The surprising growth of the kingdom

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.  He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.  The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.  But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”  And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it?  It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth,  yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” - Mark 4:26-32 ESV

Pastor Won Ho Kim

The audience, first century Jews, is expecting a kingdom. Jesus' disciples were expecting a kingdom as well. But they were expecting to see a new political, physical kingdom. When Judas betrays Jesus, they draw their swords. But Jesus tells them to put away their swords. This kingdom does not come from force, power, influence, or numbers. It is a different kind of kingdom.

Who grows the kingdom

Jesus talks about a farmer sowing seeds. He emphasizes certain things in His story. Jesus says that this farmer sows and goes to bed. This farmer sleeps night and day. He says the farmer does not make the seed grow. The farmer only sows the seed. The power that causes germination and growth is in the seed, not the farmer. The power of the kingdom is not in the farmer. God establishes and builds the kingdom.

How the kingdom grows

The kingdom only needs the word. Our work is relatively unimportant. The farmer sleeps. We are not supposed to be lazy, but for all of our labors, only God gives fruit to our labors.

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. - Psalm 127:1 ESV

We do very ordinary work along with providing the Word of God. Somehow, the Word works without the need of eloquence or charisma.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,  so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. - Isaiah 55:10-11 ESV

How big the kingdom grows

Jesus talks about the mustard seed as an analogy of the kingdom of God. The seed is small, but it grows pretty big. Big enough for a bird to perch and to provide shade.

The emphasis is on the growth. Jesus is saying that from this small group of disciples with come something impossibly enormous. From humble beginnings, there will come something of a humbling scale.

The radical call of the ordinary Christian

While they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”  To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”  Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”- Luke 9:57-62 ESV

Rev. Dwight Yoo

Our generation wants to do extraordinary and radical things. We often diminish ordinary things and lives. But God works through ordinary church life and the ordinary everyday tasks in our lives.

The other side of things is those who are lazy and comfortable. They are on the other extreme, looking to take the easy way.

But the life that God calls is to is radical and challenging. It may often not look that way; it is pretty normal looking from the outside in. We are called to radical devotion and sacrifice.

What kind of life does Christ call us to?

Great cost and sacrifice

Jesus tells a man that the Son of Man has no place to lay His head. This is the equivalent of leaving a high five hanging in the air. A man says he will follow Jesus. Jesus tells the man that there would be no worldly home for him. That we could lose out on riches, promotions, and comfortable lifestyles. Following Jesus will ostracize you from close friends and family because you are changed when you follow Him. They will be struck by the fact that you are no longer the same person they once knew.

"I had motives for not wanting the world to have a meaning; consequently assumed that it had none, and was able without any difficulty to find satisfying reasons for this assumption. The philosopher who finds no meaning in the world is not concerned exclusively with a problem in metaphysics, he is also concerned to prove that there is no valid reason why he personally should not do as he wants to do, or why his friends should not seize political power and govern in the way that they find most advantegous to themselves... For myself, the philosophy of meaningless was essentially an instrument of liberation, sexual and political." -- Aldous Huxley in Ends and Means

Jesus has first priority in your life period.

Jesus calls a man to follow Him. And then tells the man to proclaim to kingdom rather than bury his father. There is question about whether this man's father is dead or dying. We are not to take this as abolishing our command to honor our parents, but rather we are to obey Jesus far and above any other call in our lives.

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.- Luke 14:26 ESV

By putting God first, we find satisfaction and contentment in Him alone. Then in that state, we can more fully love and serve those close to us. We can love and serve without need of their affirmation and reciprocation. Unconditional love because God's love fills us.

Keeping kingdom focused, even at the cost of your life

You cannot plow a straight lines if you keep looking in various directions. Saying goodbye to friends and family is not a problem, being distracted from being kingdom focused is. We are called to live lives focused on kingdom growth and proclamation.

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. - Luke 9:23-24 ESV

We are to give up those worldly things that drew us before Christ. And when time passes, as we go to work in the kingdom of God, to give them up again and again.

“The kingdom of heaven  is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy  he goes and sells all that he has and  buys that field.
Matthew 13:44 ESV

In doing this, in all the demands on our lives, we will find joy and life everlasting. But more than that, this is intensely personal for Jesus, for He gave everything up for us first. We will gladly give up all these things for what God will give us is worth much more than these things.

Enter into the joy of our Master

“For  it will be like a man  going on a journey, who called his servants  and entrusted to them his property.  To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.  He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.  So also he who had the two talents made two talents more.  But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.  Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.  And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’  His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’  And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’  His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’  He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,  so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’  But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?  Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.  So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.  For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.  And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Matthew 25:14-30 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mat.25.14-30.ESV

Pastor Paul Park

This parable is located between the parable of the ten virgins and the sheep & the goats. These two talk of salvation and readiness of the coming salvation.

The parable of the talents tells us that we are not our own masters. God is our master. We own nothing, we are caretakers and stewards. Perhaps it would be better to be called a slave. We, as Christians, are bought at a price, the blood of Christ. Do you see your life as purchased by Christ and not your own? Grace means that we owe everything to God. We desire to be our own masters, but we are not.

Talents are not innate talent, but rather large sums of money. 5 talents is worth 75 years of wages. 2 talents is 30 years and 1 talent is 15 years of wages. All of then were given large sums of money. They were all given an opportunity to invest in the kingdom. The Master gave them all an opportunity and then He left. Do you feel the opportunity and the duty? To be able to serve the church? To have relationships that can build up the kingdom?

To those who feel insufficient, everyone in the parable was given some money to invest. But we are all given the opportunity, whether big or small. Each of us is given something with which to serve. Do not look at the one with five talents with envy, just take the gift you have been given and use it. We are given different gifts with which to serve.

The attitude of the servants is one of eager faithfulness. The first servant runs off to make more and so does the second. The last servant was fearful, but not the reverent fear. This was a bad kind of fear. He didn't seem to do anything wrong, but yet he is not commended. He was concerned with not doing anything wrong. He is the picture of the Church goer/pew-warmer. They come to church service and try to avoid sin, but they do not serve or build the kingdom. This is the heart of one who does not know God intimately and one who does not and is not saved.

So which of the servants are you? Are we eagerly ready to serve Him? Do we share in the joy of the Master? Are we saved or not? If we are, then we should be eager to serve Christ and grow His kingdom. Conversely, if we are not eager, do we know the Master?

Ordinary: Decision making - Just do something

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 ESV

Rev. Dan Whang

We have so many choices today. Food, people to date/meet/marry, where to live, what career/job, etc. But for the Christian there is not just trying to make the best choice, but also trying to glorify God. We are not just about trying to make ourselves happy.

God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect.

Two prerequisites to discerning God's will

Present our bodies as living sacrifices
Be renewed by the renewing of our minds

Practical steps of decision making

1 Believe God's word

Is it sinful? Does it glorify God? Does it damage ourselves, our witness, or those around us?

A. Remember the Gospel (our security is in God, not the consequences of this decision)

B. Remember God's sovereignty (God's purpose will come to fruition/completion)

C. Remember God's mission (we are His witnesses.)

2 Listen to godly counsel (advisors)

A. Those who are around you the most

B. Those who are godly and experienced

C. Your spiritual leaders

Are you already decided before God had chimed in on your life? How do you react to counsel that does not sound pleasing or goes against your inclination?

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15 ESV

3 Make a decision, do what you want

God has used His word and godly counsel to supply you with sufficient wisdom to make sounds, biblical decisions that glorify God and fulfill His good purposes for you.

We aren't looking for some sort of sign from God. This is not how we are to discern His will. God normally leads us thorough biblical wisdom and godly counsel.

Follow thorough on your decision. Don't make yourself crazy by asking what-if. Focus on the path that you have chosen.

4 Ask for faith

We are not promised tomorrow. We are not called to an easy life. But rather to take up our cross. Our lives are a mist.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15 ESV

The Principle of Love (Romans 14)

The kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking... but it is about righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

We should abstain when it becomes a stumbling block to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should seek to love first above our own enjoyment.

Ordinary means of grace: Word and Prayer

“For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. Deut 30:11-14 ESV

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;  but his delight is in the law of the Lord , and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord !  Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,  who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!  You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.  Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!   Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.  I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.  I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!

Psalms 1:1-3,119:1-8 ESV

Rev. Dan Whang

The pastors decided to do this series so that we could be changed and impacted. In very ordinary and everyday ways. This is so that we know how to live in the days between Sundays.

Daily spiritual disciplines are vital for spiritually thriving. But it is so mundane, slow, and quiet. But this is how God works in our lives.

Sufficiency and clarity of God's word

God's word provides all that we need for knowledge of salvation and godly living. We do not need more. The word enables us to live out our lives. Jesus is the living embodiment of the Word. He is sufficient for salvation and requires nothing more. It does not speak to everything, but it does speak to everything we need.

The scripture is clear enough for even the uneducated given they make use of the ordinary means of study and prayer. Not everything is completely clear, but enough is clear enough to give saving knowledge of salvation.

What intimate prayer requires

Our day to day prayers are supposed to be intimate. Not to say that our prayers with small group and church service are not real, but that praying privately one on one with Jesus is more intimate. We should be looking Him in the eye. Sharing our lives and asking Him questions.

Here's a list:

   Grace
   Fear (awe & respect)
   Helplessness

Guidelines to meditation

We can't just jump from Bible study to prayer. Meditation is needed for meaningful prayer.

What are some personal examples to emulate or avoid?

What are some commands to obey?

What are

Ordinary: The ordinary church

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)

Rev. Dwight Yoo

God works in extraordinary ways through the ordinary ways of the church. He does great things via normal, everyday church activities. We do not have a high view of the church today. We consider it antiquated, inefficient, and useless. But God works through it, it is His chosen method. He loves the church, even though it is made up of sick people. Jesus is the head; the church is the body. You cannot have one without the other.

Devoted to the word

The church is dedicated to apostle's teachings. They are to work via the word. Even after the original disciples die, the church is given offices to feed, grow, and mature the church via the word.

Fellowship, the intimate sharing of lives

The members of the church look out for each other. They are generous to each others. They share good times, bad times, burdens, sins, and joys. If you are struggling with sexual sin, depression, financial trouble, or marriage issues... But no one in the church knows, then something is wrong. We are failing to fellowship. The church is not working in the ordinary way that God meant.

Sacraments

Communion and baptism are the ways that Jesus commanded us to spiritually feed the church. Not miracles, just everyday actions where God brings about spiritual work.

Devotion to ordinary church life brings growth.

The devotion to the ordinary practices of church grows the church both qualitatively and quantitatively. It is not our personal effort, but God working through it. The wind of His spirit working brings about spiritual change.

Ordinary: The Value of Ordinary Work

Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

1 Thesis

Rev Dwight Yoo

This sermon series is trying to address our generation's fear of being ordinary. We are trying to create an image of a sustainable, everyday faith. We want to avoid being lazy in our spiritual walk, but also avoid the over-valuing of radical, world-changing lifestyle.

Your ordinary job is an important way of living others.

Paul writes the church during persecution and tells them to continue doing what they do in regards to brotherly love. This is a very generous church. They were not rich, but they were generous. Paul talks about living quiet lives as well as giving to kingdom work in other regions. Working with your hands is another way of showing love. Aspiring to live quietly and working is a way to show love. Why? Many Christians in this church were not working. They were so obsessed with the return of Jesus that they quit working. They were living off of other Christians and welfare. This was hindering the witness of the church there. They were so caught up in the spectacular that they lost sight of the mundane. God works in the everyday. He doesn't always work in miraculous and spectacular ways. God provides. How? Through work, the everyday ordinary work of a baker and a supermarket worker stocking shelves. Work is more than just for your fulfillment. It is also for those we work with, for those who depend on us... That our jobs are not all about us. Not about us being the most impactful or respected by those around us. It is about being a blessing. Whether it is about freeing people from seed trafficking or baking bread for people. The work is equally valued by God. He loves both workers regardless of what work they do. Don't get caught up in big ideas and crazy schemes. Live quiet and peaceful lives. Quiet faithful lives can make an impact.

The power of valuing ordinary work

Be ambitious about being unambitious. We are driven by selfish ambition. But this is not what we are to do, we are to be ambitious to bless others and give glory to God. Don't trample those in the way of your career path. Don't envy those who work the job you want. We do this as a way to follow Christ. To lay down our personal desires for fame or acclaim, due to yourself, take up our cross and do the will of our Father in heaven just as Christ did.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2.3-11 ESV