6/20/10
Time Spent:
Main Idea: God had struck Nahab and Abihu dead for their violation of sanctuary principles
What I Learned about God: We cannot come to God our own way. He is holy.
Summary: After Aaron had been reinstated as priests, the book of Leviticus pans towards a practical application of the priesthood in action. However, it does not portray a positive outworking of the levitical priesthood as both of Aaron's sons are burned for offering an unauthorized fire to the Lord. We cannot postulate what that "unauthorized fire" was, but we can see that it was not pleasing to the Lord. It was because they had decided to come to God by their own terms, which seems pretty silly with all that God had written to them about worship this far. God wants people to worship Him in His own way. It is not open to interpretation.
Application: My worship for God may not always be proper YHWH worship. It's hard to place how we are to come to God in post-revelation times. Everyone seems to want to come in their own way, placing their talents and training as means to worship God. I think the best and safest way to worship God is through what He has said written in the Word. So can we have breakdance ministry? Yes, I think there's a time and place for that, but I don't know if I would go and call that "worship". God wants worship that honors and glorifies Him and thus is the model for our worship
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Leviticus 1-5 Blood and a Pleasing Aroma
6/19/10
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: The 5 major offerings listed in Leviticus 1-5 require blood and a "pleasing aroma".
What I Learned about God: Offerings made for fellowship or for guilt need to take into account the holiness of God
Summary: God has placed us to be holy people. This goes further by the fact that He wants His people to be holy. There are various ways in which people are said to do that. Even sins that are committed unintentionally need to be paid for with the purchase of blood and an aroma offering to the Lord. This requires that something must pay the price. The reason why "blood" wasn't drunk because it was a testament of life to the people. Thus, when blood is being poured out it is stating the life source of the being had been paid. The next thing that priest do was burn the offering as a fragrant aroma to God. Later, Paul will use this phrase to describe both Christ's self sacrifice and Christian giving
Application: An offering entails blood and an aroma to the Lord. When Paul calls us to be "living sacrifices" this means that those two are required in order to give service to the Lord. Any part of service that does not require these two things must not have been the sacrifice that Paul was thinking of. Indeed, Jesus' life is both the payment of my guilt blood and is my pleasing aroma, but I need to remember that my service to the Lord requires my full strength and service. I do not think I gave my full strength to the ministry these past weeks I had a break. Therefore, I want to try even harder by studying and especially praying for the minsitry longer than I usually do
Money Owed $18
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: The 5 major offerings listed in Leviticus 1-5 require blood and a "pleasing aroma".
What I Learned about God: Offerings made for fellowship or for guilt need to take into account the holiness of God
Summary: God has placed us to be holy people. This goes further by the fact that He wants His people to be holy. There are various ways in which people are said to do that. Even sins that are committed unintentionally need to be paid for with the purchase of blood and an aroma offering to the Lord. This requires that something must pay the price. The reason why "blood" wasn't drunk because it was a testament of life to the people. Thus, when blood is being poured out it is stating the life source of the being had been paid. The next thing that priest do was burn the offering as a fragrant aroma to God. Later, Paul will use this phrase to describe both Christ's self sacrifice and Christian giving
Application: An offering entails blood and an aroma to the Lord. When Paul calls us to be "living sacrifices" this means that those two are required in order to give service to the Lord. Any part of service that does not require these two things must not have been the sacrifice that Paul was thinking of. Indeed, Jesus' life is both the payment of my guilt blood and is my pleasing aroma, but I need to remember that my service to the Lord requires my full strength and service. I do not think I gave my full strength to the ministry these past weeks I had a break. Therefore, I want to try even harder by studying and especially praying for the minsitry longer than I usually do
Money Owed $18
Friday, June 18, 2010
Exodus 40:34-38 the Glory of the Lord
6/18/10
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: The glory of the Lord descended upon the tent of meeting and lead the Israelites throughout the wilderness through cloud or fire
What I Learned about God: God-centered living is God-centered leading
Summary: After the lengthy discourse on the setup of the tabernacle, God has now brought Himself into the tent of meeting; dwelling with His people. The big hoop-la that surrounds this book is mainly focused upon God’s exploits to the Egyptians (and make a far more interesting read), however, the real good news comes as God desires to dwell with His people. This is even taking into account the apostasy that Aaron brings upon the people through golden calf worship. The glory of the Lord “dwells” with the people and leads the people and has this two-fold function. The glory of the Lord becomes both an object of worship and of leadership.
Application: The glory of the Lord is a nice Christianese word that we like to throw around. However, we don’t feel the full brunt of its meaning when we neglect the power it has in leading our lives. God had placed Himself as an object of worship in the tabernacle and also the power to lead the people in the desert. I do not think these ideas are mutually exclusive, but rather goes together like peanut butter and jelly. You can’t have God-centered worship if you are not obeying His glory; or you can’t be lead by God unless you are worshiping Him. I try to fix sins in my life by trying to pinpoint the area in which I fall and doing the best I can to isolate and destroy the problem. However, I do not care to think how that it may be a greater problem and that is that I’m not worshiping the Lord. Thus, I need to realize that as I work on my own bouts with sins that I continue to place God-centered worship at the forefront.
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: The glory of the Lord descended upon the tent of meeting and lead the Israelites throughout the wilderness through cloud or fire
What I Learned about God: God-centered living is God-centered leading
Summary: After the lengthy discourse on the setup of the tabernacle, God has now brought Himself into the tent of meeting; dwelling with His people. The big hoop-la that surrounds this book is mainly focused upon God’s exploits to the Egyptians (and make a far more interesting read), however, the real good news comes as God desires to dwell with His people. This is even taking into account the apostasy that Aaron brings upon the people through golden calf worship. The glory of the Lord “dwells” with the people and leads the people and has this two-fold function. The glory of the Lord becomes both an object of worship and of leadership.
Application: The glory of the Lord is a nice Christianese word that we like to throw around. However, we don’t feel the full brunt of its meaning when we neglect the power it has in leading our lives. God had placed Himself as an object of worship in the tabernacle and also the power to lead the people in the desert. I do not think these ideas are mutually exclusive, but rather goes together like peanut butter and jelly. You can’t have God-centered worship if you are not obeying His glory; or you can’t be lead by God unless you are worshiping Him. I try to fix sins in my life by trying to pinpoint the area in which I fall and doing the best I can to isolate and destroy the problem. However, I do not care to think how that it may be a greater problem and that is that I’m not worshiping the Lord. Thus, I need to realize that as I work on my own bouts with sins that I continue to place God-centered worship at the forefront.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Exodus 29:44-45 God-made worship
6/15/10
Time Spent:
10 min
Main Idea: God is the one whom will consecrate the assembly and the priests so that He may be their God.
What I Learned about God: God is the initiator of His covenant people
Summary: God had given Moses an extensive manual on how He wanted His sanctuary to look like, even going as so far as picking out Aaron to stand on behalf of the people and God. This was to show that God had a very distinct process and idea on how His house should look like. There is nothing man-made about this tabernacle, but rather it was God-designed and God-initated from the start. The great "story" of Exodus is not that God miraculously saved the Israelites from the Egyptians. Rather, it is the good news that God had decided to dwell with the people. This idea is heightened by the fact that it is God that will do these things. God will consecrate the tent of meeting, the priesthood, the altar, and will dwell amongst the people. He will be their God and they will be His people.
Application: I am freely justified by His grace alone. God has granted me salvation as HIs covenant heir because of His initiated relationship towards me. It is not in my grades or my seminary degree that grants me access into His presence, but God has bought me and declared onto me "I will be his God, and you will be my disciple". Out of all the various things that I do for God must stem from this very concept. That I am a child of God, citizen of the kingdom of God. Thus, this should shape the way in which I serve the church. God has initiated relationship with me and that's how He'll use the ministry and myself...not as an extension of me, but rather as the source of power.
Time Spent:
10 min
Main Idea: God is the one whom will consecrate the assembly and the priests so that He may be their God.
What I Learned about God: God is the initiator of His covenant people
Summary: God had given Moses an extensive manual on how He wanted His sanctuary to look like, even going as so far as picking out Aaron to stand on behalf of the people and God. This was to show that God had a very distinct process and idea on how His house should look like. There is nothing man-made about this tabernacle, but rather it was God-designed and God-initated from the start. The great "story" of Exodus is not that God miraculously saved the Israelites from the Egyptians. Rather, it is the good news that God had decided to dwell with the people. This idea is heightened by the fact that it is God that will do these things. God will consecrate the tent of meeting, the priesthood, the altar, and will dwell amongst the people. He will be their God and they will be His people.
Application: I am freely justified by His grace alone. God has granted me salvation as HIs covenant heir because of His initiated relationship towards me. It is not in my grades or my seminary degree that grants me access into His presence, but God has bought me and declared onto me "I will be his God, and you will be my disciple". Out of all the various things that I do for God must stem from this very concept. That I am a child of God, citizen of the kingdom of God. Thus, this should shape the way in which I serve the church. God has initiated relationship with me and that's how He'll use the ministry and myself...not as an extension of me, but rather as the source of power.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Exodus 23:12 Holistic Rest
6/14/10
Time Spent: 10
Main Idea: God has made sabbath for rest
What I Learned about God: He is gracious.
Summary: In this seemingly small blurb on the Sabbath, God has made the Sabbath so that people and animals could be refreshed. It was a day off for people to feel recharged from 6 days of working. This may show God's design for how people to work...It is funny how many people suffer burnout in our society today, yet there is no biblical fix of burnout. This may not have been a problem for the people because of their devotion to Sabbath-keeping rules.
Application: My Sabbath day was a day of rest, but I wonder how "restful" it was. I did nothing and even logged 5 hours on a DS game. This was not the type of rest God had in mind. God wants me to take my mind off of work, but not vacation away from loving Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is sad to see that on my free days that I drift away from Him. I need to learn how to find my rest in Him instead of finding it other things or people.
amount owed: $16
Time Spent: 10
Main Idea: God has made sabbath for rest
What I Learned about God: He is gracious.
Summary: In this seemingly small blurb on the Sabbath, God has made the Sabbath so that people and animals could be refreshed. It was a day off for people to feel recharged from 6 days of working. This may show God's design for how people to work...It is funny how many people suffer burnout in our society today, yet there is no biblical fix of burnout. This may not have been a problem for the people because of their devotion to Sabbath-keeping rules.
Application: My Sabbath day was a day of rest, but I wonder how "restful" it was. I did nothing and even logged 5 hours on a DS game. This was not the type of rest God had in mind. God wants me to take my mind off of work, but not vacation away from loving Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is sad to see that on my free days that I drift away from Him. I need to learn how to find my rest in Him instead of finding it other things or people.
amount owed: $16
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Exodus 21 God's Social Order
6/12/10
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: God teaching Moses on how to conduct societal living in a godly manner
What I Learned about God: The Christian life is not a privatized life but an all-encompassing life given to God.
Summary: After the 10 Commandments, God goes on to share what He expects from the people. Unlike popular society, it's not to not bother anybody and live your own spiritual life well, but rather God exhorts the people to have a communal society based upon His teaching. In this theocratic nations, things such as theft, slavery, land, and payments are all circumferenced under God's teachings. God is not just part of the private part of their lives, but their lives were to be wholly devoted to God.
Application: My Christian walk in my perspective is gauged based upon doing my QT and prayer. However, it should be a lot more than that. one of the things I realize is I need to stand out as a salt and light to my family even more. This means becoming more involved in work around the house and also being attentive to the needs of my family.
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: God teaching Moses on how to conduct societal living in a godly manner
What I Learned about God: The Christian life is not a privatized life but an all-encompassing life given to God.
Summary: After the 10 Commandments, God goes on to share what He expects from the people. Unlike popular society, it's not to not bother anybody and live your own spiritual life well, but rather God exhorts the people to have a communal society based upon His teaching. In this theocratic nations, things such as theft, slavery, land, and payments are all circumferenced under God's teachings. God is not just part of the private part of their lives, but their lives were to be wholly devoted to God.
Application: My Christian walk in my perspective is gauged based upon doing my QT and prayer. However, it should be a lot more than that. one of the things I realize is I need to stand out as a salt and light to my family even more. This means becoming more involved in work around the house and also being attentive to the needs of my family.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Exodus 16:19 Continual Dependance on the Lord
6/10/10
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: God did not want the Israelites to save up the manna from heaven because He wanted them to trust Him
What I Learned about God: God wants to take care of His people
Summary: The first groans came from the people's need for foods. They complained to Moses and Aaron about how they longed for their lives back at Egypt. God hears their grumbling and brings them manna from heaven. The manna that fell to the ground was not able to be stored because it would rot right away. This was to ensure that the Israelites would continue to depend upon God for their substinence instead of any other thing. Truly, God is the one who provides.
Application: I wonder how much weight I give into my own abilities and my skills that I picked up from Talbot. I realize that I have been spending less time on my sermons that I normally did. This should not take place, but I am learning that I am depending on my skills more than I am depending upon God. This should not be happening and I need to set some things straight. I realize that I need to make it a habit of starting earlier on my sermons and also refining them to allow it to communicate to students instead of confusing them with stuff ripped straight from a commentary.
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: God did not want the Israelites to save up the manna from heaven because He wanted them to trust Him
What I Learned about God: God wants to take care of His people
Summary: The first groans came from the people's need for foods. They complained to Moses and Aaron about how they longed for their lives back at Egypt. God hears their grumbling and brings them manna from heaven. The manna that fell to the ground was not able to be stored because it would rot right away. This was to ensure that the Israelites would continue to depend upon God for their substinence instead of any other thing. Truly, God is the one who provides.
Application: I wonder how much weight I give into my own abilities and my skills that I picked up from Talbot. I realize that I have been spending less time on my sermons that I normally did. This should not take place, but I am learning that I am depending on my skills more than I am depending upon God. This should not be happening and I need to set some things straight. I realize that I need to make it a habit of starting earlier on my sermons and also refining them to allow it to communicate to students instead of confusing them with stuff ripped straight from a commentary.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Exodus 13:8 Do This in Remembrance of Me
6/9/10
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: The Passover was to symbolize the remembrance of the Lord's deliverance
What I Learned about God: God wants us to remember His hand in our salvation through a visible, tangible reality in the church.
Summary: By the time of the 10th plague, Moses was given specific instructions on instituting the feast of unleavened bread. This feast was made with bread without yeast, people were to don on their sandals and cloaks. These two things were to symbolize the haste in which they were preparing to leave by God's mighty hand of deliverance. It is strange that at the point of their dismissal, God wants them to sit down and eat a meal in a way which He wanted to prepare. This is the importance which God values people from generations to remember the miraculous saving work which He will deliver His people. This gets passed onto what we call the Lord's Supper, as we remember how Christ delivered us through His mighty hand. We drink the wine and partake of the bread as a reminder of God's deliverance of us today in the church.
Application: How many times should we celebrate the Lord's Supper a year? That question was posed to us by our Theo Professor and I couldn't think of a good answer. I think the church needs it at least once a month. We move onto the practical things in life so easily that we don't revel in the fact that God has graced us with every spiritual blessing through Christ. Jesus becomes such a minor factor in our lives that we fail to realize that He is the reason in which we are to live. I have no chance to change the policy of now, but I hope as I continue to serve within the church, ministering opportunities will be given where I could frequently call the people to the Lord's Table to remind them of the rich salvation which He had bestowed upon believers.
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: The Passover was to symbolize the remembrance of the Lord's deliverance
What I Learned about God: God wants us to remember His hand in our salvation through a visible, tangible reality in the church.
Summary: By the time of the 10th plague, Moses was given specific instructions on instituting the feast of unleavened bread. This feast was made with bread without yeast, people were to don on their sandals and cloaks. These two things were to symbolize the haste in which they were preparing to leave by God's mighty hand of deliverance. It is strange that at the point of their dismissal, God wants them to sit down and eat a meal in a way which He wanted to prepare. This is the importance which God values people from generations to remember the miraculous saving work which He will deliver His people. This gets passed onto what we call the Lord's Supper, as we remember how Christ delivered us through His mighty hand. We drink the wine and partake of the bread as a reminder of God's deliverance of us today in the church.
Application: How many times should we celebrate the Lord's Supper a year? That question was posed to us by our Theo Professor and I couldn't think of a good answer. I think the church needs it at least once a month. We move onto the practical things in life so easily that we don't revel in the fact that God has graced us with every spiritual blessing through Christ. Jesus becomes such a minor factor in our lives that we fail to realize that He is the reason in which we are to live. I have no chance to change the policy of now, but I hope as I continue to serve within the church, ministering opportunities will be given where I could frequently call the people to the Lord's Table to remind them of the rich salvation which He had bestowed upon believers.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
6/8/10: Ephesians 5:6-21
Time: 15 mins
Main Idea: Spend your time well
What I learned about God: God will shine on us
Summary: This passage is speaking about how we should not be deceived by the people of this world but instead we should be the ones to come out of the darkness of the world and shine like the light God has turned us into. We should not take any part of the ways of the world but instead we should part ways with the world and become a blessing in all that we do so that God will see us and be pleased with us. Do not judge yourself on what you have done wrong, but instead we should be the ones to be proud of what we have done. We must continue to support each other in His Word instead of partying and being drunk like this world tells us to. We need to continue to remember what God has done for us and always be thankful.
Application: In my life, especially through finals, my life has been in a muck especially with my grades being so poor. I need to stop having the desire to party with my friends at school's end instead of going to mission training, but due to my human and sinful nature, it is hard. Through prayer and remembrance of what God has done for me through Christ, I need to take myself from the world, from the drunkenness, from the debauchery, and I need to be the one in which He gave us life. I need to be a person who represents the love of the being that gave me life. In loving Him so much, I must strive to be more like Him in each and every step I take in life. Instead of wanting to party after finals, I will be striving to read His Word and to go to church and serve. I want to be someone who other people can see God's love through my works and actions.
Money: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Spend your time well
What I learned about God: God will shine on us
Summary: This passage is speaking about how we should not be deceived by the people of this world but instead we should be the ones to come out of the darkness of the world and shine like the light God has turned us into. We should not take any part of the ways of the world but instead we should part ways with the world and become a blessing in all that we do so that God will see us and be pleased with us. Do not judge yourself on what you have done wrong, but instead we should be the ones to be proud of what we have done. We must continue to support each other in His Word instead of partying and being drunk like this world tells us to. We need to continue to remember what God has done for us and always be thankful.
Application: In my life, especially through finals, my life has been in a muck especially with my grades being so poor. I need to stop having the desire to party with my friends at school's end instead of going to mission training, but due to my human and sinful nature, it is hard. Through prayer and remembrance of what God has done for me through Christ, I need to take myself from the world, from the drunkenness, from the debauchery, and I need to be the one in which He gave us life. I need to be a person who represents the love of the being that gave me life. In loving Him so much, I must strive to be more like Him in each and every step I take in life. Instead of wanting to party after finals, I will be striving to read His Word and to go to church and serve. I want to be someone who other people can see God's love through my works and actions.
Money: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Exodus 9:14 the Preeminence of God
6/8/10
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: God brought upon the plagues on Egypt to show that there is none other like Him throughout all the earth.
What I Learned about God: God is God over all
Summary: By the time of the 7th plague upon Egypt, God tells Moses why He is doing these plagues. He states plainly in verse 14 that it is to show that there is none like Him throughout the earth. The plagues throughout Egypt was to show YHWH's dominance over the fake gods that the Egyptians worshiped during that time. When Moses initially asked Pharaoh for freedom on behalf of YHWH, Pharaoh states that he had never heard of such a god. Surely, his experiences will change his minds.
The plagues bring about a total upside-down shift in the mentality of the people. They feel the great force of the reality that this God is greater than all, as He continually destroys religioius motifs such as the sun and the Nile through miracles. Also, the plague of the firstborn which slays Pharaoh's son would've struck a huge cord upon the people, as the son is seen as divine. Surely, there is no one like our God throughout all the earth.
Application: Expect great things from a great God is a Puritan quote that I will always hang onto. When we acknowledge the size and reality that our God is greater than all, it helps us in encapturing the lifestyle in which we ought to live. Problems seem smaller, self-dignity seems less important, and grace seems that much greater when taking upon who God is. I can read how the Puritans thought about God through their readings and I wonder if my life reflects that. Do I really envision I am ruled by a God that is greater than all science, philosophy, moralism, etc? If I did, then how I react to certain situations and problems would be different.
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: God brought upon the plagues on Egypt to show that there is none other like Him throughout all the earth.
What I Learned about God: God is God over all
Summary: By the time of the 7th plague upon Egypt, God tells Moses why He is doing these plagues. He states plainly in verse 14 that it is to show that there is none like Him throughout the earth. The plagues throughout Egypt was to show YHWH's dominance over the fake gods that the Egyptians worshiped during that time. When Moses initially asked Pharaoh for freedom on behalf of YHWH, Pharaoh states that he had never heard of such a god. Surely, his experiences will change his minds.
The plagues bring about a total upside-down shift in the mentality of the people. They feel the great force of the reality that this God is greater than all, as He continually destroys religioius motifs such as the sun and the Nile through miracles. Also, the plague of the firstborn which slays Pharaoh's son would've struck a huge cord upon the people, as the son is seen as divine. Surely, there is no one like our God throughout all the earth.
Application: Expect great things from a great God is a Puritan quote that I will always hang onto. When we acknowledge the size and reality that our God is greater than all, it helps us in encapturing the lifestyle in which we ought to live. Problems seem smaller, self-dignity seems less important, and grace seems that much greater when taking upon who God is. I can read how the Puritans thought about God through their readings and I wonder if my life reflects that. Do I really envision I am ruled by a God that is greater than all science, philosophy, moralism, etc? If I did, then how I react to certain situations and problems would be different.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Exodus 3:17-20 Compelled by the Mighty Hand
6/7/10
Time Spent: 14 min
Main Idea: God's deliverance of the people from Egypt will be through His mighty hand
What I Learned about God: God's mighty hand is what delivers the people; not Moses.
Summary: The phrase "Mighty hand" is seen throughout the book of Exodus and Deuteronomy used to denote the method which the people were delivered out of their slavery. Moses continues to talk with God about what is the way in which he should bring the people out of Egypt. While Moses looks at the problem, God is already harping on the solution. Moses continues to refrain and draw back, but God assures Moses that He will be the one that saves His people. It will be God's mighty hand that compels belief into the people as they witness the supernatural deliverance that God will bring to the Israelites.
Application: How much weight do I put into God's mighty hand of deliverance? I wonder that because of the way in which I do ministry. Is there a clear sense that I depend on the power of God to deliver supernaturally or do I look to myself, my preparations, or my gifts as tools in bringing salvation? I was convicted to preach a "narrative sermon" for this sunday and thought that it would be great. I thought that this would be a great way to capture the imagination of sparky to varsity alike. I was excited to preach an "effective" sermon. However, I confused entertainment for effectiveness, because no matter how much I plan or prepare, it is the Lord that brings about deliverance. Moses knew that and needed God's mighty hand. More than the length, the clarity, or relevance of my sermon, I need God's mighty hand to deliver His people.
Time Spent: 14 min
Main Idea: God's deliverance of the people from Egypt will be through His mighty hand
What I Learned about God: God's mighty hand is what delivers the people; not Moses.
Summary: The phrase "Mighty hand" is seen throughout the book of Exodus and Deuteronomy used to denote the method which the people were delivered out of their slavery. Moses continues to talk with God about what is the way in which he should bring the people out of Egypt. While Moses looks at the problem, God is already harping on the solution. Moses continues to refrain and draw back, but God assures Moses that He will be the one that saves His people. It will be God's mighty hand that compels belief into the people as they witness the supernatural deliverance that God will bring to the Israelites.
Application: How much weight do I put into God's mighty hand of deliverance? I wonder that because of the way in which I do ministry. Is there a clear sense that I depend on the power of God to deliver supernaturally or do I look to myself, my preparations, or my gifts as tools in bringing salvation? I was convicted to preach a "narrative sermon" for this sunday and thought that it would be great. I thought that this would be a great way to capture the imagination of sparky to varsity alike. I was excited to preach an "effective" sermon. However, I confused entertainment for effectiveness, because no matter how much I plan or prepare, it is the Lord that brings about deliverance. Moses knew that and needed God's mighty hand. More than the length, the clarity, or relevance of my sermon, I need God's mighty hand to deliver His people.
6/7/10: Romans 12:1-2
Time: 15 mins
Main Idea: A Living Sacrifice
What I learned about God: God only accepts perfection out of us
Summary: This is a passage in which it explains to us the importance of being a living sacrifice in God. We need to be Holy and acceptable in God's eyes as that is our spiritual worship. WE cannot be part of this world anymore but instead we must be transformed and become not more God like in all that we do. While we are tested we will still be able to know what pleases God.
Application: In life in the Old Testament, people would have to sacrifice their most pure sheep in order to atone for their sins, but now since the sacrifice of Jesus we don't have to sacrifice anymore. Through our bodies, we are been given a sacrifice in that we should treat our bodies as a sacrifice now. Through this mentality, we will always remember the price that Jesus paid for us on that cross. He gave His life to save our lives and we should remember that in all that we do. Just as our bodies are a sacrifice, we should keep our bodies pure just like the sheep were intended for in the Old Testament Times. In my life, I have sinned countlessly throughout my life and I cannot consider myself clean, but through God's grace and mercy, He gave us mercy and we were allowed to consider ourselves clean because of Jesus' sacrifice for us on the cross. In glorifying His great sacrifice for us, we must be the ones to continue living in His light as He did for his short 33 years of life. He died for us so that we may live and we should continue to live in His light. We can do this by continually going to the Word and meditating in His name. We need to continue to seek Him in prayer in each time of day that we realize His great love and mercy. In my life, I also need to continue to spend time in His word and spent time in His love for without His love, we would all be dead.
Money: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: A Living Sacrifice
What I learned about God: God only accepts perfection out of us
Summary: This is a passage in which it explains to us the importance of being a living sacrifice in God. We need to be Holy and acceptable in God's eyes as that is our spiritual worship. WE cannot be part of this world anymore but instead we must be transformed and become not more God like in all that we do. While we are tested we will still be able to know what pleases God.
Application: In life in the Old Testament, people would have to sacrifice their most pure sheep in order to atone for their sins, but now since the sacrifice of Jesus we don't have to sacrifice anymore. Through our bodies, we are been given a sacrifice in that we should treat our bodies as a sacrifice now. Through this mentality, we will always remember the price that Jesus paid for us on that cross. He gave His life to save our lives and we should remember that in all that we do. Just as our bodies are a sacrifice, we should keep our bodies pure just like the sheep were intended for in the Old Testament Times. In my life, I have sinned countlessly throughout my life and I cannot consider myself clean, but through God's grace and mercy, He gave us mercy and we were allowed to consider ourselves clean because of Jesus' sacrifice for us on the cross. In glorifying His great sacrifice for us, we must be the ones to continue living in His light as He did for his short 33 years of life. He died for us so that we may live and we should continue to live in His light. We can do this by continually going to the Word and meditating in His name. We need to continue to seek Him in prayer in each time of day that we realize His great love and mercy. In my life, I also need to continue to spend time in His word and spent time in His love for without His love, we would all be dead.
Money: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Exodus 2:24-25 the Faithfulness of God
6/6/10
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: God heard the groanings of His people and remembered His covenant
What I Learned about God: God is faithful to His Word
Summary: God is faithful both to His people and His covenant. The basis of His answering of the people's prayer is none other than His promise that He made through Abraham. This speaks volumes of the amount of depth and awareness He has on His own Word. This is an amazing idea, that God would wait this long to deliver the Israelite people. One of the reasons being He was awaiting for them to grow the right size before sending them out of Egypt. Egypt was giving birth to a nation, whether she knew it or not.
Application: I would like many things to be going right with church. I wish I was more polished as a pastor and preacher. I also have great desires for the church to finally stop fighting amongst ourselves and be unified for growth. I would love children's dept and youth dept to finally work together for once. All of these are growing into frustration as little seems to get done on the basis of these principles. THis is when I must turn to what God says in His word. Will His church be perfect? Someday. But, in terms of unity and love, the church has already been perfected through the Word of Christ. Therefore, I need to look towards the promises of God as He will never go back on His word.
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: God heard the groanings of His people and remembered His covenant
What I Learned about God: God is faithful to His Word
Summary: God is faithful both to His people and His covenant. The basis of His answering of the people's prayer is none other than His promise that He made through Abraham. This speaks volumes of the amount of depth and awareness He has on His own Word. This is an amazing idea, that God would wait this long to deliver the Israelite people. One of the reasons being He was awaiting for them to grow the right size before sending them out of Egypt. Egypt was giving birth to a nation, whether she knew it or not.
Application: I would like many things to be going right with church. I wish I was more polished as a pastor and preacher. I also have great desires for the church to finally stop fighting amongst ourselves and be unified for growth. I would love children's dept and youth dept to finally work together for once. All of these are growing into frustration as little seems to get done on the basis of these principles. THis is when I must turn to what God says in His word. Will His church be perfect? Someday. But, in terms of unity and love, the church has already been perfected through the Word of Christ. Therefore, I need to look towards the promises of God as He will never go back on His word.
6/6/10:Colossians 3:18-25
Time: 10 mins
Main Idea: Lord in the Home
What I learned about God: God is all or nothing
Summary: This is in the book of Colossians and this is explaining the role of serving God within the household. It speaks of women having to obey their husbands as husbands should love their wives and not to test their children unless they are discouraged. Children must obey their parents and as slaves need to be wholeheartedly serving. They must serve with their whole heart for they are serving God. Whoever that does not serve with their whole heart will be paid back in their own wrong doings. God does not give 50 percent of anything, it is all or nothing for God.
Application: This was a verse in which I asked a pastor of mine to reflect upon. I didn't know what to read exactly but I was looking for a passage that would help me put everything upon God and His Glory as I am entering the session of finals. It is a stressful time in my life as I am now moving homes, takings finals, mission training, and in the process of wanting to figure out what I want to do in my life. This verse gave me the strength in that I must be willing to give my all for God in not only serving at school, but also serving at home and at church. I must be the one willing to do everything for whatever I do in His will helps me please Him. It is my duty to give glory to God in all that I do. God is the one that truly will help me in my time of need, but I must be the one to continue to work on behalf of His name. I cannot just give a part of myself unto giving Him Glory, but I must be the one in which give God all my time and attention in giving Him Glory, as He will reward me in full or punish me in fullness of what I have done for His name.
Money: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Lord in the Home
What I learned about God: God is all or nothing
Summary: This is in the book of Colossians and this is explaining the role of serving God within the household. It speaks of women having to obey their husbands as husbands should love their wives and not to test their children unless they are discouraged. Children must obey their parents and as slaves need to be wholeheartedly serving. They must serve with their whole heart for they are serving God. Whoever that does not serve with their whole heart will be paid back in their own wrong doings. God does not give 50 percent of anything, it is all or nothing for God.
Application: This was a verse in which I asked a pastor of mine to reflect upon. I didn't know what to read exactly but I was looking for a passage that would help me put everything upon God and His Glory as I am entering the session of finals. It is a stressful time in my life as I am now moving homes, takings finals, mission training, and in the process of wanting to figure out what I want to do in my life. This verse gave me the strength in that I must be willing to give my all for God in not only serving at school, but also serving at home and at church. I must be the one willing to do everything for whatever I do in His will helps me please Him. It is my duty to give glory to God in all that I do. God is the one that truly will help me in my time of need, but I must be the one to continue to work on behalf of His name. I cannot just give a part of myself unto giving Him Glory, but I must be the one in which give God all my time and attention in giving Him Glory, as He will reward me in full or punish me in fullness of what I have done for His name.
Money: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Ephesians 1:4-6 Holy and Blameless
6/5/10
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: God has predestined us to be holy and blameless in the presence of Christ, but that reality can be enacted in our lives today
What I Learned about God: It is God, not myself that grants me holiness.
Summary: Paul in his explanation of the work of God in the work of salvation, reminds believers that they were predestined for adoption to be holy and blameless in His presence. In His presence, most likely is talking about the coming of Jesus Christ, which would make this promise enacted in the future. However, throughout the Scriptures, Paul gives numerous exhortations to be holy and blameless as believers here. Some of the exhortations are for personal holiness, as it is used to display the Gospel message towards unbelievers. Also, believers in this present time are to be holy and blameless because it shows their separation from their previous father and their new relationship as sons and daughters of God. This promise is assured to all believers, but there's no sense of sitting on one's hands in anticipation for this. Rather, believers are to pursue and discipline themselves in this manner at the point of their salvation.
Application: The great substitution brought upon by God is a reminder that our standing before Him is holy and blameless. However, one could not readily identify this truth in my own life based upon looking. The spiritual reality does not match up with the physical life that I live here on earth. In this short time that I have on earth, I need to pursue being a person that tries to have those two things match up, not because of my role as a pastor, but rather as my calling as a Christian. One of the areas in my life I can work on this is on discipline. I have noticed that I have lacked self-control because I've placed myself as the center of importance. This is not the way to live, as my spiritual life must be comparable to my physical for the glory of God.
$15
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: God has predestined us to be holy and blameless in the presence of Christ, but that reality can be enacted in our lives today
What I Learned about God: It is God, not myself that grants me holiness.
Summary: Paul in his explanation of the work of God in the work of salvation, reminds believers that they were predestined for adoption to be holy and blameless in His presence. In His presence, most likely is talking about the coming of Jesus Christ, which would make this promise enacted in the future. However, throughout the Scriptures, Paul gives numerous exhortations to be holy and blameless as believers here. Some of the exhortations are for personal holiness, as it is used to display the Gospel message towards unbelievers. Also, believers in this present time are to be holy and blameless because it shows their separation from their previous father and their new relationship as sons and daughters of God. This promise is assured to all believers, but there's no sense of sitting on one's hands in anticipation for this. Rather, believers are to pursue and discipline themselves in this manner at the point of their salvation.
Application: The great substitution brought upon by God is a reminder that our standing before Him is holy and blameless. However, one could not readily identify this truth in my own life based upon looking. The spiritual reality does not match up with the physical life that I live here on earth. In this short time that I have on earth, I need to pursue being a person that tries to have those two things match up, not because of my role as a pastor, but rather as my calling as a Christian. One of the areas in my life I can work on this is on discipline. I have noticed that I have lacked self-control because I've placed myself as the center of importance. This is not the way to live, as my spiritual life must be comparable to my physical for the glory of God.
$15
6/5/10: Psalm 119:9-11
Time: 10 mins
Main Idea: Away from sin
What I learned about God: God gave us the Word to use be more like Him and less of this world
Summary: This is in the book of Psalm and it is explaining how we must be in order to remain pure in Him. If we seek Him earnestly with all our hearts, we cannot sin. Earnestly seeking Him will be us keeping His word in our hearts.
Application: If I truly love God and don't want to fall into temptation, I must put my life into Him. I must devote each and everything I do for His Glory, I need to continually go towards the Word and I must also put His Word into my heart. I must be the one in which speaks His Word and follow it in each and every day of my life.
Money: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Away from sin
What I learned about God: God gave us the Word to use be more like Him and less of this world
Summary: This is in the book of Psalm and it is explaining how we must be in order to remain pure in Him. If we seek Him earnestly with all our hearts, we cannot sin. Earnestly seeking Him will be us keeping His word in our hearts.
Application: If I truly love God and don't want to fall into temptation, I must put my life into Him. I must devote each and everything I do for His Glory, I need to continually go towards the Word and I must also put His Word into my heart. I must be the one in which speaks His Word and follow it in each and every day of my life.
Money: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Friday, June 4, 2010
6/4/10: Ephesians 4:7-16
Time: 15 mins
Main Idea: Be firm in love
What I learned about God: God came down to us so that He can teach us of love
Summary: This is Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus and it speaks about a text from Psalm 68:18. He explains how the person that went up must have come down. He is explaining how Jesus is a Heavenly being in which we much learn from. He came down to teach the prophets, teachers, apostles, and evangelists. If these people can learn from Him, than everyone else may be inclined to do also. He gave us this knowledge so that we may not have to listen to false teachings and sway into their visions, but we must stand firm as the wind howls at a mountain. We must be the mountain in which we are firm and strong and that we do not ever flinch at the ways of others. We must also encourage others in the truth and also grow stronger as a full body of Christ.
Application: In many ways, we must encourage others in my life. I caught myself today as I lost a basketball game, yelling at a little brother of Christ. I thought to myself as I read this passage, was that really showing God's love and encouraging Him. It was not the way God would have handled that situation. It was something that the devil put into me and grew in my a sense of hate for such calls on my style of play. I will be unable to continue to grow in Christ if I hurt a part of Christ's body. His body is my body and as I continue to learn from the Word that God has given to my teachers, I must also use that knowledge and apply into my life and encourage my brothers and sisters of Christ for we are all one body in His love.
Money: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Be firm in love
What I learned about God: God came down to us so that He can teach us of love
Summary: This is Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus and it speaks about a text from Psalm 68:18. He explains how the person that went up must have come down. He is explaining how Jesus is a Heavenly being in which we much learn from. He came down to teach the prophets, teachers, apostles, and evangelists. If these people can learn from Him, than everyone else may be inclined to do also. He gave us this knowledge so that we may not have to listen to false teachings and sway into their visions, but we must stand firm as the wind howls at a mountain. We must be the mountain in which we are firm and strong and that we do not ever flinch at the ways of others. We must also encourage others in the truth and also grow stronger as a full body of Christ.
Application: In many ways, we must encourage others in my life. I caught myself today as I lost a basketball game, yelling at a little brother of Christ. I thought to myself as I read this passage, was that really showing God's love and encouraging Him. It was not the way God would have handled that situation. It was something that the devil put into me and grew in my a sense of hate for such calls on my style of play. I will be unable to continue to grow in Christ if I hurt a part of Christ's body. His body is my body and as I continue to learn from the Word that God has given to my teachers, I must also use that knowledge and apply into my life and encourage my brothers and sisters of Christ for we are all one body in His love.
Money: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Thursday, June 3, 2010
6/3/10: Ephesians 3:1-21
Time: 20 mins
Main Idea: Mystery of the Gospel and Prayer for Spiritual Strength
What I learned about God: The spirit helps us in our time of need for when we ask for it
Summary: This is Paul's summary of the Gospel and the power of prayer. He explains how God gave Him the power as an apostle to know and love God but the mystery is why God allowed Gentiles to do the same. It then explains how when we are feeling weary and broken down, we have something that can give us the life in which we need in order to worship God. When we are rooted in Him, we can ask Him to relief us of our daily lives and ask Him for rest upon Him.
Application: My life is probably a living hell in which I am too lazy to finish measly assignment, not disciplined enough to keep on a schedule, and just plain stupid to figure out that I can do everything I want to if I focus myself. In this time of finals and moving and numerous other things, I need to remember to keep on pushing through not on my own will but the upon the will of God. I need to remember that through Him, He will give me rest, and He will help me through any obstacles. I must remember to first seek Him and everything will be provided. If I seek Him in all I do, God will help me find rest in His soul after everything is done and said, but this week is going to be the hardest week in my life in which I need God the most and I need to seek Him every moment in my life.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Mystery of the Gospel and Prayer for Spiritual Strength
What I learned about God: The spirit helps us in our time of need for when we ask for it
Summary: This is Paul's summary of the Gospel and the power of prayer. He explains how God gave Him the power as an apostle to know and love God but the mystery is why God allowed Gentiles to do the same. It then explains how when we are feeling weary and broken down, we have something that can give us the life in which we need in order to worship God. When we are rooted in Him, we can ask Him to relief us of our daily lives and ask Him for rest upon Him.
Application: My life is probably a living hell in which I am too lazy to finish measly assignment, not disciplined enough to keep on a schedule, and just plain stupid to figure out that I can do everything I want to if I focus myself. In this time of finals and moving and numerous other things, I need to remember to keep on pushing through not on my own will but the upon the will of God. I need to remember that through Him, He will give me rest, and He will help me through any obstacles. I must remember to first seek Him and everything will be provided. If I seek Him in all I do, God will help me find rest in His soul after everything is done and said, but this week is going to be the hardest week in my life in which I need God the most and I need to seek Him every moment in my life.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
the Spiritual "Walk" Ephesians 4-6
6/3/10
Time Spent: 30 min
Main Idea: Paul exhorts believers to walk in holiness, love, light, and in wisdom.
What I Learned about God: the Christian that is filled to the brim with God's immeasurable riches is the one that walks in this manner.
Summary: "Walking" in the NT is used to depict one's life with Christ. It is a frequent verb used by Paul to denote that idea. The spiritual "walk" is characterized by the top 4 ideas (holiness, love, light, wisdom) and should envelope the lives of believers. Paul goes on to exhorts believers in Ephesus to renew this idea in their minds as he shares with them how to live a life that is worthy of the gospel. He explicates each of these major sections with exhortations on how their lives should be structured, how to obey their parents, how to deal with one another, etc. with practical ways in which the believers should be exercising love for one another.
Application: My "walk" with God does not seem to be as all-inclusive as to the way that Paul describes it. I deem my walk with God based upon the sins that I commit, one in particular. I gauge my walk with Him based upon the level of my sins and to the extent of my day that I spend with Him. However, this is not the way which Paul had guided the people of Ephesus to follow. Paul exhorts people that their are several bases to "walk" with God, and holiness is just one of them. I wonder what God would say to me for "wisdom", I know God gives out what to do for husband wives, childrens-parents, and slaves-masters...but what of the student? Better yet, what of the pastor? I think I need to meditate what God would want my life to look like in walking with wisdom. I had gone onto search for wisdom through the Proverbs, yet was unable to find the gem of my search because I drifted away from the fear of the Lord, the beginning of wisdom. In any sense, walking in wisdom first starts with a devotion to God and His Word.
Time Spent: 30 min
Main Idea: Paul exhorts believers to walk in holiness, love, light, and in wisdom.
What I Learned about God: the Christian that is filled to the brim with God's immeasurable riches is the one that walks in this manner.
Summary: "Walking" in the NT is used to depict one's life with Christ. It is a frequent verb used by Paul to denote that idea. The spiritual "walk" is characterized by the top 4 ideas (holiness, love, light, wisdom) and should envelope the lives of believers. Paul goes on to exhorts believers in Ephesus to renew this idea in their minds as he shares with them how to live a life that is worthy of the gospel. He explicates each of these major sections with exhortations on how their lives should be structured, how to obey their parents, how to deal with one another, etc. with practical ways in which the believers should be exercising love for one another.
Application: My "walk" with God does not seem to be as all-inclusive as to the way that Paul describes it. I deem my walk with God based upon the sins that I commit, one in particular. I gauge my walk with Him based upon the level of my sins and to the extent of my day that I spend with Him. However, this is not the way which Paul had guided the people of Ephesus to follow. Paul exhorts people that their are several bases to "walk" with God, and holiness is just one of them. I wonder what God would say to me for "wisdom", I know God gives out what to do for husband wives, childrens-parents, and slaves-masters...but what of the student? Better yet, what of the pastor? I think I need to meditate what God would want my life to look like in walking with wisdom. I had gone onto search for wisdom through the Proverbs, yet was unable to find the gem of my search because I drifted away from the fear of the Lord, the beginning of wisdom. In any sense, walking in wisdom first starts with a devotion to God and His Word.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Ephesians Word Study: Heavenly places
6/2/10
Time Spent: 35 min
Main Idea: Heavenly places pointing towards the metaphysical spiritual warfare in the present.
What I Learned about God: God is the one who gives spiritual blessings through Christ by the putting on of the armor of God
Summary: "Heavenly places" shows up in three places in this letter (Eph. 1:3; 1:20; 6:12). At first glance, one might assume that the heavenly places that Paul is talking about is the future in heaven, where God will abundantly bless and enrichen the lives of believers forever. Although that is true, Paul was talking about the present reality of the metaphysical spiritual warfare that is going on. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul says that the there are demons and principalities that exist in this "heavenly place", thus, it cannot be heaven. It also does not make very much sense that we would have to put on the armor of God in heaven. What is there to defend ourselves from over there? Therefore, we can conclude that Paul is talking about the heeavenly places here on earth; that we are engaged in a spiritual battle armed with the victory that has already been won in Christ. However, we need to enact this victory through the placing of the armor in our lives.
Application: God has already won the victory through Christ, but my job is to put on the armor. The armor is not just some arbitrary pieces of discipline that I need to put on. Instead, the pieces of the armor should have some relevancy and relation to my relationship with Christ. There is no greater truth the the way, the truth, and the life, and thus donning this belt of truth is in meditation of what Christ has done for me. For my breastplate of righteousness I know that my righteous deeds are like filthy rags; the only righteousness that is accepted by God is not my own but His righteousness in me (2 Cor. 5:21). I wonder how much weight I put into putting on the armor of God and fighting this battle by myself instead of looking to my commanding officer who has guaranteed victory for me over the enemy.
Time Spent: 35 min
Main Idea: Heavenly places pointing towards the metaphysical spiritual warfare in the present.
What I Learned about God: God is the one who gives spiritual blessings through Christ by the putting on of the armor of God
Summary: "Heavenly places" shows up in three places in this letter (Eph. 1:3; 1:20; 6:12). At first glance, one might assume that the heavenly places that Paul is talking about is the future in heaven, where God will abundantly bless and enrichen the lives of believers forever. Although that is true, Paul was talking about the present reality of the metaphysical spiritual warfare that is going on. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul says that the there are demons and principalities that exist in this "heavenly place", thus, it cannot be heaven. It also does not make very much sense that we would have to put on the armor of God in heaven. What is there to defend ourselves from over there? Therefore, we can conclude that Paul is talking about the heeavenly places here on earth; that we are engaged in a spiritual battle armed with the victory that has already been won in Christ. However, we need to enact this victory through the placing of the armor in our lives.
Application: God has already won the victory through Christ, but my job is to put on the armor. The armor is not just some arbitrary pieces of discipline that I need to put on. Instead, the pieces of the armor should have some relevancy and relation to my relationship with Christ. There is no greater truth the the way, the truth, and the life, and thus donning this belt of truth is in meditation of what Christ has done for me. For my breastplate of righteousness I know that my righteous deeds are like filthy rags; the only righteousness that is accepted by God is not my own but His righteousness in me (2 Cor. 5:21). I wonder how much weight I put into putting on the armor of God and fighting this battle by myself instead of looking to my commanding officer who has guaranteed victory for me over the enemy.
6/2/10: Ephesians 2:8-22
Time: 10 mins
Main Idea: One in Christ
What I learned about God: God's love for us allowed Him to give us grace through Christ
Summary: This passage is explaining that God didn't have to give us love, He didn't have to let us live with Him. He could have given us eternal damnation, but through His great and endless love, He gave us Jesus and we didn't earn it by being sinful people, it was out of His love that we were saved.God wants us to remember that we did not earn eternal life through our works, but through God's love. We must now remember that and continue to grow and love God unconditionally just as the disciples and apostles did. We must continue to love and grow in Him in remembrance for His great and glorious sacrifice through Christ.
Application: Continuing to live my life is easy, but having to deal with missions training on top of school work is such a burden in which I cannot seem to juggle correctly. On top of moving into my new home, I have been thoroughly been using all of my resources. It has continued to burden me and using my time where I cannot afford to. I must always remember Jesus' sacrifice, for since He was on that cross for us, than each and every second is a gift from Him. He loves us so much that He sent His son to die for us. The ultimate sacrifice is truly one that can never be forgotten. I need to remember that each and everyday in which I must thank Him and to honor His sacrifice, just work in His name all the time.
Money: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: One in Christ
What I learned about God: God's love for us allowed Him to give us grace through Christ
Summary: This passage is explaining that God didn't have to give us love, He didn't have to let us live with Him. He could have given us eternal damnation, but through His great and endless love, He gave us Jesus and we didn't earn it by being sinful people, it was out of His love that we were saved.God wants us to remember that we did not earn eternal life through our works, but through God's love. We must now remember that and continue to grow and love God unconditionally just as the disciples and apostles did. We must continue to love and grow in Him in remembrance for His great and glorious sacrifice through Christ.
Application: Continuing to live my life is easy, but having to deal with missions training on top of school work is such a burden in which I cannot seem to juggle correctly. On top of moving into my new home, I have been thoroughly been using all of my resources. It has continued to burden me and using my time where I cannot afford to. I must always remember Jesus' sacrifice, for since He was on that cross for us, than each and every second is a gift from Him. He loves us so much that He sent His son to die for us. The ultimate sacrifice is truly one that can never be forgotten. I need to remember that each and everyday in which I must thank Him and to honor His sacrifice, just work in His name all the time.
Money: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Ephesians 1-3
6/1/10
Time Spent: 35 min
Main Idea:the Gospel: God's riches displayed and God's mercy received
WHat I Learned about God: True beauty found in the Gospel is when I look at who God is before I look at what He has done
Summary: In this first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul will use various ways in recording God's salvation and gospel as being "according to his riches". This is going to show that the gospel itself is a display of God's great and awesome nature. This is not a simple act of service, but speaks volumes as to what kind of God He is. Paul also goes on to share what He has done, which is because of the gospel, we have fellowship with Him through Christ. A rich man that gives may seem like an oxymoron today, but God is not thrifty in the dispensing of His riches, which He does abundantly through Christ.This is the major theme of these three chapters, the beauty of God and the gift of God; both showcasing His glory and power to those who are believing in Christ.
Application: We share the gospel as a means to salvation, but do we explain the kind of God He is? Paul seems so affectious in describing the kind of God to whom he is holding onto. This God is merciful, kind, glorious, powerful, almighty, etc. Paul could go on for days about the kind of God that He worships! I wonder as to what adjectives I would give to God. Before I look to "change" NET and AWANA or even myself, the first ocnviction I must have is being wrapped up in the beauty and character of God. Seemingly, these things do not come overnight, but as I studied in depth His Word today, I got a clue as to what I must dedicate ot in order to see that. I hope this break before school I will be able to hold fast to this ad spend more time seeking God through His word.
$14
Time Spent: 35 min
Main Idea:the Gospel: God's riches displayed and God's mercy received
WHat I Learned about God: True beauty found in the Gospel is when I look at who God is before I look at what He has done
Summary: In this first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul will use various ways in recording God's salvation and gospel as being "according to his riches". This is going to show that the gospel itself is a display of God's great and awesome nature. This is not a simple act of service, but speaks volumes as to what kind of God He is. Paul also goes on to share what He has done, which is because of the gospel, we have fellowship with Him through Christ. A rich man that gives may seem like an oxymoron today, but God is not thrifty in the dispensing of His riches, which He does abundantly through Christ.This is the major theme of these three chapters, the beauty of God and the gift of God; both showcasing His glory and power to those who are believing in Christ.
Application: We share the gospel as a means to salvation, but do we explain the kind of God He is? Paul seems so affectious in describing the kind of God to whom he is holding onto. This God is merciful, kind, glorious, powerful, almighty, etc. Paul could go on for days about the kind of God that He worships! I wonder as to what adjectives I would give to God. Before I look to "change" NET and AWANA or even myself, the first ocnviction I must have is being wrapped up in the beauty and character of God. Seemingly, these things do not come overnight, but as I studied in depth His Word today, I got a clue as to what I must dedicate ot in order to see that. I hope this break before school I will be able to hold fast to this ad spend more time seeking God through His word.
$14
6/1/10: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Time Spent: 20 mins
Main Idea: One Body, Many Members
What I learned about God: God formed us perfectly into the body of Christ
Summary: In this passage, Paul explains to us the importance of each other. He explains that we are all one body of Christ but if we go on and tell each other that because I am not this, I am not part of the body. Whenever we feel that we are not part of this body, or that we are insignificant in the body, God shows us that each and every one of us was made for a designed purpose. We are all part of the big picture but we can only go into this picture with all of our body parts collectively as one.
Application: In my missions team, we are filled with strong characters that would normally clash within a battle environment, but surprisingly, we mesh completely as one team. As I am meshed into this giant mission team, I have found that finding my individual role is a hard thing in that since we have such a big group filled with lots of role players I don't know where I fit into the mesh. With such a big team filled with superstars and role players, I don't know where I would come into the picture. It seems that taking the back seat as a bench warmer can even be a role that I must be but the intention of being a bench warmer might be a good one. Maybe God has placed me there on this team is that in case of an emergency, that I might be able to come in and step up to the plate when I am needed. Unsure of my specific role, it seems that God is telling me that I am part of this team and He reassures me in Scripture that everyone is important in their respective roles.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: One Body, Many Members
What I learned about God: God formed us perfectly into the body of Christ
Summary: In this passage, Paul explains to us the importance of each other. He explains that we are all one body of Christ but if we go on and tell each other that because I am not this, I am not part of the body. Whenever we feel that we are not part of this body, or that we are insignificant in the body, God shows us that each and every one of us was made for a designed purpose. We are all part of the big picture but we can only go into this picture with all of our body parts collectively as one.
Application: In my missions team, we are filled with strong characters that would normally clash within a battle environment, but surprisingly, we mesh completely as one team. As I am meshed into this giant mission team, I have found that finding my individual role is a hard thing in that since we have such a big group filled with lots of role players I don't know where I fit into the mesh. With such a big team filled with superstars and role players, I don't know where I would come into the picture. It seems that taking the back seat as a bench warmer can even be a role that I must be but the intention of being a bench warmer might be a good one. Maybe God has placed me there on this team is that in case of an emergency, that I might be able to come in and step up to the plate when I am needed. Unsure of my specific role, it seems that God is telling me that I am part of this team and He reassures me in Scripture that everyone is important in their respective roles.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
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