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 ^_^

The Lord is My Shepherd

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. " - Psalm 23:1

1. Yahweh God - God's name has everything to do with salvation. He declares "I am." He's is the un-caused caused, the uncreated, the ever unchanging. Everything around us changes, but He is immutable and so is His love. We never have to worry that He will change from something impacting Him, because He cannot be impacted.
2. Shepherd God - We are often characterized as sheep. Sheep are known to rely heavily on their vision. They can not go where they can not see. Much like them, we need to "see" to believe. Furthermore, much like a sheep without its shepherd, there is no way we can defend for ourselves without the Lord. Yet like a good shepherd, our Lord gives us both provision and protection.
3. Provisional God - Whether we acknowledge it or not our lives are stuck in a "prison of want." It is the hunger within us to pursue things which detract us from God. No amount of things in this world will ever satisfy you. So how do you get out of the prison of want?
   (1) Your stuff isn't yours - You can't take anything out of this world. You came into this world naked and you will leave this world naked. It never has and never will belong to you.
   (2) You stuff isn't you - What you possess doesn't define who you are. What defines you is what is in your heart. A man's life isn't defined by the abundance of his possessions. What we have in God is greater than what we don't have in life. It isn't about what you have, it's who are in the face of the Lord.

Wealth may wither away, friends may turns away and even our youth will eventually erode with the flow of time, but as long as you have your character and your faith, then you have everything you will ever need. You can lose everything, but do not lose your soul for a fleeting temptation for it is nothing more than a speck in the face of eternity.

--from Nakwon EM May 25th 2008 Sunday Worship Service

bah ram ewe~

Knowledge of God

What is the result of someone who comes into contact with the knowledge of God? 2 Peter 1:3-11 talks about what happens to those who comes to know God. The word of God has an uncanny bi-polar effect for those who come into contact with it. It can either change and transform you heart or it can harden and deaden you towards the things of the Lord.

1. Provisional knowledge of God - God has already given us everything we need to obtain eternal life and overcome. However, most of us are unable to see that He has already provided us with such provisions. Many of us fail to come closer to the Lord, because we try to add Christ into our lives without subtracting the world.
2. Progressive knowledge - We are called to better ourselves through our sanctification from the Lord. What we accomplish today in the Lord's name must be even greater tomorrow. If we become content and idle in our spiritual walk, then ultimately we become unfruitful.
3. Positional knowledge - Every child of God has a calling. If you find your calling and make it sure then you will never fall and ultimately receive your welcome into His eternal kingdom. Our purpose is to serve, and we will only find peace with ourselves when we perform the functions we were meant to do. Your love for God will make it natural for you to serve.

If we continue to turn a blind eye towards the things of God, it will ultimately make you turn away from Him. Does of knowledge of God spur your heart to work for Him? Mercy triumphs over judgement, so will you let God's truth touch you?

--from Nakwon EM May 18th 2008 Sunday Worship Service

Not all things that glow have a voice, ESPECIALLY CANDLES!!!!!