WOL Church Japan: Recent Episodes
Rev. Dr. Andrew Imbrie
Word of Life ("WOL") Church JAPAN is a community of believers who searches for God's truth, discipled, and lives empowered by the "good news" of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. WOL is committed to serve our communities in Japan, esp. within Hyogo Prefecture, (Himeji, Kakogawa, Takasago and Akashi City), JAPAN. Our hope is this podcast will be one of the tools to inspire and encourage someone like you to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ who follow after His footsteps as authentically and practically. Be blessed!
Whole Commitment
完全なるコミットメント
Rev. Dr. Andrew Imbrie
6.18.2023
The word "commitment" or "loyalty" is a word that is fading in popularity.
「コミットメント」や「忠誠心」という表現は、人気が薄れつつある言葉です。
Especially in today's world, where people generally value freedom.
特に自由を重んじる現代社会ではなおさらです。
People want more flexibility. Flexibility to act, in choosing their quality of life and in determining their future/destiny.
人々はさらなる柔軟性を求めています。生活の質を選択し、そしてより良い将来への柔軟な選択。
Commitment or loyalty is a rare commodity today! And unfortunately we see this in the Christian life as well.
コミットメントと忠誠心は最近では珍しいものです。そして残念ながら、私たちのクリスチャン生活にもそれが見られます。
We cannot follow the Lord Jesus halfway.
私たちは中途半端な気持ちで主イエスに従うことはできません。
God wants our love, our commitment to God, to be full and continually being perfected.
神様は、私たちの愛とコミットメントが完全であり、常に完成されることを望んでおられます。
Whenever people come to know Lord Jesus Christ and respond to Him genuinely as their Savior and Master, then everything takes on a new meaning.
人々が主イエス・キリストを知り、救い主、主人として心からイエスに応答するとき、すべては新しい意味を持つのです。
They face up to new responsibilities and exhibit new values.
新しい責任に向き合い、新しい価値観を示してくれるのです。
BEING GOD’S HOLY TEMPLE
神様の神殿となる
Rev. Dr. Andrew Imbrie
Word of Life (WOL) Church Japan
5.7.2023
“… do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
知らないのですか。あなたがたの体は、神からいただいた聖霊が宿ってくださる神殿であり、あなたがたはもはや自分自身のものではないのです。あなたがたは、代価を払って買い取られたのです。だから、自分の体で神の栄光を現しなさい。(コリント人への第1の手紙6：19)
How important it is to live with an awareness and commitment to cleanliness of heart, or in other words, a life of holiness.
それは、心の清さ、つまり聖さを意識して生きることが、いかに大切かということを。
True Christians are people who are conscious and committed to living with a clean conscience.
真のクリスチャンとは、清らかな良心を持って生きることに徹底している人のことです。
Honest. Pure. There are no blemishes that taint the state of their hearts.
正直であること。純粋であること。心の状態を汚してしまうような傷はないのです。
People who enjoy holiness are people who can enjoy God and His holy presence.
聖さを喜ぶ人は、神様とその聖なる臨在を楽しむことができる人です。
The Bible clearly states, "Without holiness, no one can see God!
聖書には「聖さがなければ、誰も神様を見ることはできません」とはっきり言っています！
Key Scripture: “31So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, ’If you abide in my Word, you are truly My disciples...” - **John 8:31
What does it mean to abide in Jesus' Word? The word abide [meno in Greek] also often means to remain, to dwell, to continue, to tarry or to endure. To abide in God’s Word means to “continue” in God’s Word.** To continue in God’s Wordrequires at least a few things:
1) **To fill ourselves with God’s Word and to actually be a doer of God’s Word.
2) The willingness to relinquish our preconceived ideas or existing philosophy that are not compatible with God’s Word.
Be hungry for God! Be hungry for His Word. Be hungry to be the doer of God's Word.Let’s remain, continue, and endure in God’s Word because that is the mark of His true disciple. AMEN!**
Key Scripture: “24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one received the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25Every athlete exercise self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.. - 1 Cor 9:24-27
There’s something about human beings that we tend to want something more, to be better, stronger, greater, heathier, wealthier, and happier without having to put much efforts, work, investment nor commitment to what we desire. Similarly, Christians, too, fall into the same pitfall. People tend to want God’s promises, blessings and protection, but aren’t always willing to abide and live mindfully under God’s precepts wholeheartedly.
Paul probed the church in Corinth of who they were in Christ and what it meant to be a Christian.
AIM. RUN. STAY ON COURSE!
One of the first indications of the Christmas season is the appearance of lights – the illumination. Many people may not realize that these lights on the Christmas season are not just decorative, but it has a symbolic significance.Christmas contains many spiritual truths, and “Light” is one of them. In this Christmas message, we will reflect on this specific symbol together.
“2The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2). The light has already come!
“6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness, made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Cor 4:6).
**Jesus as the LIGHT of LIFE came to SHOW US THE WAY and to GIVE US HOPE NO ONE COULD EVER GIVE.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!**
Offering financial gifts unto the Lord is an integral aspects of our loving, honoring and worshipping God. However, if we are truly honest, it is far much easier for Christians, and many are more readily, to give "offering" of praise and worship than a tangible financial gifts. There are still lingering questions, doubts and concerns about giving financially to the church or Christian mission/ministries that often unsettle the mind of believers. How should we give biblically? How could we honor the Lord with our giving? In this sermon, we will discuss how to offer an acceptable offering to Him and to be a cheerful giver. I pray that you would be edified and encouraged!
THE TWO MAIN POINTS I want to share with you with this sermon:
FIRST, FINANCIAL GIVING & OFFERING IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR WORSHIP.
SECOND, GOD IS THE OWNER AND HAS OWNERSHP OF ALL THINGSWhat “giving in faith” looks like: the story of Cain and Abel give us some clue:
1) FAITH GIVES FIRST
2) FAITH GIVES THE VERY BEST
A TRUE WORSHIPPER KNOW THAT THEY DON’T COME TO ENCOUNTER AND WORSHIP GOD “EMPTY-HANDED”
Jesus Christ love His Father. He offered up His life for our salvation. It is right for us to cost us something to love and honor our God and our Savior who has given His life for us.
“Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you!” (Deut 16:17)
What "serving God" means? How do we know that we are serving Him? How can our service to God pleases Him? In this sermon, we will discuss about what how to serve the Lord in ways that are pleasing and acceptable to God biblically. May you be blessed!
THREE MAIN POINTS:
1) SERVING GOD MUST ALWAYS BEGIN BY SERVING HIS HEART FIRST!
2) it is proper to serve the Lord BECAUSE WE ARE THE REDEEMED PEOPLE.
3) Believers are called to BRING ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD and FULFILL HIS WILL.
MINISTERING TO GOD or GOD’S KINGDOM applies to ALL believers. We ALL must live under this “GOD’S MISSION” without exception. What’s the job description:
1) “Feed the Sheep” (John 21:15-19).
“Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said. “You know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep”. (John 21:15-19)
2) “Brother’s Keeper” (Gal 6:2, Mat 25:35, Mat 20:28).
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2)
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer Him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you … The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me” (Mat 25:35, 36, 37, 40)
3) Live like Jesus Live (1 John 2:6, Eph 5:1-2, John 13:13-17, Eph 4:22-24, John 14:15, Tit 3:1-2, Prov 3:5-6, Mat 11:29, Luk 6:46, Rom 6:4, 2 Pet 1:5-9, Rom 12:2, John 15:1-8 )
“Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.” (1 John 2:6)
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph 5:1-2)
“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. And Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you…” (John 13:13-17)
Do you long for a deep PEACE that is unshakable and lasting? How much such a peace would cost? What if the cost has been paid, and the peace is available for YOU?
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27).
May this Christmas season be a reminder that a Prince of Peace was born for us, and we can live in peace IN and THROUGH Him. May you the Lord bless you and give you HIS peace!
My son, do not lose sight of these – keep sound wisdom and discretion, Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. - Prov 3:22-23
Do you recall those moments of frustration when you find yourself falling into the same holes, so to speak, or making the same mistakes over and over again? You knew how the adverse effects of it – whether it is pain, broken relationship, guilt or stress that leads to crisis … , and yet still you did it again.
How can we change? How can grow and overcome our tendencies and habits? The sinful nature within us?
Change requires three things; 1) Awareness, 2) Humility, 3) Determination.
On Awareness - It is almost impossible for a person to change anything unless he or she has an awareness of what needs to be changed. We must sharpen our own awareness as the first step.
On Humility - Without humility, one would not even think it is necessary to develop awareness. Godly humility brings godly grieve. And that godly grieve leads to true repentance and restoration.
On Determination - To change our sinful nature, we have to be prepared to wrestle and struggle throughout our lives. The Holy Spirit is provided for us. To be our counselor, comforter and to give us the power. And yet, without our determination to employ our everything, we could never be what God desires us to be. Persistency, consistency, and resiliency are needed to cross that finish line in this time-limited spiritual race we are in.
If you want to stop falling into the same holes … hold on to the Lord’s precepts. Develop awareness of yourself and God’s truth. Nurture a heart and soul of authentic humility. Be teachable. And be fully determined to give your life for God. Give it all up. Give it all in. All unto the Lord. AMEN!
BEING A CHURCH
What is church? What true church of Jesus Christ looks like? It is undeniable that there are various kinds of churches today.
There are TWO CATEGORIES of CHURCH.
1) VISIBLE CHURCH: is characterized by what tangible. What we see which is the building and its organization. Its unique ceremonial practices and organizational system.
2) INVISIBLE CHURCH: refers to the fellowship of all believers throughout ages from all places and all peoples. The keyword here is the PEOPLE. Not the building. Nor the organizational system. THE PEOPLE. THE BELIEVERS who have and display a sense of UNITY and COMMUNION as the REDEEMED. Sinner who are JUSTIFIED and SANCTIFIED by the BLOOD OF JESUS. This is the CHURCH. The PEOPLE who have responded to God’s saving grace.
What true church of Jesus Christ is about and looks like?
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST:
1) IS A FELLOWSHIP & COMMUNION OF ALL BELIEVERS
Church, in Greek Word, EKKLESIA. It’s a combination of EK and KALEO. EK means “OUT OF” “OUT FROM” and KALEO means “CALLED” “SUMMONED”. Ekklesia means “the Called-Out Ones”.
If Church is defined as the “Called-Out Ones”. Logically, we ask … call out from what?
1) The believers are called out from DEATH to LIFE (Eph 2:1-10).
2) The believers are out from DARKNESS to LIGHT (1 Pet 2:9).
3) The believers are called out from IMPURE TO A HOLY LIVING (1 Thess 4:7 ; 2 Tim 1:9).
4) The believers are called out from satan’s kingdom into GOD’s KINGDOM (Col 1:13-14).
5) The believers are called out from slavery of sin to be A CHILD OF GOD and BRIDE OF CHRIST (John 1:12, Gal 3:26)
As a body of Christ, CHURCH AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS EXIST TO: #1 LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Jesus commanded this very clearly, “This is my command: Love each other” (John 15:17). Simply love is THOUGHTFUL & PRACTICAL ACTION. TO DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD WANT THEM TO TREAT YOU **(Mat 7:12)
2. As a body of Christ, CHURCH AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS EXIST TO ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST: 2) TEACHES JESUS’ MESSAGE EXCLUSIVELY & FAITHFULLY**
In Matthew 28:18-20, in what is known to be the Great Commission, Jesus said, “18 …, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 19and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded You. And surely I am with You always, to the very end of the age.”CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST MUST TEACH JESUS’ MESSAGES AS EXLCUSIVELY, PURELY & FAITHFULLY! The believers’ heart need to be directed toward THE NEW HEAVEN THE NEW EARTH. HOPE IN THE LIFE TO COME.
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST: 3) PREPARES THE BELIEVERS TO THE RETURNING OF THE LORD
Church has a prime task and responsibility – which is DISCIPLESHIP. Church does not aim to merely gather crowds. Nor just to build fanbase. Church of Jesus Christ aims to disciple people to be Christ’s people or the Kingdom citizen. These are the people whose character is reflecting Christ. This objective is superior above all others.
The more mature we are in our knowledge of God, the simpler our philosophy of life will be.
Have you ever pondered why do we sing songs when we meet corporately as a body of believers? Is it God an egomaniac that He has the need to be praised and worshipped by us? How our praise and worship benefits God? Is it benefiting God? or benefiting us? Is there any difference between praising and worshipping? How should we praise and worship God in ways that are acceptable to Him? What are the characteristics of true worshippers?
Jesus says in John 4:22-24, that God the Father is seeking “true worshippers”. In this short sermon, we will explore the "basic" of what Praise and Worship is about, and why we must praise and worship God as God's people. May you be blessed!
PRAYER
Key Scriptures: Mat 6:6-14, 1 John 1:14-15; 1 Thess 5:17
Prayer is an important part of the life of a religious person. There is almost no religion that does not have the concept of prayer in its religion. Prayer is often considered as the means for people to communicate with what they consider to be the divine - god - or the higher power they believe in.
However, generally speaking, regardless, for many people, one of the hardest things to do in life today is praying. Life can be so hectic that people have hard time to slow down and to be quiet and to pray. In today’s society, people prize productivity and accomplishment so much that praying feels like a waste of time and useless. Today, people value intellect, competency, efficiency and wealth that many believe that they can do life okay as long as they have those things. There’s no need of depending on anyone. Let alone on something called “god” whom they are uncertain of its existence or presence. Thus, praying is viewed as “nice” but impratical.
Yet, sadly, the reality is also not so much different from those who call themselves a Christian. **Many Christians are struggling to have a consistent and quality of prayer life.
Jesus prayed! He taught His disciples how to pray! How should we integrate prayer in our spiritual life daily? How should we pray biblically?**
Key Scripture Reading; 1 PET 2:9
Pentecost is a significant event because it is:
1) THE INAUGURATION OF THE NEW COVENANT
Long before the Holy Spirit was poured out in the event we refer to as the Pentecost. Prophet Joel had actually already prophesied this event (Act 2:17-21 ; Joel 2:28-29).
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” **(Joel 2:28-29)
What are the practical implication of this NEW COVENANT? What does it mean of being – THE NEW TESTAMENT PEOPLE OF GOD?**
A) NT BELIEVERS ARE A “ROYAL PRIESTHOOD”
As Peter said, “You are a ROYAL PRIESTHOOD”. It means that each believers – you and I – have the amazing privilege AND “priestly” calling and responsibility to serve God. Serving here means SERVING HIS HEART – FIRST and FOREMOSTAnd to be able to serve Him, and to serve Him properly you must live in righteousness and be holy people. TO BE HOLY NATION. There has to be a new deeper realization that I am called to an ongoing repentance and sanctification. This is the work in progress. There’s no shortcut. It requires diligence and commitment.
B) NT BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO BE “TRUE” WORSHIPPERS
Jesus says, in John 4:24, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem… Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.”
**God seeks believers who are earnest and contrite in spirit seeking His face and only to live FOR HIM to the fullest. ONLY FOR HIS INTEREST. ONLY FOR HIS PURPOSE.
How we often sing, “I belong to you, God!” But what belong to God mean? it means to LIVE IN TOTAL OBEDIENCE. TO LIVE FOR HIM TO THE FULLEST. TO LIVE ONLY FOR HIS INTEREST. ONLY FOR HIS PURPOSE.
C) NT BELIEVERS ARE PEOPLE OF GOD WHO HUNGER AND THRIST FOR GOD
In Acts 2:1, Jesus’ early disciples – around 120 people at least – were ALSO TOGETHER in ONE PLACE when the Holy Spirit was poured out. As the New Covenant people, there’s a significance placed on the “being” “gathering” “fellowship” "being in a communion with” the people God. It’s no longer about the building, nor specific location, BUT, instead more of the INTENT, MOTIVATION and the QUALITY of that COMMUNION and FELLOWSHIP.Church is to be an AUTHENTIC Community of faith. Where we come together NOT because it is a ROUTINE activity for a Christian. NOT because it is your “SOCIAL GROUP”. Nor it because of wanting to be ENTERTAINED**.
We come together because:- We CARE TO KNOW GOD’S TRUTH.
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WE CARE TO COLLECTIVELY HONOR GOD WITH OUR PRAISES, PRAYERS, GIFT AND OFFERING.
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WE CARE ABOUT GOD’S INTEREST (WE HAVE WORK TO DO TOGETHER). WE WANT TO FULFILL HIS DREAM AND DESIRE.
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**WE AUTHENTICALLY CARE FOR EACH OTHER (WE NEED EACH OTHER TO COMPLETE THIS RACE OF FAITH). WE NEED THE COMPANIONSHIP, ENCOURAGEMENT AND COMFORT.
THE NEW DAWN OF THE NEW COVENANT IS HERE! WE HAVE TO BE A DIFFERENT KIND CHRISTIAN.** JESUS’ TEACHING IS OUR CENTER. JESUS’ MESSAGE IS CLEAR!
THE NEW COVENANT PEOPLE ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD THAT GOD PUT HIS LAW IN THEIR HEARTS!
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To be Royal Priesthood
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To be Holy Nation
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To
Key Scripture Reading: EPH 4:17-24
One of the most significant functions of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers today is to RENEW THEIR MIND. [The Holy Spirit is at work in the lives of believers by RENEWAL OF THEIR MIND]
Paul said, “you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance…”
Why is mind emphasized here? Because **mind is powerfully influential in life. It plays a very essential role in setting a standard of life and experiencing the quality of life. Generally, we chase after the standard the mind creates. We react positively or negatively based on that standard. Our mind directs our lives.
So for our nature, character, lifestyle and quality of life to change, our mind has to change! Therefore, the Holy Spirit is sent to assist and empower us to change our mindset. Because only when our mind and the quality of our mindset is renewed then we can begin to capture the heart and the mind of God. We can begin to live in accordance to the holiness and righteousness of God.As we learn to give our lives to the Lord and learn to walk in His ways, Holy Spirit will guide us through both the LOGOS and the RHEMA – involving all the lives experiences we go through as a way to RENEW our mind.For us the follower of Jesus Christ, one of our new philosophy of life must be like Jesus’ was: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work” (John 4:34) “My life is no longer mine. Jesus lives in me. I belong to God.” “my citizenship is not here, but in heaven. Therefore, I am returning there. The remaining of my life here is only years of preparation for me to put on a new self and to practice living in true righteousness and holiness, before I stand giving an account before the King of kings**
Time is the essence here. We cannot change our mind in an instant. The change of mind is the result of an ongoing and long intentional struggle and battle. It takes time! Are you willing seriously to orient your lives toward it? May the Holy Spirit help and empower us all! AMEN!
Key Scripture Reading: JOHN 15:26-27 , ACTS 1:8 , 2 TIM 1:8-9
The Holy Spirit is provided to **TESTIFY ABOUT CHRIST and for the believers TO BE CHRIST’ WITNESSES.
HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKES US TO BE CHRIST’ WITNESS?
1) By Dwelling Permanently Within Us
There’s a different way in how the Holy Spirit works in the NT era as compared to in the OT. In the OT, when God’s Spirit came down upon certain people, normally it’s temporal and situational. In this NT era, The Holy Spirit is provided to dwell in us permanently in order to transform us permanently. The Holy Spirit aims to intimately rest in our lives to guide us to the Truth and to do an intensive internal work! in the NT, the believers are the temple of the Spirit of God. Because the HOLY SPIRIT IS to DWELL PERMANENTLY in us, we must learn to continuously walk with the Holy Spirit.**
2) BY EQUIPPING & EMPOWERING US WITH SPIRITUAL GIFTS
The Church – the body of Christ - always needs the Holy Spirit. We need to acknowledge His presence and His active role/function to bring spiritual growth – both in personal and communal experience, and also both in tern of from quality as well as quantity.
The Bible describes the many roles of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of the church: The Holy Spirit:- Causes the growth in number (Acts 2:1-40)- Creates a healthy congregational life (Acts 2:41-47)- Releases the gifts that are useful for the growth of the congregation (1 Cor 12-14)- **Gives the ability or courage to speak (Luk 12:12)
When it comes to the gifts of the Holy Spirit:
First, It is God’s GIFT. God is THE GIVER. And He gives to whoever He wants to give.
Second, The Gifts of the Spirit are given to EDIFY and GLORIFY GOD.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be used ALIGNED with GOD’S PURPOSE – to be used ORDERLY and APPROPRIATELY. It is NOT the focus of our faith nor salvation!
3) BY BEARING THE FRUITS
Our greatest testimony about Christ, and the most effective way of witnessing for Christ is through the fruits we produce. It is LESS of YOUR GIFTS, BUT MORE of YOUR FRUITS that matter!**
The NT believers testify about Christ and being a witness for Him – by “being a showcase” for Christ. That’s how the early church operated - “Christ-likeness”. Their mindset, values, purpose, priority and lifestyle all reflect Christ’s. When we are able to present Christ to the world in the most plain and practical ways – ways that they cannot deny it - they could say “There must be true God. God whom the Christians worship must be real! Look at their lives!”
Being baptized by the Holy Spirit means the believers are being immersed in a life of authentic fellowship with God and Jesus Christ through the Spirit of God. WHAT KIND OF LIFE is this? HOLY and SANCTIFIED LIFE.
And this has become possible since the event of Pentecost onward. Our body has become the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we should not defile with sin any longer. Be careful how we live. Glorify God with our body and our lives (1 Cor 6:12-20). AMEN!
Key Scripture Reading: MAT 5:48 ; 1 PET 1:15-16 ; HEB 12:10
Not everyone is comfortable with the word “perfection” “be perfect” – let alone “be holy”. From theological standpoint, the concept of perfection or being perfect is still also continuously being challenged and debated. There are still more Christians who doubt it than believe in it. Thinking the idea of being perfect and holy is unattainable. Some even mistakenly perceive the idea as being ungrateful and arrogant. “Isn’t God’s grace is enough? Aren’t we saved ONLY by grace in faith? If then, why are you trying to go back to earn it by your works – trying to be perfect?”
Even pastors also often uncomfortable to preach passionately and firmly on this topic, because they themselves realize their imperfection and struggles with their sinful nature. And yet unfortunately, in the process, they undermine that the fact AND the truth is God desires and **truly calls His people to be holy, blameless, and perfect.
What kind of perfection that God wants His people to achieve? What does it look like? For us to be ever increasingly attaining PERFECT LOVE – first and foremost toward God, and then toward others. Our perfect love toward God is evidenced through total and obedience to His will. While perfect love toward others is when we are increasingly able to love others like we love ourselves.
The authenticity of our faith is when we work out their salvation with fear and trembling. Striving to give God the pleasure as MAXIMALLY as COMPLETELY or as PERFECTLY as I could. And to live with that constant awareness and commitment that God whom I serve is Holy – that the God who will evaluate and judge me in the end is Holy.God demands a higher moral standard for His people. For the God’s chosen people of the Old Testament, they were only required to do the Law (the Torah) as best or as perfect as possible. But for us New Testament people, we are required to be like Jesus**. AMEN.
Key Scripture Reading: Acts 1:6-11 (NLT)
1) Jesus’ Ascension Proves that He is the Immortal & Sovereign GODJesus Christ proved to the eyewitness that He came from the above. And He knows the way how to return there. In the Book of John, Jesus said, “… for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about Me” (John 8:14). Jesus Christ is not a mere prophet. He’s not a heavenly creature, like angel. He is GOD. He is THE SON of GOD. He is the CREATOR GOD. One of the Persons in the Godhead (the Elohim). THE IMMORTAL GOD. THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE. He is the ALPHA and OMEGA.
From the beginning of time, God the Father had bestowed upon the Son the power and authorities to create and rule the universe. He lived and came from a place of indescribable glory and majesty.
2) Jesus’ Ascension Contains The Ultimate Promise
v.9 “…He was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see Him.” V11 “…but someday He will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go!”. These statements are very important because it contains promise that the day will come that Jesus Christ will return in the same way.
In John 14:1-2, Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me… I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go … I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am… “
As Christians, this is what supposed to give us the greatest excitement while we are still breathing and living here in this barren world. There will be the end of all the uncertainties, exhaustion, loneliness, troubles, conflicts, unfulfillment, suffering in our lives.Jesus Christ will come back to end the history of this broken world, and make all things new. We have a LIVING HOPE! AMEN!
Key Scripture Reading: HEB 11:8 , LUKE 14:33
As human beings, we tend to struggle with what is ambiguous and uncertain. We value clarity, predictability, and logic. We want to know things before we set to do anything, esp. when it involves or poses a great risk.
Abraham was sold out with this idea of a God who promised him a land as an inheritance. Although as intangible and invisible as it was, but to Abraham, it was real enough to him. Therefore, he was so willing to give up everything, to risk everything and to live radically.Abraham’s faith is a practical faith. Faith that is displayed through an obedient act in doing what God called and commanded him to do. It is not just an intellectual agreement nor verbal confession.
TRUE FAITH demands you to betting your life – all of it. And by so doing, you are surrendering whole of yourself to God to be sanctified and used to complete His purpose in your life.
“Do not love the world of the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him.” (1 John 2:15 ESV)
True Christian faith has its purpose of making us to be a man and woman who desires God more than anything. To be God’s people who are INCREASINGLY LESS ATTACHED with everything in this life here. Instead, being INCREASINGLY MORE INTENTIONAL TO BE A PERSON OF A FUTURE LIFE – THE CITIZEN OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH.
And toward that end, we must be committed to condition our mind and way of life as a stranger and nomad here in this world.
BE FREE from MAKING ANYTHING TO BE “AN ABSOLUTE”. Because OUR ABSOLUTE IS ONLY ONE: THE LORD – AND HOW TO LIVE ACCEPTABLY BEFORE HIM. AMEN.
Key Scripture Reading: Romans 8:14-17 (NIV)
Nowadays, many Christians believe and even are comfortable to claim that they are “child of God”. But they don’t raise the central question, which is: WHAT KIND A CHILD AM I TO GOD? Because there are two kinds of child. Hebrews 12:8 indicates that there are TRUE or LEGITIMATE child [huios] or ILLEGITIMATE child [nothos].
Through believing in Jesus and His redemptive work, that status of the child of God is recovered or given back to those who believe in Him. However, it does not stop here. Each person who claims to be a believer thus must continuously “work out” their faith until that recovered status of being a "legitimate" child of God is VALIDATED through the fruits of their salvation. And to produce this fruit, one must live his/her life led by the Spirit of God.If we call God – “Abba Father”, then we must be child who gives a proper respect, honor and love to Him. If we call God – “Abba Father”, then we must be progressively growing in our maturity. A child who RECIPROCATES the Father’s love. AMEN.
Key Scripture Reading: ROMANS 7:14-25
There are TWO undeniable facts: 1) there is a “fleshy” nature in ALL of us - human beings.Whether you identified yourself as a Christian or not. Christians call it sinful nature. This sinful nature still exists in every person. It is the serious consequence of the original sin of our forefathers - started with Adam and Eve. And it’s still ALIVE and WELL. It is IN and WITHIN you and me. It’s attached to us.
2) this sinful nature shackles us to do God's will rightly or perfectly. Because of this nature, human beings struggle or even almost impossible to be able to live in ways that are pleasing and acceptable to God - godly and holy. And this is including those who claim to be Christians.
In Hebrews 12:1, Let us throw everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (“race set before us” – ESV), the author might very much make the point about the transformation of human sinful nature.
Run with perseverance and finishing the race in Christian faith should be understood more than just die as a Christian (meaning never become an apostate or renouncing Christian faith). The “race marked out for us” is more about transforming that internal and invisible SINFUL NATURE into DIVINE NATURE so that we can live in a complete HARMONY with God.
When it comes to our sinful nature, we cannot deal with it by ignoring it. We cannot deal with it by suppressing it. Nor by diverting it. **We have to deal with it by EXTINGUISHING it.
How should/could we extinguish it?** Here are some practical disciplines we must develop.
1) You must know God’s authentic truth
2) You must stop feed your sinful nature
3) You must continuously be intentional to live in God’s presence every moment.
We are REDEEMED by Jesus’ sacrifice so that we can be set free from the bondage of our sinful nature. It is not an automatic process. It requires serious efforts and determination to die to ourselves, and to live for the Lord, who is the Owner of our lives. As Christians, we are called to be more than just a good person, but GODLY. And the Holy Spirit is provided to empower us to accomplish that purpose. AMEN.
1 Pet 5:8 says, “Be alert and sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Our real battles as Christians are more than just illness or the problems in life. In fact, so often our real battles are invisible and spiritual. They are deep within ourselves. The battlefield of the mind. There is deception, denial, hidden unbelief, disobedience, envy, discontentment, covert superiority, and many more.
Your mind is the true battle ground! Satan knows that if he wins your mind, he wins your devotion/loyalty. He wins all over you! From there you are vulnerable. He can easily to whisper lies into your life.
As a child of God, Let's be clever and discerning. He wants us to grow in knowledge and maturity of Him and His good purpose. God loves you. That is truth!
Win the battlefield of your mind today. Don’t let the enemy to have any foothold. “Be alert and sober mind.” AMEN!
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” - Mat 16:24-25 (NIV)
Why is an authentic branded item costly? The answer is because it is authentic!It is the same with our Christian faith. True and authentic Christian faith is costly. Christian faith that is real and original will echo what Jesus taught. Jesus, the Son of God, is THE only standard of holiness and righteousness that is acceptable to God the Father. Therefore, the Father makes it very clear that it is His will for us to be like His Son.
Authentic Gospel is costly. Authentic Christian life is costly. Let’s not be deceived by teachings and messages that only underscore the promise following Christ as the guaranteed “short cut” to heaven or the “vending-machine” to life’s fulfillment on earth. The message, “Just believe and the rest is done deal” is not an authentic Gospel message! Beware!
Because Jesus never taught it that way. Authentic Gospel demands our “whole being” – our entire life. Like Jesus emptying Himself. God wants us to empty ourselves so that He could restore us as He has originally planned and designed – to be holy and blameless in His sight.
AMEN!
THERE IS NO GREATER LOVE THAN THIS
Key Scripture Reading: John 15:13
“…13There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” - John 15:13 (NLT)
JESUS IS RISEN. THUS, YOU AND I CAN HAVE AN ULTIMATE LIVING HOPE. The hope that nothing and none could ever give.
The value of something is based on how much someone is willing to pay for it. Jesus purchased you and me by His holy and precious blood. It should suffice to tell you how much loved, valuable and priceless you are… we are!
God’s love is so compelling and so indispensable in life. It IS comforting. It brings healing, meaning and fulfilment. God’s love is so true, so pure, so unselfish and self-sacrificial. God’s love is the answer of many problems, bitterness and tragedies in life. There IS STILL A TRUE LOVE – which is GOD’S LOVE.
ALL YOU NEED IS GOD’S LOVE. GOD’S LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED! And Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has it made available for us.