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.reformationmissions.com/p/blog-page_8.html">here</a>.) If I am never corrected, how will I ever grow in both my life and my doctrine? If I communicate heresy, how will other Christians know to stay away from my teaching unless I am publicly rebuked? So I beg you, if you find my words to be in error, criticize me publicly.</div>
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<i>"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."</i> (2 Timothy 4:1-5 - ESV)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-59662442474861866602014-09-11T17:08:00.000+07:002014-09-11T17:08:29.014+07:00SOUTHEAST ASIA REFORMED NETWORK & CONFERENCE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past six months, I have been busy helping with the startup of a new network for Reformed missionaries and pastors. To go alongside this network, the first Southeast Asia Reformed Conference has been planned. The team I am working with consists of three other missionaries. While none of us work in the same region of Southeast Asia, we all share a desire to see Reformed missionaries and pastors come together to encourage one another and help further expand God's kingdom. Below you can read the mission and vision statements of the Southeast Asia Reformed Network. (You can also go to the <a href="http://www.seareformed.org/" target="_blank">website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seareformed" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page to learn more.)</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"An increasing number of missionaries and Christians in Southeast Asia grounded in a Reformed worldview and able to apply the Scriptures faithfully to life and ministry in Southeast Asia."</span></i></div>
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<i>"Provide Biblical teaching and training from a Reformed perspective to encourage and equip missionaries and Christians in Southeast Asia for life and ministry in Southeast Asia and beyond."</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The conference will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 20-22 of this year. "Proclaiming Christ in Asian Contexts" is the theme for this first conference. We hope to answer questions about how we as missionaries and pastors can be doing this very thing. It is through the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ that God's kingdom grows. Our desire is to discover the most effective ways we can do this in the cultural contexts of Southeast Asia without distorting the Biblical message?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we gather together to look at this issue and more, it is our hope that friendships, resource sharing and co-operative ministry efforts will be formed. We also desire to see Reformed teaching spread through book translations, online media, pastoral training and localized conferences that will be held in native tongues. Please pray with us as we start this new venture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To read more about the Southeast Asia Reformed Network, and to register for the Conference, please visit <a href="http://seareformed.us8.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=5c6ab58c715e23bcb0ebeb4fb&id=0211c85710&e=f1e7e2f992">www.seareformed.org</a>.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-10796694931089258142014-08-07T23:58:00.000+07:002014-08-07T23:58:51.403+07:00"FEED THE HUNGRY AT ALL TIMES, AND WHEN NECESSARY, USE FOOD"<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently I was listening to the <a href="http://www.fightingforthefaith.com/2014/08/youre-not-the-message.html" target="_blank">Fighting for the Faith</a> podcast hosted by Chris Rosebrough. He was dissecting a Kerry Shook sermon where Kerry <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/article/factchecker-misquoting-francis-of-assisi/" target="_blank">falsely quoted</a> Francis of Assisi saying, "Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words." Chris rightly pointed out that this saying is utter nonsense, since the gospel is good news to be proclaimed. He then had me in hysterics when he said this...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"That's like saying, feed the hungry at all times, and if possible, use food." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think what makes Chris' statement so funny was how true it is. The gospel is a message about what Jesus has done for us. How can we preach the gospel without using words? </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In light of this, I thought I would try to come up with some of my own analogies. Here goes...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brush your teeth twice a day, and when necessary, use a toothbrush and toothpaste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look both ways before you cross the street, and when necessary, open your eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take a shower every morning, and when necessary, use soap and water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stop at a red light, and when necessary, use your brakes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pay your bills on time, and when necessary, use money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes, and when necessary, use bullets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite my lousy attempt at being funny, this is a serious problem in missions today. I have met a number of missionaries who truly believe that the best way to communicate the gospel is by meeting societal needs. I'm not saying that Christians should not do these things. In fact, they should try to love their neighbors in this manner. Yet what we do is not the gospel. The gospel is what Jesus did for us. The only way we can communicate that is by using words. This type of communication should be the missionary's top priority. What eternal good does it do if you feed a person their whole life, yet never communicate to them about Jesus? If you provide them shelter, education and even a career, but they never hear about the one who can help with their ultimate need for salvation?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need based ministries separated from the proclamation of the gospel is a great cruelty. It is like putting a bandaid on a wound that needs seventy-five stitches. People need to know that, though they are at enmity with God, He has provided a Savior for them. They need to understand that God became man in the person of Jesus. Jesus lived a sinless life, yet He died on the cross as a propitiation for their sins. The wrath that God should have poured out on them was instead poured out on Jesus. Jesus then rose from the dead three days later, defeating sin, death and the devil. He ascended to the right hand of the Father in heaven and is an advocate for all who repent and have faith in Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People need to hear this message of forgiveness. Without words like these, how can a person receive salvation? They may have food for a day, a month, a year or a lifetime, yet, without this message, they will spend all eternity in the lake of fire suffering under the wrath of God. So preach the gospel, and because it is necessary, use words.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-38884720940936462532014-07-21T18:37:00.000+07:002014-07-21T19:53:57.659+07:00WHY I FOLLOW THE BILLY GRAHAM RULE<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently read an article by Ty Grigg about why he thinks that the Billy Graham rule (basically not being alone with a woman that is not your wife) should be challenged. You can read his thoughts on the topic at this <a href="http://www.missioalliance.org/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-about-the-billy-graham-rule-and-love-like-jesus/" target="_blank">link</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though Pastor Grigg puts forth a number of arguments, some of which are halfway persuasive, I really only have one response. This is not my only reason why I disagree with him, but it is a major reason and one in which I feel trumps any notion Pastor Grigg wrote down in his article. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I follow the Billy Graham rule because I love my wife and she wants me to follow it.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-87576707053266800052014-07-19T22:15:00.000+07:002014-07-19T22:15:42.011+07:00IF I JUST...<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I just...<br /><br />If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could have riches.<br /><br />If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could have a mega church.<br /><br />If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could have one-hundred-thousand twitter followers.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could have the respect of the world.<br /><br />If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could have lost friendships restored.<br /><br />If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could have my cake and eat it too.<br /><br />If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could avoid being called judgmental.<br /><br />If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could avoid living far away from my family.<br /><br />If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could avoid the ministry trials that come my way.<br /><br />If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could avoid persecution.<br /><br />If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could avoid my conscience.<br /><br />If I just compromise on the gospel a little bit, I could avoid salvation altogether.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel — not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-15311326082372116112014-06-29T18:59:00.001+07:002014-06-29T18:59:19.836+07:00MODERATE PERSECUTION<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often we hear tell of the persecuted church in countries where either the government or society in general does not tolerate the Christian faith. These occurrences will often include tales of imprisonment, torture and even martyrdom. When a believer is face to face with extreme persecution, there can be no middle ground. Either that person will have to renounce their faith or suffer the consequences. Christ calls us to rejoice when we suffer for His name's sake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the underground Church in China begins discipling new believers, they first take the time to prepare these new converts for suffering. (See this <a href="http://www.lausanneworldpulse.com/themedarticles.php/76/11-2005" target="_blank">article</a> by Todd Nettleton) Given the context of that culture, this only makes sense. But what about other cultural contexts? What do we teach new believers in a country where persecution exists, yet in a milder form? This is a situation that is experienced in Thailand where I serve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thailand has freedom of religion and openly accepts Christian missionaries into its borders. People are free to express their faith and to convert from one religion to the next if they so choose. Churches have the right to gather in peaceful assembly. No one is forced to bow to idols they do not revere. Yet below the surface, there is a fear people have when they consider the Christian faith. Questions of acceptance go through their minds. Will their community ostracize them? Will their family reject them? To be Thai is to be Buddhist. If a person converts, are they still Thai?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When a Thai person does convert, how are they to handle this new situation? I have seen Thai converts hide their faith from their family for years. I have also experience Thai Christians who were bold and upfront immediately. In some cases, they were no longer welcomed in the family. In others, whole families have been won to Christ. What is the best approach? Is there only one approach?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scripture is filled with many references to persecution. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt+5&version=ESV" target="_blank">Matthew 5:10-12</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+15&version=ESV" target="_blank">John 15:18-21</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+4&version=ESV" target="_blank">1 Peter 4:12-19</a>) The early Church expected to face suffering of the worst forms. They also rejoiced when it occurred, for they knew that Christ's suffering was for them. This should be the Christian's attitude no matter what form of persecution comes our way, whether it be mild, moderate or extreme. If we ask those under severe duress to endure and rejoice, how can we ask anything less of those who suffer lightly? In whatever way we are persecuted, let us rejoice and stand boldly declaring to all that Jesus is Lord!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."</i> (Romans 1:15,16 ESV)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-90678508886211444402014-05-19T14:26:00.001+07:002014-05-19T14:26:38.150+07:00GOD WILL NEVER GIVE YOU A COMMAND YOU CANNOT KEEP... REALLY?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"God will never give you a command you cannot keep."</b> Whether it has been in sermons, at Bible studies, in small groups; I have heard this said a number of times. It is the notion that God would never give a person more responsibility than he or she could bear. Theologies concerning sanctification have been formed around this very thought. Think of Charles Wesley and Christian perfection. Worse yet, theologies concerning justification have been formed around this notion. Think of Pelagius and his denial of total depravity. Is it true that God would never ask of His people to do something that He knows they are incapable of doing? Let us test this idea against Scripture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Think about the way God commanded the Israelites when they came out of Egypt. He gave to them the ten commandments and many other laws to follow. (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+20-23&version=ESV" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Exodus 20-23</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) The people claimed that they would be obedient to the law. (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2024&version=ESV" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Exodus 24:3</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) Afterwards, Moses went back up the mountain where God gave him instructions on how to build the tabernacle and establish the priesthood. (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+24-31&version=ESV" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Exodus 24:12 - 31:18</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) Why did God do this? Because He knew that the people would not obey. He knew that the people of Israel would need to make sin offerings before Him. Moses was up on that mountain for only 40 days, yet during that short span the people had already prostituted themselves by creating a golden calf to worship. (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2032&version=ESV" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Exodus 32</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again and again throughout the Old Testament we read stories about sinful people breaking the commandments of God. Even David, the man after God's own heart, committed adultery and murder. He tried to cover up his sins with a web of lies, but God graciously humbled His chosen king. (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Samuel+11-12&version=ESV" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">2 Samuel 11&12</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) There is not one person in those first thirty-nine books who could claim to have the ability to keep the commandments of God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although this argument strongly supports the idea that God does give His people commands they cannot keep, this really doesn't answer the question of if they were capable of doing it or not. Maybe there were examples of people not recorded in scripture who did obey God fully. Let us look now to the New Testament to see what it has to say on this matter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fast forward to the first century AD. Jesus had now stepped onto the scene and He gave His most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew chapters five, six and seven we read exactly what God expects of His people. Not only are worshippers of Yahweh not suppose to commit murder, but they should not even have anger in their hearts towards their brothers. (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Matthew 5:21,22</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) Not only are they to refrain from committing adultery, but they are not even allowed to look at a woman with lust in their heart. (Matthew 5:27,28) They are to serve their enemies and allow themselves to be abused further if their right cheek is struck. (Matthew 5:38-44) Their righteousness must exceed that of the pharisees and scribes. (Matthew 5:20)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If all of that were not enough, Jesus decided to raise the bar just a little higher with these words, </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."</b></i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (Matthew 5:48 - ESV) I know there are some perfectionists out there who are cheering Jesus on right now, but seriously? Be perfect like God is perfect? What kind of standard is this? Who is capable of doing this?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the ten commandments were not enough, Jesus upped the stakes for us by condemning our own thoughts and feelings. The standard is perfection, and nothing short will do. Is this attainable? From the stories we read in the Old Testament, none before Jesus could do this. If you are honest with yourself, you will realize that you are incapable of fulfilling God's commands for your life. The Apostle John states this very fact in his epistle. </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."</i></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+john+1&version=ESV" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">1 John 1:8</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - ESV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If God has given us commands that we are incapable of keeping, then what is His reasoning behind this? Why would Jesus lay out a way of life that is impossible for us to live? What purpose is there in the law if all fail at it? The Apostle Paul articulates the answer to this question beautifully in his letter to the Church in Rome. </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin."</i></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3&version=ESV" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Romans 3:19,20</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - ESV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main purpose of the law is to show human beings just how sinful they really are. It is a taskmaster that holds people accountable to God. Is this the only purpose of the law? No, but it is the preeminent purpose. This is why basic Christian doctrine teaches that man is not saved by works, but by grace through faith. (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2&version=ESV" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Ephesians 2:8,9</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) Yet, even after a person has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, they still contend with their sinful flesh. Every time a Christian sins, it is a reminder of their need for a savior. (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%207&version=ESV" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Romans 7</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next time you hear someone say that God will never give you a command you cannot keep, gently rebuke that brother or sister out of love. While it may seem like a wise teaching, it only puts a heavy yoke on the hearer. God has given us many commands that we cannot and do not keep this side of Christ's return. Do we strive to obey God? Yes. But we do so out of a knowledge that God has freed us from the law. We do so with the help of the Holy Spirit. We do so out of thankfulness for the one who did keep all these commands perfectly for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus is the only sinless man. Yet He is also the creator God. He died on the cross taking upon himself the wrath of the Father in man's stead. He bore the sins of the world and in exchange gave to those who believe this good news His righteousness. He rose from the dead three days later and now reigns at the right hand of the Father. No longer do you have to live in bondage to a law you cannot keep. Repent and believe the gospel message and you will be saved.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-52306300811710863622014-05-18T16:14:00.000+07:002014-05-18T16:14:53.662+07:00HIATUS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realize it has almost been one month since I last wrote anything here. There are two reasons for the long hiatus. First, in April I finished writing a pretty intense report on the religious world views of the people of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. That paper took a lot out of me and I felt that I needed a breather from writing for a while. The second reason is that I have been traveling a lot recently. Many of my normal ministry duties have been put on hold, hence some of my lighter duties have as well. I am currently working on a piece concerning a common saying that is often heard in Christians circles. It should be done in the next couple days. So, if you have been wondering if I would ever write again, worry no longer. However, if you have been glad to see my absence, you can begin to worry once more.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-19284421043538199072014-04-20T16:38:00.001+07:002014-04-20T16:38:58.200+07:00EASTER SCRIPTURE (MATTHEW 28:1-10)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On their way to prepare Jesus' body with spices, the two women felt the shock of an earthquake. An angel from heaven descended and rolled away the stone from the tomb where the crucified Jesus had lain. The stone was not rolled away for the sake of our Lord and Savior, for He has no need for any aid. If He so desired, He could have passed right through the stone blocking His way. No it was rolled back for Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. <b>It was rolled back for you as well.</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Come see the place where he lay."</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Roman guards witnessed this site and became like dead men. They trembled with fear, for they now knew that the God in heaven is real. They now understood that Rome was not all powerful, but the kingdoms of men rise and fall at the will of the Lord. <b>The kingdoms of our day submit to God's will as well.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The two women left with both fear and great joy. They too feared the power of God. They understood that if Jesus has the ability to raise Himself from the dead, then He is Lord over all things, including them. Yet their fear does not leave them trembling, for they also have great joy. Joy in the knowledge that the one who loved them more than they deserved is no longer dead. Joy in the knowledge that their enemies (sin, death and the devil) have been defeated. Joy that they will again see their Lord. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>He is Lord over you as well.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So they run. They have this great news to bring to the disciples, so they rush to proclaim it. Along the way, Jesus meets them and says, "Hello." Overcome with emotion, these two women fall at His feet and worship Him. They understand who Jesus is. He is the God of all creation. He is their maker. He is their Lord. He is the one worthy of their praise. <b>He is worthy of your praise as well.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus tells them to not be afraid. Those who understand who Jesus truly is do not need to fear. Though they know that Jesus is God and has power over their lives, they also understand the great love shown to them on the cross. <b>This love is for you as well.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus died for your sins on the cross. The wrath of God was placed upon Him, so that you can receive forgiveness. Now He is risen from the dead and sits at the right hand of the Father ruling over all creation. He is your maker. He is your Lord. He is the one worthy or your praise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My prayer this Easter is for you to understand and have faith in who Jesus is and what He has done for you. Repent of your sins and unbelief. Come worship at the feet of the one who has forgiveness for you. <b>The tomb is empty! Jesus has risen! Do not be afraid, for this is good news!</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-52217877350240665992014-03-24T22:56:00.000+07:002014-03-24T22:56:38.559+07:00MONDAY SCRIPTURE (MATTHEW 20:29-34)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" This is the cry of all true believers in Christ. You may not be physically blind, but your were born into sin and blind to the truth about God. Fortunately God has made Himself known through His Son Jesus. God became man and tabernacled among us. He lived a sinless life and demonstrated His divinity through His teachings and miraculous signs. He then died on the cross and took upon Himself the wrath of God. By doing this, He paid the penalty for your sins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like these two blind men, you are helpless to fix your circumstances. There was nothing they could do that would allow them to see, and you cannot do anything to free yourself from the bondage of your sin. They needed mercy and so do you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus pitied these two blind men and touched their eyes. He rescued them from darkness. He healed them of their malady. He can do the same for you. He can free you from darkness. He can break the chains of your sins. Repent and believe this good news. Jesus died for you. Three days later He rose from the dead, defeating sin, death and the devil. Christ's victory has been determined. Trust in Him and be set free from your sin. Jesus will show His mercy to you.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-55284972987927996672014-03-10T23:22:00.000+07:002014-03-10T23:24:15.478+07:00MONDAY SCRIPTURE (GENESIS 3:1-13)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.”He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”</i></span></div>
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Genesis 3:1-13 (ESV)<br />
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Satan is a distorter of God's Word and the tempter of man. From this passage we can see his scheme. It is the same trick he has been doing all throughout history.<br />
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First Satan will distract you from the truth of God's Word. <i>"Did god actually say?"</i> He knows that salvation and life come from the mouth of God, so he puts that seed of doubt in the minds of people. We see this same thing occur today. The authority of God's Word is constantly questioned. The secular world doesn't want to believe what is written in the Bible, so it sows doubt to its accuracy and inerrancy.<br />
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Yet Satan is satisfied with attacks coming only from the world, but he has whispered these same doubts into the Church. One only has to read Church history to see that false doctrines continue to creep their way in. Paul had to deal with the Judaizers. John had to deal with the Docetist. Athanasius fought off Arianism. The Reformers battled for Sola Scriptura. Today, we deal with the likes of Prosperity pushers and Emergent heresies.<br />
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Yet if the attack on God's Word doesn't work, Satan will begin to tempt you. <i>"Your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God."</i> He urges you into your basic sinful desire, a reliance upon yourself instead of upon God. Being born into sin, we continually disobey God's commands and find ourselves utterly depraved.<br />
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As much as we try, we cannot run away from our sin. We cannot hide our nakedness from God. We will put the blame on others, but deep down we know we have evil inside of us. What a wretched people we have become. God knows the depth of our hearts and the sin that lies within. We cannot stand before His judgment, lest we have an advocate who will fight for us. We need a mediator to plead our case.<br />
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Jesus is that mediator. He is our advocate. Though He is God of Gods, He became man and lived a sinless life. He was tempted the same as us, but did not falter. Satan tried to twist God's Word in the wilderness, hoping to deceive Jesus as he did to us. Jesus was not fooled. He did not doubt the Scriptures and He did not succumb to temptation. Even as He hung dying on a tree, He did not give in. He humbled Himself for our sake. He paid the penalty four ours sins on the cross. Three days later He rose from the dead.<br />
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Put your faith in Jesus. Do not doubt God's Word any longer. Trust in the only one who can rescue your soul from eternal damnation. Repent from your sins and believe this good news. Jesus died for your sins. He now sits at the right hand of the Father as an advocate for His people. Those who have faith in Him can withstand any accusation, because Jesus' blood covers over their sins. There can be no better news than this!</div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-17625415203781466582014-02-24T13:10:00.000+07:002014-02-24T13:10:11.183+07:00MONDAY SCRIPTURE (DANIEL 1)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and ofthe nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.</i></div>
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<i>But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.” Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food. So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.</i></div>
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<i>As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.</i></div>
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Daniel and his friends were ripped from their homeland and families. Most likely they became eunuchs and were forced to learn the language and ways of the Babylonians. Even their names were changed from ones honoring Yahweh the true God, to ones honoring the false gods of their captors. This is a tragic tale.</div>
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As great a misfortune as this was, God's hand was the one steering the wheel. <i>"And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand." </i>The providence of God is seen all throughout the book of Daniel. Because of Judah's idolatry and lack of faith in their God, the Lord gave them over to destruction. But it was not without purpose. God used Nebuchadnezzar to spread out His people into many nations. Some were forcibly removed, while others fled from the coming wrath into countries like Egypt and Greece. Looking back on history, we can see that this is what God desired all along.</div>
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Daniel and his friends had to adjust to a new culture that was hostile towards the worship of Yahweh. The first challenge they faced was with food that defiled the body. Yet Daniel trusted God to rescue them from this dilemma. After only eating vegetables and drinking water for ten days, they became fatter than the rest of their peers. God had miraculously nourished them. This had to be a great comfort to the four young men. To know that God is still with you while you are in tribulation brings a person peace beyond compare.</div>
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God propelled them to the highest offices in the land, particularly Daniel. God purposed this to forward His plan of redemption for His chosen people. The kings of this world came to know who Yahweh is and of His great power. Knowledge of the God of the Jews spread far and wide. Yet this was only a shadow of the things to come.</div>
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Fast forward 600 years when Jesus entered our world. The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. He died on the cross in order to pay the penalty for our sins. Three days later He rose from the dead and now sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Many witnessed His resurrection and began to proclaim this good news. They travelled to many other nations, first going to the Jews, whom God had spread out during the Babylonian exile. Many Gentiles came to faith in Christ as well.</div>
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Daniel's misfortune was tragic, yet God had purposed it for our good. The gospel has gone out to all the world and we are the benefactors of Daniel's griefs. God's providence in seen in suffering. This is no more apparent than at the cross. Daniel is just a type. Jesus took upon Himself the wrath of God that should have been directed at us. By His shed blood, He has washed away your sins. Repent and believe this good news! Jesus died for you!</div>
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(If you want to hear more about God's providence in suffering, click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1BSDs_mRcbMSnJKZFpxVXZKYXc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> to listen to my sermon on Daniel 1.)</div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-8583461156902746092014-02-16T15:24:00.000+07:002014-02-16T15:24:00.882+07:00SUNDAY SCRIPTURE (GENESIS 2:8-25)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. The name of the first is the Pishon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. The name of the second river is the Gihon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Cush. And the name of the third river is the Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And theLord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it youshall surely die.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the beginning, God created a garden for man to live and have his being. That garden is called Eden. God made Eden a place where man and woman could live in harmony with God and one another. In this garden there were two special trees that grew. The first is the tree of life. We see this tree referenced in other passages of scripture, particularly in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rev+22&version=ESV" target="_blank">Revelation 22:2,14,19</a>. This tree of life brings to man God's gift of eternal life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second tree is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God forbade Adam and Eve to eat of this tree, warning them that if they ate of it, they would surely die. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Man was originally created with free will and i</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">t is at this tree that man's obedience and worship towards God was tested.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seeing that it was not good for man to be alone, God created him a helper, Eve. God used the rib of Adam to create her and together they became one flesh. This is still true today for husbands and wives. When they join together in the union of marriage they are considered one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly, we see that Adam and Eve were both naked and unashamed. This is because they had yet to sin. They had no selfish desire within them and knew not the lusts of the flesh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The way this chapter ends is in a state of perfection. Adam and Eve have a home which is filled with all that they need. They have the tree of life to sustain them forever. They have the freedom of the will to be obedient to God. They have each other, perfect mates. They are also in perfect relationship with God. They are not filled with shame, because they are innocent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One only has to read the next chapter to find out that all this will go away because of sin. Today we find ourselves in a state opposite of this one. We feel the shame of our sin. We have been found guilty. This is why we wear clothes. We need to cover up our shame. But clothes are not enough. We need something more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our relationships are broken and messy. We desire not to be the perfect helpmate for another, but we look to our own needs</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> first</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. We want others to fulfill them for us. These are the lusts of the flesh which fill our hearts and thoughts. Yet, the more we use others to fulfill our wicked lusts, the more unfulfilled </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we feel. O</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ur guilt grows daily.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worse yet, our relationship with God is as an enemy. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are no longer able to choose God freely. We have been born into sin and sinners are who we are. Sin has become our master and we obediently follow wickedness. We try to do good deeds to make ourselves feel better, but even the best of what we do is like a <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+64&version=ESV" target="_blank">polluted garment</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tree of life has been taken from us. We have become cursed and death follows us closely. Try as we might to sustain our lives, we all fall short and once again become the dust of the earth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What hope do we have? Where can we look for help? Who will rescue us?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a tree where you can find salvation. Jesus hung on a tree to take away the curse that has overrun you. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3&version=ESV" target="_blank">Galatians 3:13</a>) The cross is your tree of life. It is on this tree that you need to place your faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is from this tree that you can once again find freedom. No longer do you have to be in bondage to sin, but Jesus gives you the freedom to obey God's commands. God will be your new master as He guides you with His Holy Spirit. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1&version=ESV" target="_blank">1 Peter 1:2</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your relationship with God will no longer be that of an enemy. Rather you will be at peace with God. He will adopt you into His family. He will be your Father and you will be His child. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1&version=ESV" target="_blank">Ephesians 1:5</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No longer will you be filled with shame, but God will clothe you in His righteousness. You can hold you head up high, not because of anything you have done, but because the work of Christ will be your adornment. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5&version=ESV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:21</a>) Jesus takes away your sins through His death on the cross.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, there will come a time when Eden will be restored. You will have a home with God in the new heavens and new earth. Sin will be no more, along with it suffering and death. All creation will praise God's name for they will be witnesses to His glory. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021&version=ESV" target="_blank">Revelation 21</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look to this tree! Look to the cross! There you will find life. There you will find freedom. There you will find peace. There your sins will be swept away.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-44741162849949373852014-01-26T16:17:00.000+07:002014-01-26T16:17:04.931+07:00SUNDAY SCRIPTURE (MATTHEW 13:53-58)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1RiY7YlREmBmAXNmYBWe9iGdJUM6p4yW3SNhj-wEw3T_1Pzfa2WGKBZLtKS64tZ5kLAnwhp8wBi2VxtJLX88TqMYtd4ddT_OSmY6nhnSQqJwJV83bT4kE00m3tOVSDAZcRkTZJ8Gb0Y/s1600/JesusIconNazareth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1RiY7YlREmBmAXNmYBWe9iGdJUM6p4yW3SNhj-wEw3T_1Pzfa2WGKBZLtKS64tZ5kLAnwhp8wBi2VxtJLX88TqMYtd4ddT_OSmY6nhnSQqJwJV83bT4kE00m3tOVSDAZcRkTZJ8Gb0Y/s1600/JesusIconNazareth.jpg" height="272" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 13:53-58 (ESV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Jesus returned to his hometown, he did not receive the reception one would expect. Even though the people recognized the wisdom and mighty works of Jesus, they could not accept Him as their messiah. Instead, they remembered the boy who grew up in their midst. They compared him to his family. How could a family like that produce a teacher such as this? Instead putting their faith in Him, they took offense at Him. They lacked faith.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, many lack faith in Jesus as well. They too see Jesus' wisdom and mighty works, but they don't believe that He is Emmanuel, God with us. They don't believe that He died for their sins. They don't believe that He rose from the dead and now rules from heaven above. They refuse to believe that Jesus will someday return to judge both the living and the dead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus became a stumbling block to the people of Nazareth and He is a stumbling block to many today as well. What about you? Do you believe that Jesus is God in the flesh? Do you believe that He died to pay the penalty for your sins? Do you believe that He has authority over all creation? Do you believe that He will one day return to judge you according to your sins?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Repent and believe the gospel. Jesus is the only way to receive forgiveness for all of your sins. It is only by grace that a person can be saved through faith in the true Jesus. He is not just a good moral teacher, but He is your God who came to rescue you. Put your trust in Him and receive eternal life.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-66442570552683380572014-01-22T20:29:00.000+07:002014-01-22T20:35:00.848+07:00HOW TO SHRINK YOUR CHURCH AND BE EXCITED ABOUT IT<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Jesus had fed the five thousand, many came after Him and desired to make Him king. Jesus knew that the only reason these people came after Him was because of the bread. (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%206&version=ESV" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">John 6:26</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) It makes sense. Here was a man that could take care of all of their needs. No more toiling in the dirt. No more worrying about where their next meal will come from. </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB5ceAruYrI" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Hakuna Matata!</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Instead of gathering a large following, Jesus began to teach them difficult truths. In fact, these teachings were so disturbing to the crowds, that they all left. Even many of Jesus' disciples had enough and took off. (John 6:66)</span></div>
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The modern day Church should take a close look at this passage from John. Jesus was not trying to build a large following. Today's Christian leaders see dynamic growth as a sign that God is blessing a Church. A pastor is worth his salt once his congregation has reached Mega Church status. (I think the number is around <a href="http://hirr.hartsem.edu/megachurch/definition.html" target="_blank">2000</a> nowadays, but don't take my word for it.) Even then, the pressure is on for continued and sustained growth. A church with <a href="http://hirr.hartsem.edu/cgi-bin/mega/db.pl?db=default&uid=default&view_records=1&ID=*&sb=3&so=descend" target="_blank">10,000</a> members is no longer an anomaly.</div>
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This mentality has shifted to the mission field as well. Numbers have become indicators of a missionary's usefulness. Mega Churches are popping up around the <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AvaIHyk8hrPydE9hcFAzVnEwWktrVUNETjVJWVJJWUE&hl=en_US#gid=0" target="_blank">world</a>. Even Thailand, with it's <a href="http://estar.ws/statistics-maps/christian-presence-map-new/" target="_blank">less than one percent Christian population</a>, has made the list. If Thailand can have a church of 2000 members, surely that has to be a move from God, right?</div>
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Maybe you, the reader, have already seen through the facade of the Mega Church aura. You understand that smaller communities of believers is a healthier way to do Church. The question still remains, how do you determine if God is blessing a Church? Do you look to see if these smaller churches are multiplying? Is it all about how many Churches are planted each year? Again, success is indicated by the numbers.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But is surging growth really an indication that the Holy Spirit is moving? How do we know if people have true saving faith and are becoming spiritually mature Christians? Paul warned Timothy about false teachings that would lead many astray. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4&version=ESV" target="_blank">2 Timothy 4:3,4</a>) Do we know if a Church is growing because of the power of the gospel or is it because pastors are scratching itching ears?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it comes to gauging a Church's effectiveness, I propose we throw away the numbers altogether. Counting souls won to the kingdom of God is like trying to count dust particles in the air on a windy afternoon. Ultimately we cannot know what only God knows.</span></div>
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My guess is that God is moving greatly in Churches that are shrinking in size. A better indicator would be to look at the worship service itself. Does the worship glorify God or man? Is the pastor boldly proclaiming the law of God to convict people of their sins? Does he proclaim the gospel to comfort them week in and week out? These are just a few things to look at, but I would put them as my top diagnostics.</div>
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Here's my challenge to today's Mega Church pastor. See if you can shrink your Church. Below, I propose six steps in doing this.</div>
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<b>1) Remove all worship songs that glorify man:</b></div>
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Modern worship has slowly taken the focus off of God and put the focus on the individual. (I blame American culture.) Worship songs have become all about what <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2YiqkWZkhU" target="_blank">I am suppose to do for God</a>. Instead of praising God for who He is and what He has done, we are now singing about me, me, me. <b>Can a church be blessed by God when the focus in on man instead of Him?</b></div>
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<b>2) Bring back the Lord's Supper:</b></div>
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This is another aspect where the focus is on what God has done for us. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+22%3A14-20&version=ESV" target="_blank">The body of Jesus broken for you. The blood of Christ poured out for you</a>.) When did taking the Lord's Supper become passé? This used to be practiced on a weekly basis, but has now taken a back seat in order to have longer sessions with the praise band. The idea behind this is to create a more dynamic worship "experience." The Lord's Supper is too traditional and boring. By replacing it with relevant music, the Church will draw in more people. Yet that is not how Jesus instructed His disciples. <b>Can a Church be blessed by God when they fail to practice what the Lord has instituted?</b></div>
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<b>3) Proclaim the deity of Jesus:</b></div>
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Unfortunately, some of the largest churches today don't teach this necessary doctrine. Some of the more liberal denominations deny the incarnation by refusing to acknowledge the virgin birth among many other miracles of God. And then there are <a href="http://www.thepottershouse.org/Local/About-Us/Belief-Statement.aspx" target="_blank">modalist Churches</a> that deny the Trinity. Instead of describing God as one God in three Persons, they will use the term manifestations. It may not sound like much of a difference, but it truly is a heresy. <b>Can a Church be blessed by God when they deny His true nature?</b></div>
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<b>4) Call the members of your Church sinners:</b></div>
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This is probably one of the more difficult ones for a pastor to understand. That is because God's law can be proclaimed lawfully or unlawfully. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+1&version=ESV" target="_blank">1 Timothy 1:8-10</a>) (For details on this, I recommend checking out this blog post by <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tullian/2014/01/10/antinomianism-legalism-and-the-relationship-between-law-and-gospel/" target="_blank">Tullian Tchividjian</a>.) Many pastors today will bring in self-help tips and strategies and call it Christian sanctification. They will use modern Psychology in their sermons instead of reading from God's Word. People are made to feel that unless their life is in order (i.e. finances are ok, sex life is ok, children are obedient, they have found their "purpose" in life) they are not following God's will. This is using the law unlawfully. The proper use of the law is to show people who they truly are, sinful men and women in need of a savior. But to do this, the pastor has to call out real sins, such as adultery, theft, lying, etc. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+20&version=ESV" target="_blank">Exodus 20:1-17</a>) A pastor needs to learn the word "REPENT!" <b>Can a Church be blessed by God when they deny their own sinful nature and still try to live moral lives?</b></div>
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<b>5) Take away the ability for members of your Church to save themselves:</b></div>
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Curtailing off of step four, I suggest that pastors stop sharing tips and strategies to a better life and start telling his members that they cannot save themselves. Start proclaiming the gospel to your Church. Even Christians need to hear the gospel. They need to hear that their sins are forgiven through the death and resurrection of Christ. They need to understand that this rat wheel of a life they are living is not where our hope lies. If this is <a href="http://www.9marks.org/books/book-review-your-best-life-now" target="_blank">your best life now</a>, then the only option you have after death is an eternity in the lake of fire. The focus needs to be turned away from self redeeming tips and trends and pointed to Jesus on the cross. <b>Can a Church be blessed by God when they do not proclaim the gospel?</b></div>
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<b>6) Take away the ability for members of your Church to sanctify themselves:</b></div>
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This last one will strike many as funny and odd, but I assure you that it is warranted. Again, from sermons that I hear, one would think that justification is something God does, while sanctification is something we do. That is just not the case. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5&version=ESV" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:23</a>) Sanctification is a process that God does to a believer. You could say that God is cleansing His people; preparing them for His kingdom. How does He do this? Again, it is through the proclamation of His law, lawfully given, and the proclamation of the gospel. It is through the means of grace He has established such as the Lord's Supper and worship that lauds God's name. Unfortunately, the mindset of most Mega Churches don't see sanctification as something God does, but rather practical steps Christians have to take. <b>Can a Church be blessed by God when they teach self-sanctification?</b></div>
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If you follow these six steps, your church will most likely shrink, unless you have been doing these all along. Yet, shrinking isn't a bad thing. Yes, your offerings will take a hit, but you will also weed out false converts. You will no longer be scratching itching ears. Rather you will be feeding God's sheep. You will strengthen the Body of Christ, which in the long run will advance His kingdom further than any Mega Church can. So pastors, trust God's Word. Trust in His gospel. Do not be afraid to lose your Mega Church status. Start building the foundation of His Church on the Rock.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-64599188035977794282014-01-19T19:41:00.000+07:002014-01-19T19:41:03.168+07:00SUNDAY SCRIPTURE (PSALMS 103)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>and all that is within me,</i></div>
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<i>bless his holy name!</i></div>
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<i>Bless the Lord, O my soul,</i></div>
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<i>and forget not all his benefits,</i></div>
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<i>who forgives all your iniquity,</i></div>
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<i>who heals all your diseases,</i></div>
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<i>who redeems your life from the pit,</i></div>
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<i>who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,</i></div>
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<i>who satisfies you with good</i></div>
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<i>so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.</i></div>
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<i>The Lord works righteousness</i></div>
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<i>and justice for all who are oppressed.</i></div>
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<i>He made known his ways to Moses,</i></div>
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<i>his acts to the people of Israel.</i></div>
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<i>The Lord is merciful and gracious,</i></div>
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<i>slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.</i></div>
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<i>He will not always chide,</i></div>
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<i>nor will he keep his anger forever.</i></div>
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<i>He does not deal with us according to our sins,</i></div>
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<i>nor repay us according to our iniquities.</i></div>
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<i>For as high as the heavens are above the earth,</i></div>
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<i>so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;</i></div>
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<i>as far as the east is from the west,</i></div>
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<i>so far does he remove our transgressions from us.</i></div>
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<i>As a father shows compassion to his children,</i></div>
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<i>so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.</i></div>
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<i>For he knows our frame;</i></div>
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<i>he remembers that we are dust.</i></div>
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<i>As for man, his days are like grass;</i></div>
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<i>he flourishes like a flower of the field;</i></div>
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<i>for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,</i></div>
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<i>and its place knows it no more.</i></div>
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<i>But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,</i></div>
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<i>and his righteousness to children's children,</i></div>
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<i>to those who keep his covenant</i></div>
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<i>and remember to do his commandments.</i></div>
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<i>The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,</i></div>
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<i>and his kingdom rules over all.</i></div>
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<i>Bless the Lord, O you his angels,</i></div>
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<i>you mighty ones who do his word,</i></div>
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<i>obeying the voice of his word!</i></div>
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<i>Bless the Lord, all his hosts,</i></div>
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<i>his ministers, who do his will!</i></div>
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<i>Bless the Lord, all his works,</i></div>
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<i>in all places of his dominion.</i></div>
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<i>Bless the Lord, O my soul!</i></div>
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Psalms 103 (ESV)</div>
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Daily we sin against God and daily we can receive forgiveness through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. God is the only one whom we ought to bless, because He is the worker of all things good. He is both just and merciful. His love for those who fear Him has no limits. There is no sin so great that He cannot forgive. He understands our weaknesses, for He humbled himself and took our likeness. Even though our lives will pass away, God's love for those who fear Him will never vanish. He rules from above and none can thwart His will. Even mighty angelic beings bow low to Him and sing His praises. He is king through and through. He is Lord of His creation. Bless the Lord, O my soul!</div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-38879500001762636072014-01-18T17:53:00.000+07:002014-01-18T17:53:10.202+07:00FURTHERING YOUR EDUCATION WHILE ON MISSION<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a while since my last post. That is because over the past two weeks I was busy in Bangkok taking two seminar classes. One was on the book of Daniel, while the other was on World Religions. Though it was an intensive two weeks, it had the benefit of being intellectually stimulating as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFlowJRactftcZ5BOwNCjWhTfJVKFeX-tNll9e247cKKrnhJM-wMjoSFCI_B-Y7mOTZnE_0V9KDH-eftnLogxIEI0GQsXA5H8lAW5tWGICN4WAx3g0G4-gLf4HydBasXjcZURXamwF-JS/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFlowJRactftcZ5BOwNCjWhTfJVKFeX-tNll9e247cKKrnhJM-wMjoSFCI_B-Y7mOTZnE_0V9KDH-eftnLogxIEI0GQsXA5H8lAW5tWGICN4WAx3g0G4-gLf4HydBasXjcZURXamwF-JS/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being a missionary and continuing your education doesn't always mix. Fortunately, there are some schools that are looking out not only for missionaries, but for nationals as well. I am currently working on my masters through Asia Biblical Theological Seminary, <a href="https://www.cornerstone.edu/asia-biblical-theological-seminary" target="_blank">ABTS</a>. (If you are a Thai national who does not want to study in English, I recommend Bangkok Bible Seminary, <a href="http://www.bbsthai.org/" target="_blank">BBS</a>.) This is something I do twice a year. While it takes me away from my family and mission work, it provides the opportunity to further my Biblical education in order to serve the Thai people more adequately.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The seminary also offers online classes, though I prefer the seminars as it provides personal interactions with both the professors and other students. These connections are as valuable as any of the textbooks we are assigned to read. My fellow students came from different regions of South East Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore). They offered a variety of perspectives on the subjects and helped my understanding in relating the gospel to Thai nationals.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_U_u3qlsrALEnoo0vMzgEVm1ehj76hd049qHjIyj6tqyRzZYBEVk2LWa2wsGqykSbG8OBTAR0dGirL9_hehOVs3XxSgVTwiLbdCZJzRtEeMZO-lHvgylKjvPdYUG422KtH0g8rAP-JlS/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_U_u3qlsrALEnoo0vMzgEVm1ehj76hd049qHjIyj6tqyRzZYBEVk2LWa2wsGqykSbG8OBTAR0dGirL9_hehOVs3XxSgVTwiLbdCZJzRtEeMZO-lHvgylKjvPdYUG422KtH0g8rAP-JlS/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are a missionary who also wants to further your education, see if there is seminary looking out for your region of the world. It will not only be a way for you to further your missionary education and training, but it will also be a way to connect with others who share your conviction to bring the gospel to all nations.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-84747168702002207932013-12-25T11:25:00.001+07:002013-12-26T09:51:48.306+07:00CHRISTMAS SCRIPTURE (MATTHEW 1:18-2:23)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothedto Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus,for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>and they shall call his name Immanuel”</i></span></div>
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<i>(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.</i><br />
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<i>Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise menfrom the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:</i></div>
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<i>“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,</i></div>
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<i>are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;</i></div>
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<i>for from you shall come a ruler</i></div>
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<i>who will shepherd my people Israel.’”</i></div>
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<i>Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.</i></div>
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<i>Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”</i></div>
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<i>Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:</i></div>
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<i>“A voice was heard in Ramah,</i></div>
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<i>weeping and loud lamentation,</i></div>
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<i>Rachel weeping for her children;</i></div>
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<i>she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”</i></div>
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<i>But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.</i></div>
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Matthew 1:18-2:23 (ESV)<br />
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Merry Christmas! What a great God we have! To rescue us from our sins, He took upon flesh and dwelt among us. His name is both Jesus, which means "God saves", and Immanuel, which means "God with us". He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, not being born into sin like you and me. He is the spotless Lamb of God.<br />
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God sent a sign in the sky to the Magi in the East. They journeyed far to worship this newborn king. Through them, we see the appropriate responses we should have for our Messiah. First, when they found the child, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. When a person finds Jesus, it is truly a time of exceeding joy. Second, when they saw the child, they fell down and worshiped Him. This should be our response as well. Jesus is our Creator and Savior. He is worthy of all or our praise. Finally, the Magi brought the best gifts from their homeland. Jesus is worthy of our very best. He gave to us His very life in order to free us from our enemies; sin, death and the devil. How can we not give back to Him our best offerings?<br />
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I hope your Christmas is filled with joy as you ponder the meaning of the holiday.<br />
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-19236251009416047732013-12-15T21:53:00.003+07:002013-12-16T00:17:05.968+07:00SUNDAY SCRIPTURE (MATTHEW 6:7-15)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:</i></span></div>
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<i>“Our Father in heaven,</i></div>
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<i>hallowed be your name.</i></div>
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<i>Your kingdom come,</i></div>
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<i>your will be done,</i></div>
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<i>on earth as it is in heaven.</i></div>
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<i>Give us this day our daily bread,</i></div>
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<i>and forgive us our debts,</i></div>
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<i>as we also have forgiven our debtors.</i></div>
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<i>And lead us not into temptation,</i></div>
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<i>but deliver us from evil.</i></div>
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<i>For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.</i><br />
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Matthew 6:7-15 (ESV)</div>
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If you have any Christian background whatsoever, you probably recognize this prayer, or some form of it. It is included in most traditional liturgies. Many families throughout the world pray this prayer together around the dinner table. It can become a thing so ingrained in one's head, that it is often spoken without much thought about its meaning. Like Jesus' warning above, we can pray this prayer as if it is an empty phrase.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Gentiles would pray to their various idols different incantations thinking that certain words would appease the gods. They would repeat a particular phrase over and over again, thinking that with their many words, they were sure to be heard. In some cases they would speak in ecstatic tongues. Sounds would be coming out of their mouths, but there would be no clear meaning to their words. We still see practices like this today in the different pagan religions around the world. We even see the practice of ecstatic tongues in Pentecostal and Charismatic wings of the Church. Yet Jesus tells us not to pray like this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus also tells us not to pray like the hypocrites. These were people who made a big display of their prayers, showing to the world how pious they were. They were looking for the praises of men. Yet God desires us to pray in secret. This doesn't mean that we should never pray publicly, but rather that our prayers should not be used to lift ourselves up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After giving these warnings, Jesus then teaches us how we should pray. His prayer has five focuses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1) Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first focus is on God the Father and His holy name. When we enter into prayer, we should set our minds first on God and how great and mighty He is. He resides and reigns in heaven above. He is above all things and has power over all things. His name is set apart, because He is The Creator and He establishes His good and perfect will. This requires humility on our part. We must recognize our low position so we do not lift ourselves above God. Instead, we should praise His name, because there is none higher. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2) Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second focus is on God's kingdom and His will. Because of who God is, we should pray for His kingdom to come to us. We live in a broken kingdom, the kingdom of this world. We live in a kingdom that follows the will of man. That is why we see evil in our world today. We should ask that God's will be done instead of man's. As Christians, we live in two kingdoms at once. While Jesus has already established His kingdom, we wait for His return for its consummation. Then we shall see all things made new and perfect. Until then, we rest in the glorious hope we find in Christ's death and resurrection.</span><br />
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<a href="http://robinwoodchurch.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://robinwoodchurch.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/bread.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3) Give us this day our daily bread,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus wants us to rely on God for our provision. Similar to the Israelites, who in the wilderness relied on mana from heaven, we too need to realize that it is God who provides all our daily needs. No prayer is too small for God. He desires that you rely on Him for even your daily meal. While there are certain <a href="http://www.fightingforthefaith.com/2010/09/does-the-bible-teach-us-to-pray-sun-stand-still-prayers.html" target="_blank">pastors</a> out there who are proclaiming that God wants you to only pray for the big things, Jesus corrects that type of thinking by including our daily bread.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4) and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As sinners, we have incurred a great debt of sin unto God. In fact, our debt is so great that we have no way of paying it back. Instead, we put ourselves at the mercy of God, who is willing to forgive us our sins. He can do this, because Jesus took the sin of the world upon himself and suffered the wrath of God on the cross. What a wonderful Savior we have! Notice though, that Jesus adds in the line, "as we also have forgiven our debtors." As children who have been forgiven by God the Father, we should not hold any debt against those who have sinned against us. This is a hard thing to do. Often we hold people to the wrongs they have done. Yet when we understand the gospel correctly, we see that our sins against God are so much greater than any sins that have been done against us. If God can forgive us that much, how can we not forgive others when they sin against us?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>5) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly, we should ask God to help us in our times of need. In this life we will face temptation to sin in many different ways. Our sinful nature desires to succumb to temptation. Only God has the power to rescue us from our wicked appetites. He does this through His Holy Spirit, who resides in Christians. Yet temptation comes not only from ourselves, but also from the world and the devil. Jesus not only took upon our sin when He went to the cross, but He defeated Satan as well. Satan does not want us to receive forgiveness, so he throws temptations our way in order to accuse us of our sin. Yet for the Christian, his accusations fall flat, because we have a mediator who paid for our sins. Jesus delivers us from the devil's attacks by reminding us that as Christians, we have been justified before God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this is how Jesus would have us pray. While it can be repetitive and the meaning can get lost in the back of our minds, it can also be a prayer full of meaning and power. Each day we can come to the Father in praise of His name. We can ask for His kingdom and will to come to our fallen world. We can realize that even the bread on our table is a gift from above. Daily we can remind ourselves of what Jesus did on the cross and know that our sins are forgiven. We can seek the help of our Redeemer in desperate times of need. What a great God we have and what a great prayer to pray!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-18479333106782962362013-12-08T16:11:00.000+07:002013-12-08T16:11:28.839+07:00SUNDAY SCRIPTURE (MARK 15:1-15)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” And the chief priests accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.</i></div>
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<i>Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” And Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.</i></div>
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Pilate asks Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Pilate doesn't fully grasp why Jesus was brought to him in the first place. He deduces that the chief priests were envious of Jesus, so he is looking for one of two things. Either he wants a reasonable charge, worthy of death, brought out against Jesus or he wants to release the man. He's in a no-win situation. So he asks Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?"</div>
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Jesus' reply is enigmatic to say the least. "You have said so." Jesus turns Pilate's question into a proclamation. When you look at the sentence structure in the Greek, it is written as, "You are the King of the Jews?" This could be interpreted either as a question or a sentence. We do this in English as well. For instance, if I ask my daughter, "You are going to bed now?" she would only know that I was asking a question by the tone of my voice. She could answer me, "You have said so," implying a double meaning. Her answer to the question is both a "Yes," and "Your assumption is correct."</div>
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The chief priests continue to lay accusations upon Jesus. Jesus does not defend himself, but permits His accusers to have their say. Pilate is not impressed with the charges and wants Jesus to defend Himself. So he asks Jesus, "Have you no answer to make?" Jesus continues in His silence. Pilate is flabbergasted at this inaction.</div>
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Looking for another way out, Pilate hopes public opinion will win the day. Surely all the throngs of people who have been following Jesus will stick up for Him, especially when He is standing side by side with an insurrectionist and a murderer. Yet those who were closest to Jesus have fled away in fear. Urged on by the chief priests, the crowds have turned their back on the messiah whom they cheered into the city only days before. They would rather have Barabbas set free than to have this man who claims to be the Son of God living among them. They want Jesus crucified.</div>
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In a last ditch effort, Pilate pleads with the people, "Why, what evil has he done?" The crowds shout all the more, "Crucify him!" Pilate succumbs to the pressures that be and delivers Jesus to be flogged and crucified.</div>
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In this story we see three types of sinners. First, there are the chief priests. Out of envy and unbelief they plot against their king. They cannot accept the claims that Jesus made, so out of hatred, they charge Him with blasphemy. The crowds likewise, follow their lead. The throngs, whom only a few days before were cheering and welcoming their messiah into Jerusalem, are now advocating Jesus' destruction.</div>
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Then there is Pilate. In one sense, he seems like an honest and just ruler. He doesn't want an innocent man to suffer. Yet when it is all said and done, he is more concerned about himself and maintaining his own power, than distributing true justice.</div>
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Finally, there is Barabbas. He is a murderer. He has hatred for the Romans. He has so much disdain for the established government, that he is willing to disobey their rules to get what he wants. Violence is not beneath him. He is willing to shed blood to accomplish his agenda. He is the lowest of the low. Yet, he is also the first whom Jesus substitutes His life for.</div>
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What would you have done? Deep down, how do these sins manifest themselves in your heart? Do store up envy for those who have more than you? Do you hate that person who is always successful? Are you a people pleaser? Are you so worried about your own position in life, that you will do whatever is en vogue to fit in, even if it is sinful? Are you disloyal to the government that God has established as the authority over you? Do you lust after your leader's destruction? Do you applaud the violent and blood thirsty who take control by any means necessary?</div>
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Each one of us, in our own way, has turned our back on Jesus. Thanks be to God, that Jesus did not turn His back on us. Instead, He went to the cross without defending Himself. He died for your sins without complaint. God's wrath was poured out on Him, for your sake. Then three days later He rose from the dead and He now rules His kingdom from heaven above. One day He will return to judge both the living and the dead.</div>
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Repent and put your trust in Jesus today. He can deliver you from your sin and unbelief. He died on the cross for you, even though you heart is blackened with sin. He will wash you anew and cleanse you from within. He will give you a new heart. Believe this good news and be saved!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-75410480744715652762013-12-04T17:08:00.001+07:002013-12-04T17:08:50.488+07:00WHAT MINISTRY IN THAILAND LOOKS LIKE<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the readers who are interested in seeing what mission work looks like in Thailand, here is some information on the ministry we are a part of along with a few videos to watch. In June 2013, we joined with a Church planting team made up of Thais, Koreans, Filipinos, and Americans. On June 2, we opened up the Church of Blessing in Toong Sawang. Now we are a Church of about fifty people. Our mission is to bring the gospel message to the Toong Sawang community; seeing Jesus saving souls for His kingdom. We would be honored if you would pray with us in this endeavor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple times a month we go to the Kham Tele So community bringing the gospel to a community that is in need of Jesus. This maybe a site for a future Church plant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In October we ran and English camp for the children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also in October, the youth teamed up with iServe, reaching out to their community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In November, we had a Thanksgiving celebration at the Church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you all enjoyed watching these videos. Keep praying for the people of Thailand.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-22389469807081409432013-12-02T16:15:00.000+07:002013-12-05T20:31:00.540+07:00MONDAY SCRIPTURE (MATTHEW 13:44-46)<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."</i></div>
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<i>"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it." </i></div>
</i><br />Matthew 13:44-46 (ESV) </span><div>
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Jesus shared these two parables with his disciples while they were alone in a house. They are very similar with only slight differences. Jesus puts the two back to back in order to convey a greater emphasis on the meaning. As important as these two parables are, they are often misunderstood. </div>
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I'm sure you have probably heard a sermon before telling you about how valuable God's kingdom is and that you should be willing to give up everything to attain it. Don't get me wrong, I totally agree with that message. God's kingdom is more precious than worldly wealth or any sin that you are holding onto. God's kingdom has everlasting value. If it cost you all that you have to purchase it, then you should pay that price.</div>
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Yet there is two problems with that message. First, it is impossible for a person to give up everything for this kingdom. Don't be shocked by this. I have yet to see a person who is fully committed to God, without any selfish desires or any sin in their life. The second problem is that the passage isn't talking about what you need to give up in order to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Only when you read it in the light of works-righteousness do you get that impression.</div>
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This is the difference between a works driven mentality and a grace driven mentality. Our old man loves to read this passage in a way that the burden is put on ourselves. But Jesus didn't come to give us a heavier burden, but to produce salvation where there is none.</div>
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"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2011&version=ESV">Matthew 11:28-30</a>) </div>
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If Jesus was talking about selling all that you have and giving up everything to earn salvation, then He is putting onto you a very heavy burden indeed. Who can do this? Who do you know who has given all that he has? Who has denied every selfish desire or sinful thought? If this is our entry into God's kingdom, then I'm on the outs. I fail at this everyday and so do you. </div>
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Yet there is one person who has done all this. Jesus is the one who gave up everything. Jesus is the one who denied all selfish desires in order to win back His lost sheep. </div>
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Think about the first parable. Here we see a man who finds a great treasure in a field. He cannot claim this treasure until he purchases the field, so he hides the treasure. He then joyfully sells all he has to purchase the field and claim that treasure. This shows us the grace of God. Yes, selling all someone has is a great sacrifice, but Jesus does this with joy, because He knows that the treasure is worth it. </div>
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In the second parable, we see a merchant who seeks after a fine pearl. When he finds it, again, he sells all he has to pay the price for that pearl. The pearl is worth it to him. </div>
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Jesus paid the ransom for your sins on the cross. He gave up everything to win you back. You were born as a slave to sin. Because of your sin, you are destined to face the wrath of God. Yet while you were still a sinner, Christ died for you. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5&version=ESV">Romans 5:7-9</a>) He gladly gave up everything in order that you may enter into God's kingdom. </div>
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Repent of your sins and doubt and believe this good news. Jesus is the man who found the treasure hidden in a field, and that treasure is you. You are that pearl of great value and Jesus gave up everything in order to purchase you. The kingdom of heaven is a gift to you, but it cost Jesus the highest price to purchase it. Put your faith in Him today!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the holidays come times of both joy and sorrow for many missionaries. Living in another culture can take its toll, and there are occasions when you just want to escape and go back to where you are from. In my experience, the holiday season usually accentuates these times of homesickness. You begin to feel nostalgic and really miss the family back home. Feasibly you cannot break away from the work you are doing and buy a plane ticket, so you gut it out until your next furlough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are missionaries to do? How can they make the best out of their holidays? Below, I tackle seven holiday issues most missionaries face. These are the tips I recommend to help remedy the situation. They are by no means perfect solutions, but they may brighten up your festive celebrations nonetheless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1) Homesickness</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your family is far away and you just want to get back there to see them. You may even be feeling guilty about moving overseas. If you have children, they too are missing their grandparents and cousins. Most likely, the family you left is missing you just as much. Suddenly Thanksgiving is upon you and the whole family is experiencing a little bit of sorrow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honestly, this first one is the hardest to fix. Family bonds are strong and to be away is really difficult. Fortunately, technology is on the missionary's side. Not only can we connect instantly on social networks like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, but video chatting has never been easier. Free programs like <a href="http://www.skype.com/en/" target="_blank">Skype</a> and <a href="http://www.apple.com/mac/facetime/" target="_blank">FaceTime</a> have connected the world like never before. (Seriously, I remember watching episodes of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8SC6bny1SA" target="_blank">Jetsons</a> when I was a kid where video phones seemed so futuristic.) Make sure to schedule an appointment with your family. Most likely there is a drastic time difference, so having it planned ahead of time is crucial.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making friends with other missionary families can be another good way to keep holiday traditions alive. By celebrating together, you can create a festive atmosphere, not to mention divvying up the meal preparation. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, scheduling your next furlough during the holidays is a good way to catch up with your relatives and enjoy some of the family traditions that you miss so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2) Food</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turkey on Thanksgiving... Ham for Easter... Christmas cookies!!! Each holiday has its own flavor. Depending on the country you serve in, some of these foods can be hard to come by. And if you are a first year missionary, still getting your feet wet, you might be running all over the place looking for the right ingredients.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, this is where having other missionary friends can come in handy. Combined, you may have years of experience in you city and know exactly where to buy everything you need. Yet, there are always some things that are just too difficult find. Here's where a little creativity is necessary. I offer two suggestions. First, you can have a care package delivered to you from your home church or from extended family. Unfortunately this will work for non-parishible items only. The second option is to create some new food traditions of your own. Maybe there is a native food that you especially love. (I really love Tom Ka Gai.) Try adding it to the menu and test it out. If it doesn't feel right, keep an eye out throughout the year for something that might just work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3) Decorations</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If finding food is a difficulty, decorations are a nightmare. Christmas is coming soon, but you have no tree, no lights and no wreath. What are you to do? Again, care packages can be helpful here, though it would have to be a pretty big box if you want a Christmas tree delivered. If you are crafty, you can always build a makeshift tree and decorations, but that might not be a permanent solution.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My best suggestion is to use your furloughs as opportunities to bring back what you will need. When you travel, pack light. Most airlines will allow you to check two pieces of luggage for long distance international flights. If you only bring one piece of luggage, you can purchase what you need from your home country and use a second piece of luggage on the way back to transport it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another proposed solution can come in the form of mission teams. If a team from your home church is visiting, be bold and ask if they can help you out. Usually a person needs only one suitcase for a two or three week trip. Ask if they can each bring an extra piece of luggage with them. With a team of five or six people, you will have all your decoration needs in no time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4) Weather</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe to you, Christmas means snow. (By the way, it rarely snows in Israel, and most likely didn't when Jesus was born, so living in a tropical climate doesn't have to mean it doesn't feel like Christmas.) I grew up in Michigan, so snow was pretty much a given in late December. Living in Thailand, I'm pretty much out of luck. Yet warm weather doesn't mean I have to forgo the Christmas spirit. Time to crank up the AC and put on some warmer clothes. I know it doesn't make fiscal sense, but sometimes its nice to put on a pair of sweats and a hoodie, especially if you are watching a football game.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>5) Football</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of football, on both Thanksgiving and New Year's Day Americans are notorious for watching football. I have to see my Lions play every Thanksgiving, and there are plenty of good bowl games to watch on New Years Day. The problem is, the games you want to watch aren't always shown in your country, and if they are, you may have to stay up till the middle of the night to watch them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can take this piece of advice with a grain of salt. There are many websites that will the stream the games live for you. (I'll let you figure out which on your own.) The legality of these sites is in question, depending on the country you live in. If you choose not to go that route, a <a href="http://www.slingbox.com/" target="_blank">Slingbox</a> might be a good solution. Time to roast some coffee, because you may be up in the middle of the night cheering on your favorite team.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>6) The Holiday Doesn't Match Your Work Schedule</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are a tent maker, you may run into trouble getting time off of work. I know many missionaries that teach at schools. This can be a problem, because the schools don't recognize these crazy Western holidays. If you want to celebrate Thanksgiving, you need to get what seems like a random Thursday off. Usually this involves finding a substitute teacher to fill in for you. Yet if you plan in advance, it can be done without a hitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another suggestion would be to celebrate on a different day. Find a weekend day that is near to that holiday and choose it to be your day of festivities. Try to get some other missionaries to join you in your endeavor and make it a big party.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>7) Unwanted Guests</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every year, I have Thai people asking me what I do to celebrate American holidays. Some are just curious, but others are looking for ways to get themselves invited. They may keep giving you subtle hints, or, if they are bold enough, they may just show up at your house unannounced. If you are an extrovert, then by all means include them in on your plans. I myself am not. I like the holidays to be just me and my family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are a couple things that you can do here. First, be firm with people that you desire some privacy with your family members. Many missionaries are afraid to do this thinking it could be a bad witness. I've found that most people are understanding when you break from culture. They know that you will not always do things according to their traditions, and usually they are ok with that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A second approach would be to set aside a different day for you to celebrate the holiday with the people you are ministering to. I've done this with at least four different holidays. They get to experience an American tradition, yet at the same time, I get to have my own private celebration with my family. This is a good way to be both a good witness and a good family member.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a final note, remember some of the advantages to living in another country. Enjoy the less busy holidays you will experience. Most likely the mall will be less busy. You could probably do all your Christmas shopping on Christmas eve and get away with it. Also, you don't have to drive to a million places and go to a million parties. You can just enjoy your time off with your family listening to Christmas Carols and watching <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frXklECPkD0" target="_blank">It's A Wonderful Life</a></i>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420619666587003298.post-44879086174024008922013-11-24T22:48:00.001+07:002013-11-24T22:48:50.468+07:00SUNDAY SCRIPTURE (MATTHEW 20:17-28)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”</i></div>
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<i>Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”</i></div>
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Matthew 20:17-28 (ESV)</div>
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This is the third time Jesus warned his disciples about His impending death and resurrection. He knows exactly who will condemn Him and that they will hand Him over to the Romans. Yet He will rise from the dead. In this warning, Jesus is sharing the barebones, historical facts about the gospel.<br />
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The disciples don't yet understand. This is why James and John ask Jesus for positions of power in His kingdom. They still think that the kingdom of heaven is like any other worldly kingdom. They also think of themselves as more deserving candidates than the other ten. Jesus tells them plainly that they are confused and that suffering is the only way to gain positions of honor in God's kingdom. Yet, even then, some positions have already been reserved by the Father.<br />
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When the other ten disciples get wind of what the sons of Zebedee have asked for, they are indignant at the two brothers. Even though these ten didn't ask Jesus for the highest positions, they too felt that they deserved this high rank. James and John had cut in line. Why should Jesus consider those two over them?<br />
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The disciples are full of pride. They are only looking out for themselves, rather than thinking of their brothers. Even worse, they aren't listening to Jesus and the warning He gives. While Jesus has set His face towards Jerusalem... towards His death, they are only concerned about what is in it for them.<br />
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Jesus takes them aside to teach them once again that God's kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this world. The great ones will be the servants and the first will be the slave. In essence, God entrusts His kingdom to those who love others more than they love power.<br />
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When you seek after the kingdoms of this world, you are distancing yourself from God. This is an issue of pride. If you consider yourself better and more deserving than those around you, then your heart has become prideful. If you ambitiously seek after power and glory, God's kingdom is far from you.<br />
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Yet we all do this. We all seek after our own ambitions. We all desire glory for ourselves. We are a prideful lot and we do not deserve any position in the kingdom of heaven. Even when we perform good deeds, we don't have altruistic motives. Deep down, we are always looking out for number one.<br />
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Who can rescue us from our sinful hearts? Thanks be to God that He sent His Son not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Jesus is the ultimate servant. He went to the cross willingly to pay the penalty for our prideful hearts. He did not seek out His own glory, rather He humbled himself on the cross. He is our substitute. Our pride filled hearts have caused enmity between us and God. We deserve God's wrath. Yet that wrath was poured out on Jesus in our stead.<br />
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This is the good news! Trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins. Repent of your pride and unbelief. Put your faith in the only one who can save you. Stop seeking after worldly kingdoms that distance you from God. Seek His kingdom and His righteousness. Christ's kingdom and Christ's righteousness is there for all who repent and believe.</div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437108255123482716noreply@blogger.com0