Here is a video of Ravi Zacharias doing a Q & A about God, Bible and religions for public university. This displays one of the many reasons I love Ravi. Listen and be blessed by God through Ravi's ministry.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Earth To Heaven; Are You There?
Current Song: "Who Can Be Against Me" by The O.C. Supertones
Last night, Pastor Jack started his new Wednesday night sermon series. The new series is titled "How Do We Get From Here To Heaven". At almost an hour, Pastor Jack only touched upon one third of his sermon last. The outline for Pastor Jack's sermon can be seen as follows:
Starting Text: Romans 12:1-2
Intro verse: Hebrews 12:14
I. Understanding Us Being Human
Last night, Pastor Jack started his new Wednesday night sermon series. The new series is titled "How Do We Get From Here To Heaven". At almost an hour, Pastor Jack only touched upon one third of his sermon last. The outline for Pastor Jack's sermon can be seen as follows:
Starting Text: Romans 12:1-2
Intro verse: Hebrews 12:14
I. Understanding Us Being Human
A. The complexity of who we are
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 ( Called to be sanctified )
2. Genesis 1:26-27
3. Psalm 8:4
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 ( Called to be sanctified )
2. Genesis 1:26-27
3. Psalm 8:4
B. The Purpose of our existence
1. To know God ( Philippians 3:10, Revelation 3:12 )
1. To know God ( Philippians 3:10, Revelation 3:12 )
C. The meaning of what matters
1. 1 John 4:19
1. 1 John 4:19
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Ruth 1:1-5
Current Song: "The Power Of The Cross" by Keith Getty
Naomi Widowed
1 In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, 5 and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
There are a few things worth pointing out in my reading of this great section of Ruth. I see that we are told the time, place, and conflict of the story told in the book of Ruth. The time is pointed out in verse 1 as "In the days when the judges ruled..." Also interesting to me is the very fact that the book previous to Ruth is Judges. Any person reading the bible in order from front to back would have easily caught this interesting fact. The second topic of interest is the place. We see that Elimelech was from Bethlehem in Judah and traveled out to the country of Moab.
The first thing to pop in my mind when seeing the word Bethlehem is Jesus being born. We can in Matthew 2:6 the quoting of Micah 5:2 in regards to Jesus being born in Bethlehem in Judah. What fascinates me is the rich history that God has given the place. From old to new testament, we see God working out biblical history in the land of Judah. And finally we see the conflict of the book of Ruth introduced in these first 5 verses. Naomi is left a widowed mother and eventually sonless. What a sad ordeal for any wife and mother to experience. These are just some of my thoughts reading the first few verses of Ruth.
Naomi Widowed
1 In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, 5 and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
There are a few things worth pointing out in my reading of this great section of Ruth. I see that we are told the time, place, and conflict of the story told in the book of Ruth. The time is pointed out in verse 1 as "In the days when the judges ruled..." Also interesting to me is the very fact that the book previous to Ruth is Judges. Any person reading the bible in order from front to back would have easily caught this interesting fact. The second topic of interest is the place. We see that Elimelech was from Bethlehem in Judah and traveled out to the country of Moab.
The first thing to pop in my mind when seeing the word Bethlehem is Jesus being born. We can in Matthew 2:6 the quoting of Micah 5:2 in regards to Jesus being born in Bethlehem in Judah. What fascinates me is the rich history that God has given the place. From old to new testament, we see God working out biblical history in the land of Judah. And finally we see the conflict of the book of Ruth introduced in these first 5 verses. Naomi is left a widowed mother and eventually sonless. What a sad ordeal for any wife and mother to experience. These are just some of my thoughts reading the first few verses of Ruth.
Monday, July 27, 2009
A Feeling Worth Stating
Current Song: "Whispers In The Dark" by Skillet
It's been quite the while since I've written anything new and the throws of everyday life have prevented it. Anyways, it's Monday at 11:03pm as I write this. I cannot but feel shame and remorse for how I spent the longer portion of my Lord's day yesterday. Mum went to church with me to which I thank God. The worship was amazing and the sermon was great. The whole service was touching to me. After that though, the rest of my day was shot. As James says ever so eloquently, God temps no one yet we are tempted by our own evil desires and this brings about sin which brings forth death (James 1:13-15). Oh how many times I can think of my own personal sins and have these verses at the very forefront of my mind. I wonder if my heart was truly in the right place Sunday morning. Maybe it was yet I didn't take heed to what James says about our own evil desires. How many times have I seen God's grace in my life and the truth of His eternal word only to sin so blatantly against that very God.
One of the most appealing things to me about heaven is the thought of no longer sinning against God. And yet I feel the sinfulness of my very nature. Oh how I can relate to the apostle Paul in the second half of Romans 7. The struggle in your mind to follow God with the struggle of your body to commit sin. May Christ sanctify the inner man inside of me. For my soul's sake. I pray that I would not live a life of godliness on the outside yet be completely pagan on the inside just as the pharisees were accused of doing by Jesus Himself. Its at these times when I commit sin that I truly feel atheistic in belief. It was once said by someone famous who's identity escapes me, " All christians are practical atheist when they choose to sin." May all believers continue to grow in sanctification. May I continually grow in my mortification of my own personal sin. And all this can only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit.
It's been quite the while since I've written anything new and the throws of everyday life have prevented it. Anyways, it's Monday at 11:03pm as I write this. I cannot but feel shame and remorse for how I spent the longer portion of my Lord's day yesterday. Mum went to church with me to which I thank God. The worship was amazing and the sermon was great. The whole service was touching to me. After that though, the rest of my day was shot. As James says ever so eloquently, God temps no one yet we are tempted by our own evil desires and this brings about sin which brings forth death (James 1:13-15). Oh how many times I can think of my own personal sins and have these verses at the very forefront of my mind. I wonder if my heart was truly in the right place Sunday morning. Maybe it was yet I didn't take heed to what James says about our own evil desires. How many times have I seen God's grace in my life and the truth of His eternal word only to sin so blatantly against that very God.
One of the most appealing things to me about heaven is the thought of no longer sinning against God. And yet I feel the sinfulness of my very nature. Oh how I can relate to the apostle Paul in the second half of Romans 7. The struggle in your mind to follow God with the struggle of your body to commit sin. May Christ sanctify the inner man inside of me. For my soul's sake. I pray that I would not live a life of godliness on the outside yet be completely pagan on the inside just as the pharisees were accused of doing by Jesus Himself. Its at these times when I commit sin that I truly feel atheistic in belief. It was once said by someone famous who's identity escapes me, " All christians are practical atheist when they choose to sin." May all believers continue to grow in sanctification. May I continually grow in my mortification of my own personal sin. And all this can only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Why Memorize Scripture?
In this short clip taken from Pastor John Piper's sermon, we learn the importance of memorizing God's word.
"If My Words Abide in You"
John 15:1-7
January 4, 2009
"If My Words Abide in You"
John 15:1-7
January 4, 2009
Being A Christian In Obedience To God
Current Song: "Glory Be To God" by Sovereign Grace Ministries
In tonight's message, Pastor Jack started off by telling us that this would be his last night on the topic of marriage and divorce. He told us that beginning next week we would begin a new study series. I look forward to finding out what Pastor Jack plans to teach on next. Tonight's message was not only edifying but gave me a sense of encouragement about what God has to say about marriage, divorce, forgiveness, and hope in Christ. You can view an outline of Pastor Jack's sermon here:
Being A Christian In Obedience To God
I. You've got to be willing to submit to the Lord
A. Bury the past (Philippians 3:13-14)
B. Resign to die to your demands (Mark 9:35)
C. Elevate the Lord in every area of life (1 Corinthians 6:20)
1. Realize that Jesus is everywhere and sees how you truly live your life
II. You've got to face the reality of forgiveness
A. Asking for forgiveness creates hope
B. Forgiving others brings about liberty (Matthew 5:21-24)
C. Finding forgiveness sets you free (Ephesians 4:31-32)
III. Your strength is in the power of God, not you
A. Begin a daily workout plan in the word
B. Set a guard on your thoughts
IV. Marriage has proven to be bigger than you
A. A marriage cannot be done right without God. (Ephesians 5:22-33)
V. You must have a godly fear of who the Lord is
Sunday, July 19, 2009
What You Should Know About The Real Jesus
Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple
5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once
5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once
(Luke 21:5-9)
Today, pastor Jack gave his introduction to what would be a 4 week series in a study of what Jesus had to say about the end times. A quick outline of his sermon was as follows:
What You Should Know About The Real Jesus
I. We are to know our biblical history
A. Jesus knows all and knows what we need to know
Today, pastor Jack gave his introduction to what would be a 4 week series in a study of what Jesus had to say about the end times. A quick outline of his sermon was as follows:
What You Should Know About The Real Jesus
I. We are to know our biblical history
A. Jesus knows all and knows what we need to know
1. All believers are guaranteed heaven being with Jesus is
something we should look for
2. Knowing that God is in control should bring immense
2. Knowing that God is in control should bring immense
confidence to my life
3. Reading the bible and what Jesus has to say about end
3. Reading the bible and what Jesus has to say about end
times helps me to see events in my life more clearly
4. Knowing that God is all knowing and all powerful
4. Knowing that God is all knowing and all powerful
causes me to have faith in Him
5. Seeing the faithfulness of who God is gives me faith in
5. Seeing the faithfulness of who God is gives me faith in
God's word
6. The prophecy that Jesus speaks proves that He WAS
6. The prophecy that Jesus speaks proves that He WAS
God and that God IS real
II. We need to be ready for Jesus' coming and to not be led astray by false teachers
A. How different would our lives look if we lived everyday as if
A. How different would our lives look if we lived everyday as if
Jesus could return at any moment
III. Look forward to your future with Jesus in heaven
A. True Christians look forward to when Jesus will come back
A. True Christians look forward to when Jesus will come back
and that if you are not, you should be afraid
20. He (Jesus) who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
(Revelation 22:20)
May all those who profess Christ say with the apostle John, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"
in Christ alone, shawn
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Tip Well
Here is Mark Driscoll telling his congregation to tip well. I've believed this ever since being saved, so I agree with pastor Mark 100%.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Will There Be Peace?
Current Song: "There Is None Like You" by Shane and Shane
After work, I headed over to Starbucks to grab a chai tea frappuccino. Than I drove to Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. This less than a mile drive turned out to be an adventure in itself. I tried a different route because of traffic to no avail. All the late church members made it impossible to arrive in time. Anyhow, I finally did make it in. I've always enjoyed the thought of having a corporate bible study or worship service during the middle of the week. Worship was pretty awesome. It gave me time to take in a deep breathe and stop and ponder all that had happened this week. I thought of all the people I needed to pray for and my own personal walk with Christ.
I was kind of sad to find out that pastor Jack would not be speaking tonight. But looking back on the guest speaker and his message, I can say that God had blessed me through that message. Amir was in California visiting from Israel. If I remember correctly, I think he was the same guy we heard live on the phone from Israel at the end of pastor Jack's sermon almost a month ago.
Amir's message contained 1) the foundation of God's word the bible being completely reliable and trustworthy 2) the prophets holy inspiration to write and speak there message as God willed 3) the fact that God makes His will come to pass regardless of if we believe in Him of not. Amir spoke about how the world today promises us peace and how this very promise of peace goes against the prophecies Jesus foretold concerning wars and the end times. We were reminded that those who are true believers and are in Christ can have true peace. This peace is not of this world but from God for those who trust in His son Jesus. When a person is a true Christian, they look forward to the day when they will finally be with Jesus.
At the end of his message, Amir made it clear that those without Christ should make sure to think about the fact that they would end up in hell forever. He also told those professing Christ to examine themselves and make sure that they were truly saved. I was reminded of my sin and how undeserving I am of God's mercy upon me through Christ. I was reminded that I should look forward to the day when Christ will take me home to be with God forever.
As the service ended, the worship team played a few more songs as people started to leave. I took this time to sit and pray. I was reminded of all those I know who are not or might not be saved. The thought of loved ones going to hell forever always brings tears to my eyes. How many people do we know are without Christ? How many people do we know have their hope in a false gospel or a false god or a false christ? May God produce such a revival of people turning to Christ in this country that the numbers a too great to count. Above all, may God's will be done.
After work, I headed over to Starbucks to grab a chai tea frappuccino. Than I drove to Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. This less than a mile drive turned out to be an adventure in itself. I tried a different route because of traffic to no avail. All the late church members made it impossible to arrive in time. Anyhow, I finally did make it in. I've always enjoyed the thought of having a corporate bible study or worship service during the middle of the week. Worship was pretty awesome. It gave me time to take in a deep breathe and stop and ponder all that had happened this week. I thought of all the people I needed to pray for and my own personal walk with Christ.
I was kind of sad to find out that pastor Jack would not be speaking tonight. But looking back on the guest speaker and his message, I can say that God had blessed me through that message. Amir was in California visiting from Israel. If I remember correctly, I think he was the same guy we heard live on the phone from Israel at the end of pastor Jack's sermon almost a month ago.
Amir's message contained 1) the foundation of God's word the bible being completely reliable and trustworthy 2) the prophets holy inspiration to write and speak there message as God willed 3) the fact that God makes His will come to pass regardless of if we believe in Him of not. Amir spoke about how the world today promises us peace and how this very promise of peace goes against the prophecies Jesus foretold concerning wars and the end times. We were reminded that those who are true believers and are in Christ can have true peace. This peace is not of this world but from God for those who trust in His son Jesus. When a person is a true Christian, they look forward to the day when they will finally be with Jesus.
At the end of his message, Amir made it clear that those without Christ should make sure to think about the fact that they would end up in hell forever. He also told those professing Christ to examine themselves and make sure that they were truly saved. I was reminded of my sin and how undeserving I am of God's mercy upon me through Christ. I was reminded that I should look forward to the day when Christ will take me home to be with God forever.
As the service ended, the worship team played a few more songs as people started to leave. I took this time to sit and pray. I was reminded of all those I know who are not or might not be saved. The thought of loved ones going to hell forever always brings tears to my eyes. How many people do we know are without Christ? How many people do we know have their hope in a false gospel or a false god or a false christ? May God produce such a revival of people turning to Christ in this country that the numbers a too great to count. Above all, may God's will be done.
Fun In The Sun
Current Song: "Beautiful One" by By The Tree
Today I went to work if you could call it that. We took the kids to Splash Water Park in La Mirada. To my surprise, I realized that it was right behind Biola. Who would have thunk it. Anyways, the highlight for me was getting to play tag in the lazy river with all the kids and shooting down the water slides a couple of times. All in all, a pretty cool day at work. No bible studies today but hopefully someone will want to have one at the park tomorrow.
Today I went to work if you could call it that. We took the kids to Splash Water Park in La Mirada. To my surprise, I realized that it was right behind Biola. Who would have thunk it. Anyways, the highlight for me was getting to play tag in the lazy river with all the kids and shooting down the water slides a couple of times. All in all, a pretty cool day at work. No bible studies today but hopefully someone will want to have one at the park tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Cool Links
Here are the sites that have taught me everything from sharing the gospel with a complete stranger to learning about the differences between biblical Christianity and other world religions. May you be blessed by the many videos, sermons, and articles contained in these sites.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
About Me
... a young baby boy was born. His mom and dad decided to name him Shawn. Shawn’s story begins his senior year in high school. He thought he was a Christian but had no idea what that meant. He decided to live for the pleasures of music, weed, and friends the whole three months after graduating high school. Until one glorious day. As Shawn was depressed with the way his life was, a friend Shawn hadn’t seen in awhile appeared. Shawn was invited to church three months later and heard the true gospel for the first time in his life. And by God’s grace, Shawn believed in salvation by Jesus alone by faith alone.
Shawn loves to spend time talking about God’s word and explaining the gospel to anyone who would listen. His favorite moments include going to the Resolved Conference and hearing his favorite pastors speak. He also loves to listen to sermons rather than music. Shawn looks forward to the day when he will struggle with sin no more but be in the very presence of Jesus Christ for his everlasting joy.
Shawn loves to spend time talking about God’s word and explaining the gospel to anyone who would listen. His favorite moments include going to the Resolved Conference and hearing his favorite pastors speak. He also loves to listen to sermons rather than music. Shawn looks forward to the day when he will struggle with sin no more but be in the very presence of Jesus Christ for his everlasting joy.
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