Seven Churches of Revelation (Part 3: Church of Smyrna)

In Revelation 2:8-11 Jesus addresses the Church of Smyrna. Smyrna is one of the few churches in Revelation that doesn't receive a rebuke from the Lord. At the height of its time, Smyrna was the center for culture and learning.

1. Title - Jesus addresses Himself as "who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again." The idea of resurrection was an important idea to the people of Smyrna.
2. Commendation - Jesus commends them on their perseverance during their times of persecution. To be a Christian during this time meant it cost you your life. It cost them everything to proclaim that Jesus Christ was their Lord. However, the hardest persecution they endured was from their fellow brother and sisters in Christ. It is the subtle attacks from our peers that hits us the deepest.
3. Command - Jesus tells them stop being afraid. Being a children of God doesn't mean we are exempt form suffering. However, the Lord is well aware of our plight and He knows the limits of what we can handle. Believe He is in control.
4. Conclusion - Jesus tells them that "He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death." Jesus paid for out sins to make us righteous. However if we reject that, than we are ultimately condemning ourselves. Born twice, die once; born once die twice.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

--from Nakwon EM July 13th 2008 Sunday Worship Service

Giants and angels oh my!

Seven Churches of Revelation (Part 2 : Church of Ephesus)

The seven churches mentioned in Revelation serves as an allegory to all the bodies of Jesus Christ. Revelation 2:1-7 focuses on the the Church of Ephesus. Throughout Revelation, all seven churches were surprised by what Christ said to them. Ephesus was the largest church of the day. It had a strong lineage of amazing leader that spent time teaching there. Yet even a church as alive as this had their own share of rebukes from the Lord.

1. Title of Christ - Jesus announces himself to the church of Ephesus as "him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp stands." Ultimately, He is telling them that no matter who they are and what they do, God is fully aware and will judge them accordingly.
2. Commendation Rebuke - The church of Ephesus is commended for their diligence and their discernment. They are characterized as a diligent church that are always active. Furthermore, Jesus commends them for their ability to stay doctrinally pure. However, all the good deeds they perform does not cancel out all the bad deeds that have committed. Jesus charges them of being guilty of "forsaking their first love." The Ephesians spent so much time being caught up serving the King, they forgot why they were so zealously serving in the first place. They had a blind pursuit without any relationship with Jesus Christ.
3. Solution - Jesus tells the Ephesus church to remember, repent and repeat. They are called to remember exactly how far they have fallen from the Lord, and seek repentance. For true repentance must bear fruit.
4. Warning - Jesus tells the church "if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place." Ultimately He is telling them that He will remove His presence from them. God is not obligated to come to us. Our worship is an invitation for Him to come and accept our praise.
5. Conclusion - The greatest compliment is to love what God loves and hate what He despises. The Ephesians were so caught up in their Church that they failed to realize that the title itself does not give authority. The true church of Christ lies within us, not in some man-made building.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches

--from Nakwon EM July 6th 2008 Sunday Worship Service

God doesn't play dice, He plays scrabble.

Seven Churches of Revelation (Part 1: Vision of Jesus Christ)

Revelation, the last book in the New Testament, is often viewed as a series of allegorical metaphors of what the last days will be like. Most people often get so caught up with all the symbolism that they fail to realize that it was meant to be viewed as a revelation of Jesus Christ. It's ultimate purpose is to wake us up. In Revelation 1:9-20, John gives us a vision of Christ.

1. Attention - One of the first images we are presented with are the lamp stands. In these verses, the lamp stand represents the churches. Ultimately, the job of the church is not to be the light, but rather be the vessel which holds the fire and gives the light of the Lord onto others. In the last days, the Lord's attention will turn to His churches. Those who speak of His truth will be judged on a higher standard, just as those who hear His truth will be held accountable.
2. Appearance - Verses 12-15 provides a description of how Jesus appeared to John in all His glory. First it speaks about His long flowing robe "reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest." The robe He wears speaks of His status which is often the type of clothing associated to royalty. Next, it describes His white hair which serves as a symbol of His glory. His eyes is described as a "blazing fire." This is a foreshadowing of things to come. Right now Jesus is or savior, but on that day He will be our judge, and His eyes will penetrate us into our deepest thoughts.
3. Authority - Verse 17 describes what Jesus was holding in His right hand. His right symbolized favor and authority. When you are in the hand of the living God it is both wonderful and frightening at the same time. Once you have invited Him into your life, He will not let you fall away from Him. He will break and discipline you to try and bring you back.

Throughout the bible, the phrase "Do not be afraid" is spoken by God. However, this message is does not apply to those who do not live for God. Those who live by the Spirit will see upon these Revelations with great joy, where as those who don't, will only realize fear and dread. What do these Revelations reveal in your heart?

--from Nakwon EM June 29th 2008 Sunday Worship Service

Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 13:44-46 provides a parable which gives us an insight into what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.

1. Kingdom of Heaven is Priceless - Most meet Christ but fail to recognize His worth. That is why one would fail to belong to Him. We've all heard the truth but we fail to grasp its value. We've managed to trick ourselves into believing that the magnificence of eternity is something ordinary.
2. Kingdom of Heaven involves joyful sacrifice - The real test isn't whether you're willing to make a sacrifice, but whether you are doing it with joy and willingness in your heart. Sacrifices made begrudgingly will ultimately turn into regret. It will never blossom into something which will help further your spiritual walk with God. Those that make a willing and joyful sacrifice realize that what other may perceive as a sacrifice is really an investment towards a closer relationship with the Lord.
3. Kingdom of Heaven elicits action - It can either be intentional or unintentional, but both requires action afterwards. You do not belong to His kingdom if you are willing to take action. What have you done after discovery the Kingdom of Heaven?

We all like to boast about the sacrifices we made for others, but it pales in comparison to what God gave up for our salvation. The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who forcefully runs towards it.

--from Nakwon EM June 22nd 2008 Sunday Worship Service

This sermon was brought you by instant cup ramen. The official food for the 2008 Summer NakwonEM Retreat. (side effects may include puffy morning eyes, bloated faces, and/or fat. Always eat responsibly).

The Lord is My Shepherd (Part 2)

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. - Psalm 23:2-3

The true essence of Psalm 23 is a confession of a believer who only wants God. The entire focus of Psalm is about what God does. God is completely proactive in you life.

1. Rest - There are four conditions a good shepherd always strives to achieve for their herd. No hunger, no fear, no pest and no discord. Furthermore, no sheep can satisfy these four conditions on their own. God is constantly leading us to green pasture, but He makes us want to lie down. Unfortunately, we sometimes need to be forced to lie down. We are under the illusion that we always need to be active as if that defines who we are. The Psalms verse states that He makes me lie down in green pastures. Sometime we get so caught up in this world that we need to take time and rest and re-evaluate our priorities about God.
2. Refreshments - The Lord will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. God will give you mercy in a timely moment. He doesn't give it to us in advance. In amidst of our trials, believe He will provide your deliverance.
3. Restoration - He guides us in the path of righteousness, for His namesake. Therefore to take glory for Himself, He will take care of us. The moment we acknowledge that, we will find restoration with in the Lord.

Do you look at things in God's perspective? You have nothing to be afraid of. God has already gone ahead of you. God truly works through His Word. Do you know the Shepherd of Psalm 23? Make it yours.

--from Nakwon EM Juen 1st 2008 Sunday Worship Service

My mom buys me clothes ^_^