A Motto

Been thinking about this a lot this past year.

Hate Sin, Love God.

Work that into your hearts and lives.

Who wants to die?

Scripture is constantly talking about the hope that Christians have to look forward to. That hope in the afterlife in which we get to rejoice and fully enjoy the presence of Christ. Of course, this implies that first, we must die in our flesh.

1. Philippians 1:21-23 states...
- For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet, which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

Lets stop there and land on the part "For that is far better." Now lets think about this. Paul states he is can die in Christ right now, (Which he would prefer), because it is far better. Paul wanted to die, to depart and be with Christ.
I know we know in our heads, that we Christians will enjoy an eternity that is far better than that life in which we now live. But how much has this really melted our hearts? Our lives after this life will be far better, we can darn well be sure of that. This hope should strengthen us. (I also find this to be a comfort, knowing that those who have passed away in the Lord are now in a place that is far better...)

2. Continuing on....24-26 state....
- .... But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus because of my coming to you again.
Oh what a servant Paul is! Putting aside his own comfort and advancement, for the advancement of Christ's kingdom! He stays to serve Christ!

3. There is a key term that comes up constantly in Philippians. That is Gospel.
We see it in 1:5, 7, 12, 16, 27 also 2:22, 4:3, 4:15. In this context, its not simply talking about the message of the gospel, but more the gospel cause, its advance.
For example,
1:12 states "I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
1:16 says, "...Knowing I am put here for the defense of the gospel."
1:27 "....Striving side by side, for the faith of the Gospel."
2:22 "He has served with me, in the gospel.."
4:3 "labored side by side with me in the gospel"

Paul stays...he lives...he serves...for the advance of the gospel cause...As should we..


If your familiar with Philippians you know that a key theme that pops up a lot is joy and rejoicing in suffering. Paul was able to rejoice, knowing he was part of something bigger than himself. He was serving the cause of Christ. He rejoiced in the spread of the gospel! He rejoiced in its advance! So much so, that he could rejoice and write a letter of joy, while in prison....

THerefore, i end with verse 1:27, probably the theme verse of Philippians,
- Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.


So to answer my title question, "who wants to die?" The answer is Paul. He wanted to die. He wanted to depart to the Lord. Yet, he put aside his desire to serve Christ. To serve the kingdom. To advance the gospel. I hope one day i can genuinely say, "Surely, I want to die...but I am here for you."

I know this is a lot. But I end with this. Paul's words again..."Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, But i press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own." Phil 3:12

Try to work it out, for the rest of your lives.

I'm not a servant! I'm a manager! A director! A CEO!!!

I want to share an observation I heard by Alistair Begg, he's talking about the book of James, written by the brother of Jesus.
James 1:1
"James a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ."

- To begin with its important to notice what James doesn't say in his introduction. Why doesn't James lead the discussion by saying this is "James, the brother of Jesus!" Iono about you, but if i was James, i would definitely throw into my intro "oh yea, by the way, Jesus Christ, God incarnate, yea....he's my bro..." Instead, James says, "this is James, a Servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ."

- Alistair states "James understood that the wonder of the relationship with Jesus didn't lie in the fact of them sharing the same birth mother, it was not a natural relationship that caused James to marvel, it was the miracle of God's goodness to him, in opening his eyes to understand that Jesus was the person he declared himself to be."

Notice what James says instead. A servant...of the Lord Jesus Christ. If your a servant of Jesus Christ, thats a big deal. Ultimately, our best piece on our resume is this, Patrick*, Servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Through all earthly accomplishments, titles, and recognitions, we will never have a title greater than "______ ,A servant of the Lord Jesus Christ." I think James the brother of Jesus, understood this. *By the way, in John 7, John states that the brothers of Jesus (including James) didn't even believe in him. How amazing a turn around.

If I wrote a letter to you today, introducing myself i'd start it off as "Patrick, UCI Graduate, Psych and Crim Major, Talbot Seminary Student, Korean American, etc etc. But that would be wrong. Thats all rubbish compared to, Patrick, servant of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

I want to be melted by this idea. Marvel at my relationship with Christ.

I'm a horrible servant. But i'll keep trying. I know what my identity is, I just need to work it out. Thank God for grace.

Marvel at this idea. Work out its implications.

I know how to pray, BUT I DONT PRAY

Perhaps the epitome of knowledge gone to waste in a believer relates to prayer. I can tell you why we should pray. You can probably tell me the theological implications. Probably listing off 5 reasons why we should pray, even if God's sovereign. I can tell you where it says we should pray in the bible. I can share the how, where, whys, etc of prayer. Yet..I dont pray!
Or atleast not in the way I know in my head I should. Scripture says to be 'devoted' to prayer, or 'constant' in prayer. Yet of course, I want to say "But its sooo hard...I want to...but I just can't". To this, I share John Piper's rebuke to me "Join the fallen humanity club. Its not easy for anyone to pray!" Ouch! Darn, I thought it was just me that had an extra hard time. Oh how much we Christians think this is a cakewalk. We fail to struggle, groan, and fight! Fight it! says Piper!
I'm not going to go further. I'm sure you've heard dozens of sermons on prayer. You've tried, and failed countless times to discipline yourself in this matter. Yet, all I can say is this, fight it!!! 100%! Don't let that percentage go down every time you fail. 95%....85%....60%....Where slowly..there is no fight left in you, and you are satisfied with....apathy... But persevere, get back up and try fight again, 100% Discipline yourself to pray. In that, i believe a deep passion will be formed. Keep on trying Brothers and Sisters. Work whats in your mind, into your heart...through prayer.

A sermon by John Piper that i Found enormously helpful and practical to pray. It may be a good place to start.....peace!
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByTopic/35/118_Be_Devoted_to_Prayer/
If you know any sources that may help me..feel free to comment...=P

Our God! Our Father! Our Father?

Simply amazing. This may seem boring, but stick with me on this, alright?

In biblical thought, one's name was much more than the label by which someone was called. Instead, one's name was thought to reveal one's very nature. This is especially true of God.
- God is often called El, or Elohim, meaning "Strong one. Mighty one." Probably the most common name for God in the OT, it emphasizes God as creator, etc.
- Another is Yahweh, basically meaning he is, or he is active. Its significant as a redemptive and covenant name of God. Moving on....(stick with me here)
- The name Adonai is also used for God. Basically meaning Lord, showing our servant-master like relationship with God. Alright, so far, probably boring.
- In the New Testament, we see Father, or in aramaic Abba. A word given to us by Jesus himself. We see Jesus use this word in the context of prayer.

Yet, Jesus was a Jewish person, yet he doesn't use any of the names Jews used to address God. Whats up with this Father nonsense. This abba father language breaks all categories Israel used. Yet remember, when Jesus prays on earth, he is not doing anything he didn't do for all eternity before this. He has given us insight into their relationship! He shows us a new name. How they related for all eternity! The language God uses to talk to God! (sounds schizo no? you get the idea) The manifestation of the trinity, uses abba language! By showing us this amazzzing word, he is inviting us into a conversation that will go on for all eternity!

J.I Packer states "To those who are Christ's, the holy God is a loving Father, they belong to his family, they may approach him without fear and always be sure of his fatherly concern and care. This is the heart of the New Testament message."

He continues on to state when describing the importance of this 'name' of God...You sum up the whole of the New Testament religion if you describe it as the knowledge of God as one's holy Father. If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God's child, and having God as his Father............'Father' is the Christian name for God.
I know I know, this is too long. But let me end in this. When you go to bed tonight, or wherever you are, and you pray, maybe the Lord's prayer, and you say "Father", or perhaps "Our Father." I want you to think! Don't go over it without meditating on how amazing it is that we can call God, Father! This is the engine that should keep us going! This truth should melt our hearts! So tonight, pray "Father", (Think while praying it).....Then after you pray, remember why we can call God Father. In Christ's name" I pray, or maybe "In Jesus name I pray" Amen.

The dawn of a new covenant where there is unmediated access and personal intimacy with God...Simply amazing...

Do we understand our relationship with our Father? Do we value it? Do we daily remind ourselves of its privileges. Work it into your heart. Peace!

Working it head to heart?

Working it head to heart? You may be thinking what the heck does that mean? Or you may have an idea. I believe that one of the main things a leader should do, is help those he or she is leading, to "work" into the heart, that which knowledge that has been gained in the head. Basically, not letting knowledge just be knowledge, but letting information and truth melt one's heart, applying it to their daily lives for growth. For example, I can probably have many of my christian friends take a test. The test being on "are we saved by grace". I'm guessing most of you would pass with flying colors. Yet, does this truth resonate in our hearts? We cannot let it end there!! This amazing truth cannot just be in your mind!

Sadly to say, i've failed in my own philosophy as of late. I've fallen short in working recent truths i'm learning deep into my heart, deep into my soul. Therein lies the basis of my blog:
1. To not just to let the lessons i'm learning, particularly at seminary, be in my head.
2. To Share with you, hopefully helping you move truths from head to heart.
3. Sometimes I just want to write =P

Therefore, i'm not here to simply share my theological position or the knowledge im learning, etc. But quite the opposite, i'm here to make things relevant to me and you in practical life, and godliness. So, I'll do my best to make it relevant and challenging to you, the reader, as well. Also, i'm not here to simply teach or anything like that, I want to get my thoughts and feelings in writing, helping me sort out myself. =P So I may go on personal "schpeels" (is that how you spell it) every once in awhile. I tend to do that. So feel free to comment, disagree, and encourage.

Therefore, I challenge myself, I challenge you, and I challenge you to challenge me, to not let truth be simply that. Whatever your learning as of late, please please don't let it puff you up. That saddens me. It saddens me that i do that. By the way, forgive me if this is completely irrelevant to you. The stuff i'm gonna talk about is going to be related to my faith.
Alright, first one done!