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.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
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
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