Christ is our Brand

A great Daily Devotion from Our Daily Bread (http://odb.org/)  today which I wanted to share with you guys.


Colossians 3:12-14 - Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

What's your Brand?

A popular clothing retailer requires that its sales clerks dress like the models in the store windows who advertise its clothes. This practice is referred to as “guarding their brand.” The idea behind it is that shoppers will be more likely to purchase clothes because they will want to look like the people they see wearing them.

In a consumer-oriented culture, it’s easy to be seduced into thinking that we can “buy” acceptance by wearing the things that beautiful people wear. Retailers would have us believe that looking good will make us desirable.

Sometimes we even convince ourselves that we can win followers for God by making ourselves attractive to the world. But the Bible is clear about what’s really important to God. He wants us to look like Jesus in our character. In a sense, Jesus is our “brand,” for we are being conformed to His image (Rom. 8:29). We attract others to Christ when we put on His attributes, which include tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering (Col. 3:12), and, above all, love (v.14).

Instead of polishing and protecting our own image, we need to be guarding and reflecting the image of God, which is being perfected in us through Christ.



Note: Even though we talked about the Teleological Argument and Apologetics during this past Saturday's Youth Group Meeting and briefly during Sunday School, the point is to never win an argument. The branch of Apologetics is defending your faith. We never win other's to Christ simply by use of argument or logic. We win others to Christ by acting more like Christ through a change in our old ways as we become more like Him (sanctification).

YG March 2013 Notes

2 Corinthians 4:7-12, 16-18 (NIV)

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Scripture is deep. Truly it is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). Notice all the contrasts, varying degrees, and complementary word pairs! How remarkable (and beautiful) the detail in God's Word! 

This year I've felt crushed, despair, abandoned, and struck down like in vv. 8-9, with all the new responsibilities I've been given (Church Rep, YG organizer, Sunday School), plus school, work, and trying to maintain a personal life. Many days I've felt like I've hit my limit, and can't go on but there's so much to do. Thankfully, I came across this passage during a daily devotion and it gave me great comfort, especially v. 16 which resolves the passage, and assures Christians that no matter what our temporary sufferings are, there is hope in heaven soon.


In v. 7, the translation I originally read said earthenware (instead of jars of clay) which, for me, portrayed a more concrete image that my body is a vessel/container for the Holy Spirit, who lives in me and gives me the strength and ability to do ministry. It's not me that does anything special, rather it's God who works through me. Similarly, if this Youth Group is a success, it will not be due to any of us, but because of God (v.7).

Finally, I mentioned a call to action for everyone to participate and contribute to our Youth Group. In order for the Youth Group to be a success, everyone must do their share.To that end, here are the responsibilities for teaching for the next few meetings.


Upcoming Meetings: 
April 6 - taught by Chris - Nature/Easter
May 4 - taught by Megan
June 2 - taught by Paul - Spiritual Gifts

Here are Megan's Agenda Notes!

 

Lesson Recap 3/24/13 - Bane or Christ?

Luke 23:1-49 -

"The decision is yours!" exclaimed Pilate, "Jesus Christ or Bane. Which of these two men will go free?"

The crowd demanded that Bane be released. Okay, it wasn't Bane, but Barabbas who has a description that sounds a lot like Bane. Verse 19: Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.

Luke, always the master story teller, goes through great length showing the innocence of Christ. He states 3x that Christ is innocent, but ultimately Pilate submits to the crowd.

  

Verse 22: For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”

We all know what happens next: Christ is crucified. But the extent and brutality of His death is unwarranted. He was tried as if He were a murderer or great criminal, while in reality He was a great healer and teacher.

Christ's substitution of Barabbas continues today, as we are guilty of our sins but are let go free while Christ had to die.

Bible Verse - Romans 5:8 - But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Resource: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/barrabas-and-me

Christ's Last Days

Here's a timeline of Christ's last days on earth. What would you have done if you had 7 days to live? (see notes on humility)

*Timeline courtesy of The Rock San Diego. (www.sdrock.com)

Lesson Recap: 3/17/13 - Christ's Bucket List

Lesson: John 13:1-17 - Christ Washes His Disciples Feet

If you only had a week to live, what would you do?

Go to Australia?
Go to a Lakers game and sit court side amongst the celebrities?
Eat Belgian Waffles from Brussels, Belgum?
Or visit Forks, Washington and dress up as either Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, or Jacob Black?

Well, what about volunteering to clean the bathroom, volunteering to pick up trash, or... volunteering to wash your disciples feet.

That's what Jesus did. He showed his love for his disciples through action. Christ is the ultimate example of God's love, and though Christ owns everything on earth and could have done anything, He chose to teach His disciples love and humility.

The idea of a bucket list always seemed self-centered to me. I have to do this for myself. Christ did the opposite. Rather than do something for Himself, He chose to teach His disciples one last time for their benefit (v. 7). Soon, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ would pray for any other way to satisfy God's wrath, but learning that there was not, goes on obediently to die on the cross as God's perfect example of love towards us.

Humility is a popular word to throw around these days (just tune into ESPN and hear a post-game interview), however it is Christ who demonstrates the true meaning of humility, knowing that it is never about himself and what He wants, but rather God. Christ was faithful to His Father in heaven even till His last days on earth. His bucket list and goals on earth was to glorify God. May we, like the disciples, learn the true meaning of love and humility from Christ.


Application:
1. How does Christ demonstrate humility? What can we learn from this and and how can we practice humility? 

2. How does Christ demonstrate God's grace and mercy?

Bible Verse: John 13:14 - 15: Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.





P.S. I have this book if anyone wants to borrow it. It's often required reading for those going on missions.

Keep your minds on things above, not on earthly things

Like most of you Angelinos, I was saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Jerry Buss this past Monday, February 18th.

If you follow the Los Angeles Lakers, you know that Dr. Jerry Buss was their admired owner. His influence was far reaching; from nearly universal respect by anyone who's ever played in the NBA, to everyone in Los Angeles.

His life was a Hollywood movie. From humble beginnings to a giant amongst the NBA, he became the model owner for any professional sport. Dr. Jerry Buss willingly spent his own money for the best minds in basketball like General Manager Jerry West and Coach Phil Jackson. This city reaped 10 NBA Championships and 16 NBA Finals appearance in 34 years because of his generosity.

Though his loss was tragic, it reminded of what our Sunday School class just studied in Luke 6:20-26: Blessings and Woes. In regards to riches, Jesus makes it clear: whatever treasures we have on earth are only a glimpse of the treasures in heaven, if we put our faith in Him.

Dr. Jerry Buss was a titan in this world. I only hope that he was a Christian. His prosperous 80 years on earth pales in comparison to eternity. Though it’s unlikely that any of us will ever achieve the earthly success that Dr. Jerry Buss achieved, his passing should remind us that life on earth is short, and that where we go afterwards is our final destination.   

Colossians 3:2 - Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Lesson Recap: Blessings and Woes - February 17, 2013

Hey guys,

               Today we had a Bible Study regarding Blessings and Woes found in Luke 6:17-26. This is the first teaching of the Sermon on the Mount (many refer to Luke's account as the Sermon on the Plain) which is recorded in more depth in Matthew 5-7.

We started off mentioning how Jesus had reached rock star status with “a large crowd of his disciples” present and “a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon”(v. 17). Specifically, they came to hear him teach, be healed of their diseases, or have demons taken out of them. Note: This is familiar stuff as we 1^st heard of Jesus’ popularity when Jesus went back to his hometown of Nazareth to teach. The same situation is going to happen here as Jesus has the choice to either preach the truth (ie that He the Christ came to save non-Jews) or say things to win their approval.

Okay, so far not too bad...

But Jesus suddenly turns to his disciples (ie the crowd of disciples, there were many who had decided to follow him, not just the 12 Disciples) to teach them what being a disciple entails.

Keep in mind these definitions:

Blessings – God’s favor and protection, approval, encouragement

Woes – great sorrow or distress

Oddly Jesus says that the “blessed” are:

          i.    the poor                             ii. who hunger now

iii. who weep now                 iv. when people hate you

And in contrast, Jesus says "woe" to you if:

i.                 you are rich                        ii. well fed now

iii.           laugh now                          iv. When people speak well of you

 Clearly the list runs counter-to what we have been shaped and influenced to believe as success. Why would a poor an hungry person be blessed? Why would we say woe to someone who is rich? 

This is where confusion started in class. I mentioned that this sermon was also in the Sermon on the Mount, but Matthew's account is known as the Beatitudes which mean happy, fortunate, or blissful. We focused on Luke's account which is a study of Blessings and Woes. Both are about our temporary suffering and our future prize in heaven, but one is more about the physical (Luke's take) and the other the spiritual life (Matthew's take). It's worth mentioning that The Beatitudes found in Matthew is the more well known of the two (because it's part of the complete Sermon on the Mount teaching/series and studied as a whole) and has been a source of hope for millions suffering in this world.  

Jesus’ teachings are very deep and require a lot of thought and reflection to understand. Often he used parables. Even though this wasn't a parable, here's a quote about parables : "Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey are deep, and central to the teachings of Jesus. " 

I'll do my best to try to explain this passage. I believe the key to unravel this passage is verse  23, which comes directly after Jesus lists the people who are “blessed.” Jesus says “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, BECAUSE great is your reward in heaven (my emphasis). With the mention of heaven, I think Jesus is trying to teach us how much greater the rewards in heaven are compared to the rewards on earth. My reasoning is because Jesus later says says “woe to those who are rich, for your have already received your comfort.” This is kind of like expressing sorrow or distress for people who think they have received the best,  but in truth their riches are only temporarily and don’t compare to heaven’s treasures. 

Now this concept is mindboggling because it’s so counter-intuitive to the world we live in. Let me try to illustrate with an example. Imagine you were back in Elementary or Middle School and you had your first crush. You think you are suddenly in Love! But of course at that age you don’t really know what love is, you just have a superficial concept of love. In truthfulness, you just like that particular person. Now imagine that Love and treasures in heaven are the same in that Jesus’ is expressing sorrow for those people who are only going to be experiencing a crush/riches of this world as opposed to real love (agape love) and the treasures of heaven which are much more fulfilling and valuable. 

Once again, It’s hard to wrap our minds around why Jesus’ would say woe to people like: the rich, those who are well fed now (but will go hungry later v. 25a), those who laugh now (but will mourn and weep v. 25b), and those who are well spoken of (because they are false prophets v. 26) because we only know of this world and have been so influenced by it. We don’t naturally have eternity/heaven in mind but Jesus does and is trying to teach us about heavenly rewards. 

Next week, we will continue on with the Sermon on the Mount series and see what Jesus says about how we should treat our Enemies. There you shall see more clearly how this sermon series greatly influenced MLK and Gandhi.

Note: From this passage, Jesus does not mean if you are rich, well fed, laugh now, and have a good reputation that those are bad things. This was a study of contrasts of Eternal Rewards in Heaven vs. Temporary Treasures on earth. There are many Christians who are rich, well fed, laugh well, and have good reputations, and that is fine, as long as they are not false prophets! (v.26)

Last Note: Something that I found in my preparation for this week’s class that is worth a read:

“When Jesus sat down on the Mountain the multitudes were there, but this message was for his disciples, often the crowds turned away when they found out what following Jesus meant. Jesus was clear, being his follower [disciple] means more than a superficial commitment. Being a follower of Jesus means dedicated faith.”

Bible Verse: Colossians 3:2 – Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.

Memorizing Bible Verses To Produce a Physiological Response

Hey guys,

I was reminded how important it is to know and be able to recall the Word of God from our lesson by Nicki (the Temptation of Jesus). Jesus was able to resist the devil by quoting Scripture.

I came across this the other day about memorizing poetry, but it can apply to memorizing Scripture as well. Let's take it to heart, ha!

The best argument for verse memorization may be that it provides us with knowledge of a qualitatively and physiologically different variety: you take the poem inside you, into your brain chemistry if not your blood, and you know it at a deeper, bodily level than if you simply read it off a screen [smart phone]. Robson puts the point succinctly: “If we do not learn by heart, the heart does not feel the rhythms of poetry as echoes or variations of its own insistent beat.”

I like these better:

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

(For spiritual protection) - Ephesians 6:17 - Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.


Let's be like Jesus and memorize Scripture!

Lesson Recap: Sunday, January 13, 2013

Sunday School – Jan. 13, 2013

Lesson prepared by Nicki! 

With Jesus’ help we can resist temptation.

LUKE 4: 1-13.

1.  Discussion: What is temptation?

a.      Temptation is a state experienced when a person thinks thoughts, considers intentions or desires things, which are contrary to the thoughts, intents and desires of Almighty God. When those thoughts are fulfilled through action, those intentions translated into achievements and those desires satisfied by accomplishment, then sin is committed. Sin unrepented of by the sinner and not forgiven by the Father leads to death. Temptation is a link in the chain of circumstances that leads to death (James 1:14,15).

2.  Activity: What tempts you?

3.  Read LUKE 4: 1-13.

LUKE 4: 1-4. Temptation 1: 

Jesus was walking around the wilderness for 40 days and “He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry.” (LUKE 4:3)

1.   What did Satan offer Jesus? How great was the value of his offer? Bread

2.   How difficult do you think it was for Jesus to reject his temptation to accept Satan’s offer?

3.   How did Jesus respond to Satan? “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

4.   Have you experienced a similar temptation?

LUKE 4: 5-8. Temptation 2:

The devil “showed [Jesus] all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.” (LUKE 4:5)

1.   What did Satan offer Jesus? How great was the value of his offer? The world

2.   Under what condition was Satan’s offer? He had to worship Satan.

3.   How did Jesus respond to Satan? “It is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

4.   What if Jesus caved?

5.   Have you experienced a similar temptation?

LUKE 4: 9-13. Temptation 3:

Satan “led [Jesus] to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple” (LUKE 4:9)

1.   What did Satan tempt Jesus with? He tried to get Jesus to jump off the temple and call to God to save Him.

2.   How would this opportunity benefit Jesus?

3.   How did Jesus respond to Satan? “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

4.   What if Jesus caved?

5.   Have you experienced a similar temptation?

6.   What does it mean that “When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time”? The devil is always waiting for an opening to tempt you. Especially when you’re weak and vulnerable, he’ll come and try to tempt you. When the opportunity seems fit.

7.   Did you notice how Satan tried to use God’s word against Jesus? Didn’t work!

4.  Application: Deal with it!

How can we deal with the temptations we are faced with?

5.  Key Verse:

“Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted” (HEBREWS 2:18).

Gray areas – issues that are not clearly black or white, right or wrong. Television, alcohol, clothing styles-how do you know what to do in these areas?

There are 2 extremes to avoid. The first one is license- that’s the party-on attitude that says, “Hey, if it’s not illegal, it’s fine.” Christians get into all kinds of trouble if their standards aren’t higher than this.

The other extreme is just as dangerous. It’s called legalism, which is thinking that you have to obey a huge list of do’s and don’ts in order to be close to God.

Between these 2 extremes is real liberty,  the ability to enjoy what’s good in life while avoiding what’s bad. Ask yourself:

1.    Will it please God? Avoid anything that God will eventually judge and destroy.

2.    Will it help me? Think about whether the activity is beneficial for your heath and spiritual growth.

3.    Could it enslave me? If the activity is tempting, addiction or really time-consuming, watch out.

4.    Will it hurt something else? How would it feel to be in their shoes?

What are the biggest gray areas you have to deal with (activities that the Bible doesn’t specifically say are right or wrong)?  

God is Love. Christ Jesus is Grace.

Hey guys,

Just want to touch upon our lesson of Grace. Reminder: Grace is getting what you do not deserve. Mercy = not getting what you do deserve.

Our Pastor always ends church with this benediction:

May the Love of God, (God is Love - John 3:16)
Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Grace of Jesus Christ - Ephesians 2:8)
and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. (Holy Spirit first given at Pentecost - Acts 2, but given to us today once we accept Christ as Savior).

Lesson Recap: Sunday, January 6, 2013

John 1:1-18

The Word Became Flesh

Main Concepts:

            

Part 1: Reference to Genesis (vv. 1-5)

In our Bible Study we learned that Jesus was with God in the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth (v. 1, Genesis 1:1). Jesus is referred to as the Word (v. 1) and as God (v. 1b) which clearly means that Jesus is part of the trinity (Genesis 1:26). Jesus came to give life to men and to save mankind from death. The imagery is clear: light = life, and darkness = death. Jesus came to save us, and it’s up for us to believe in Him, the true light (v.9) or stay in darkness and die.

            

Part 2: John the Baptist (vv. 6-9)

            Next we talked about John. John the Baptist was a witness that was called to testify to others about Jesus (v. 7). John testifies that through Jesus all men will be saved (v. 7b). We don't have to obey the laws of Moses because we have the grace of Jesus (v. 17). The Gospel states that if we acknowledge that we are sinners that deserve death, but believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior, then we will be saved. 

Part 3: Jesus Christ (vv. 10-18)

It says in v. 11 – He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. We compared this to if you were the founder of a club and chose all the club members, but the members instead of embracing you rejected and ridiculed you. How would this make you feel?  Well what Jesus did was amazing! He is God incarnate (v. 1), and left the comforts of heaven to go to earth so that He would purposely be beaten up, ridiculed, and even die for all those members on earth who live in darkness. There is no greater love than that (John 15:13).

            

Finally, there was a comment on the One and Only. This is mentioned twice (v. 14b and v. 18) and refers to Jesus as God’s only son. Also don't forget what the title Christ means in v. 17. John clearly states that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah whom the Jews were waiting for to save them. However we learned in this passage that the Word (Christ) came into this world as flesh (v. 14) to save ALL men if they would believe in Him. 

            

Key Definitions we went over:

Mercy – not getting what you do deserve

Grace – getting what you do not deserve

Application/Devotion:

1.  What does it mean to be a children of God if we accept Jesus in our hearts? Is being a child of God more significant than being a friend of God? How?

2. What responsibility do all Christians bear like John the Baptist regarding this light/Good News/Gospel? (v. 7, Mathew 28:18-20)

Quiz Time!

1. Which of these is an example of Mercy?

a. I borrowed $100 to buy a new Active sweater, and I will have to pay the bank back $120 because of interest.

b. I broke my friend’s white 32 GB iPad and have to buy them a new one.

c. I borrowed my parent’s car and crashed it while fooling around. They have taken my license away and grounded me for the rest of my life.

d. I did extremely bad on the Final Exam and even though I didn’t get enough points to pass the class, the professor decided to pass me anyways.

2. Which of these is an example of Grace?

a. I just turned 16 and my parents bought me a Ferrari!

b. I got straight A’s last semester because I studied a lot.

c. I played Starcraft 2 last night instead of studying for today’s exam and as a result got a bad grade on it.

d. I just turned 16, therefore I have the right to get a license and drive a car

3. What is the Gospel?

a. Only really, really ridiculously good-looking people go to heaven

b. You will go to heaven if you do good works.

c. You will go to heaven if you are a good person.

d. Christ came to die for aLL sinners, and if you believe in Christ you will be saved.

4. Who is ‘John’, whom the author of John refers to in Ch. 1?

a. He is referring to himself.

b. John Smith conquering the new world in Pocahontas

c. Jesus’ earthly second cousin.

d. That old guy from the most interesting man in the world commercials

5. What does it mean in v. 15 when it says, “he who came after me has come before me?”

a. That is not humanely possible. You’re contradicting yourself.

b. Jesus Christ was born in flesh after John the Baptist, but existed as God since the beginning

c. It means that the Christ has not yet come into the world yet.

d. It’s like Inception, man. It’s a dream within a dream within a dream.