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Recover the Zeal for God
Sunday, November 16, 2008
What are some of the reasons that cause us to lose the zeal for God? In the letter to the church in Laodicea, Jesus first proclaimed He is the “Amen.” The word “Amen” means an expression of the agreement to let all of what Jesus has said be so. Jesus’ words are true and He is the faithful to keep all of them. Creation witnesses His word of truth because all things are created and held together by Him. Jesus then rebuked the Laodicea church of their lukewarm love for Him. It could be that the church in Laodicea becoming so arrogant and self-satisfied because of their richness, fame of blackwool, and eye salve medicine to the point that they left Jesus outside of their heart. Many churches today probably are in the same condition of blindness to not see them as wretched, pitiful, poor and naked inside. Jesus challenged His church to test their zeal for Him to see if they can buy real gold and salve, and white clothes. It’s the time for us to repent and get a real relationship with Jesus so that one day we can sit down with His Father on His throne.
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The Benefits of a Grateful Heart to God
Sunday, November 09, 2008
The month of November reminds us one of the important holidays is Thanksgiving. Naturally, we put much effort in seeking for all benefits in life. What about the hidden spiritual gifts such as joy, peace and blessings from God? The root of these benefits comes from the heart of a grateful man. Psalm 100 shows a grateful heart is full of joy and contentment. To the point that it cannot be silent but expresses through songs and worship. How can you tell a heart of a grateful man as he walks into a church? How does he sing that can “smoke” the church with clouds? Is the person joyfully serving? We sometimes are not grateful because we are too quick to forget God’s blessings, being occupied with too many worries, or have fallen into the trap of greed. The second benefit of a grateful heart is the inner peace because a grateful heart knows God. He knows God is his Maker. God is his Shepherd. God is faithful and gracious. A man with a grateful heart does not live in fears. Lastly, a grateful heart “repeats” God’s blessings because God is pleased. What can we do to have a grateful heart? 1) Extend your prayer beyond the food that is served on the dining table, 2) Make a habit of keeping a daily list of God’s blessings, 3) Spend time each week to thank God for all blessings on the lists. It’s true that satan’s seeds of temptation cannot grow in the heart of a grateful man. Our goal in life is to please God and a grateful heart greatly helps us to accomplish this. So, “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”
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Opportunity and Rewards
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Do you see opportunities around you to advance in life? What about the opportunities to gain the eternal treasures and rewards in heaven? The letter to the church in Philadelphia reminds us that Jesus promised rewards for those who are faithfully living for Him. In the introduction of the letter, Jesus proclaimed as One Who has the key of David. This pictures His authority and power to open and close all opportunities as He sees fit. People today are worried and expect someone can resolve our economic and world peace crisis. However, there is no one except Jesus – the Prince of Peace - Who has the key of David that is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus has the key of life and death, hades and heaven and controls our destiny. He opened the evangelism door for the church in Philadelphia that no one could open. It’s not really how big is your church; but it is how big is your heart for God to lean on His power to do great and mighty things for Him. Jesus promised to the faithful ones in the church of Philadelphia the incorruptible crown of glory in heaven that no one could take away. This is the same reward He promises to those of us today. To receive these rewards, you must cast all your sins to Jesus and begin a life of faithful obedience to His teachings.
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The Spiritual Self-Discipline Training
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Today sermon is the last principle on how to have a spiritual revival. The last 3 principles are: 1) We must have a thirst for a revival and seek God, 2) Repentance, and 3) Redo the works from the beginning. How to avoid from a back sliding again (or to always stay in shape)? We must practice a spiritual self-discipline. What can we learn about discipline in a life of an athlete? An athlete routinely works out each day to keep himself in perfect condition for competitions. What are something we should discipline to do the same for our spiritual body each day and week? Abide in Christ through daily devotion of meditating on the Word and prayer. The verb “meditate” means to ponder or to study on how to apply the learned truths into our life. According to John the apostle, by studying and obeying the Word of God, we will not sin. Discipline ourselves in weekly worship and serving others. As a physical body functions with many habits, the spiritual body also needs habits to maintain its good health. An athlete works out with a great effort so he can endure the pains during the race. Don’t fall into a “comfort zone” that we forget the call to carry our cross and follow Jesus. The truth is that each of us has this endurance, but we just miss the right focus. Most of us will have to wake up ~11,000 days in our lifetime to go to work. How much of this effort can be focused on Jesus? The third step to keep ourselves in great shape is the accountability. What happens to a society, a company, a team or a family functioning without accountability? We call it a chaos. The best structure that can help us to be accountable to one another is “small cell groups.” What have I learned from the cell groups of “Harvest” ministry? The deacon family ministry at VHBC will strengthen the church as we become more accountable to one another. Sunday School class is another great and practical way to keep us from a back sliding. The last step that can enrich our spiritual life is about fasting and praying. What was the last time you have had a soul retreat? Watch out for the spiritual pride and judgmental attitude of fasting. Fasting is simply the abstinence of food or entertainment with a desire to have a fellowship with Jesus. In fasting and praying, we see our sins clearer. We should also see Jesus and His will clearer. Remember the devil like a roaring lion who prowls us at our weakest moment (not in training). To avoid falling back down to a slump, you must begin your spiritual self-discipline training today.
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Finding Peace of God in the Mid of Crisis
Sunday, October 19, 2008
We are living in a time of many chaos and instability. Obviously, the banking problem has troubled America’s economics. The 700 billion dollars “bail-out” solution may potentially increase tax burden on American citizens or chip off our future freedom, not to mention the increases in wars and calamities. We all hope for a better world to live but things seem to get worse. Jesus once prophesied about this worsen condition; perhaps liked many “puzzles” are being putting together to form a gloomy picture. Many people are living under stress, depression, worries and some have made wrong choices including suicidal. Are you living under stress? How can one find peace in the mid of crisis? There are at least two principles: God is the only One can give true peace; but you cannot have the peace of God until you have peace with God. God can provide peace because He is the Maker of heaven and earth and holds all things together. Is there any crisis that He cannot fix? It is only our unbelief. We can trust God Who gives us peace because of His great compassion and faithfulness. Men may not keep their promises during tough times but God does not change. The question is not really about His power, love or faithfulness, but whether we have His presence in our life to experience true peace. But God cannot live in our life because all have sinned. Sin separates us from God and makes us becoming His enemies. Men are helpless to make peace with the holy and perfect God. Therefore, God Himself provides a Way to reconcile us back to Him. Jesus is that only Way. So whoever believes and receives Jesus Christ will have peace with God and experience true peace even in the mid of crisis. Trusting Jesus is not an “add-on” faith, neither the “911” kind; but “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…” You must cast all your burden of sins to Jesus and commit to follow Him to experience true and eternal peace while you still have the chance.
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