December 26, 2008 - - - Romans 2 : 17-29

The Jews and the Law 

This passage really speaks to me personally because I am a coleader for Cornerstone. Verses 17 to 24 really questions me, the reader and states questions that accuse me of blaspheming God. Do I steal, when I believe that stealing is against the Law? Do I say don't lust after women like that, but do so myself? Do I praise God, and praise the world outside of church? 

Verse 23: "You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?" 

Guy talk. Guy talk tends to lead down a path which is beyond what I call the Biblical Limit. And being perverted guys, we tend to cross that line a lot. Whether its about girls (usually its about girls) or just plain sick jokes, it is quite difficult to be the one that stands up to everyone and halts the entire conversation. Most of the time, its easier to just get dragged into the whole mess itself. 

But I know the Law. "Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised." Regardless of you knowing God or not, breaking the Law means you are sinning against Him and His ways. Even though you follow the Law and disobey it, you are deemed a lawbreaker. A sinner. 

The last section talks about being spiritual mentally as well as physically. Praying, reading scripture, and obeying the Law is good only if you are righteous with the spirit when alone and with others around. 

Amen. 

December 25, 2008 - - - Luke 2 : 8-20

The Shepherds and the Angels

 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 

14"Glory to God in the highest, 
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

 16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

And on this day, the Light of the world has been born. Merry Christmas everybody =) 

Amen!

December 24, 2008 - - - Romans 2 : 1-16

That is right. From Paul himself, verse 11: "For God does not show favoritism" and verse 6: "God will give to each person according to what he has done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life." 

It is by nature, that we sin. As sinful creatures we cannot help but to disobey God. But where do we really draw the line between falling into complete sin voluntary or falling into sin because it is too overwhelming? 

In this passage, Paul states that God hates stubborness, especially when you decide that the sin that is commited is not wrong. God wants us to be holy people that reside by his Law. Even if we do fall, He wants to know that we are trying to fight against it. In a way, fighting against our own temptations is the same thing as us fighting against the Demon himself. 

But with that, God passes judgement to everyone in the same way. He knows if you are truly fighting against the devil or not. 

Jesus, it is almost your birthday :)

Amen. 

December 23, 2008 - - - Romans 1 : 18-32

This "God's Wrath" this passage is speaking about is serious business and it is strongly directed towards those who consider themselves already believers. In verse 18, "wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness" would be those believers who knew of Christ, but did not act as they knew Christ. And this really hits me because, as a believer, I have done my fair share of abandoning Christ at perfect times.

21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

If I knew of God, but longed after something else more, I would consider that a sin. What greater gift is there besides Jesus? The differences between God and the next greatest thing in the world are ridiculous and perhaps does not exist because God is so infinitely greater. But those who put God as #2, are usually ignorant or pushing God away for a specific reason or other.

Further more from verses 24 and on, it speaks of God allowing man to fall to their sins because of their disobedience towards Him. God's wrath will be upon those who do not obey and listen. Even towards those He has already saved. But this is fair. Put yourself in God's position and surely you would come to believe that God has all the right in the world to punish those who slander Him with sin after committing themselves to Him prior to. But thank God God that you are so merciful :)

Amen.

December 22, 2008 - - - Romans 1 : 8-17

This passage reflects on apostle Paul's feelings toward the Romans. In this letter, he mentions a lot about spreading the Word to Rome. He exclaims his love for God and his longing to go to Rome and 'impart to [them] some spiritual gift to make you strong'. The main theme of this passage really speaks to me because it resembles a heart that truly wants to just go out there and let the world know about God. In verse 14, Paul is not going to be a missionary/leader just for the believers but the non-believers as well. "I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish" ; everyone, regardless of who you are or what your background is, should have a glimpse of God's amazing grace.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." Do not be ashamed for you know God and you know salvation, but be afraid for those around who do not know of Christ. I gotta be more faithful like Paul (not Paul Choi because he is weird) and continue to live a righteous life under God. Oh Praise Him.

Just kidding Paul.

Amen.

December 21, 2008 - - - 1 Chronicles 16 : 7-36

Finals week has never been this tough for me.

But that is no excuse. God's Word should be like water or oxygen. Not something to be portrayed as a chore or pushed aside when there are more important things to do.

For the past week, I've been living without O2 or H2O.

In this passage, David reminded me of that praise that I should be giving God. "Give thanks to Him, sing to Him, and for me especially, "look to the Lord and his strength". David praises God with all his words and it is not just because he used such intricate wording or phrasing, it is because you can really tell that those words were coming from David's heart. And when it comes to thanking the Lord for all He has done for me, I let it get too out of hand and glide along that path. Thank you Lord for doing this and this for me, but rarely thanking Him for using being Himself and being there.

This finals week could of been the most stressful time of my life or its ranked really high up there. I was hard for me to see through the 'pain' and 'suffering' because it was such a crucial time for me. I was blinded by my own goal and ambitions that I really have forsaked You that week. Save me Father. Forgive me.

Amen.

December 13, 2008 - - - 1 Peter 5 : 1-11

To Elders and Young Men

1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."

6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

12With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

This passage itself is very motivational. Even though these verses are commands, they tell us to basically go out and do God's work. God, a being who is all mighty and powerful, does not need mere humans to go out and become this "organization" that reaches out to others and bring them into the light. But He chooses to use us as "shepherds of [His] flock" and wants us to be examples to the flock. He does not need us, but we are truly blessed because He wants us. We are allowed that chance ever since Jesus died for our sins on that cross.

According to verses 6-11, he devil and his temptations are all around us. But we need to humble ourselves in His might and trust in Him for God and God alone is the only one who can save us.

I also like verse 9 a lot. It really reminds me that this is not a battle to be fought alone. Whether it be that you are confused with a decision that God is making or completely disagree with it, your brothers and sisters in Christ will be there to tell you, "The devil is the one putting these distrusts of God into your head" and how they will support me as well. Everyone is facing trials and temptations. It is up to us to be there for each other.

Amen.

December 12, 2008 - - - Psalm 25

Psalm 25

Of David.

1To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;

2 in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.

3 No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.

4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;

5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.

6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O LORD.

8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.

10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
for those who keep the demands of his covenant.

11 For the sake of your name, O LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.

13 He will spend his days in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.

14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.

15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
free me from my anguish.

18 Look upon my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.

19 See how my enemies have increased
and how fiercely they hate me!

20 Guard my life and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.

21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you.

22 Redeem Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!

This prayer emits such emotion from David to God. All trust is placed into God as David prays and prays. He asks for guidence in the truth and longs for wisdom in the truth. He knows that he was already with God and that God was with him. Since all hope was placed upon the alter, David knows for a fact that he alone will not be punished and if and only if he sins.

David, ever so contantly, lifts up the Lord in his prayer. "Your great mercy and love", "all the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful", and on and on he goes never ceasing to give God the credit. When I compare this to my outbursts to the Lord, its usually me complaining about life, asking for forgivness, or plain asking Him for assistance in areas of my life which I have slacked off and breezed over. But Mr. King David practically sings praise songs as he prays.

Praise the Lord. Prayse the Lord.

Amen.

December 11, 2008 - - - 1 Peter 4 : 12-19

Suffering for Being a Christian

12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,

"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

I just always have this image of me floating into Heaven in a beam of light and then doing the Nelson laugh from the simpsons at those who did not believe, but then that would be wrong.

Praise the Lord for He has suffered and gave it all for us. To us the salvation we do not deserve has been offered to us through the cruxificion of His one and only Son who stepped down from His 'what the heck awesome' throne to save a jerk like me. He calls us friends and assures us, "do not be afraid if you are suffering because of me for you have been already saved."

The passage is similar to 1 Peter 3 : 8-22. There are two different kinds of sufferings: suffering through punishment because of an evil deed compared to suffering because you believe in Christ. I'm sure that we've all had our share of questions thrown at us for believing in God. If you read my blog from 2 days ago, I shared a similar incident. But do not fret my brothers and sisters for we have already won. Do not be ashamed for the Lord has already giving us salvation. So let us continue doing good and what God wants. I for one will remain faithful to God even in these tough times.

Amen.

December 10, 2008 - - - 1 Peter 4 : 1-11

Living for God

1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Amen fo sho. I've had conversations with non-Christian friends that would inevitably lead to party, drinking, and girls. They assume I do all this stuff here at Purdue, since it is considered the epitome of 'cool' in college. But when they find out the only thing I do here is Starcraft and go to church, they think of me as strange.. aha.. very strange. But this is clear because God states it clearly that he despises such earthly sins. it is through His Son that I have been saved already and through that alone, I am compelled, through fear and reverence, to obey and remain in His light.

But it ain't that easy. We are like a marine and medic group being flanked by speedlings in this world. We are constantly surrounded by people who believe differently than we do. And here is the real challenge: we must remain clear-minded and have self-control and remember that we have each other to depend on if we really do fall out of place. Verse 8 says it all yo.

Amen.

December 9, 2008 - - - 1 Peter 3 : 8-22

Suffering for Doing Good

8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10For,

"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
11He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Reading this reminded me of a friend who claimed himself to be an 'atheist' back in high school. Because he was surrounded by my other friends who were Christian from the same church, God was brought into the picture quite a few times. "I have to go to church"... "Remember that time at that retreat...". And every time, he merely laughs and exclaims, "God?? There is no God." The thing was, he was the one of the most, if not the most, stubborn person I know. Talking to him sometimes would be me so riled up I ended up spending a few hours looking up apologetics so I can kick his butt. But alas, he got the last laugh.

But I am surprised that we are still friends along with all the other guys. Because God commands it and I will obey. As Christians, we must live in harmony with everyone regardless of what evils they speak of. I could have easily broken his face, but God commands us to not repay evil with evil but do good because Jesus showed us good.

"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?"

Verse 15 - If I am considered close-minded and foolish for believing in such a God, how ignorant and closed-minded you must be to reject the God who has offered you the greatest gift of mankind. I know I still have a lot to learn in order to put down any slander against the Lord and I won't give up. I pray that You be with me and that wisdom would flow within me.

Amen.

December 8, 2008 - - - 1 Peter 3: 1-7

Wives and Husbands

1Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

7Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

The image that came to my mine was Jesus being the bridegroom and yes, me being the 'wife'. Even though this passage contains a more literal message about how wives and husbands should act in accordance to each other and God, I think that all glory should be for Him. The relationship between the man and the woman should be glorifying to Him. I know that sometimes relationships can be caught up in loving each other that God is forgotten. But did Jesus forget us as the Bridegroom? Heck naw.

I need to be more considerate to not just 'my wife', but other people as well. Sometimes I feel like I am condescending when I joke around too much. But trust me, I am going to try and be nicer to everyone. Thank you 1 Peter 3.

Amen.

December 7, 2008 - - - 1 Peter 2 : 13-23

Submission to Rulers and Masters

13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

18Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22"He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth." 23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

This passage reminded me of how we should pray for our president and the people that run our country more. Barack Obama needs prayers and I really need to work on that.

Aside from that, verses 18-21 speaks about submission as slaves. Jesus was the ultimate servant; someone who served other selflessly and endured the ultimate punishment for doing nothing wrong. We must be servants as well and endure the persecution that comes to us not because we have done wrong (sin), but because we have done and believed what is right. Because Christ has suffered for us, that we should be there for others.

Verses 22-25 speaks of how true Jesus was to us. Gosh.. I love you Jesus.

"not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh." I think this can be applied to more than just our rulers and masters. This verse reminds of me James 1 being "slow to anger and quick to listen". Even to those people that annoy or anger me, I need to consider their being as well because, you know, Jesus considered me.

Amen.

December 6, 2008 - - - 1 Peter 2: 9-11

9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

I decided to finish up chapter 2 with this blog. I don't know why, but this picture popped into my head when I was reading this:















As Christians, we should feel pretty honored to be labeled 'a chosen people' specially hand picked by God. We were once people who did not know God and once a people that did not know of His mercy. But because of someone else, we have come to know Him. What I got from this passage was that the baton has been passed. We have a new responsibility to lead other to Christ just as someone to me and you.

As Christians, we need to fight against these temptations that plague us everyday trying to make us sin against God. But we must be steadfast and strong and remember that our non-Christian are watching.

We are that white cat.

Let us glorify God with our good deeds.

Amen.

December 5, 2008 - - - John 21: 15-25

Jesus Reinstates Peter

15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

20Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") 21When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"

22Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." 23Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"

24This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

25Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

I am like Peter in this passage. Every time I sin against God, I can’t help but to imagine the look on God’s face. Time and time again the same look pops up into my head. When Jesus asked Simon Peter: “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” In this passage, Jesus repeated asked Peter 3 times if he really love Him. If I were in Peter’s shoes/sandals at that time, I would be literally angry at Jesus because He needed to ask 3 times if not even more. Even though it does not seem like it, I am very prideful and stubborn. Jesus should know that I love Him right?

What Paul said in small group yesterday really made sense. If Jesus really had to ask Peter 3 times, being all knowing, there must be something wrong with Peter. This really had me reevaluating myself and what I am really doing right now.

Verse 22 and 23 as well. I need to worry about my own relationship with God first before attempting to take care of His sheep.

Amen.