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MGJC Blog
Saturday, August 27, 2005
The Life and Teachings of Jesus—The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold (Part I)
Topic: John the Baptist

Before the coming of the Messiah, there was a prophecy about the messenger, who was going to prepare the way for the Almighty One. In John 1, every person thought he was Elijah or the Prophet (John 1:21) when he preached the Good News of God’s Kingdom. As it is written in the Old Testament, "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way—a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him." (Mark 1:2-3 from Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:1.) That person was John the Baptist. In the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we will see his character and mission for the Messiah to come. But before we look to John the Baptist’s characters, we need to look how he was arrived to this physical world.

As every person in the world came from their parents, John the Baptist came from the loving and godly people named Zechariah and Elizabeth. In today’s text, we will look to his parents’ background and how does this passage can be related to our society. If you have Bible on the side of you, turn to Luke 1:5-10; otherwise, you can read the passage that is next two paragraphs.

"In the time of Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well; along in years.

"Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside." (Luke 1:5-10.)

In this passage, we found that this event happened during the reign of King Herod. Also, it was a time of depression in the land of Israel, because they were begging for the Messiah to bring the peace. In the next chapter of Luke, Caesar Augustus issued decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world (2:1), which caused everyone went to his town to register (2:3).

In Luke 1:5, there was a priest named Zechariah, who lived during the reign of King Herod in Judea. As we look at Zechariah, he was a faithful man and priest, who came from the division of Abijah. Abijah means "God is my father." As we read in the Old Testament, there was Samuel’s corruption son (I Samuel 8:3) and a descendant of Aaron who led the eighth division of service in David’s sanctuary (I Chronicles 24:10). Also, Zechariah had a wife named Elizabeth, who was also a descendant of Aaron (Luke 1:5c). In Luke 1:6 says that they were upright in the sight of God, observing His commandments and regulation blamelessly.

As we look to their marriage life, let’s look into our world point view on the marriage. When I was at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, I met couple Christian people who shared with me their pass marriage life. As we discussed on the issue, they demonstrated me what they missed in their lives that caused in broken relationship with Jesus Christ. As we see on the media, many people would want to have marriage life because of the lack of love. Hebrews 13:4-5 says, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’" If you are single as I am, don’t pressure yourself to try to find your mate, because God said that He will take care of your needs and He will celebrate the wedding feast with you in His place. Is the Church, which it represents as His bride?

In Luke 1:7 tells us that Zechariah and his wife had no children because of their old ages. Why God didn’t give them children? As we look Abraham and Sarah, God them a son, Isaac. But when the couple are faithful to God daily, He does not leave in one place. Instead, He waits until they are ready for a child. For instant, when I pray to God, He waits until I am waiting to receive His answer. Maybe you have a situation where you are not getting the answer to your needs.

But nowadays, some couples would decide to have long-term relationship and decide to astray from God. We see the news about the number of the people who decide divorce from each other or to have abortion—a murder of unborn baby. Yes, the baby came from God, and He will answer to your needs, but abortion is not an option. It will take a time. Even Zechariah and Elizabeth can refuse the waiting period that God is going to give a child, but they obeyed the Lord, as we will go further to see in Luke 1.

From Luke 1:8 to 1:10, we see that Zechariah was on the duty before God as being as priesthood. The Greek word for "priesthood" is hierateuma. It denotes "a priesthood" (akin to hierateuo), "a body of priests," consisting of all believers, the whole church (not a special order from among them), called "a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5.)." It’s "a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)," the former term is associated with offering spiritual sacrifices, the latter with the royal dignity of showing forth the Lord's Excellencies.

As in Luke 1:9, Zechariah was chosen by lot and according to the custom of the priesthood. In the Old Testament, God chose the people of Levite, a descendant of Levi who serve God and worked in the temple. Priests were Levites, but not all of them, some had lesser duties. "And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside." (Luke 1:10.)

In the New Testament said that those who believe in Him is called a holy priest. "But you are a chosen people, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (I Peter 2:9.) Even Jesus gave us the Great Commission to tell about the Good News of His kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20). In the household, we are called to serve each other.

When we come to the marriage, there is a different rule between the husband and wife to live God’s way. In I Timothy 2, Paul said that a man should be ahead of his household. The woman does not allow to teach or to have authority over a man, but to listen quietly (I Timothy 2:12). But the women should be reverent in the way they live (Titus 2:3a). As we read Titus 2:3-6, Paul told us that the job description for women should be supposed to do in the family. Nowadays, there are some marry women go out to work and make salary for families. From Genesis 1 to Genesis 2, God created the universe with His mighty hand and He created Adam, the first person that He ever created. Adam was a man, who lived in the Garden. God called Adam to have dominion over the earth. Then He created a woman, Eve, from the one of Adam’s bones. God didn’t call Eve to have the same right that Adam received. But when we see in Genesis 3, the serpent tricked Eve to understand what’s good and what’s bad, which caused Eve received the same right as Adam. To have successful marriage life as in priesthood, we need to let God gives us the duty assignment of household.

Are you saved? Are your love ones and friends saved in the grace of God through Jesus Christ? The purpose of this ministries is to share with you how much God loves you and me and wants to come in our own life to take us through any obstacles in our daily life. As Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms, if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3.)

If you are lukewarm in your relationship with Jesus Christ and want to know Him as your personal Savior and Lord of your life, please consider asking Him to forgive your sins and invite Him into your life. Paul says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believed and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10.) If you have done in your private room or workplace, then you need to tell to your friends or love ones about what you have done, so they may rejoice with you and want to have that relationship with Christ in their own life. There are many occultisms in the world, which do not know the love of God and His great plan for those who believe in Him. As it is written in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”


Posted by MGJC Web Ministry at 12:01 AM EDT
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Saturday, August 20, 2005
The Life and Teachings of Jesus--Gospel Account
Topic: Gospel

In the first four books of the New Testament (NT) of the Bible is on the life of the Jesus. The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are four different eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life. Although they each tell about the same person, in the same location, during the same time in the history, they each told their stories from their unique perspective.

Some biblical scholars think the four books of the Gospel are for four main geographical regions of the world. As Matthew published his book on Jesus, his book was for the Jewish audience, this links the OT (Old Testament) and NT (New Testament). His view on Jesus as the Messiah ("Anointed One" or "Christ") and King promised in the OT. Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ authority and power.

The Gospel of [John] Mark would probably be written for those were pragmatic Roman readers. His Gospel stressed action and gave a straightforward, blow-by-blow account of Jesus’ work on earth.

John has a different, more reflective style than the other Gospel. Its author selected seven signs that pointed to Jesus as the Son of God and wove together everything else to underscore to that point. His Gospel would probably be written those were non-Jews or Christians. Many church leaders pointed that this book is good starting point to walk with God in the daily basis for the young Christians.

Lastly in between the two books of Mark and John, Gospel of Luke. Luke was also a fine writer of the NT period. He was a doctor or some kind of research specialist. He stressed the births of John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth. In Luke 1:1-4, he said, "Many have undertaken to draw an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty things you have been taught."

The next several weeks, we will study and deal with the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. There are several theories of behind of this Christmas story. Some researchers might think that it is all about the symbolism of planets, religions, mythical goddess, and/or tight into the end of the world. But, here, I would like to share the story of Christmas with you in christianology, direct information from the Word of God, not from the human point view.

All the four books of the Gospel are about the Good News of Jesus Christ. They tell us that God brought His Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins in once for all. Although Dr. Luke wrote the second volume of the Gospel, Book of Acts, he emphasized the importance of the Church (Greek word for katholikos or in English word for catholic or the universal church) world after Jesus went to the Heaven.

In the books of the Gospel tells us about how Jesus came to the world as baby in a manger, but in the Book of Revelation gives the description of how Jesus Christ will come again as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 19:16). In the books of the Gospel, Jesus faced many sufferings and trials while He was on the earth, but as we read in the final chapter of the Bible, He will come back to defeat Satan and his armies. In the books of the Gospel, He went back to the Heaven and be with His Father, but in the Book of Revelation, He will come back to take us His kingdom as He promised in John 14:1-4. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17)

But, sadly, in our modern day of the Church, many of us have really focused on the things in this world and have little thought about the kingdom of God. We might usually hear the word of our preachers about Christian family, marriage, financial issues, and our cultural issues, but we might do not hear about His kingdom and/or hell as often.

Yes, many church leaders might have the fear of teaching of the true identity of the Gospel, such as in Matthew 10:34-36. If your family or mine do not gain the truth of God and still follow their tradition ways of the Christian life, and you or I have received the truth from God everyday, then we have to choose to determine to follow our people or God to live in Christian life. We cannot live in two ways of life for God while we are still living with our family members. We can try to witness them by our actions. Jesus didn't say that He came to the world for not bringing peace to the world, but a sword (Matthew 10:34). In Hebrews 4:12-13 says, "For the word of God is living and active. Shaper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

As we conclude this portion of the study series, let us think in which ways that we can live for God. So many of us would think that we are living in a right way and preaching the Good News of Jesus and His kingdom in a right way, but at the bottom line is that we do in wrong ways to pass God's Word to the other. Since the tragedy of 9/11, I wanted to know what this tragedy had to do with the End Time. As I spent with one of my Christian friends and searched the Scriptures and other resources from the Internet during my last 8 months at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, God gave me more understanding of the Holy Scripture on the world event since the 9/11. Once I have the absolute truth of God, I cannot stop growing from my spiritual life. Yes, there is a time when Satan tempts me, but I cannot stop searching for the Scripture, because of God. And I cannot stop to share God's Word with you, family of Jesus Christ. His Word is the true way to live in the physical world.

Are you ready to meet the Lord Jesus Christ when He would return to rapture members of His Church? Are your family and your friends ready to meet the Savior of their lives? If you are lukewarm with your relationship with Christ and want to have that relationship back, please consider confessing all your sins to Him and He will forgive your sins at once for all and will give you the rest.


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Thursday, August 18, 2005
Creation of Man I (Gen 1:26-31)
Topic: Book of Genesis

Have you noticed in today’s American world that which sex of human does have the most of house and outside duty? If we look into the business world, we would see that the most of women would sit in the office and work for her family. According to the study of psychology that one of what woman need within marriage is the financial support. As we will see in Genesis 3, the problem of marriage would spread it out.

But, first, we need to look at the duty of man. The word “man” comes from the Hebrew word for Adam or human being. Throughout the first couple chapters of Genesis, we will see several words of man use. Starting verse 26, the human life begins. The first 25 verses in Genesis were that God was preparing for human to have life before He would create one.

In this session, we will discuss the importance of a man and his duty before we changed the first principal of how man should live in this generation. Turn to Genesis 1 and read with me verses 26-31 as we conclude the first chapter in the Bible.

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all[a] the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food"; and it was so. Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

As we look into the first part of Genesis 1:26, we see that God was speaking to somebody. He may be speaking with His angels, Holy Spirit, or His Son, Jesus. I suggest Jesus because we read in the books of Gospel and said that He is the same as His Father. In fact, Jesus said in His prayer, “…that they may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You…” (John 17:21.) In Hebrews 1:6 (quoted from Psalm 97:7), God said to His Son that let all of His angels worship Him. And Paul said in Colossians 1:15-18, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”

Then God said to His Son that let both of them to make a man or human being in Their image. Now, look into the verse 26 closely. God and His Son first created a man, just like them. It doesn’t say that They created a woman, although we will see that God created a woman after all in the next verse. But, in verse 26, He first created the man on the sixth day of His creation

In the second part of verse 26, God let them to have dominion over every creature on the earth. Wait a moment. How strange that second part of the verse said them and not him. Please don’t misunderstand that God created more than one man. But the second part of this verse may be the summary of what Adam and Eve were doing in Genesis 2.

In fact the next verse says, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

If we look back in verse 26, God gave a man some responsibilities while he lives in this earth. This is the first principal of man duty within marriage and business. We misunderstand this over the centuries. God created a woman for a man and not for herself. Nowadays, we see that many women are going out of their house and do outside jobs for families. Or women who charge over the church. Why? There are many men would take care over their houses while their wives do all the hard work during the day. As we see in Genesis 3, a man was not totally wake while his woman decided to listen to the serpent. Since the event occurred in Genesis 3, most of our men would become weaker than women. Men have a lot of emotional stress. If he saw his wife cheats him, he immediately to chance to have emotional stress.

If we, as men, to have successful life, we need to know that God called us to be the head of our families under Him.


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Sunday, August 14, 2005
Living Creatures (Gen. 1:20-25)

Have you wonder why God created different kind of animals? Have you wonder if animals have souls and would go to the Heaven with the rest of believers? Although there’s no reference if animals have souls or would enter the kingdom of God, God created them for us to enjoy with them while we are living in this temporary home.

Let’s read Genesis 1:20-25:

Then God said, "Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens." So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind"; and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

The Bible gives us some information about animals. As we read in this passage, God created creatures on the fifth day of His creation (Genesis 1:20-23). These creatures are included the extraordinarily large one, included all sorts of fish and mammals, even dinosaurs. There are only few people who believe that the dinosaurs weren’t in the Noah’s ark when God brought rain for forty days and nights, so they concluded that the dinosaurs were not existed.

According Genesis 1:25, God created the beast or wild animals (NIV) on the fifth day. The word “beast” or “wild animal” can also refer to dinosaur. If we don’t see the exact word in the Bible, it doesn’t mean that God didn’t create the dinosaur.

Not only God created the living creatures for our enjoyment, He created them for our physical health. In Genesis 9:2 says, “And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand.” And in the next verse says, “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.”

God gives us which animals that we should eat or not to eat:

  • Leviticus 11:9: These you may eat of all that are in the water: whatever in the water has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers--that you may eat.
  • Leviticus 11:3: Among the animals, whatever divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and chewing the cud--that you may eat.
  • Leviticus 11:21: Yet these you may eat of every flying insect that creeps on all fours: those which have jointed legs above their feet with which to leap on the earth.
  • Leviticus 11:22: These you may eat: the locust after its kind, the destroying locust after its kind, the cricket after its kind, and the grasshopper after its kind.
    [If you are fan of Fear Factor TV show, eating insects, the contestants might know what they are doing.]
  • Deuteronomy 14:11: All clean birds you may eat.

God blessed them to be fruitful and multiply on the earth, so every creature can live life with us and provide us food for our strength.

Are you saved? Are your love ones and friends saved in the grace of God through Jesus Christ? The purpose of this study is to help you to become closer relationship with Jesus Christ. As Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms, if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3.)

If you are lukewarm in your relationship with Jesus Christ and want to know Him as your personal Savior and Lord of your life, please consider asking Him to forgive your sins and invite Him into your life. Paul says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believed and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10.) If you have done in your private room or workplace, then you need to tell to your friends or love ones about what you have done, so they may rejoice with you and want to have that relationship with Christ in their own life. There are many occults in the world, which do not know the love of God and His great plan for those who believe in Him. As it is written in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”


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Sunday, August 7, 2005
Two Great Light (Gen. 1:14-19)
Topic: Book of Genesis

Before we would go farther with our study on Genesis, let’s revisit Genesis 1:5 for a moment. Verse 5 is important to understand about the 24-hour period began. Most of us think 12:01 AM is the beginning of the next day. But in Jewish time, the next day begins at 6:01 PM and it ends at 6:00 PM on the next day.

Why?

If we read Genesis 1:5 carefully, it doesn’t say “…morning and the evening were the first day,” but it’s reverse. Also, in Genesis 1:2, there was darkness covered the earth before God created the daytime. This is the important to know if we study on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Now we will read that how the day actually began. Let’s read Genesis 1:14-19:

Then God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth"; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

In this passage, it explains that how God separated from darkness to light. If we go back to early session, God provided the light since there wasn’t anything to give the earth light. Now on the fourth day of His creation, God created the two great lights to rule the day and night. One of them is the greater light, which is the sun; and another is the lesser light, which we call it moon. Also, He made stars.

God created the sun to rule the daytime. Now, the sun is located on the center of our galaxy. The earth is the third planet away from the solar system or solar energy (sun). Nobody can make it to the sun, because the sun is very hotter than furnace, stove, and regular fire. God created the sun to give earth the light. The energy that we use is from the sun. It has great light source and has a great duty over the earth.

Unfortunately, some people use the sun as god. If we look Catholic Church, we would see the sunshine over the Virgin Mary as she held onto God’s Son, Jesus Christ. This practice was appeared since the ancient Egyptian time.

God created the moon to mark off the seasons (Psalm 104:19a). Throughout the Old Testament, the New Moon appointed the feasts of the Lord that He wanted let them to have (see Numbers 10:10; 28:11-15; 1 Chronicles 23:31; 2 Chronicles 31:3; Ezra 3:5) In Paganism, it symbolized the Queen of Heaven (see Jeremiah 7:18; 44:7-19, 25), which the Roman Catholicism version of Virgin Mary as their goddess.

Genesis 1:14 tells us that the moon and sun be for signs, seasons, days, and years. Although we understand the seasons, days, and years, some of us may misunderstand what signs mean. The word sings in Genesis 1 does not only mean the End Time. We must understand that God created the world for His pleasure.

God let sun and moon be the sign for this reason:

1) Weather (Matthew 16:2-3)

2) Testimony to God (Psalm 8; 19; Romans 1:14-20; 3)

3) Divine judgment (Joel 2:30-31; Matthew 24:29)

4) Navigation (Matthew 2:1-2)

After He created all these things that day, God saw that it was good. If He dislikes idea, He wouldn’t create anything on earth. We must realize God created things on Earth for His pleasure and not ours.

Are you ready to be the witness for Jesus Christ? Most today’s scientists are trying to study the light and may not realize where it actually comes from. Unfortunately, we have the answer from God’s Word.

Are you saved? Are your love ones and friends saved in the grace of God through Jesus Christ? The purpose of this study is to help you to become closer relationship with Jesus Christ. As Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms, if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3.)

If you are lukewarm in your relationship with Jesus Christ and want to know Him as your personal Savior and Lord of your life, please consider asking Him to forgive your sins and invite Him into your life. Paul says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believed and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10.) If you have done in your private room or workplace, then you need to tell to your friends or love ones about what you have done, so they may rejoice with you and want to have that relationship with Christ in their own life. There are many occults in the world, which do not know the love of God and His great plan for those who believe in Him. As it is written in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”


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Saturday, July 30, 2005
Heaven, Land, and Seas (Gen. 1:6-13)
Topic: Book of Genesis

Have you wonder how many galaxies are outer spaces? There maybe billions of galaxies are outer space that we cannot come up with. Even though we cannot name them all, God knows every galaxy that He ever made. Two of them are the Heaven and Earth. God created the Heaven and Earth.

As we are continuing studying in the Book of Genesis, we already have discussed about the foundation of the universe. In Genesis 1:1-2, we discovered that Jesus was in the beginning of the world. Also, in Genesis 1:3-5, we discovered that God was the resource of light. As we read in the Gospel of John, Jesus declares that He is the light of the world (8:12). If there is no light, we still would be in the darkness. In fact, we wouldn’t be alive because of lightless. Since God is the resource of light, He gave us breathe to live on this planet.

Now, let’s go deeper of earth creation. Read Genesis 1:6-13:

Then God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters." Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.

Then God said, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear"; and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth"; and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the third day.

Beginning verses 6 through 8, we see that God created Heaven in the midst of the waters. The word “firmament” in verse 6 means the portion of God’s creation named “heavens,” that which man saw when he looked up, i.e., the atmospheric and stellar heaven.

In the Bible, there are three layers of heavens. First, God created heaven that is on the atmosphere of the earth, which we are living now. Second heaven is a place for dead people can have rest until their time to go to the eternal home, which was called Paradise. Unfortunately, this Paradise does no longer exist after the resurrection of Jesus. Before the New Testament era, every dead people entered this Heaven for short time until Jesus raised them from the dead and took them into His place. And third heaven is a place that God created for us to stay in until He will take us to the New Earth.

In Genesis 1, God created the Heaven, sky, on Earth, so we can enjoy His creation. Later on Genesis 1, we see that God created something else on the Heaven as a sign of time period. Also, notice, God separated the Heaven from the water, which we can tell that the Earth was fulfilled with water in the beginning of the word. Although we don’t know how God would take on the second day to create Heaven in the midst of the water, God created this beautiful heaven on the Earth for His sake.

On the third day of His creation, God created land and seas on the earth (1:9-10). As we studied on this, we must understand what the formation of earth was like before God brought the rain for forty days and forty nights. Currently, most scientists indicated that this planet has covered with 70 percent of water in this time of period.

If we read Genesis 8-9 on the account of after flood, we read that Noah was having a hard time to find a dried land. With this account, I may believe that the earth was almost covered with land before Genesis 6. Also, we know that the New Earth will cover with 100 percent of land.

God created a land for not only we or other creatures can walk on the earth, but God also can provide us food, trees, and fruits that we can enjoy in our lives. He doesn’t left things out before He created us. If He created us on the third day, how can we eat or live? That’s why Jesus said that He’s going to the Father to prepare a place for us and He will come back to take us with Him (see John 14:1-4).

After He created all these things that day, God saw that it was good. If He dislikes idea, He wouldn’t create anything on earth. We must realize God created things on Earth for His pleasure and not ours.

Are you ready to be the witness for Jesus Christ? Most today’s scientists are trying to study the light and may not realize where it actually comes from. Unfortunately, we have the answer from God’s Word.

Are you saved? Are your love ones and friends saved in the grace of God through Jesus Christ? The purpose of this study is to help you to become closer relationship with Jesus Christ. As Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms, if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3.)

If you are lukewarm in your relationship with Jesus Christ and want to know Him as your personal Savior and Lord of your life, please consider asking Him to forgive your sins and invite Him into your life. Paul says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believed and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10.) If you have done in your private room or workplace, then you need to tell to your friends or love ones about what you have done, so they may rejoice with you and want to have that relationship with Christ in their own life. There are many occults in the world, which do not know the love of God and His great plan for those who believe in Him. As it is written in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”


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Saturday, July 23, 2005
Heaven and Earth (Gen. 1:1-5)
Topic: Book of Genesis

Have you wonder how God created the Heaven and Earth? If you wonder how God was able to created living things, the first five verses in Genesis tell us that God spoke His Word to the universe and it formed as the Earth and Heaven. John 1 tells us that God was the Word and the Word became flesh and dwell among us (see John 1:1-3, 14). God’s Word is so powerful that He can create the world.

Before we would go to further discussion, let’s read in today’s text as we go and explore on God’s creation.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness wason the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. (Genesis 1:1-5)

We already studied Genesis 1:1-2 from the previous section, but I would like to revisit and discuss how these verses can connect to the next three verses. Genesis 1:1-2 is the beginning of how the earth appeared. Before God created the Heaven and Earth, there wasn’t any form of God’s creations, except God’s kingdom for Him. We don’t know what events have taken place before the creation of the universe. Only God know what it took place.

Genesis 1:2 says that there was no form of Earth, except the globe with no creation on it. The earth was totally dark until God created the light—a bright light. Some today’s scientists believe on the Big Bang Theory—a universe explosion from nowhere. But, in Genesis 1 says that God created the Heaven and Earth and not exterritorial from somewhere on the outer space. There was a beginning point of the universe, that is, God began to create the Heaven and Earth. God spoke His Word to create all things that we can enjoy and honor Him as King of kings and Lord of lords.

First thing that God created was light. It would be the sun, but that is in verses 14-19. Here, God was the provider of light (II Corinthians 4:6). This light will also be the eternal source of light. John says in Revelation 22:5 as he had a vision about the New Heaven and New Earth, “There shall be night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.” Would we be great that we can be in His kingdom? This light is the same as what it’s written in Genesis 1:3.

We might wonder why God created the sun on the fourth day since He is the provider. Although He is the light of the world (John 8:12), God knew one of the days that we would decide to refuse Him as the ultimate light. He said in Isaiah, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways (55:8).” God knows everything before we would ever sin.

On the first day of His creation, God created the morning and evening. God created this day period, because He knows we would need rest during the 24-hour period. Although we don’t know how the time system work on that day, God gave light during the day and lesser light during the night.

As we see in later chapter 1, Adam and Eve were on the Garden of Eden. They might tell the time according to direction of the sun.

As God is the light of the world, He calls us to be in His light and spread to others. He would like us to be the light of the Gospel for the loss. As Jesus says in Acts 1:8, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Are you ready to be the witness for Jesus Christ? Most today’s scientists are trying to study the light and may not realize where it actually comes from. Unfortunately, we have the answer from God’s Word.

Are you saved? Are your love ones and friends saved in the grace of God through Jesus Christ? The purpose of this study is to help you to become closer relationship with Jesus Christ. As Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms, if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3.)

If you are lukewarm in your relationship with Jesus Christ and want to know Him as your personal Savior and Lord of your life, please consider asking Him to forgive your sins and invite Him into your life. Paul says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believed and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10.) If you have done in your private room or workplace, then you need to tell to your friends or love ones about what you have done, so they may rejoice with you and want to have that relationship with Christ in their own life. There are many occults in the world, which do not know the love of God and His great plan for those who believe in Him. As it is written in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”


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Saturday, July 16, 2005
In the Beginning (Genesis 1:1-2)
Topic: Book of Genesis

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (Gen 1:1-2)

The first four of words in Genesis 1 are “In the beginning God…” From these simple words, we know that there was somebody at out of the universe, who was the supreme of the universe, God. There was the God before the earth formed. There was nobody else beside Him. That is the one of good things that we cannot be confused about the Person who created the universe.

Unfortunately, most people created themselves their gods and put them as creators. For example: Moslems believe that their religion arrived from Allah. If they believe that Allah began the Islamic faith, where was Allah before the creation of the world? Most religious scholars believe that the Islamic faith came from Ishmael, a descent of Moabites and one of the sons of Abraham. If we look Abraham’s life, we see that God refused him to multiply his descendants from Hagar’s firstborn son, Ishmael, Egyptian slave. We will discuss further on this later on. In the meantime, let’s go to the next discussion question.

Okay, who is God of the universe? Before we would go to this question, we must understand that there is only one God in the Bible. Although there seems to be a strict god in the Old Testament and loving god in the New Testament, there is only one God. For example, the natural father disciplines his child if his child is doing bad thing, but not everyday. Instead, the father gives his child some loves and praises when his child is doing well. This is same method that God is using. So, do not confuse yourself between the Old Testament God and New Testament God, but there is the God in the Bible.

Throughout the Bible, we see God reveals Himself who He is. There are many descriptions to describe who He is. In Genesis 1:1, we recognize God as the Creator. He created everything in the beginning of this world. He is called Himself the Word (John 1:1), Savior (Luke 1:47), Alpha and Omega (Revelation 21:6), and the last Adam (I Corinthians 15:47), just few.

In Colossians, Paul explains us who God was in the beginning of this world. He says in Colossians 1:15-18, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”

Does this description of person familiar to us? Of course, we recognize Him as our Lord Jesus Christ. Although His name is kept secret in the Old Testament, we see Jesus’ work on the people of Israel. In Genesis, Jesus appeared to Abraham as Melchizedek, priest of Most High and king of Salem (which it called later as Jerusalem). (See Genesis 14; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:17, 21.)

Jesus was in the world since the Day 1 of creation. He was and is the God of the universe. But there was somebody else with Him. Read verse 2. We see that there was also the Spirit of God. Who is the Spirit of God? In John 14, Jesus gave promise to His disciples that He will send the Holy Spirit, who will help them to carry on His mission. Likewise, we see that God has a Helper in Genesis 1, which we will discuss Him later.

Notice that I didn’t call the Holy Spirit as it. Some preachers may call the Holy Spirit as it. We need to be careful about this. The Holy Sprit is the third person of the Trinity. God is the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Again, the Holy Spirit carries His tasks according to the will of God. We see the Holy Spirit carries our prayer to God and return our request with answers from God (Romans 8:26-27).

How do these two verses reflect to the New Testament church? What is sufficient event that was carried throughout many generations in Genesis 1:1-2? Well, there are several reasons why we need to understand from these two verses. If we do not know the Book of Genesis, we wouldn’t know how our world began in the beginning.

We, as Christians, must hold the true about who created us. If there is no God, there would not be anything created in this planet. We wouldn’t be alive. The church wouldn’t exist for somebody to give honor the Creator. Although Genesis is a book of the Old Covent, it leads to who Jesus is. Again, Apostles John and Paul declare that Jesus was in the beginning of the world.

We also need to understand about the Trinity. God is the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. They are whole parts of God and each has 100 percent of the being. Jesus declares in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We worship our God, not because the freedom that He gave us, but He created us and gave the freedom to choose to honor Him. In the next section of the study, we will study more further of this section of the study.

Are you saved? Are your love ones and friends saved in the grace of God through Jesus Christ? The purpose of this study is to help you to become closer relationship with Jesus Christ. As Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms, if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3.)

If you are lukewarm in your relationship with Jesus Christ and want to know Him as your personal Savior and Lord of your life, please consider asking Him to forgive your sins and invite Him into your life. Paul says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believed and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10.) If you have done in your private room or workplace, then you need to tell to your friends or love ones about what you have done, so they may rejoice with you and want to have that relationship with Christ in their own life. There are many occults in the world, which do not know the love of God and His great plan for those who believe in Him. As it is written in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”


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Saturday, July 9, 2005
Is Our Country the Day of Sodom and Gomorrah?
Topic: Book of Proverbs

It is actually being said that there is sexual sin among you. And it is a kind that does not happen even among people who do not know God. A man there has his father’s wife. And you are proud! You should have been filled with sadness so that the man did this should be out of your group. (I Corinthians 5:1-2)

In Proverbs 5, we studied about how our cultural world becomes an adultery world. Since Eve refused God’s command until these days, we, as men, let give women to have dominion over the house of the family. Also, we looked at what our media is doing over the sin of adultery.

Revelation 2 explained that what one of the seven churches is going about to do something with this sin. The church of Thyatira, which we recognized it as the Roman Catholicism in today’s term (See Revelation 2:18-29), we see that many people are taking the role of adultery in seriously way. As it is written in the Holy Bible, we also see this action of sin takes place in today’s Catholic churches throughout the media.

Are we in the day of Sodom and Gomorrah that Genesis 19 explained to us? What is this mean? Are we going to see the appearance of Antichrist before the rapture of churches? Before we look these questions, let’s back up to the sexual conduct in the Jewish history and in the last portion of Proverbs 6.

“Marriage was the time for sexual relations, as premarital and extramarital relations were biblically forbidden. Both adultery and fornication were forbidden by biblical lawn. A girl found that not to be a virgin on her wedding night was liable to be stoned to death for disgracing her father’s house. (Deuteronomy 22:20-21.) Likewise, in the cases of a man found to be sleeping with another man’s wife, or with a woman in a city who is betrothed to be married, both the man and the woman were stoned to death.

“The biblical code is also full of regulations about unnatural sexual acts practiced by the pagan world and deemed ungodly and defiling for the Israelites. (Leviticus 18.) In the New Testament, there are many verses on the Church’s view of sexual conduct (I Corinthians 5:1-2; 6:12-20; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5, etc), including within marriage (I Corinthians 7:;3-7). Since the sexual standards of the non-Jewish, non-Christian world were very low, and Christianity attracted many social outcasts and prostitutes, the rules of sexual conduct needed to be clearly understood.” (Taken from “Almanac of the Bible” by Geoffrey Wigoder, Ph.D.)

This sexual conduct code was very aware to the people of Israel since they had Moses. In Leviticus 18, God gave Israelites some rules about not having sexual relations outside their marriages. It was a law that they needed to keep in their lives. “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Tell the people of Israel: “In the past you lived in Egypt, but you must not do what was done in that country. And you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their customs. You must obey my rules and follow them. I am the LORD your God. Obey my laws and rules; a person who obeys them will live because of them. I am the LORD.”’” (Leviticus 18:1-5.)

Unfortunately, they refused God’s law about sexual relations. After the day of Sodom and Gomorrah, their ancestors refused to have sexual relationship with the strangers. But when King David ruled over the land of Israel, people began to follow with the strangers and had been decided to get marry. In II Samuel 13, we read that Amnon, David’s son, was trying to have a sexual relationship with her sister, Tamar, who was a virgin. Of course, before Amnon committed adultery, his father, David, was fallen into that same trap. While David was in his palace and his armies went to war, he began to fall in love with Queen Bathsheba. (II Samuel 11.) As the Scripture was written, Queen Bathsheba was very beautiful looking woman to David and had a sex with him. As we read the rest of chapter, David married Bathsheba, who had a husband in her life, and the Lord hated what David had done. In II Samuel 12, we read that David came to the realization of his sin and received his punishment from God by the death of his one of sons.

After his punishment, “Then David comforted Bathsheba his wife. He slept with her and had sexual relations with her. She became pregnant again and had another son, whom David named Solomon. The LORD loved Solomon.” (II Samuel 12:24.) Then his son, Solomon, did the same act as his father did. Even God made sex in marriage; many of us have misused way since the years of King David.

The first 29 verses in Genesis 19 explained why and how the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. It was their lack of sexual desired to fall their cities. Although Sodom and Gomorrah wanted to have sex with Lot’s daughters, the “LORD sent a rain of burning sulfur from the sky… and destroyed those cities.” (Genesis 19:24-25a.)

According to Epistle Jude pointed out what would happen to those who are acting like Sodom and Gomorrah: “Also remember the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and the other towns around them. In the same way they were full of sexual sin and people who desired sexual relations that God does not allow. They suffer the punishment of eternal fire, as an example for all to see.” (Jude 7.)

Even we are living on the earth, this act is still going on. This is not secret a crime of adultery. In Revelation 2, we see that Jesus gave Thyatira Church a warning about this sexual sin. But, we also see that today’s Roman Catholicism is carried this act to the local churches in the America. (See chapter on “Warning of Adultery” for more details.) Even Pope John Paul II is recognized as a global religious leader, he and his church leaders are ignoring this sin of adultery. As it is written in the revelation of Jesus, “The kings of the earth sinned sexually with her, and the people of the earth became drunk wine of her sexual sin.” (Revelation 17:2.)

Because the sexual sin is a dangerous activity in the world since the day of Sodom and Gomorrah, Solomon said, “My son, keep your father’s commands, and don’t forget your mother’s teaching. Keep their words in mind forever as though you had them tie around your neck. They will guide you when you walk. They will guard you when you sleep. They will speak to you when you are awake. These commands are like a lamp; this teaching is like a light. And the correction that comes from them will help you have life. They will keep you from sinful women and from the pleasing words of another’s unfaithful wife.” (Proverbs 6:20-24.)

Solomon wanted his son to have successful life without turning away from God. One of the reasons our cultural world is made disaster area is our country freedom contract. Since the United States gave women the right to have men’s position, we have forgotten what the Scriptures have to say about to have godly living with family. We see that many family members are going separate away to live life. We see that they are in danger with their children. We see that many public schools are teaching their children about sex, gay, witchcraft, occults, and other world religions. Even the entertainment is overflowing with these activities. For example, movies Harry Potter and Star War Epistles are contained fantasy and witchcraft, which God had forbidden to His children these activities; and we are allowing our people to watch movies for their entertainment and education.

Unlike the word of Solomon, we are pleasing to ourselves with these activities. Even though some of us have rejected these activities, we are overflowing to ourselves with jobs, family members, friends, and our materials like household, car, money, physical relationship, and entertainment. Solomon warned his children to listen and pay attention to their father’s advice, so they may have a successful life.

Solomon gave us some points to avoid adulteress life.

“Don’t desire her because she is beautiful.” (Proverbs 6:25a.) Even though you find a beautiful woman in your life, it doesn’t mean that you decide to marry her. Again, your woman may have a lack of interest you, as we studied Proverbs 5, or not.

“Don’t let her capture you by the way she looks at you.” (Proverbs 6:25b.) This is the most popular way a man draws to attention to the woman. This is the same trick method that Satan used to Eve. Listen: “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden?”’” (Genesis 3:1 NIV.) Although Eve answered correctly, Satan (or serpent) gave her the second answer in beautiful and trickily way. Even today many women dresses sexy, they can trick some men into the physical relationship. And that is the dangerous activity for the most men to caught into. “A prostitute will treat you like a loaf of bread, and a woman who takes part in adultery may cost you your life.” (Proverbs 6:26.)

If you want a good relationship with your partner, then take Solomon’s advice. He wrote, “You cannot carry hot coals against your chest without burning your clothes, and you cannot walk on hot coals without burning your feet. The same is true if you have sexual relations with another man’s wife. Anyone who does so will be punished.” (Proverbs 6:27-29.) Even John the Baptist said that it is not lawful to Herod takes sexual relations with his brother’s wife. (See Matthew 14:3-5; Mark 6:17-20.)

“Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger. Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, thought it costs him all the wealth of his house. But a man who commits adultery lacks judgments; whoever does so destroys himself.” (Proverbs 6:30-32 NIV.)

If you are practicing adultery with the other people outside the marriage, then your relationship have been destroyed. Many American younger and older people, especially between ages 15 and 22, think that this sex practice will help them into the good marriage. Even the MTV and BET Channels show this as their ways to teach the young adults as education and entertainment. Then we see that many couples are showing on the Court TV programs to resolve the marriage and family issues. Again, we are in the generation where Sodom and Gomorrah had lacked the good sex in the marriage; and we are following them to the next generation.

In Revelation 18, we see that many nations will be fallen into adultery as the fall of Babylon (or Roman Empire) is approached. “After this I [John the Divine] saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. With a mighty voice he shouted: ‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird. For all nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the grew rich from her excessive luxuries.’” (Revelation 18:1-3 NIV.)

Some scholars think this passage refers to United States of America as reference to Babylon, this is why. As we live in USA, we see that many Christian activities are going around the 50 states and this country has a lot of merchants and stores that many of us can purchase. Pastor Chuck Smith, in Costa Mesa, California, pointed that we have more automobiles is available than in any other countries of the world. In additional to this information, we see many sexual clothes in variety stores and sexual activities are going on across U.S. As we looked at the last couple months, the American Catholic priests had been abusing the children sexually. If we look into the Roman Catholic churches (There are differences between the Catholic churches and the Roman Catholic churches. The original catholic or universal church began since apostles of Acts. But the Roman Catholic church is a religion that is mixed with Christianity and Paganism.), we see that they are teaching many false doctrines and worshipping Mary, mother of Jesus, as Queen Mother (see Jeremiah 44:19-25), and saints. Over 900 years, the Roman Catholicism practiced sexual abuse in the church secretly; and, now, it opens to the public communities. How this terrible thing happens? We have been so focused on the world and not have realized that the Book of Revelation is beginning to fulfill to this generation—a generation that we are living today.

What would you do if you commit adultery in your life? Solomon said, “He will be beaten up and disgraced, and his shame will never go away. Jealousy makes a husband very angry, and he will have no pity when he gets revenge. He will accept no payment for the wrong; he will take no amount of money.” (Proverbs 6:33-36.) Have a good relationship with your partner in your life rather than committing adultery with the other people. God has a plan in your partnership or marriage in your life.


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Saturday, July 2, 2005
Dangers of Being Foolish
Topic: Book of Proverbs

My child, be careful about a giving a guarantee for somebody else’s loan… (Proverbs 6:1a)

What are some dangers of being foolish? What are some traps that the people can rob you? Over 1,000 TV commercial ads desired you to buy their merchandises with the low interest rate. They wanted people to buy their merchandises to gain more money. Many people spend more than $1,000,000 on the TV commercial ads. Many people have made guarantee commitments for their customers to buy their products. Are there dangers going on behind the guarantee commandments?

Nowadays, the Psychics Network Reading is commercialized over the hundred channels throughout U.S. The sponsors always say that they can help you to predict your feature. Like the magi and witches (see Daniel 2 and Matthew 2), they have the power of witchcraft to make many feature prophecies. Unfortunately, a CBN Founder Pat Robertson, who invites some occults into his TV program, explained that those psychologists helped the only one percent of the American people to make their dreams come true. Those who practice witchcraft are in real danger to the American people, because their guarantee commandments are falsely used. Not only they are in the danger from the people, they are doing what God said that it’s wrong. (See Deuteronomy 13:1-11.)

Are you aware when someone made guarantee commitment to you? For example, your neighbor wants to offer you a $1,000 to pay your house mortgage. Then you said that you will pay the money back to your neighbor within 30 days. But, after 30 days, you decide to ignore the guarantee commitment and decide to buy a $1,000 worth of car.

What would be your neighbor saying about his money property? Think about it. What would your neighbor is going to you? Solomon said, “My child, be careful about giving a guarantee for somebody else’s loan, about promising to pay what someone else owes. You might get trapped by what you say; you might be caught by your own words.” (Proverbs 6:1-2.)

Even today in this country, many political leaders, even our current president, George W. Bush, and commercial ads want to give some promises that would make the people happy. Then their promises would never happen. Former President Bill Clinton made some lies about his sexual scandal to the nation. Even he committed adultery outside his marriage; he proclaimed that he didn’t have the affair with Monica Lewinsky.

Why these events are happening in the America and rest of the world? Why the lies are popular to these days? One of the reasons of the words of lies is the one of the signs will appear at the scene of the coming of Antichrist after the rapture of the church. In Revelation 13 explains us many people will worship the beast, who will be going to pretend like he is Christian and Christ. Even today, we see that many Christian TV and radio programs proclaim that pastors and reverences can heal the disease upon the people or force the demons out from the person in the name of Jesus Christ, although they rush into the demons without recognizing that they are in the spiritual war with Satan. Or they make a prediction of the second coming of Jesus, although Jesus said that no one, even His angels, can tell the time of His arrival to the earth. (Matthew 24:36.)

When you caught by your neighbor, Solomon gave the rule to get free out of the death of guarantee. He said, “My child, if you have done this and under are your neighbor’s control, here is how to get free.” (Proverbs 6:3a.) Most of the American parents may have the lack of giving a good tip of advice to their children. They may give children some advice how their children have the successful life after their schools. But when the children come to the hard decisions, such as alcoholism, materialism, religion, and paganism, most parents may come to the conclusion of their decisions before the children ask another question. Unlike the modern day of parenting, Solomon gave his child a step of instruction.

First, doesn’t be a proud person (Proverbs 6:3b). God hates a person who has pride herself. Although He loves the people are in the earth, He hates those who are self-sinners and be in proud. In Epistle John said, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If you love the world, the love of the Father is not in you. These are the ways of the world: wanting to please our sinful selves, wanting the sinful things we see, and being too proud of what we have. None of these come from the Father, but all of them come from the world.” (I John 2:15-16.) There are three things that God hate in this passage:

  1. Wanting to please our sinful selves: Misusing sex, using alcohol, night parties, and etc.
  2. Wanting the sinful things we see: TV and movie with pornography, violence, romance activities, and etc.
  3. Being too proud of what we have: Family, marriage, awards, money, car, house, and etc.

Second, go to your neighbor and beg to be free from your promise (Proverbs 6:3c). This is the hardest thing to do in the America today. As we live in today’s society, many teenagers and parents are fighting each other to get what they want. Many parents have decided to divorce from their spouses because of their disagreements. Many teenagers have frustration in their minds because their parents are in the war zone.

But Solomon gave away the secret to get the freedom from these distractions. That is asking them for forgiveness. This is the same way that Jesus forgave our sins. If there is no forgiveness, how we beg for freedom? Jesus didn’t just die on the cross to show that He is the King of kings. He didn’t just die over and over again, like the Roman Catholicism believes. He died once on the cross to pay our sins and resurrect to His Father, so we can be with Him for eternity. Paul wrote, “When we were unable to help ourselves, at the moment of our needs, Christ died for us, although we were against God. But God shows his great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:6, 8.)

Are you hurting inside of your life? Are you trying to hide something from your neighbor, co-worker, or family? Why not asking them for forgiveness? “Don’t go sleep or even rest your eyes, but free yourself like a deer running from a hunter, like a bird flying away from a trapper.” (Proverbs 6:4-5.) Don’t excuse yourself without asking them for forgiveness.

Are you a lazy person or obedience person when your father asks you to do something for him? In John 6 recorded the situation with more than 5,000 people. We do not know the exact number of people. There may be 1,000 people came up to Jesus or 10,000. Men, women, children, grandparents, and grandchildren may show up to Jesus. But Jesus fed all the people with five loaves of breads and two small fishes. (John 6:1-15.)

Before Jesus fed them bread and a fish, His disciples questioned Him about how they could feed all the people on the field. Of course, Jesus knew what He is going to do, but He wanted to test His disciples. “Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread, so these may eat?’ But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.” (John 6:5-6.)
What would you do when Jesus ask you to feed the multitude of people with your small amount of money? What would you do when your parents ask you to clean the whole house within one day? You may say, “You are crazy. I cannot clean all around the house in 24 hours.” And you may ask your parents to have another day of extension. That was the same reaction to Philip’s situation with Jesus’ question. “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” (John 6:7.)

Solomon said, “Go watch the ants, you lazy person. Watch what they do and be wise.” (Proverbs 6:6.) Go to the smart person and learn from him. Remember when Jesus gave us the illustration of two ways to build a house. One is a wise builder and another is a foolish builder. (See Matthew 7:24-29.) In Psalm 1, there are two ways of living in life on the earth, but only one of them is what God wants us to live by. Like the ants, we can live by God’s rule. “Ants have no commander, no leader or ruler, but they store up food in the summer and gather their supplies at harvest.” (Proverbs 6:7-8.)

We do not need more government and political laws to survive our needs. We need Jesus Christ and His Word in our lives. The pages of the Bible are filled with God’s promise and truth. It is the only book that explains us about our daily life in pass, present, and future. But God may ask us, “How long will you lie there, you lazy person? When will you get up from sleeping?” (Proverbs 6:9)

Even when we are doing our earthly tasks, God asks us these two questions. “Yet we know that a person is made right with God not by following the law, but by trusting in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus, that we might be made right with God because we trusted in Christ. It is not because we follow the law, because no one can be made right with God by following the law.” (Galatians 2:16)

Are you sleeping in your job as it described in Proverbs 6:10-11? “Some people are wicked and no good. They go around telling lies, winking with their eyes, tapping their feet, and making signs with their fingers. They make evil plans in their hearts and are always starting arguments. So trouble will strike them in an instant; suddenly they will be so hurt no one can help them” (Proverbs 6:12-15.)

Are you one of them?

“There are six things the LORD hates. There are seven things he cannot stand…” (Proverbs 6:’16.) What are they? Why God cannot love the seven things that we are enjoying doing? Let’s go through them:

  1. A proud look. God hates a proud looking person. He is a jealous God,. He hates a person who says, “I did this or that…” In Isaiah 14:13-15, Lucifer was trying to make a proud look upon himself by saying “I will…” for five time.
  2. A lying tongue. When the serpent tricked Even in the Garden, Even and Adam had lied to God that they didn’t eat the fruit o9n the middle of the Eden. (See Genesis 3.) From the beginning of sin until now, many people have been used to the “white lie” and it became the growth of the worldwide.
  3. Hands that kill innocent people. They are abortion, murder, kidnapping, and etc. The first person in this action was Cain, who murdered his brother, Abel, because God didn’t accept Cain’s gift. (See Genesis 4:1-15.)
  4. A mind that thinks up evil plans.
  5. Feet that are quick to do evils.
  6. A witness who lies.

Someone who starts argument among families. (See Proverbs 6:17-19.)

Which of these are you needed to avoid in your life? If you surrender to Jesus Christ with your sins, He can forgive your sins and will make you His child for eternality.


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Saturday, June 25, 2005
Reaching for the Goal
Topic: Goal

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (I Corinthians 9:26-27 KJV)

Do you have goal in your life that you'd want to grab on? We all do have certain goals that we would like to have in our lifetimes, but it's a challenge. Apostle Paul reminds us that reaching for the goal is not easiest thing to do. We do all have to work toward to our goal. Even Jesus reached for His goal, saving His people from their sins by dying on the Cross and rose again on the third day.

Everyday, we have a race--a race that the world would like to challenge our spiritual authority on. It could be to do with our jobs, lifestyles, finances, marriage, car, or with our loved ones. Whatever is, Satan would like to challenge us on certain object or person. Although we may have difficult to find that obstacle first, with God's help, we can face the challenge that our enemy sets before us.

Do you have goal to wish to grab on? Why not just trusting Jesus Christ to conquer your obstacle and grab on that victor that He prepares for you to have it.


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Warning about Adultery (Proverbs 5:1-23)
Topic: Book of Proverbs

"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `Do not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye--even if it is your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your hand—even if it is your stronger hand--causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” (Matthew 5:27-30 NLT)

In today’s media, we see many dangerous activities are going around the world. We have heard that many teenagers have already decided what they would like to do with their futures. We have heard many rumors of crises among families throughout the media.

In Matthews 5, Jesus taught a lesson about adultery to the multitude of people. He gave them a warning about having sexual sins in their lives. Even today, some churches take this teaching seriously, because our bodies are only for God and not for the world. But, nowadays, some of us take this warning too lightly and would have decided to take some opportunities to go into exploration with the strangers outside the marriage.

As we continue studying with the Book of Proverbs by each verse, Solomon gave his children a warning about adultery. In Proverbs 2:16-19, he gave his children a brief lesson to stay away from unfaithful wives, who would try to lead them to commit adultery.

If you are a man, it is very important to know and understand about the world’s ways to have sexual intercourse. In Genesis 1, God gave a man to have a dominion over everything on the earth and not the woman. (See Genesis 1:26.) Paul said to Timothy that there are different rules among men and women according to God’s creation. (See I Timothy 2.) Unfortunately, some church leaders would refuse to teach to the congregation. Nowadays, we see that more women are going to workplaces outside their homes than the men.

It is important to listen and understand what the Bible has to say about sexual life inside and outside the marriage. Sexual relationship is only made from inside the marriage. The Book of Hebrews says, “Marriage should be honored by everyone, and husband and wife should keep their marriage pure.” (Hebrews 13:4a.) The word pure means having nothing do with sin and committing adultery.

The first marriage was held in the Book of Genesis, between Adam and Eve. As we read in Genesis 2, “So a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one body. The man and his wife were naked, but they were not ashamed.” (Genesis 2:24-25.) God gave Adam a partner, Eve, from his bone. (Genesis 2:23.) We read from these verses that God allowed Adam and Eve to have a sexual relationship with each other inside the marriage. And we understand that they weren’t ashamed or embarrassed with each other being naked until we read Genesis 3, when they broke God’s convent because of the serpent.

As we read the first two verses in Proverbs 5, Solomon told his child to listen to his words of wisdom fully, so he would not fall into the sin of adultery. “My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen to my words of understanding. Be careful to use good sense and watch what you say.” (Proverbs 5:1-2.)

Remember that Solomon had experienced the sin of adultery when he ruled over the land of Israel. (See I King 11:1-14.) “He had seven hundred wives who were from royal families and three hundred slave women who gave birth to his children. His wives caused to turn away from God.” (I King 11:3.) That was how his problem seriously occurred. He would have about 1,000 kisses to his 1,000 women a day. We don’t know how Solomon survived with his wives. Only God brought him out of this adultery.

So, Solomon wrote these proverbs on “warning of adultery” to his children.

Even today, many men are very attracted by the women. Most women are trying to have their sexiest style appearances at public communities. As Solomon said, “The words of another man’s wife may seem sweet as honey; they may be smooth as olive oil.” (Proverbs 5:3.)

If we examine the women in the world, we see how they dressed by their appearances. Today, many music channels (MTV, BET, VH1, etc.) show how the women are by how they appeared in the TV and their words in many songs. Even on the radio, the women would try to make men attention to them. “But in the end she will bring you sorrow, causing you pain like two-edge sword. She is on the way to death; her steps are headed straight to the grave.” (Proverbs 5:4-5.)

What is the adultery means? Quoting from the Holman Bible Dictionary, "ADULTERY is the act of unfaithfulness in marriage that occurs when one of the marriage partners voluntarily engages in sexual intercourse with a person of the opposite sex other than the marriage partner."

Even you, man, are falling in love with your woman, she might bring you to many pains in physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This goes for opposite sex as well. The person may not concern for her partner’s needs. She only knows what she/he needs. Even you are not married with your partner; your mate may have the lack of interest in you.

If you have wife or girlfriend, you need to consider yourself with spending the time with your partner; otherwise, she means nothing to you. “She gives little thought to life. She doesn’t even know that her ways are wrong.” (Proverbs 5:6.)

Much adultery contains with homosexual diseases, HIV, cancer, AIDS, and other diseases that are related to the sexual relationship with opposite sex. Unfortunately, many of us, even we are called “Christians,” encourage ourselves to learn about having sexual relationship without going through marriage. We can learn these activities from TV, movies, Internet, merchandises, and even from children’s toys.

We even can see that many marry women are working full-time as employment outside the houses. About 80 percent of the women are working at their churches or at their workplaces. That’s why the most of men are depending on their housewives or women to charge at their homes.

Paul wrote, “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” (I Timothy 2:8-15.)

In Proverbs 5:7-14, Solomon told his children about how they need to bewared having women in their lives. He didn’t want let the women to lead his children to adultery. Solomon said, “Now, my sons, listen to me, and don’t ignore what I say.” (Proverbs 5:7.)

If you find a woman that you desired, but, later on, you might find out that her plan is hurting you. She may plan to abuse you in sexually, emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually. There are many ways to abuse each other. The world contains this virus to fight among the people.

Even today, we heard that the priest from the Catholic Church abuse the children. Look in Revelation 2:18-29 and see how does Thyatira Church relate to that particular Christian denomination and their sexual practices. “The Church of Thyatira is known by Bible scholars as the Pagan Church—A.D. 606-End of Tribulation. This Church is also known as the Roman Catholic Church. It was at this time that many, many pagan practices were brought into the Church, "Christianized", and then called Christian and Biblical. If you read the verses [Revelation] 2:19-26, you will see that Jesus is calling this church a whore, a prostitute, and He says that He shall throw her into her bed and kill her and her children!” (Article: Did You Realize that Jesus Christ Commended the Church of Philadelphia for Being Fundamental? It's Absolutely True!“ from Cutting Edge Ministries.)

Abortion. Now, the women have the right to kill their own baby before the child is about to come out from the mother’s womb. God clearly said that you “must not murder anyone” and you “must not be guilty of adultery.” (Deuteronomy 5:17-18.) These commandments are from the Ten Commandments that God gave to the people of Israel. These commandments are that we should keep in our lives with the rest of eight commandments. But what our Supreme Court and ACLU do? They give women the right to murder unborn child. They let the school students learn the sexual behaviors in their public classrooms, which they also learn how they abuse each other sexually.

Solomon said, “Stay away from such a woman. Don’t even go near of her house, or you will give your riches to others, and the best years of your life to some cruel. Strangers will enjoy your wealth, and what you worked so hard for will go to someone else. You will groan at the end of your life when your health is gone. Then you will say, ‘I hate being told what to do! I would not listen to my teachers or pay attention to my instructors. I came close to being completely ruined in front of a whole group of people.’” (Proverbs 5:8-14.)

Are you in troubled in your marriage? Are you afraid that what your church leaders are doing to your family members? Nor are you afraid what our state government is doing? Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The teaching that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30.)

If you want that load in your life that Jesus likes to offer you, just give up all you have to Jesus Christ by trusting Him. Do you have your personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Do you want the gift of wisdom that God is waiting to give you? If you are willing to deny yourselves to God, then pray this prayer in your heart, “Dear Lord Jesus. I am sorry for my sins. Now, I know You died for my sins because You love me so much; and You raised on the third day to be with me for eternity. Lord, I confess my sins to you and want to have my personal relationship with You. Lord, now I want to trust You as my Savior and King and walk with You in all the way of my life. I prayed in the name of Jesus, Amen."

“Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.” (Proverbs 3:16-18 NIV.)

Do you have a faithful wife or faithful girlfriend in your life? The Roman Catholic Church is an example of what your unfaithful spouse could do to you and your family. But I do believe that God may bring some of His children out from the Catholic Church to show the truth and the light of His kingdom. In that same way for your own wife, he may use both of you to reach the people.

Man, be “faithful to your own wife, just as you drink from your own well.” (Proverbs 5:15.) Be patient with her when she is having a rough time with you. Listen to her complain and give her some advice to live a godly life. “…husband, you don’t know; maybe you will save your wife.” (I Corinthians 7:16b.)

Don’t give yourself to another woman if you sincere love your first wife or girlfriend. Solomon said, “Don’t pour your water in the streets, don’t give your love to just any woman. (Proverbs 5:16.) If I have sex with another woman, for example, and being still bond with my true woman, then those HIV, AIDS, or other virus (that the second woman has) transfer to her life. More than that, I would just destroy the relationship with my true woman. Having a relationship with your woman must be private from the outside your home. This is just for you, your woman, and God inside the marriage. “These things are yours alone and shouldn’t be shared with strangers.” (Proverbs 5:17.)

In Proverbs 5:18-20, Solomon gave his sons a good advice to have a great marriage. To have a good marriage, you and your spouse must have similar interests, be happy in your marriage, have a biblical foundation in your relationship, and have encouragement to help each other. Finally, we must not be cheated each other with adultery. If you are married or non-married with your girlfriend, you need to have this warning of adultery in your personal life. Since Sodom and Gomorrah committed adultery (see Genesis 19), today’s America has been played alone with sexuality in the public community. Now, it’s nation wide to play this addiction and have not awake from the day of Sodom and Gomorrah.

“The LORD sees everything you do, and he watches where you go. An evil man will be caught in his wicked ways; the ropes of his sins will tie him up. He will die because he does not control himself, and he will be held captive by his foolishness.” (Proverbs 5:21-23.)


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Saturday, June 18, 2005
Wisdom is Important (Proverbs 4:1-27)
Topic: Book of Proverbs

Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding. Treasure wisdom, and it will make you great; hold on to it, it will bring you honor. (Proverbs 4:7-8)

Witchcraft. Magic. Henry Potter. Occults. Religions. These are some of the belief systems are happening to the world today. Many people or some Christians believe that these practices are the only way to get happiness. They put these practices for their entertainment. What they valued have nothing do with God, but upon themselves. Is their wisdom coming from these or more practices? What is the Bible has to say about the importance of wisdom?

Today, many children are learning about good and bad in their schools. What the schools are teaching have nothing do with wisdom of God. Even today, many youngsters have already learned to enjoy to have the sexual relationship with their friends or learning about witchcraft by reading the Henry Potter books. There are historical documents behind the Henry Potter books and have nothing do with fun reading and English class after you learned the background and the biblical viewpoint of witchcraft.

In Proverbs 4, Solomon gave his children advice about how they could have successful life with receiving wisdom of God. “My children, listen to your father’s teaching; pay attention so you will understand. What I am telling you is good, so do not forget what I teach.” (Proverbs 4:1-2.)

Solomon is about to announce the lesson from his own childhood. His lesson is important to give his children, so they could apply to their lives and pass it to their children and grandchildren. It is the legacy that could last to many generations. Unlike the period of Solomon, we miss opportunity to teach our family member the legacy that our Heavenly Father taught. The legacy that Jesus taught, we have forgotten to pass His words to our family members, love ones, friends, and neighbors. Now, we come with our new legacy, legacy that comes from our media, Satanism, occult, and even from our own denominational churches. It is sad thing that some of us do not apply Jesus’ legacy to our lives.

Solomon wrote “When I was a young boy in my father’s house and like an only child to my mother, my father taught me and said, ‘Hold on to my words with all your heart. Keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom and understanding. Don’t forget or ignore my words. Hold on to wisdom, and it will take care of you. Love it, and it will keep you safe. Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding. Treasure wisdom, and it will make you great; hold on to it, and it will bring honor. It will be like flowers in your hair and like a beautiful crown on your head.’” (Proverbs 4:3-9.)

What if that was coming from Jesus to you? Are you going to listen to Him? Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me.” (Revelation 4:20.)

God wants let us to have happy and long life while we are still living in this physical planet. But we need to listen to Him and accept what He has to say to us. “My child, listen and accept what I say. Then you will have a long life.” (Proverbs 4:10.) Unlike those days, we would miss to listen and accept what our Sovereign Father has to say about us. Instead, we feel go to what our pastors said about God’s Word on Sunday morning.

Does God say that He is guiding us from the darkness of the world? Listen what Isaiah wrote about the people of Israel, “Before those people lived in darkness, but now they have seen a great light. They lived in a dark land, but a light has shined on them. God, you have caused the nation to grow and made the people happy. And they have shown their happiness to you, like the joy during harvest time, like the joy of people taking what they have won in war.” (Isaiah 9:2-3.)

God is a God who leads us into right direction of the life. The psalmist wrote, “Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105.) God is not a God of laziness, but He is a God who leads us to the truth of the gospel of the living God. The Bible is our manuscript to live a holy life with Him. It’s a foundation of the book that leads us to the successful life that God wants. “I am guiding you in the way of wisdom, and I am leading you on the right path. Nothing will hold you back; you will not be overwhelmed.” (Proverbs 4:11-12.)

Are you let God leads you to the abundant life that He wants you to have for eternality? Or are you following your own agenda and/or your own religious system (Buddhism, Muslim, Judaism, Catholicism, Baptist, or other religions or Christian denominations) that leads you to the happy life? Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10b NKJV.) Today, Jesus is knocking your door of your heart and wants to show you the road to the life.

Even today, many of us are trying to earn ourselves the glory. Our world system teaches us how to guard our lives to ourselves. We learned the world histories and cultures that could lead us the cultural life and not according to God’s plan. The children learned that practicing of the magic is having something to do with their entertainment; and their parents are allowing them to practice the magic tricks, watch the TV programs, and read the books that contain the witchcraft.

What Solomon is trying to accomplish with his children is having nothing do with witchcraft that God hates, but having to do with their successful lives. Solomon wrote, “Always remember what you have been taught, and don’t let you go of it. Keep all that you have learned; it is the most important thing in life.” (Proverbs 4:13.)

What have God taught you in your personal walk with Him during the last 10 or more years of your life? God has shown me what I can do to glorify Him through the gift of prophecy (teaching) and making some Disciples of Christ. He has taught me the purpose of my disabled life through the difficult circumstance. I believe what Apostle Paul says about God’s power: “With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine.”(Ephesians 3:20.)

Even though I am disabled, God can do anything with my life. Even though I am disabled, He has provided me to continue to have the life on earth to reach the people to Him. Even though I can’t make true friendship before November 2000, He provided for me before I arrived to Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center.

If you are in the situation where you cannot find the purpose of your life, stop doing your own ways and begin your life with Jesus Christ. “Don’t follow the ways of the wicked; don’t do what evil people do. Avoid their ways, and don’t follow them. Stay away from them and keep on going, because they cannot sleep until they do evil. They cannot rest until they harm someone. They feast on wickedness and cruelty as if they were eating bread and drinking wine. The good person is like the light of dawn, growing brighter and brighter until full daylight. But the wicked walk around in the dark; they can’t even see what makes stumble.” (Proverbs 4:14-19.)

God may say to you, “Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully. Don't lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning. Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” (Proverbs 4:20-27.)

What are you going to do with His Word? The choices are yours.


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Thursday, June 9, 2005
Do Things Right (Proverbs 3:27-35)
Topic: Book of Proverbs

Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. Do you learned and received from me, what I told you, and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)

"Whenever you are able, do good too people who need help." (Proverbs 3:27.) Whenever you are free, what are you going to do when you see the poor in the street? Are you going to ignore the person who asks for money or to help the person to meet his/her needs?

Do what is good in the eye of God. If we hate what's poor, then God will hate our actions. "If you have what your neighbor asks for, don't say, 'Come back later. I will give it to you tomorrow.' Don't make plans to hurt your neighbor who lives nearby and t6rusts you." (Proverbs 3:28-29.)

This is true. We do not need to make our love ones or neighbors feel bad or hurt their feelings. When I hurt to my love ones, she would feel bad about me. In this passage, Solomon is talking about how we need to be watchful when we meet and talk to the other people. In Proverbs 3:28, we do not need tell other people that they need to come bake here or there later to pick up something. No. Instead, we must help them with God's love.

As we see on the media, we heard about the war is going on from person to person, nation to nation, and country to country. Recently, we heard about abusing a child from the one of the church leaders and it brought attention to the nation wide. The most hateful act was brought to this time of period that God hates.

"Don't make plans to hurt your neighbor who lives nearby and trusts. Don't accuse a person for no good reason; don't accuse someone who has not harmed you." (Proverbs 3:29-30.) Instead, we share the love of Jesus Christ and share each other's problems and solve them with His love.

If I am being jealous that my friend has weapons in his side pocket, do I need to ask him where he got them from? I might decide to buy a gun to show who I am. It's show down.

God's Word said we must stay away those who use violence, mistreatment, and misusing sex to show off to the world. It's easy that we see the other person who has much greater idea than ours. Then, we may decide to put them into the competition. The world teaches us that we need to protect ourselves and we need to have power, wealth, and fame. The world also leads us that we need to have more political leaders and economic systems to survive our lives in this country. We so often forget what Jesus said to have the eternal life and would decide to follow the world occults' ways of living.

"Don't be jealous of those who use violence, and don't choose to be like them." (Proverbs 3:31.) If we decide to follow and love them, than we are waiting for God's punishment. This is the most God hate to punish us, but we are making Him to do in us. If God say to me no to sex before my marriage, but I decide to do it anyway, then I'm being trouble. "The LORD hates those who do wrong, but he is a friend those who are honest." (Proverbs 3:32.)

Yes, God allows let's us to decide what we like to do, but He can't take our serious mistakes. Instead, He may call us to take out from our mistakes or He maybe waiting for us to be realized what we did wrong.

‘'The LORD will curse the evil person's house, but he will bless the home of those who do right. The LORD laughs at those who laugh at him, but he gives grace of those who are not proud. Wise people will receive honor, but fools will be disgraced." (Proverbs 3:33-35.)

Are you be in right with God? If you are unsure, ask Him to come to your life by repenting your sins in your private room or home.


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Thursday, June 2, 2005
Hold onto God's Wisdom (Proverbs 3:21-26)

My child, hold on to wisdom,… Don't let them out of your sight. (Proverbs 3:21)

What would we do when we have pressure of worry? What would you do when your life turns to disaster? What would you do when you face with your financial problem? What would you do if your spouse or your sweetheart decides to cheat on you by having another mate? Are you going to make the things worse or just giving up?

The world does teach us to make the choice to create more problems in our lives rather than holding onto the faith and wisdom of God. If I decide to break my relationship with my woman because I found a greater woman in my life, then I just have made crisis, for instance, and the problem is getting worse because I cheated on her. She has two choices to resolve this problem. She could walk away from me or could hold on to the faith of God and wait for God to heel this problem. What if this was your situation or mine?

God says, "My child, hold on to wisdom,… Don't let them out of your sight." (Proverbs 3:21.) He knows you will go through difficulties. He knows the problems that you have will go pass away as sweep through wind. It's not just holding on to wisdom, but has a good sense. Read Proverbs 3:21 again and discover that God wants us to have a good sense to the problem. Make the solutions, as God wants to be. That is having a great victory over the darkness.

Paul said, "You know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. All those who compete in the games use self-control so they can win a crown. That crown is an earthly thing that lasts only a short time, but our crown will never be destroyed. So I do not run without a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something-not just the air. I treat my body hard and make it my slave so I myself will not be disqualified after I have preached to the others."(I Corinthians 9:24-27.)

Then if you hold onto God's wisdom and faith, you will have a good and long lasting life. "They will give you life and beauty like a necklace around your neck. Then you will go your way in safety, and you will not get hurt." (Proverbs 3:22-23.) We know that most of our daily lives are hacked days. We might be ready and go for our work by between 6 and 8 a.m. Then we might have a lot of papers work in our offices. The papers work may need to be done by 5 p.m. of the day. In the meantime, we might have something else to do and papers work; and we are getting really dizzy with all the assignments. What else to do when we would have heavy load of the office work?

The answer: Hold onto God's wisdom and faith. Trust Him. "Trust the LORD with all your heart, and don't depend on your understanding." (Proverbs 3:5.) We can trust God to take away our heavy barriers. Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28.) You can trust your money, but it can't help you to rest rather than creating more issues. You can trust your religion system, but it might give you more religious rules rather than comfort. But you can trust and follow Jesus to give you the rest from all of your worries. He is the only one who can give you the answer to your needs.

"God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life." (John 3:16.) In this context, Jesus isn't talking about the world in this planet, but is talking about His kingdom (the New Jerusalem and the new earth). Are you stepping out your faith and trust God's wisdom? "When you lie down, you won't be afraid; when you lie down, you will sleep in peace. You won't be afraid of sudden trouble; you won't fear the ruin that comes to the wicked, because the LORD will keep you safe. He will keep you from being trapped." (Proverbs 3:24-26.)

"Lord, whoever read this message and want to turn to You fully, I pray that You touch them and may Your Word to touch their lives. I don't know what kind of troubles they are facing. But You know their sufferings and what they desired. I pray that this message may flow through their hearts. I prayed in Your name, amen."


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Thursday, May 26, 2005
Creation of the World (Proverbs 3:19-20)
Topic: Book of Proverbs

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:1-5 NKJV)

The first book of the Bible, Genesis, explains us how the earth and heavens were formed. The Book of Genesis, which is the first book of Moses or Torah, tells us that in "the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2 NKJV.) This is the scientific evident is that the most scientists are trying to prove that there was an existence of Big Bang Theory. Of course, we may don't believe the Big Bang Theory. Instead, we may believe what the Bible say about the creation.

In Genesis 1, it shows the evidence that there was someone created the heavens and the earth. That someone was God. "In the beginning God…" Not Jim. Not someone who was popular person in the world over the last decade. It was God who created the universe in the six days (Genesis 1:3-31). He is the Author of the creation of the world. He also created us in His image.

Let's look at the couple passages on God is the Creator:

In Prophet Nehemiah described that He created everything of this world and outside of the earth. "You are the only LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, with all the stars. You made the earth and everything on it, the seas and everything in them; you give life to everything. The heavenly army worships you." (Nehemiah 9:6.)

In Job 26:7 describes that God stretch everything out over the empty space. "He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing." (NKJV.) He didn't left out anything of His creation.

In Psalms 102:25 says, "In the beginning you made the earth, and… the skies."

Now Solomon says, "The LORD made the earth, using his wisdom. He set the sky in place, using his understanding. With his knowledge, he made springs flow into rivers and the clouds drop rain on the earth." (Proverbs 3:19-20.)

God created the heavens and the earth. These are the foundations of His image since the beginning of the earth time. Also, He created us in His image. Even today, the earth and universe are still belonging to Him. We cannot change the founder of the Creator. Yet, most people cannot find who made the heavens and the earth and the living beings. Instead, most of them find the theory of the creation evolution as the foundation of the earth. Yes, I believe that we need to believe the both science and Bible to see the whole picture of the creation, but we need to go more toward to God's Word than what we should think or believe.


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Thursday, May 19, 2005
Do Not Against God (Proverbs 3:11-18)
Topic: Book of Proverbs

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV)

The Bible that we are holding, God wrote it through His people. It is the book throughout many generations. Now, about many thousand years later, the Bible is still the number one best-selling book around the world.

I don't know Moses wrote all the first five books in the Bible. But it gave us some insights how the Lord was working through His people. Only God through His chosen people wrote all the 66 books.

In II Timothy 3:16, Paul said that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. This means that the Bible is the perfect written by Him for us. The Word of God inspires us in our lives. Not only God's words tell us what happened in the past or what will be happening in the future, He also tell us what we should do now. In fact, some of us would think that the Bible hasn't anything to do with our religion or us. That answer is fault.

Do we know why many of us decide not to read the Bible?

The first reason, I believe, is the words are too difficult to understand. The Bible was published in early AD and has been translated into many their original languages over years. Many people tried to understand the Bible but they had really difficult to read it. Nowadays, many Christian authors tried to come up with better words to understand the Bible.

The second reason is simply the lack of their faiths in Jesus Christ. Read with me what Paul said, "Now the Holy Spirit clearly says that in the later times some people will stop believing the faith. They will follow spirits that lie and teachings of demon. Such teachings come from the false words of liars whose consciences are destroyed as if by a hot iron." (I Timothy 4:1-2.) Some people may reject Christ because they like to do their ways of life. Or some people are called themselves as Christians, although they decide to follow the religious rituals and laws that aren't appeared in the Bible. Or some Christians would decide to give up to follow Jesus because it has too many rules and disciplines.

Yes, God has rules and has desired to discipline His children. But God knows we don't remember all the rules that He made, He tells us to remember only one law. That is loving Him and each other. "'Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?

‘'Jesus replied, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. 'All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.""'" (Matthew 22:36-40 NLT; See also from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18.)

When God disciplines us, He loves us so much that He wants us to come to Him. His Word is not only for love, but He also wants to discipline us. If we don't have discipline, it means that God doesn't care about us. Also, it means that the Bible is teaching us that God is a liar.

"My child, do not reject the Lord's discipline, and don't get angry when he corrects you. The LORD corrects those he loves, just as parents correct the child they delight in." (Proverbs 3:11-12)

If you are seeking for happiness in your life, search for the wisdom that will be lasted long time. Do not get so wrap into the world. Paul said, "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2 RSV).

If you are seeking for happiness through finding your mate, invite Jesus Christ in your life. He loves to have you in His kingdom. Many of us may search for someone to love. This could have to do with sex, self-interest, self-happiness, and lack of faith.

Solomon said that we only could find the happiness through the wisdom of God.(See Proverbs 3:13-15.) There is no other way to find the happiness except having your personal relationship with Christ. Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." (John 15:1-8 NKJV.)

Do you have your personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Do you want the gift of wisdom that God is waiting to give you? If you are willing to deny yourselves to God, then pray this prayer in your heart, "Dear Lord Jesus. I am sorry for my sins. Now, I know You died for my sins because You love me so much; and You raised on the third day to be with me for eternity. Lord, I confess my sins to you and want to have my personal relationship with You. Lord, now I want to trust You as my Savior and King and walk with You in all the way of my life. I prayed in the name of Jesus, Amen."

"Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed." (Proverbs 3:16-18 NIV.)


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Thursday, May 12, 2005
Honoring God (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Topic: Book of Proverbs

Honoring the LORD with your wealth and the firstfruits from all your crops. Then your burns will be full, and your wine barrels will overflow with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10)

One of the most important laws in the Old Testament is the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20) that God gave to Moses after the Israelites freed from the Egyptian. The laws tell us to obey and respect God and people. But we have taken His-given laws too lightly. As we see today's world, many of us have disrespected God in our homes and communities.

In Exodus 20, God tells us that we must not have any other gods in our lives. (Exodus 20:3.)

Why?

He is a jealous God. "Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or animals or fish. You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god! I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations. But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations." (Exodus 20:4-6 NLT.)

God is a God of love, but He also is a God of justice. Some churches may teach us that He is the Creator and a loving God. But not on justice. If God only love us, why He sent Jesus to us?

As we see today's media, we see many people want to honor themselves. We can see their actions don't toward God. They have nothing to do with God. It's sad to see such people are seeking for other gods for their pleasures. Even it's also makes us sad that some of us like doing the same reactions to create the other religions rather than give the honor to the Creator.

One of the days, we all will face the judgment of the throne of God. He will judge us not according to our sins, but according to our salvation and faith. What we do with our salvation and faith?

Some of us may give honor to God by inviting someone to Jesus. Or some of us may give honor to God by sending e-mail the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whatever you are doing, give the honor to God.

Yes, God is a loving God, but He is also a God of justice.


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Thursday, May 5, 2005
Moment of Salvation: Trusting God's Vision
Topic: Book of Proverbs

Trust the LORD with all your heart, and don't depend on your understanding. Remember the LORD in all you do, and he will give you success. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Remember when your parents give you some good advice to you between what is not good thing to do and what is good thing to do in your life? Why your parents give you good advice? Why is that? "My child, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in mind." (Proverbs 3:1)

You might think that your parents would try to control your life. You might say, "Do I have to?" The rules that our parents give us are not that they try to control over our lives. We have a freedom to choose whether to obey our parents or not. If I decide not to obey my parent, then my future will not be good. I would waste my time to hang with gangs or I would do not know what to do with my life problems. Think about what your future life will be if you decide to disobey your family's advice and going with your life. In Proverbs 5, Solomon talked about adultery. He gave a lot good advice to his son about finding a right woman for his son's life.

Since Adam and Eve disobeyed God, our lives become limit. (See Genesis 3:17-24.) "Our lifetime is seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. But the years are full of hard work and pain. They pass quickly, and we are gone." (Psalm 90:10)

God has a promise for you and me if we choose to obey Him and our people. If we obey God, He will let us live a long time, and our lives will be successful. (Proverbs 3:2.) God knows and controls our lives. He knows when we would die. Remember when King Uzziah chose to refuse God; He struck him with a skin disease. (See II Kings 15:1-7; II Chronicles 26:1-23.) Uzziah choose to die by disobeying the Lord. God gave us some choices how we need to live until He calls us to go to our eternal home.

That's why we need to remember the word from our parents and from our God. "Don't ever forget kindness and truth. Wear them like a necklace. Write them on your heart as if on a tablet. Then you will be respected and will please both God and people." (Proverbs 3:3-4)

Jesus said in Luke, "If you cannot be trusted with worldly riches, then who will trust you with true riches? And if you cannot be trusted with things that belong to someone else, who will give you things of your own?" (Luke 16:11-12.) Who will you trust to meet your need?

Our lives seem to be tough when we face our difficulties. We may have problems occurred when we have a lot of the financial needs. Or we may have crisis in our families weather we share the gospel of Jesus Christ with unsaved love ones or in family situations. It is hard to solve the problems when the issues are big.

There are many of us who search for the answers to the problems. For example, some people may decide to enjoy the Psychic Hotline to look for the answers. In fact, God gave us a warning of these psychic friends in Deuteronomy 13:

"Suppose there are prophets among you, or those who have dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or miracles take place. If the prophets then say, `Come, let us worship the gods of foreign nations,' do not listen to them. The LORD your God is testing you to see if you love him with all your heart and soul. Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him. The false prophets or dreamers who try to lead you astray must be put to death, for they encourage rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of slavery in the land of Egypt. Since they try to keep you from following the LORD your God, you must execute them to remove the evil from among you.

"Suppose your brother, son, daughter, beloved wife, or closest friend comes to you secretly and says, `Let us go worship other gods'--gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known. They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth. If they do this, do not give in or listen, and have no pity. Do not spare or protect them. You must put them to death! You must be the one to initiate the execution; then all the people must join in. Stone the guilty ones to death because they have tried to draw you away from the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of slavery. Then all Israel will hear about it and be afraid, and such wickedness will never again be done among you. Suppose you hear in one of the towns the LORD your God is giving you that some worthless rabble among you have led their fellow citizens astray by encouraging them to worship foreign gods." (Deuteronomy 13:1-12 NLT.)

So whom could we be trusted on? Read with me in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust the LORD with all your heart, and don't depend on your understanding. Remember the LORD in all you do, and he will give you success."

If we want to be happy in our lives, then don't depend on our own interest or our own religious rules. Trust God and He will give us what we need for our earthly living. If you want to receive what He has a plan for your life, trust God with all your heart.

When we face the trials in our lives, are we trying to solve problems by our own ways? Sometime, we may like to depend on ourselves to solve the crisis. I know I do like to try to depend myself. Are we trying to be totally independent by ourselves while we are in human formed?

"Don't depend on your own wisdom." (Proverbs 3:7a) Our lives are not for ourselves. The life that we have is all about Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me." (John 14:6.) He is the Alpha (beginning) and the Omega (end). (See Revelation 1:8.)

"Respect the LORD and refuse to do wrong." (Proverbs 3:7b.) If you want to follow Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, to do His will and refuse to do your own power. Again, the Christianity is not about learning all the rules and rituals, but having your personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.." (I Timothy 2:5-6 NKJV.)

"Then your body will be healthy, and your bones will be strong." (Proverbs 3:8.) Not just your body and bones that God will give you the strength, but He will also give you the strength of your spiritual body. That spiritual body is inside of you.

Although I am disabled man, God is working with me through many hardships. God does not see us outside of us, He sees us inside of us as the shadow of Jesus' cross. All of us have sinned and God knows we are struggling with sins these days. Although we are not worthy called as His children, He has provided the way. That is through Jesus Christ. We love because God loved us first.

If you have been turned away from God for while and have decided to go back to track with Him, or if you are new to the Christianity and would like to receive His salvation in your heart, then He has a great plan for you. If you want to accept Him as your personal Savior, I like to invite you to pray this prayer in your heart:

"Dear Lord Jesus. I am sorry for my sins. Now, I know You died for my sins because You love me so much; and You raised on the third day to be with me for eternity. Lord, I confess my sins to you and want to have my personal relationship with You. Lord, now I want to trust You as my Savior and King and walk with You in all the way of my life. I prayed in the name of Jesus, Amen."

If you have invited Jesus in your life, then you have the personal relationship with God. "...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9 NKJV.) Now, if you like to grow in faith through Jesus Christ, then go and find the local church friends who are strong believers in Jesus and His Word and tell them about your salvation. They may be able to help you in growing through faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Start your relationship with God by reading the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Bible. This book is God's letter to you.


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Thursday, April 28, 2005
Rewards of Wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-22)
Topic: Book of Proverbs

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." (Matthews 8:7-8 NKJV)

Have you seeking for the wisdom from God? If so, have you listened to what God say to you? We can receive the wisdom from Him if we are willing to listen and obey Him.

As we are studying Proverbs 2, Solomon began to open with the call of attention. "My child, listen to what I say and remember what I command you." (Proverbs 2:1.) In the previous chapter of Proverbs, Solomon said to his son to listen to him. (Proverbs 1:8.) Solomon might to say, "Listen to my advice what I am going to say. This might be useful to you." He said this because he cared of his son's life.

That is what exact God is doing for our lives today. He cares and loves us to make us attention to Him. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16 NKJV.) In 2000 years ago, God brought Jesus to this planet for us. He wanted to be with us. But what we did to Jesus? Were we followed Him all the way? He came to the world that was his own, but his own people did not accept him. (John 1:11.)

Throughout Jesus' life, He experienced the painful moment of His earthly living because of all our sins. He had to die because His people were sinners. If He didn't resurrect after His crucifixion, are we living for God today? Are we going to be His people? Probably not. If Jesus didn't resurrect, we still have sins in our lives as our own idol. If He didn't resurrect, we still have experienced many sufferings in our lives.

So what is the solution?

Listen carefully to the wisdom… (Proverbs 2:2a.) Hear the words of the wisdom. Not only to hear the wisdom carefully, but listen to what God has to say. …set your mind on understanding. (Proverbs 2:2b.) Set your mind on above from the earth. We can focus on the earthly things carefully. Do our minds are on God as well?

If you want the wisdom of God, cry out for wisdom and beg for understanding. (Proverbs 2:3) God will hear to your cry and your desire. He knows what you want, but He may have much bigger plan for your life.

Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." (Matthews 8:7-8 NKJV.) If you want wisdom in your life, then search for it like silver. (Proverbs 2:4.) Then you will understand respect for the LORD, and you will find that you know God. (Proverbs 2:5.) That is what I want for my life. That is what God is expecting from you. "Only the LORD gives wisdom; he gives knowledge and understanding. He stores up wisdom for those who are honest. Like a shield he protects the innocent. He makes sure that just is done, and he protects those who are loyal to him." (Proverbs 2:6-8.)

Wisdom will teach us how to be honest and fair to your spouse and to your people. God is willing to give the wisdom as your reward. According to Proverbs 2:9-11, Solomon pointed out what the wisdom can do your life. "Wisdom will come to your mind, and knowledge will be pleasing to you. Good sense will protect you; understanding will guard you." (Proverbs 2:10-11.)

God knows that we cannot protect ourselves from the enemies of Christ. He knows where are our weak spots in our lives. Sadly, we try to cover our weakest strengths to ourselves. We learned that the pride can help us to cover from sadness. We learned that having our sins is the only way to survive. Sometimes, we would be like Lucifer. "You told yourself, 'I will go up to heaven. I will put my throne above God's stars. I will sit on the mountain of gods, on the slopes of the sacred mountain. I will go up above the tops of the clouds. I will be like God Most High." (Isaiah 14:13-14.) As a result, we fail to do our wills.

Wisdom also protects us from evil ones. "It will keep you from wicked, from those whose words are bad, who don't know what is right but what is evil." (Proverbs 2:12-13.) Are you turn away from wicked ones and listen and accept the wisdom that God giving you? Read the verses 14 and 15 and try to enjoy the activity. Are you happy with your life? If I am in this situation, I would be happy with my life until I die. When I meet Christ on the judgement seat, then I cannot go to His palace because of my sins, for instance. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23 NKJV.) If you are new to the faith, take a moment to recognize God's love. He loves us very much that He died for our sins.

Let me ask a question. Do you have a faithful or unfaithful spouse (including boyfriend or girlfriend) in your life? If the person is faithful to you in relationship, then you have a good solid foundation in your intimacy relationship with God. God is at the top of triangle relationship. You can have a good relationship with your spouse if God is the center of both of your life.

If your wife is unfaithful to you, to your children, and to God, don't make easy for yourselves by signing the divorce paper. God hates divorce from the relationship. Instead, use God's advice. To stay in relationship with your wife is not easy unless you would give your problem to God's hands. "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (I Peter 5:6-7 NKJV.)

Read the proverbs from the Bible before you would decide to engage and submit to your girlfriend or boyfriend. Solomon said, "It will save from the unfaithful wife who tries to lead you into adultery with pleasing words. She leaves the husband she married when she was young. She ignores the promise she made before God. Her house is on the way to death; those who took path are now all dead. No one who goes her comes back or walks the path of life again." (Proverbs 2:16-19)

The wisdom that God gives us will help us to equip our actions toward Him. It is His wisdom that we have the purpose of our lives. Have you decide which road you on? Do you need the wisdom of God to decide what is right thing to do in your life?

Read the last three verses in Proverbs 2 and think about how is going with your personal relationship with Christ. There is no other gods who can give you the wisdom rather than through Jesus Christ.


Posted by MGJC Web Ministry at 12:01 AM EDT
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