Summer Gospel Tour 2012

This is a picture record of my Summer Gospel Tour (2012) to Southern Kachin State, north central to Myanmar, from 7 to 17 April, upon the invitation of the Phakant Sectional Council. Seven days and six nights in Phakant, the land of jade, and four days in three nights in Myitkyina, the state capital were spent. Spirit of God moved mightily in such a way. To God be the glory!

Special Message: It's Our Turn (in Burmese)

Play audio to listen to special message of Rev. Thangsan to Burmese congregation of the Agape Ministry Center, Kalay (similar message can be read in English at somewhere in this blog. Please, try this).

(sorry something was wrong with audio)

Heart of Giving (Burmese)

Text: Mark 14:3-9
Summary:
Even a dim light gets brighter in the dark night. The giving of Mark 14:3-9 is encircled with some darkest moments in history (cf., vv. 1, 11, 30, 37, 46, 64), so stands it out as a lighthouse to give us direction on how to live in the days like today.
1. True Heart of Giving gives what is the most in lives (vv. 3-5): True heart of giving does not care how it was so valuable in the past in the uncomparable light of Jesus Christ. So, the alasbarter jar of that perfume, worth of more than three hundred danarius, though expensive in itself, is no use to compete with His presence, so was just to be broken and poured out on Him.
2. True Heart of Giving gives away at the right moment (vv. 6-8): Several times we tried to give but sadly at a wrong time. Even to give has its own proper timing. The giving of this woman came at the right time, when Jesus was really in need of such concern and care. To be meaningful in our service to God, do it at the right time. We don't need to wait for another day. Today is the right and proper moment to serve Him, to love Him, and to give Him. No better time would come again!
3. True heart of Giving gives toward God's heavenly account (v. 9): Many people seem so generous. However, most of their giving is just a deception--just to hide their true color inside. Jesus said to save in heavens above. This is the call to open account with heavenly bank! One can do it as he made his intention of all his doings, servings, and givings toward God. To give the poors (v. 5) is good. However, among those many goods, there's the best. To intent toward serving, loving, and giving God himself is that very best.

Outreach to Delta Region

An outreach to delta was successfully done at the request of Yangon Christian Church. Rev. David Mung (Pastor Thangsan), accompanied with other two pastors from the Church, spent a week (September 14-18) in Bogalay township for Bible seminar for new believers, who had only six months of their Christian experience. However, they are eager learner of the Word of God and their first-love for the Lord are evident on their faces in the midst of discrimination for their new found-faith. Here below are some of their live-testimonies (sorry for not giving their full-names):

Referring to last year cyclone, a man named MT said, "At first, we blamed the Nargis(cyclone) for taking away our families, our properties, and everything of us. We loathed even to breathe in this air knowing it is so much disastrous to a such destruction of life. However, now we received Jesus Christ in the midst, and it happened to thank the Nargis again for introducing us to the Gospel." Another man named ZL said, "When I was persecuted in the family and expelled from the list of my relatives, they said that I would return to them in repentance. Then, I replied," he said, "the ones who would repent and follow after my faith will be you rather." Another lady named MN said, "We were rejected from our work-place so many times and despised among our friends for this new religion. For we always demand them (supervisors) to let us leave alone on Sunday so that we can worship God." (Actually this people do not usually take day-off from work even on weekend).

Spiritual Ephasis Week Again!

Another Spiritual Emphasis Week had again been occasioned at Grace Music Institute (from June 29 to July 2). Upon the invitation of the Principal, Pastor Suum, Pastor Thangsan (Rev. David Mung) spoke there during the event. Here below is given notes of his daily deliveries.
June 29 "Form and Essence" (Ecclesiastes 12:13):
Life without form is void and life without essence also is meaningless. Duty without a sense of responsibility is hollow. The same time, performing duty without proper job-description would be more than disastrous. Like egg-yolks and egg-white, religiousness without proper knowledge of God is hollow and claimed knowledge of God without proper form of religiousness is a lie. What the preacher in Ecclesiastes is calling forth is to have true essence of life--that is true knowledge and fear of God--in every steps of life.
June 30 "God of the Second Chance" (Matthew 9:10-13 ; cf., Luke 23:43; Rm 6:23):
The Bible is full of stories of men and women, who miserably missed the first chance in their lives but sought for the second chance that merciful God would grant to those who seek Him. For instance, Esau and Jacob. Both had failed their first chances in different ways. In case of Esau, he failed his by selling his birthright for a single food. The same way, Jacob had also failed his by lying his old-aged father, Isaac, for his personal gain. He had to flee like a poor captive on-the-run rather. However, when they came to their senses and repented, the God of second chance had shown them mercy. To Esau, he gave land and descendants that mighty kings like Herod the great would come through his line. To Jacob, he brought him back to Canaan to inherit the land as was formerly sold to by Esau. The Bible said that we all had missed our first chance in Eden. However, if someone is willing to seek after God, the second chance, the better one, was provided in Jesus Christ. Therefore, though failing in Eden caused death on all humanity, the atoning death of Jesus Christ on the cross had wiped away the curse and opened up the door of second chance for us all.
July 1 "By Way of Grace" (Ephesians 2:8-9):
Christianity is not about religion. It is a living relationship of God and man (all humanity). However, this relationship, in difference to various terms and conditions of our modern-day-relationships, is defined by "grace". Grace is God's defining term to make a relationship with us. However, from our part, we have to response Him in faith. Therefore, grace is like God's giving hand and faith is like out receiving hands. Accordingly, Paul gave us a fine calculation that says "Grace + Faith = Salvation". Where God's giving hand and man's receiving hand are met, there's always a result that is "salvation--God's saving act on our behalf." Another reason of this is to prevent everyone of us from boasting. Therefore, for us is just to receive what God provided in Jesus Christ and praise Him. That's all we need.!
July 2 "Change or A New Beginning!" (John 3:1-5):
Jesus asked Nicodemus to make a new start in life less no chance even to see the Kingdom of God. All his previous attempts and good works are meaningless without this new beginning. However, there is no human way or method to make it out happened. How can an old man enter into his mother's womb to be reborn? However, there is God's way for that. It is like the story of Isaac. There were two Isaacs in story of Abraham. The first Isaac is the one he gave birth with Sarah. He is his son, only son, born of human parents. However, there were no guarantee by this human born child to secure God's covenant. Therefore, God had a plan for Abraham to completely redeem his Isaac to His own so that His covenant promise be secured by him. Accordingly, the call came to Abraham early morning to bring his only child, Isaac, to the mountain and give it away to God. On the mountain, God truly met Abraham and made a transaction with a sheep to redeem Isaac for His own. Therefore, Isaac, the one who went up to the mountain with Abraham, and Isaac, the one who went down from the mountain following after Abraham, are different Isaacs. The first Isaac belonged to Abraham and Sarah. But, the second, latter, Isaac is of God, whom God himself redeemed (bought) from Abraham on the mountain. However, this transaction with God will for sure secure God's covenant-promise for Abraham forever. This is the same call of Jesus Christ, to be born of God by receiving the Gospel-call so that God's Holy Spirit will come and renew our life. This is of course a life born of the Spirit and power!

A Life of Being Blessed!

Under the theme, "A Life of Being Blessed," a night-time revival crusade and day-time Home-cell seminar was successfully done at the Tahan Assembly of God Church end of April (early May). Actually, this is an exposition of the Book of Ruth. Rev. Thangsan (Pastor David Mung) had served as the main speaker of the event. The whole event was beautifully ended with a challenge to young Christians to immediately take water baptism to testify their faith and their new blessed life in Christ. Twenty six did response! Further, as the result of Home-cell seminar, a new home-cell system was set to start by the middle of May in the church. Please, view a clip taken during the event as posted here below.

Holy Spirit Festival - Mandalay

Another event, the Holy Spirit Festival, was sucessfully done in Mandalay end of March. Please, take a view of video clip of the events.
March 28, 2009 - Night Revival Service

March 27, 2009

March 26, 2009 - Night Revival Service

Life Under the Anoiting of the Holy Spirit!

This is an abstract of recent seminar given by Rev Thangsan (Pastor David Mung) during December 1-5.

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Introduction
In order to understand about the anoiting of the Holy Spirit and experience it, a correct understanding of the person of the Holy Spirit is the must. In another sense, it is of course a life living under the Holy Spirit itself. The Holy Spirit is not just a power but the third person of the Holy Trinity, therefore, is God, who represents the perfect nature of divine life, power, and holiness. And also, is the Holy Spirit person, therefore, needs proper treatment or relationship as a person. Further, the Holy Spirit was sent to be another comforter of the same kind like Jesus Christ and is here with us in the church, the body of Christ, to represent the presence of Jesus Christ and bring testimony about His lordship.

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Law of Spiritual Replacement
As a first step, the anoiting of the Holy Spirit means to change our life-style--from a life that lives by its own (own strength, human power, education, etc.) to a life that lives only by God's strength. Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, represents the holy presence of God and His power (and wisdom) as he indwells in us when we beleives Jesus Christ. However, until we let the Master to take control of our whole lives, we're still living on our own, driven by our own self-motivation. This is the call of John the Baptist to let the Lord take the stage and let ourselves recede behind the curtain. So, we say, "Take a recess for this spiritual replacement."

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Learn from Teacher Divine
Jesus said that another comforter, but of the same kind with he himself, is coming forth on his behalf in John 14. Further, he made sure that his going is better less the comforter, teacher divine, would not come, meaning that the coming of the another comforter, the Holy Spirit, is a much more better option for the disciple even better than his own physical presence among them. The reason is that he, the another comforter, will teach what Jesus couldn't do for them as their teacher while in a limited human body. This simply indicates that we have two kinds of teacher: human teacher who can help our intellectual growth externally by giving us neccessary information and teacher divine who can help our personal growth inwardly by igniting God's power in our life. Honestly speaking, we need both but we miss the later so often. So, we say, "learn from the teacher divine also," who teaches from within. This is the only option to live a life living under God's power, anointing power.

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Follow His Own Style
We have our own style. God has his own style--way, will and purpose. In order to maintain God's anoiting power in our life, we have to follow His style. For power is not our own! It's God's that we have just a special priviledge to exert it in His name. However, as we grow in learning His own style, we will know that the only secret to maintain God's empowering presence in our lives is to live after the footstep of Jesus Christ, a way down to Calvary. As Paul confessed, trodding the way of the cross is the way to more power and grace, so said he that he would rather boast not about his sucess but about the cross of Jesus Christ instead (2 Cor. 12-13; cf., 1 Cor. 2:2).

Spiritual Emphasis Week

This revival conference was held during August 13-14. The event was organized by the Living Water Theological Seminary for the purpose of promoting students' spiritual life. Please, see following hightlights of the preaching of Pastor Thang (Rev. David Mung) during the event.

August 13:
Text: Matthew 7:11; Luke 11:13; Acts 3:6-8
Title: Holy Spirit and Spirit-filled Life: the Better Gift of God
Synopsis: We define the person and works of the Holy Spirit in many different ways. However, Luke, a representative of Early Christianity, simply defined it as the better gift of God that is far beyond good. As evidenced in Acts 3:6, a life that is filled with and directed by the Holy Spirit is a life that is filled with the richness of God and His power. Therefore, which would be better than a life that is completely filled with the Holy Spirit!

August 14:
Text: John 7:37-39; Acts 2:1-4
Title: Holy Spirit and Spirit-filled Life: Life that is Overflowing
Synopsis: A life being filled with the Holy Spirit does not simply mean for personal entertainment. It is for overflowing to bless others and save the lost. Of course, a life that is overflowing with the Spirit of God to give life to others is the promise that Jesus made. All phenomena happened on the Day of Pentecost are the external evidence of this overlfowing life, a life that is to bless others and bring them back to Jesus Christ (Cf., Acts 2:41).

August 15:
Text: Acts 1:6-8
Title: Holy Spirit and Spirit-filled Life: A Journey Beyond Boundaries
Synopsis: The only one who is beyond any limitation and boundary is God, the creator and the original designer of life, alone. This is the promise of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to let us join that spiritual journey, a journey beyond any limitation. Therefore, the Holy Spirit was promised and also given to those who believe. The complete promise says that those who believe would receive heavenly power to go beyond any geographical (physical) limitation and completely live for Jesus Christ. This is a life that goes beyond one's limitation of selfishness and even a life of martyr (witness).

Message (07/06/08)

Matthew 6:11
Daily Bread


Video Clip

Introduction: Though seems "hand-to-mouth" prayer, this prayer is actually a prayer for true prosperity. There would not be more better life than having daily bread on daily basis. The world is crying for this life, indeed. Further, this prayer reminds what my son is doing to his mom. When he came home from school, though having lunch at school already, he asked his mom to prepare him lunch again knowing mom's better lunch. In this prayer, Jesus is teaching us how to relate to our heavenly Father, knowing His better lunch.

True Prosperity to Seek After: Why does a prayer for daily bread mean true prosperity? Many times, we wrongly think having many and much as being rich and properous. However, true richness [wealth, prosperity] is having what needed. It does not mean to have many nor to have nothing. It means to have something, not much nor less, that's really needed for each particular situation of life.

True Wisdom to Live With: Why does a prayer for daily bread mean true wisdom of life? For, having the right tool for the right situation is what wisdom mean. In its original language, this prayer mean to pray for what is necessity for one's daily existence. As imperfect human being, some of us are caught up in the past and some are overrun into the future (cf., v. 34). However, Jesus is teaching us to think about what we really need today, to live one day at a time. Actually, to live today is the best preparation for the future, though. This is true wisdom of life.

True Spirituality to Maintain: The most of all, this daily-bread-prayer is true spirituality. Why? Because, this is a prayer in seeking God's favor, who knows our true need in life. We pray in thinking of what we would probably need tomorrow, but God gives us in thinking of what we need today. So, to live today, we need God in our daily life. Therefore, this "daily-bread-prayer" reminds a "daily-trust-life" trusting in God alone to meet our daily needs. Therefore, this is our new lifestyle, a life that strives to trust God daily from a life that strives to find daily bread on our own. From "daily bread" to "daily trust"!

Message (06/29/08)

Acts 1:6-8
Carried Beyond Our Limitations
(Click player to listen)

Introduction: We’re living in the world of limitation. Though we tried enough of extending the cords to minimize it, still we have limitation at least of another kind. However, beyond our limitations, God has a bigger, wider, and brighter picture for our life in Jesus Christ. Our passage indicates how their Jewish nationalism had confined the disciples in a small box (v. 6). In response, Jesus pointed out the limitations of their knowledge and experience to fully comprehend God’s plan in history (v. 7). However, in spite of their imperfect knowledge, Jesus dreamed of the better, bigger, wider, stronger, brighter future of the disciples, knowing the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit among them on His behalf (v. 8).

Power from Above: To go beyond our limitations, we do not have yet better reasons or advanced technologies. However, there’s a way by following God’s own way—that is by the Holy Spirit who indwells and empowers us. Holy Spirit is going to be the power-source in our lives (v. 8a). Power means strength or force in physical sense, ability or capability in terms of profession, and even authority and power in another sense. So, Jesus said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” It’s simple but enough for the disciples to go far beyond their limitations—the valley of their fear, their limited knowledge and strength, etc.

A New Way of Life: Then, what is the essence or value of to go beyond the limit (i.e., to show up, to claim seats, etc?)? The reason is that everyone might be the living witnesses of Jesus Christ (v. 8b). The choice word “be” in this sentence indicates that this is about our being not only doing. Our life [present existence] should always be a good witness to Jesus, bringing praise and glory to Him. This is the true nature of martyr-lifestyle. Therefore, this power should be exercised to live a new way of life that turns away from self-directed lifestyle to a life of Christ-centeredness. Yes, this beyond-natural power is promised so that we may live for Christ completely.

Unto the End of the Earth: Further to this spiritual experience, Jesus gave the disciples a broader future [and even bigger land to harvest], driving their thoughts and imaginations beyond the land of Judea unto the farthermost parts of the earth (v. 8c). The three-four geographical names in the passage indicate the gradual advancement of their future missions and progression to reach even beyond their natural limitations. Yes, this bigger picture of life is the inheritance of Spirit-transformed and empowered life. So, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit, let us say “the world is my parish.”

We are living in the world of various limitations—i.e., time and space, rule and regulation, knowledge and experience, etc. While modern technologies and sciences are trying to push the line, there’re still various human limitations displaying on the screen. However, with God, the early handful poor Christians broke the line and pushed it beyond their limitations. This is by the power of the Holy Spirit, the unseen guest of their daily lives. By taking the words of Jesus and turning to live His way, let us also expect the fresh re-enforcement from God by the same Spirit to extend our business and all our careers, our vision and goal, and our lives and strength to a broader and wider sphere for His name’s sake!

Message (06/22/08)

John 21:15-17
The Only Strong Man: In His Footstep!
(Please, click the player to listen)

Introduction: We define “power or powerful” and “strength or strong” in different ways. For instance, in this competitive open-market-society, “information” becomes like power and strength to take one step ahead of others. However, the inner moral strength of each individual—i.e., integrity, truth, love, justice [that man is apparently lacking]—will still remain as the basic need of human society for genuine peace, prosperity and success. Fully equipped with this inner spiritual quality, Jesus Christ is our strong man, who willingly chose the cross for the cause of God’s truth and love. In fact, this is the final call of John’s Gospel to start walking in His footstep to be spiritually strong for God’s Kingdom service.

Recharging of Faith (20:1-31): In spite of their slowness to comprehend the resurrection, their love for [and faith in] Jesus, though apparently weak, never changed. This is the reason why the disciples received several visitations of resurrected Christ that had finally cleared away their doubts and unbelief. At the beginning, Ch. 20 mentions about the empty tomb and doubting disciples as the evidence of the resurrection (vv. 1-9). Then, the several appearances of Jesus occupied the whole chapter. In each appearance, how Jesus cleared away their blindness [doubt] is clearly pinpointed [i.e., calling personal name, v. 16; showing his wounds, v. 20; and letting touch his wounded body, v. 27]. As spiritually dull and dump, we also need this visitation from the Lord in our lives! Yes, this visitation is promised to those who sincerely love the Lord (cf., 14:21, 23), and is fulfilled by the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, receive the Holy Spirit! (V. 22).

Ready for Kingdom Business (21:1-25): In a harmonious response to the inner strengthening work of the Holy Spirit, there’s a step we have to keep up. That is the greater love for Jesus Christ, the only requirement for God’s Kingdom business (“much more love,” v. 15). This is the only single topic of the all three times of question that indicates the serious need of this greater love. Being the only requirement for the following assignment, this greater love for God only can make us spiritually strong enough to fulfill this business. Further, this greater love question has twofold dimension—love for God and feed [and take care of] to the lambs. While a greater love is solely due to Jesus Christ, better service to the lambs is its reflection (don’t switch the button between God and men!). This “greater love for God and better service to others” is the way of [and to] the resurrected life.

Jesus Christ is truly the package of God’s grace and love since “this greater love for the Father and better service to others” is always his unwavering commitment. Because of this strong commitment, he dares to take even a death-road to the cross. This way, He witnessed himself to be the only strong man who stands until the end for God’s truth and for our salvation, and so, He is the one we can always trust. However, after all this faithfulness and self-sacrifice, there’s the intervention of God in bringing back Jesus to life from the grave. Therefore, He became not only our Savior by His atoning death but also became Lord [and role model] of our daily life. In fact, running after His footstep, we are called to step into the same path of greater love for God and better service to our fellows. Therefore, in His footstep!

Message (06/15/08)

John 19:23-37
The Only Strong Man: the One We Can Always Trust!
(Click the player to listen)

Introduction: The first secular movie that I had ever watched, I think, is about Bruce Lee as a teenager. Being so much crazy with the movie, I thought that, if I can play Kungfu like Bruce Lee, life must be safe. Then later, I changed my mind and said that life must be safer if I were a billionaire like Rockefeller. However, after I was born again in my late fourteen, I could then clearly see that Jesus Christ is the only strong man that I can always trust! He is ever our strong Man! John 18-21 reflects this truth against the failures of ALL.

All Had Failed and Fallen (18:1-19:22): In the range of this section, four major characters are mentioned on how they had failed, representing each of their own groups [and the accounts on Peter, the representative of the disciples, and Pilate, the representative of the judicial authority of the time, were stressed the most].
FIRST, Judas Iscariot, the long thorn-in-the-side of Jesus, had failed his Lord by handing him to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver and with a kiss (8:1-9).
SECOND, Peter, the spokesman of the band, had failed his Lord by contradicting himself from the greater love of Jesus (8:10-14) and by three times of public denial (8:15-18, 25-27).
THIRD, Ana [and the priests], the custodian of Jewish faith, had failed his own God by handing the Messiah to the hands of the Gentiles (8:19-24, 28-32; 19:15).
FOURTH, Pilate, the representative of the powerful Roman authority of the time, had failed to provide justice by handing his helpless client to the will of aggressive crowd (8:33-19:22).
Yes, even the said spiritual leaders like Peter, religious faithful like Ana, and judicial courts like that of Pilate, we cannot trust all the times! Everyone has a tendency to behave differently in order to avoid our own risk. Who would then be strong to take the risk?

Strong Man in the Midst (19:23-42): When we all had failed, there was a strong man still standing in the midst to fulfill humble obedience to the Father and sacrificial love for his owns until the last hour (cf., 18:4-9). Throughout the whole judicial process, Jesus never changed his words nor contradicted himself, rather witnessed the ever lacking truth before Ana and Pilate (18:23, 37), showed the ever lacking self-sacrificial love and care for his owns (18:8; 19:25-27), and completed the ever lacking submission and obedience to God’s will. Therefore, all things ever written in the scripture was made fulfilled through/in his life (19:31-42). His pain and agony had fulfilled whatever demanded and prophesied in the scripture, to bring the truth of human salvation (cf., 3:16). So, here is the call of John, while being gravely felt sorry for his own failure at the time, to believe in Him and believe in the more (19:35). For He alone is ever strong to be worthy of our trust!

There may be times in our lives that everyone has failed to stand with us. However, Jesus said that he is not alone when everyone failed him. Taking a higher standing-position, he said, he is with the Father (16:32). That Jesus, the strong man on the higher ground, is always standing [with us, for us, on our behalf] to fulfill God’s justice by his own pain and agony so that we all might be saved. By making Him Lord in our daily life, we also can stand with that strong man on the higher ground, on which He is standing with the Father.

Message (06/08/08)

John 16:31-33
A Life Viewed from Above II: Soaring on His Wing!
(No audio-record)

Introduction: According to a psychological experiment, we see things in two different ways. To prove it, a teacher hands glasses, filling water half of each, to all students. When some said, “Only half is full,” seeing the half empty part, another said, “Even upto half is full,” knowing how it’s difficult to get even this much full in such a dry season. Besides, there’s still another perspective that see life from above. By trusting in God and obeying His will/plan, we have that privilege—soaring up high above to the sky and looking at life down from a higher ground. Furthermore, we are even expected to live up that perspective daily.

We Are Expected to Live It (15:1-27): Ch. 15 is introduced with the parable of vine and braches. Important concepts of the parable are such as to bear fruit, to prune, to cleanse. However, to maintain a loving relationship with God is the most evident call (cf., vv. 4, 10, 18), for this is the key to fruitfulness (v. 5). The expected fruit, then, is growing into ‘greater love’ (vv. 12-13). However, to naturally ignite that greater love in life, nothing except to remain our loving relationship with God can help (v. 9). Further, this is the only way to soar over troubles in life [cf., vv. 19, 20] and testify fearlessly about Jesus and His greater love by the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 27; 13:35). So, stay in love with God and live this life!

We Are Inwardly Driven to Live It (16:1-33): Further, Ch. 16 expounds that we are deeply inspired to live this higher life-style by the Holy Spirit, energizing us from within. However, to receive this inner spiritual force, there must be a vacuum in our lives (v. 7). In fact, in physical sense, there would be a time of lonesomeness and of alienation (vv. 2, 20). However, the better inner spiritual presence of the resurrected Christ will occupy that empty space to remain forever by the Holy Spirit (vv. 19, 22). That inner force will drive us all the way to live this higher life, by warming up the greater love of Jesus, refreshing our relationship with God, and assuring us the victory of Jesus Christ even over the gates of hell deep down in our hearts (v. 33; 14:27). So, stay in love with God for spiritual empowerment!

Jesus Reflected It in His Prayer (17:1-26): A life, viewed from higher ground, was more reflected in the prayer of Jesus in Ch. 17. Indeed, the major tone of the prayer sounds more about relationship—i.e., of Jesus to the Father as the exalted Son (v. 4) that modeled for how the disciples should related to God (v. 6) in the midst of difficulties (v. 14) and to each others, and that will end into eternal relationship of all with God (vv. 20-21). Basically, this relationship is first conditioned and then modeled by Jesus’ self-understanding of his higher stand as the exalted Son of God. So, it’s a life flowing down from that higher ground.

Only after we realize our higher role in God’s presence [in union with Christ], we will then be able to start looking at life from a higher ground, and all those in life [tears & sorrows, problems & hardships, fear & doubt, pain & suffering, etc.] will turn into a minor case, a temporary short-time experience of life. Our journey will then be easier. For, this is a journey soaring high above storms and winds with the Holy Spirit, who always reminds us about God’s embracing love, forgiving grace, and living truth that we have found in Jesus Christ!

Message (06/01/08)

John 14:1-2
View from Above!
(to listen, please, try the player)

Introduction: There’re at least three different views of life—a view that looks up to life [and its problems] from the bottom-line, a view that looks straight to life face-to-face, and a view that looks life down from above (a bird-eye view). There’re different outcomes and reactions that each is worth to receive. For instance, for a young boy, who looks up everything from the bottom, life is just to cry and give up. And for a teenager, who sees everyone in class as his compatriots, life is a competition to strive for and a battle to fight with. However, for a grown-up, who has to look after all the down-to-earth needs of family, life is to love, forgive, and even to be patient with for all wrong doings of dear children. Basing on John’s Gospel (Ch. 13-17), we can learn about spiritual bird-eye view through the life-story of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Expressed It by His Example (13:1-38): Has someone ever thought that why our Christian life seems so difficult to live sometime, i.e., to forgive, love, be humble and patient with, and to grace and bless others? If we look at how Jesus lived his life, we get all answer right there. Especially, in Ch. 13, John clearly mentioned how Jesus showed a life of humility (vv. 1-20), patience/forgiveness (vv. 21-30, 36-38), and love (vv. 31-35) before his rivaling disciples. All this was because, as John clearly noted, of that Jesus viewed life from a higher ground—a heavenly outlook (vv. 3-5). As he noticed himself exalted high above all to be their Lord/Master (v. 13) and even their single parent (v. 33), so is not difficult for him to sit down and wash all those dirty feet of his dear children/pupils. A view from higher ground!

We Are Called to Live It (14:1-31): Being born of God’s love and grace [truth from above], we are supernaturally tuned in to live this life by the help of the Holy Spirit. Accordingly, by quoting the words of Jesus Christ, John is giving us four major reasons of this life to live in Ch. 14. Firstly, we are no longer of this world below but citizen of heaven above to view life from a higher ground (vv. 1-7). Secondly, we are in higher position than the world that fight for fame and glory, to ask [even demand] directly to God and instantly receive it in Jesus’ name (vv. 8-14). Thirdly, we have the abiding presence of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit, warm and fresh deep down in our hearts, that teaches us from inside (vv. 15-26). Fourthly, we have the peace of Jesus that is not the kind that the world can give (vv. 27-31). It’s even a heavenly peace! Therefore, we have perfect potential nature to view life from a higher ground and live it in the midst of turmoil and chaos, difficulty and hardship of present life.

The advantage of eagle in the middle of the storm is his enormous strength to soar over it. Therefore, those disastrous storms and winds are the best opportunity for him to soar high above to the sky and have a perfect view from above to search for helpless preys running on the ground. Looking at life from “high above” will give us another chance to understand life from a different perspective and open up again new opportunities in life though encircled around by difficulties and hardships if to view side-by-side or to view up from below. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have that privilege—to view life down from above!

Message (05/25/08)

John 10:10
Beyond this Wall!

(to listen please try the player)

Introduction: There’re many barriers/walls in our life that hinder us from seeing the truth of God’s best for our lives. So, we admit that we have ear but not hear and we have eye but not see. Out of many, John is pointing out some hindrances that we need to take off from our lives in the section between Ch. 9 and 12. In brief, they are unforgettable past memory, very deceptive present realities, attractive future, and momentary impressions of life.

Unforgettable Past Memory (9:1-41): In the beginning of Ch. 9, we see a story of a man born blind. The problem with many, supposed to help him, was the problem with the past memory about this man and his family (v. 2). Breaking through this wall, in contrast, Jesus, seeing this man healed by God’s power right away, proclaimed that this be for God’s glory instead (v. 3). However, to this public healing, many people were still stagnant to believe. The reason is that they were so much tied up by the tradition of the past that say not to lift even a small log of wood on Sabbath (vv. 13-16). This is the call to see beyond that past.

Deceptive Present Realities (10:1-42): Ch. 10 is one of the most beautiful chapters of John, parallel to Psalms 23. However, in the midst, there’re very negative expressions such as to “stone” and “seize” Jesus (vv. 31, 39). In fact, this “gate” appears not an easy entrance. It’s even a narrow gate (cf., Matt. 7:13; Luke 13:24). However, John wants us to see beyond the present narrow appearance of this doorway as Jesus himself promised a life of pasture inside (v. 9). Yes, sometime our present experiences are also deceptive. Therefore, we’d rather concentrate on what God has in store for us beyond our present hardships.

Attractive Far Future (11:1-57): Ch. 11 is basically about the resurrection of Lazarus. The problem that John depicts here is with Mary and Martha themselves. They were so much occupied with the hope of resurrection that they confined it only in the remote future (vv. 23-24). In this way, even this very attractive future can also become another hindrance not to enjoy God’s best in our life. The call of Jesus here was for the recent future (‘right now’, vv. 40-42). While waiting for the fullness of God’s blessing in the Last day, let us also see beyond that distant future, believing that God can also do something for us here right now.

Momentary Impressions of Life (12:1-50): To give a pause, Ch. 12 wraps up the theme with the stories of pouring of perfume, triumphal entry to Jerusalem, and related teachings of Jesus. This small section also reflectively teaches us that things in life, though very impressive and good at glance, are also deceptive sometime (cf., “giving to poor” in v. 5, “favor of the multitude” in vv. 12, 42). Therefore, John invites us with the very words of Jesus to see beyond those impressive things of life but choose God’s best in life (v. 24).

This is the call of John today to look at beyond our own walls until clearly see the deeper truth that would always whisper saying, “Don’t worry! God is in control of everything, God has something good in store for us in Jesus Christ, God is ever close to hear our prayer, and God has some better reasons to let us go through this tricky passage of life sometime.” So, in any and every situation, let us not forget John 10:10 after all.

Message (05/18/08)

John 8:32
Truth to Bless Us!
(to listen, please, click below)

Introduction: There would never have been a more repeated question than “what is truth?” However, men’s search for truth has always been ended up in public debates, unending quarrels, and civil wars. With incomplete knowledge of truth, we ruled, judged, and resolved. However, to resolve rightly, we usually borrow a judgment of third party [not ‘You’ and ‘I’]. That means that ‘You’ and ‘I’ don’t have final right to claim ‘truth’. In the Gospel, John teaches us the truth—that is not from men [‘you’, ‘I’, and ‘they’] but—from God himself. That truth became flesh and is called Jesus Christ. Only in that truth, we can find a truth that graces and blesses us. This is the truth that feeds, shares, and sets us free.

Truth Not to Claim for Self But to Feed (6:1-71): Ch. 6 is opened with the miracle of feeding five thousands. This selected story defines what is all about the truth that came from God. The coming of Jesus Christ, the truth of God, is not to claim political supremacy as was expected, but to serve and feed us simply (vv. 5, 15). This is the truth to feed us! In relation to this, there’s an important question that John is inciting is “how would Jesus feed us?” From the bottom of his heart, the promise that Jesus made is that he would be more than willing to serve/feed us even by breaking off his own flesh and giving his own blood (vv. 35, 55). Because of this self-giving nature, many, who only value their own goods, found a big disagreement with Jesus Christ, who is the truth from God to feed others (vv. 60, 66).

Truth Not to Self-promote But to Share/Give (7:1-53): Ch. 7 describes a conversation of Jesus and his physical brothers in relation to the feast of Tabernacle, the best opportunity to show up publicly (v. 4). However, the truth of God is not something to promote public recognition for one’s fame and glory (v. 18). The all interest of Jesus Christ, the very truth from God, is to share and give everything of him to his people instead (vv. 37-39). By selectively referring to the Holy Spirit, John is depicting that Jesus Christ is more than willing to share everything inside and outside of him. For the Holy Spirit is the top secret of the life of Jesus Christ and His power-source (cf., Mt. 1:20; Jn. 1: 32; 3:34). Now, Jesus Christ is even thinking of to share this secret to those who willing. No special private portion left behind; but, this is the truth to share and give everything rather!

Truth Not to Judge But to Set Free (8:1-59): To put a minor climax, Ch. 8 records the story of sinful woman brought in by religious leaders to condemn (v. 5). However, the nature of God’s truth is not plain just to condemn, but is rather to give new life by meeting the real need of individual. If so, what does this woman need the most to live a different lifestyle, condemnation or forgiveness? Forgiveness! Yes, Jesus Christ promises never to condemn her past, but demands to live a new life (v. 11). This is the truth to forgive us and set us free to freely live a new guiltless life with a new dream, thought and feeling.

Yes, this is the truth that set us free by graciously meeting our real need, i.e., forgiveness for sinners, spiritual empowerment for weak disciples, and feeding (or even giving self to) the hungry multitudes. Therefore, let us say that this is the “TRUTH TO BLESS US.”

Message (05/11/08)

John 5:1-10
The Time Has Come (It’s Our Turn)!

(To listen please click below)

Introduction: If to follow the language of physics, we are controlled by time/space. It’s true especially for postmodern society, in which we say “time is money.” The same time, being fortune-hunters, we are all waiting for a time in life to claim “now is my turn (time)!” However, when a Samaritan woman met him, Jesus declared “the time has now come” (4:23). And again, when meeting the officer, Jesus promised healing of his son and the son was healed at that very moment (v. 53). Yes, “time” is a major concept of John’s Gospel (1:1; 2:4; 2:3; 3:29; 4:6, 8, 35; etc.). And the truth that John wanted to reflect here is that the time we meet Jesus [or the time we begin a good relationship with God] is the very hour/time that we have been waiting for. So, let us say, “In Jesus Christ, it’s my turn.” For the time has now come!

A Better Day of Life (4:1-16): The first cycle of this story is mostly about the individual life of Samaritan woman (the next is about religious life of the time, vv. 17-42). This woman was depicted as having been waiting for a better day in her life even after five husbands gone (v. 18). Her thirst for real happiness, lasting satisfaction, secure peace couldn’t have come but only bitter divorce and loneliness, instead. However, the time has now come as she met Jesus that day. Jesus promised a life that would never be thirsty again (v. 14). It’s for her and also for everyone who had left/afflicted her (v. 16) and even for the whole village (v. 39).

A Perfect Time & Place for Worship: Then again, in light of continuing story, we know that Jews and Samaritans alike were waiting for some time, a time when Messiah would come and teach them true worship (v. 25). They expected the coming Messiah would fulfill God’s promises in their history so they would be able to truly worship God (vv. 19-20). To that expectation of a perfect time and place in history, Jesus said “the time has now come” (vv. 21, 23). The time for true religiousness/godliness has come in Jesus Christ. He himself is that perfect time! The time has now come for our salvation, true worship, and blessing!

A Time of Healing for Family: Following this, John connected the event with another miracle in Capernaum (4:46-54) as there’s a close relationship between. Here, the officer was deadly battling with time as his son was on his deathbed (v. 47). However, to his desperate situation, Jesus just said a word, saying “your son will live” (v. 50). The shortest condolence and easiest treatment ever made!! To all surprise, the Bible says that his son was healed the exact time at which he met Jesus and counseled his case with him (v. 53). Let us bring all our cares and concerns to Jesus, and our turn will come at that very moment.

Now, It’s Our Turn! To comment all these, here’s a healing of a paralyzed man (5:1-12). He’d been waiting for his turn to get the first place getting into the pool when water stirred. For this uncertain future, thirty eight years had gone (v. 5). However, in spite of all this uncertainty and difficulty, it became so easy to be healed when he met Jesus, who said just three words, “get up, pick up your mat, and walk” (v. 8). Yes, so easy, just to get up and walk (v. 9). The time has now come when we meet Jesus. So, let’s say “it’s our turn.”

Message (05/04/2008)

Born Anew!

John 3:3-5, 9, 16

(sorry for no audio record!)

Introduction: We are living in the limitation of our own nature/self. Therefore, to live a different way, we need a different token of life. So is the call of Jesus to be born anew by the Spirit of God and with a new conviction of God's love and grace in order to enter the Kingdom of God (cf., vv. 15-16). To John the gospel-writer, this spiritual birth—or to be born anew—is to be born again by God's Spirit, the very divine nature that is full of God's love and grace, and truth and power. Actually, this is the life that Jesus Christ had given birth by his painful death and designed to be full of heavenly taste and flavor—love, grace, power—in one's real life by the indwelling of God's Spirit.

Changing of Water to Wine: To introduce this new birth, John presented the miracle of changing of water to wine (2:1). This event represents two different designs of life—a design that men made by themselves (to celebrate their wedding) and a solution that Jesus designed to help save us. However, there are some preparatory steps to let Jesus make his design. They are a welcome invitation (v. 2) and a willful submission (vv. 3-8). Upon this readiness, Jesus started his solution process that results a miraculous change of tasteless water to the best wine. This is the call to be born anew into a life being full of taste and flavor, by the touch of God's embrasing love, forgiving grace, and saving power!

Cleansing of Jerusalem Temple: Then again, John continued his account to the cleansing of the Temple. It also represents two different sets of life-design (v. 13). The then temple, being rebuilt and designed by Herod the great, simply represents a life designed after men's own way or selfishness that is full of bully cow, stupid sheep, empty dove, noisy coins, etc. (v. 14). In this stage, the cleansing itself reflects the God-designed-restoration of the original image of what the real temple should be (v. 16). Because this is the Temple, meant for worship, Jesus does not need any invitation here. Just he went there and cleansed it. Born anew into a life of holiness and complete restoration!

Parting and Meeting: However, at some point, there are some people who are so much stiff-naked to humbly receive this new life so many times. For they are full of their own self-designed ambition, self-interest, and self-prioritization (v. 24), so are not able to tune in with God in their lives. For such kind of poor fellow, nothing can be done except to avoid them sadly. Therefore, this is the call of Jesus Christ to Nicodemus to be born anew leaving his big self behind and taking on God's new design of life designed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and designed in the light of God's embracing love and His forgiving grace and saving power (3:1-16).

Conclusion: In contrast to man's self-made designs of life (that ends in shame, destruction, and death), God's new design of life is promised to exist even with everlasting quality, "eternal life" (vv. 15-16). Therefore, this is a life, full of heavenly taste and flavor, and is so pure and holy to be God's dwelling place by His Holy Spirit. In fact, this is about being born anew to becoming the eternal temple—dwelling—of God, that is full of true love, grace, mercy, power and eternal glory and beauty. Born of love, grace, and power!!

Message (04/27/08)

John 1:16
Package of Grace!

(To Listen, Please, click below)

Introduction: “Grace” is something that we freely received. We can take this two simple words to define it, “without merit” and “undeserved”. This is kind of “giving what one gravely needs out of love.” No price or no cost but is costly in itself. It’s a love-gift and blessing! Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God (v. 1), has brought the abstract truth of God’s love, grace, and power into our real life. In Jesus Christ, God’s grace and love became visible and also tangible. Then, by His perfection in obedience and love, God’s grace has been stressed out and extended to its double size for us (v. 16b). Package of Grace!

Doubling Grace: Wiping-away of Sin (vv. 29, 35): Sin simply means “missing the mark.” We missed the marks that our parents had set for us, that our bosses had targeted to us, and that our teachers had expected from us. We all missed their goals and they also missed all our expectations too. So, is our life filled only with blame, charge, guilt, and accusation. The most of all, we’d missed God’s original mark that He intended for us to reach. So, we’re all condemned not only by our parents, our friends, our bosses, but also by God himself. To this dismay, but, John the Baptist had proclaimed the cleansing of all the blames and condemnations by pointing out Jesus Christ as the Lamb sent from God, who took away all our shortcomings. So, no more condemnation! The truth of God’s grace and love in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has prevailed!

Doubling Grace: Installing of New Life (vv. 40-42): Everyone received names at birth. By that name, we’re indentified and known as we grew up. Even a simple spelling mistake can cause a big problem to indentify us especially in the very important legal cases. Name given at birth is so meaningful that much. In fact, to give a new name of “Cephas/Peter” means to comment a whole new life, another one totally different from the previous. Yes, the promise of new life (cf., 2 Cor. 5:17) is not just a mere abstract expression of doctrine. It is a total-change of one’s life—value-system, perspective, life-style, etc. This is another grace that Jesus Christ had brought by his death and resurrection. That is a total new life, living with new dream, new vision, new purpose and even with a new feeling.

Doubling Grace: Opened Heaven (vv. 48-51): What does opened heaven mean? We can refer to the homecoming of the lost son (Luke 15:20). It is like when this disobedient son came back to his safe home with repentance that his loving father opened his big arm to receive this wandering son back home. He was reconciled and the relationship was restored so is like when heaven and earth would be reconciled and intercommunication be restored (v. 51). Further, this opened heaven is also like when the neighbor had no other options except to open his door to give bread to friends (Luke 11:5-9). Opened heaven’s gate so wide to receive us back to God and to give our needs is another grace that Jesus Christ had brought toward us. In His death and resurrection, our broken relationship with Heaven had been restored and God’s loving arm is opened ready to embrace us. Therefore, package of God’s doubling grace he really is!