By Faith

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.- Hebrews 11:1‭-‬40 ESV

Rev. Dwight Yoo

What will motivate & sustain us in our convictions? Faith

What do we mean by Faith

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 ESV

God, who we cannot see, is real. And spiritual realities, also invisible and some, yet to come, are true and will come to pass. We are sure and convicted. This is not a passive thing, but an active dynamic thing. A genuine faith leads people to act. It is more than just verbally affirming some doctrine. Faith is more than mental assent. It will convict us and we still step out into action. 

What can be achieved by Faith

There is a list of amazing things done by faith. An ark built in a desert. A barren woman, past childbirth age, gave birth. A man gives up all social statue, power, and riches in order to free a people from slavery. The Christian can be optimistic because they know God and what he can do. It is more than worldly optimism. And it is better than cynicism and unfettered pessimism.

How do we endure by Faith

God doesn't guarantee comfort, riches, or an easy life. Believers will suffer. Hardship and difficulties will come, sometimes because of ministry and sometimes because our faith in Christ. What can keep us ministering? What can help us persevere? 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, - Hebrews 12:1 ESV

God's Heart... My Part

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him! - Psalms 67:1‭-‬7 ESV

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.- Acts 13:1‭-‬3 ESV

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.- Philippians 4:10‭-‬15 ESV

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.- 1 Timothy 2:1‭-‬7 ESV

Chris Brown (WEC International)

We are happy and joyful about God blessing us. But we need to keep going after verse 1, the blessing is so that God would be known. If we love God, we want to love things that He loves. God loves us. But His love is not restricted to one people, one nation. God loves people from every tribe, every nation, every tongue. 

If the nations are on God's heart, then how are we doing? 4.24 billion people don't know a single Christian. This is the current state of things. Knowing God's heart, what is our part in this?

Go, be sent. - Acts 13:1-3

We can be sent to share the gospel. Some may be called to go for the rest of their lives. But others may only be there for a short time, 3-4 months. They can use their skills for that time to further the mission.

Share the trouble of those sent - Philippians 4:10-15

Paul received financial support, but that is not his primary point. Paul was touched by the church sharing the burden of trouble. He appreciated their concern. So it should be with us. Love our missionaries and share their burdens.

Pray for the world and salvation - 1 Timothy 2:1-7

We should read the news and pray through it. Consider the crises and unrest happening around the world as an opportunity for the gospel. Consider if God is calling you to go.

Go, be sent

Visit short term

Willingness to go long term

Concern for those sent

Comfort and emotional support

Give financial help

Pray

Read the news prayerfully

Pray for those who have been sent by your church

The Church's Great Global Commission

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."- Matthew 28:16‭-‬20 ESV

Rev. Charles Han

The greatest claim

A couple of days has made such a difference for these disciples. They saw their leader, Jesus, treated like the worst of criminals. Humiliated and put to death in the most painful way. Their hopes and dreams dashed. And suddenly, the greatest reversal, Resurrection! The risen King was before them, in the flesh. He has total authority over all things, even over sin and brokenness. None of these things will stop or trouble Jesus. This is why we can have any hope to complete what Jesus commands.

The greatest cause

What does it mean to make disciples? Go baptize, teach men to obey all that God calls us to. It includes making unbelievers into believers. They are baptized to testify to their conversion. But it doesn't end there. They must be discipled to full maturity. What does this mean? This is not a singular task. It is lifelong. Full maturity requires more than one individual teaching a new believers. It requires a community, the church. Full obedience to discipleship also means making more disciples.. And making more churches. And so on. So the most important question for us is this, what part are we playing in this?

The greatest comfort

Jesus is with believers. Even more so for those who are sent. Unreached people are unreached for a reason, it is difficult. There are obstacles and dangers. We can do this because we are not doing this alone, but Jesus, the risen & reigning King is by your side.

Work for the good of the city

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 Thessalonians 4:9‭-‬12 ESV

Rev. Dwight Yoo

One of the ways we can be a blessing is through our work. Work takes up to a third of our lives. Our faith should connect to our work. What we hear on Sunday needs to connect to what we do on Monday through Friday.

Purpose of work

Paul was writing to a very young church. It was being persecuted. He commends them in their brotherly love. They were not a wealthy congregation, but they were  generous. Paul asked them to live quiet lives, mind they're own affairs, work with their hands, and continue showing brotherly love. Why? That's such a strange phrasing. Some of the congregation believed that Jesus' return was imminent. So much so that they stopped working and started depending on others to meet their daily needs. How does that apply to our current life and times?

We see work individually. They are a way to provide for us and our families. But in the grand scheme of things, our work provides for others. God uses our jobs to provide everyone their daily bread. He uses the farmer, the mill worker, & the baker. All kinds of work are sacred and have dignity and worth.

We tend to raise up those who are white collar and look down on those who are blue collar. But in the eyes of God, both are sacred. Both doctors and surgeons as well as the janitor who keeps the hospitals sterile are doing important work. Jesus showed by example in this as well. He was a carpenter as well as a public intellectual figure. He elevated both manual and mental work. 

Power of work

There was a system called patronage at work at the church. People would raise up and hype up powerful and influential figures. It wasn't paid, but it gave them a chance to influence people of power. But Paul told them to live quiet lives instead. Paul was telling them to lift up ordinary faithfulness. Don't get caught up on the big and spectacular to miss out on the everyday diligence. We are called to approach our work no matter how menial as a place for excellence.

Power for work

Paul urges them the live quietly. He tells them to be ambitious to live quiet lives. Have them right ambition. We are called to work, at the beginning, before sin entered into the world. We are to work to bless those around us.

Our measure of worth is not based on our performance at work. To do so is exhausting and soul crushing. But maybe we do not struggle with that. Many work is just something to be beared with so we can do what we want on our weekends. That too is soul crushing. We were not made to just stuff ourselves with pleasure. It makes our lives feel meaningless. We can only find true freedom in Jesus. 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."- Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 ESV

It us only in working under Jesus' lordship that we can be free from being crushed by performance anxiety and the emptiness of living for pleasure.

A healing presence in a hurting city

"Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the Lord .

Jeremiah 29:4‭-‬9 ESV

Rev. Dwight Yoo

Present in

There were multiple prophets in the time of Jeremiah. Hannaniah was saying that it would be a short stay in exile. But Jeremiah was saying that they should prepare to be there for seventy years. Plant gardens and continue to be married and give away children in marriage. This was a multi-generational stay in Babylon. 

This is a specific prophet speaking a message for a specific place and time, yet we can still look at it for us to apply in our lives. There is something that we face now that no one in the old or new testament had to face. There is a lack of rootedness to our lives in the States. More than 1 out of 4 Americans have moved in the past five years. Americans have moved 11 times in their lives. The people of these times were largely agricultural.. They were born, married, made friends, and likely died on the same place. 

Rootedness enables the gospel to move not only in your life but through your life. "A rooted life in a place", an article on the gospel coalition website speaks on the danger of the unrooted life. There is power in sticking to a place and devoting time and energy to bettering that place. That can allow us to be a heading presence.

Present with

Jeremiah never said what the Israelites wanted to hear. The Babylonians were the ones who tore open pregnant women and dashed babies against the city walls. Jeremiah said that they were to work and pray for the good of THESE people. God had not given up on Israel. God wanted them to engage this city even though the Israelites were hated and despised by them. This is called engaged alienation. Jesus calls all Christians to this as well. Do good to those who hate and persecute you. We are still called to it today in this day and age. We are not to assimilate, but not disengage either. The way that we can thrive is not to disengage in self protection or assimilate to the culture, but to engage even while alienated.

Present for

We are to aim for Shalom. Universal thriving and flourishing... All is as it should be. Right not in our eyes, but in the eyes of God. To work for Shalom means to bring wholeness. Spiritual flourishing. Relational flourishing. Physical flourishing. We are not to expect perfection in our work towards shalom in our city, but progress. This earthly city should reflect, through our prayers and work, some aspects of our heavenly home. We will find our thriving in seeking the good of this city.

Hospitality to the lonely city

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. - Romans 12:10‭, ‬12‭-‬13 ESV

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: - 1 Peter 4:8‭-‬10 ESV

Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. - Hebrews 13:1‭-‬2 ESV

Rev. Dan Whang

Hospitality is the friendly reception, acceptance, and welcoming of guests and strangers through kindness

It's using your home and other resources in a daily way that seeks to make strangers into neighbors, and neighbors into the family of God

The need for hospitality

There is loneliness in our city. Just because there is so many people does not address our need for relationship. Loneliness is one of the greatest problems of the current generation.

Loneliness is a result of sin. Between Adam and Eve there was perfect relationship. But that was broken and people now hide from one another. We are created in his image and He is constantly in relationship within the Trinity. So we were created to be in relationship.

The power of hospitality

The Gospel shows us that we are welcomed by God first. Jesus came into this broken world and exposed himself to all the pain and brokenness. He was lonely, so he would know our pains. He felt the loss of the presence of God in a way that we will never know.

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"- Matthew 27:46 ESV

The cure for our loneliness is the intimate and close relationship with God. We need one another, but that is to point us to our need for relationship with God.

Practical steps

+ Pray for a hospitable heart and for opportunities to share it
+ Plan ways ahead of time to show hospitality
+ Look at every resource you have something to share
+ Don't always do it alone but work as a team
+ Pay attention to spiritual needs (not just fun and entertainment)
+ Press on and don't give up

Peace to a Divided City

Rev. Travis Drake

Seeing the division

Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.- Proverbs 29:8 ESV

Scoffers are a bit difficult to define. Scoffers are a type of fool. Fools are headed to death. The wise are on the path to life.

Scoffers are proud and arrogant. They will not listen to others or God. They are unteachable. They are wise in their own eyes. So how does this type of person set the city on fire? First, a city on fire is a desperate situation; it is a crisis.

The way they do this is by deceiving us. The prime example is the devil. He uses lies and decit to tempt us to greed and selfishness. That is what burns the city to the ground. When we allow greed and selfishness to reign, we turn in to ourselves. This makes us see others as our enemy.

But the chief enemy is not the person we are fighting with. It is the devil. We allowed his lie to take root. We must remember that we are not fighting truly with others but rather the devil.

Scoffers are not the only fool. There is also the slanderer. They are looking to stir up conflict. They use half truth and innuendo. They just want to see the world to burn now.

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.- Proverbs 10:12 ESV

Finally, there is hated. It is digging up past wounds. It wants to shame and tear down the offender. It brings about strife.

The book does not pretend that everything is happy and cheery. We will offend one another. The question is how we will respond.

Making peace

How do we make peace? Remove the source of division. Remove the fuel for the fire. Drive out the scoffer. Why? Because the scoffer is unteachable and will not change. This seems harsh. Remember the chief scoffer is the devil. We are called to drive him out. But we can't fight him ourselves. Why? We actually like the self glorification. We like holding grudges. The fight is not just external but also internal.

But we don't need to lose hope. God will drive him out. He will show us that he does save. How? Through the cross. Our past, present, and future sins is covered by the blood of Christ. He destroys the accusations of the devil.

How then does the city find peace? Through Christ. Jesus sends us into the city. We, the foolish, are sent to the city. And because Christ is in us, the city has peace. How does this work? We are the worse of fools. We are the scoffer and the slanderer. But in Christ, that slanderer and scoffer also died on the cross. The old you who scoffed and slandered is dead. So in Him, you will be peace.

Living out that peace

Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. - Proverbs 29:8 ESV

We are to let go offenses as far as it depends on us. Both scoffers and wise are in the city, but the wise stand in the gap and turn away wrath. How? They bring the injustice to Christ. They leave the wrath to God. They bring those who don't know God to Jesus to increase peace.

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. -Proverbs 10:12 ESV

Love cherishes the offender as a friend to be won. It doesn't lift them up as an enemy. How? Because we look at them, the same way God looked at us. We were enemies with God, He covered our sins and He reconciled with us.

We cover over offenses. Love acknowledges the offense and covers it over. It is not that we ignore sin. We must wisely confront some sin and cover/overlook minor ones. This takes the Holy Spirit. This reflects our God.

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. - Proverbs 19:11 ESV

How do we practically apply this?

Accept the peace of Christ

Acknowledge the enemy is not just out there but also inside. Accept that God is enough for us. Accept the Jesus is King.

Examine the peace of yourself and the city

If you have the peace of Christ, are you living like that? Do your friends know you that way? Do your kids? Do your neighbors and coworkers know?

When you see division, do you try to turn away wrath? Or do you ignore it? Or does it get you worked up? Where can you bring more peace?

Commit to living out peace

As a Christian, this is a full time ministry. We cannot opt out. The people of God are peace because God has made us at peace. We are to see offenses as opportunities to overlook them.  This is the best clothes of those who are saved, of those who have tasted God's grace, His overlooking of our many sins.