Monday, March 31, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
What is Faith as defined by the bible?
The prostitute, Rahab, is herald as one with faith. Rahab is a citizen of Jericho where the walls came tumbling down. Rahab and her family are considered Gentiles. They were not part of God's people at that time. But yet scripture uses her as an example of faith. God uses the example of her faith to teach His people today.
Hebrews 11:31 [Prompted] by faith Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed along with those who refused to believe and obey, because she had received the spies in peace [without enmity].
Scripture states that she had believed and obey to received the spies in peace. If she was not part of God's people, then how was she to originally have believed in order to obey? There are three parts here to faith in the amplified version. First, when we believe, we are to obey, and we are to act or react to the trials and/or tests presented to us. The same verse stated the people of Jericho had refused to believe and obey. Therefore, even Christians who may believe but refuse to obey are not walking in faith but in disobedience.
Joshua 2:2-3 It was told the king of Jericho, Behold, there came men in here tonight of the Israelites to search out the country.3 And the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come to search out the land.
When the king of Jericho was told that there were Israelite spies, how did he know or suspect Rahab might have been housing or hiding them?
Joshua 2:9-14 And she said to the men, I know that the Lord has given you the land and that your terror is fallen upon us and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the [east] side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.11 When we heard it, our hearts melted, neither did spirit or courage remain any more in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.12 Now then, I pray you, swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a sure sign,13 And save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all they have, and deliver us from death.14 And the men said to her, Our lives for yours! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.
Why is she herald as one with faith to be used as an example in the bible to be written for all of eternity? How does faith come about? Scripture says that faith comes from hearing and hearing. It is the "assurance of things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses] (Heb 11:1)."
In Joshua chapter 2 verses 10 to 11, Rahab stated that the people of Jericho has heard how the Lord had dried up the water of the Red Sea. They had heard what had happened to the two kings of the Amorites that were utterly destroyed. The people of Jericho had heard such news and their hearts had melted and they had all become afraid. They knew the God of Israel was the God of heaven above and the earth beneath. The people of Jericho had heard and scripture stated the terror of God's people had fallen upon Jericho and all the inhabitants of the land fainted.
But it was only Rahab who had reacted in faith to fully surrender and submit to God. The people of Jericho knew they were in danger but they had REFUSED to believe in order to obey. It is one thing to believe but to believe and obey is faith. If we believe but do not obey, this is not faith but it is disobedience, rebellion, and such lack of faith will eventually lead to death. Rahab must have preached to her people of Jericho as the king knew to go to her to ask for the spies.
Although, the people of Jericho were in terror and in faint, they still hoped in their walls rather than to surrender and submit to God's people. They were still relying on their own strength, skill, and wisdom. They had relied on their walls to protect them.
Rahab decided to take a risk. She had risked her life, her family, and everything she possessed. But she was trapped behind a fortress. She had heard about God's power and she was ready and willing to surrender and submit. By faith, she was ready to lose her people and possession to surrender to God and to His people.
Many people are trapped in their own fortresses. Their fortresses are the walls of hurt, abuse, rejection, hate, self pity, envy, anger, unforgiveness, and so on. But we cannot enter the Kingdom of God with such things in our hearts for they block our faith. The people of Jericho refused to surrender but Rahab was willing to surrender and submit. When God comes with His Grace, those who respond in faith will be saved. The walls of Jericho came tumbling down. The walls tumbling down was salvation for Rabah and her family but for those who would not believe to obey met judgment.
God is looking for one member in a family to be the point person to stand in faith. Many state they believe but who will obey risking everything? We pray for the salvation of our family members and friends but perhaps, we are the ones who really need our faith to mature. Do we have faith? Are we bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit and obeying God's Will and commandments so the promise to save our families will materialize? Rahab had to give herself up to the spies. She had to submit to their authority. She had to trust in God to save her and her family. We must believe to obey, for this faith.
Acts 16:31 And they answered, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ give yourself up to Him, take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping] and you will be saved, [and this applies both to] you and your household as well.
Rahab said in verses 12 to 14 of Joshua chapter 2 that she had showed kindness to the spies and was asking for mercy for herself and all her family members. The spies said if she would keep her word and do her part then they would deal kindly with them. The bible says that the meek shall inherit the land. The bible says the measure you give will be the measure given back and then some. The bible says if you give mercy, HE will show you mercy.
The Word of God has come into our hearts but there are many with walls or fortresses of hurt, abuse, rejection, self pity, anger, addictions, bondage, unforgiveness, and so on. Rahab had binded a scarlet cord down her window to indicate her identity to God's people. The scarlet cord was red. It represented the Blood of Jesus for the salvation of her and her family.
Like the people of Jericho, if we continue to be stubborn and stiffed neck holding onto our idols of hurt, abuse, self pity, rejection, hate, and so on hiding behind our walls or fortresses refusing to believe and obeying God's Word and looking to the cross to deny ourselves then the walls in which we have built around our hearts will eventually come tumbling down in judgment for us. But if we move in faith to fully surrender and submit to God's will trusting HIM, then the walls that have molded our lives, God will break down for our freedom and salvation through His Grace.
Faith is not just to acknowledging God exists but it is to believe and then act in obedience to God's Word. It is to take a risk and act upon His Word for life. If needed, it is to risk everything in "assuring of things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses] (Heb 11:1)."
May your faith grow to maturity and may such faith save all of your families as it did with Noah's and Rahab's.
Glory to HIM
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fremont, California
San Francisco Lord's Church Branch USA
Hebrews 11:31 [Prompted] by faith Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed along with those who refused to believe and obey, because she had received the spies in peace [without enmity].
Scripture states that she had believed and obey to received the spies in peace. If she was not part of God's people, then how was she to originally have believed in order to obey? There are three parts here to faith in the amplified version. First, when we believe, we are to obey, and we are to act or react to the trials and/or tests presented to us. The same verse stated the people of Jericho had refused to believe and obey. Therefore, even Christians who may believe but refuse to obey are not walking in faith but in disobedience.
Joshua 2:2-3 It was told the king of Jericho, Behold, there came men in here tonight of the Israelites to search out the country.3 And the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come to search out the land.
When the king of Jericho was told that there were Israelite spies, how did he know or suspect Rahab might have been housing or hiding them?
Joshua 2:9-14 And she said to the men, I know that the Lord has given you the land and that your terror is fallen upon us and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the [east] side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.11 When we heard it, our hearts melted, neither did spirit or courage remain any more in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.12 Now then, I pray you, swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a sure sign,13 And save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all they have, and deliver us from death.14 And the men said to her, Our lives for yours! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.
Why is she herald as one with faith to be used as an example in the bible to be written for all of eternity? How does faith come about? Scripture says that faith comes from hearing and hearing. It is the "assurance of things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses] (Heb 11:1)."
In Joshua chapter 2 verses 10 to 11, Rahab stated that the people of Jericho has heard how the Lord had dried up the water of the Red Sea. They had heard what had happened to the two kings of the Amorites that were utterly destroyed. The people of Jericho had heard such news and their hearts had melted and they had all become afraid. They knew the God of Israel was the God of heaven above and the earth beneath. The people of Jericho had heard and scripture stated the terror of God's people had fallen upon Jericho and all the inhabitants of the land fainted.
But it was only Rahab who had reacted in faith to fully surrender and submit to God. The people of Jericho knew they were in danger but they had REFUSED to believe in order to obey. It is one thing to believe but to believe and obey is faith. If we believe but do not obey, this is not faith but it is disobedience, rebellion, and such lack of faith will eventually lead to death. Rahab must have preached to her people of Jericho as the king knew to go to her to ask for the spies.
Although, the people of Jericho were in terror and in faint, they still hoped in their walls rather than to surrender and submit to God's people. They were still relying on their own strength, skill, and wisdom. They had relied on their walls to protect them.
Rahab decided to take a risk. She had risked her life, her family, and everything she possessed. But she was trapped behind a fortress. She had heard about God's power and she was ready and willing to surrender and submit. By faith, she was ready to lose her people and possession to surrender to God and to His people.
Many people are trapped in their own fortresses. Their fortresses are the walls of hurt, abuse, rejection, hate, self pity, envy, anger, unforgiveness, and so on. But we cannot enter the Kingdom of God with such things in our hearts for they block our faith. The people of Jericho refused to surrender but Rahab was willing to surrender and submit. When God comes with His Grace, those who respond in faith will be saved. The walls of Jericho came tumbling down. The walls tumbling down was salvation for Rabah and her family but for those who would not believe to obey met judgment.
God is looking for one member in a family to be the point person to stand in faith. Many state they believe but who will obey risking everything? We pray for the salvation of our family members and friends but perhaps, we are the ones who really need our faith to mature. Do we have faith? Are we bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit and obeying God's Will and commandments so the promise to save our families will materialize? Rahab had to give herself up to the spies. She had to submit to their authority. She had to trust in God to save her and her family. We must believe to obey, for this faith.
Acts 16:31 And they answered, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ give yourself up to Him, take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping] and you will be saved, [and this applies both to] you and your household as well.
Rahab said in verses 12 to 14 of Joshua chapter 2 that she had showed kindness to the spies and was asking for mercy for herself and all her family members. The spies said if she would keep her word and do her part then they would deal kindly with them. The bible says that the meek shall inherit the land. The bible says the measure you give will be the measure given back and then some. The bible says if you give mercy, HE will show you mercy.
The Word of God has come into our hearts but there are many with walls or fortresses of hurt, abuse, rejection, self pity, anger, addictions, bondage, unforgiveness, and so on. Rahab had binded a scarlet cord down her window to indicate her identity to God's people. The scarlet cord was red. It represented the Blood of Jesus for the salvation of her and her family.
Like the people of Jericho, if we continue to be stubborn and stiffed neck holding onto our idols of hurt, abuse, self pity, rejection, hate, and so on hiding behind our walls or fortresses refusing to believe and obeying God's Word and looking to the cross to deny ourselves then the walls in which we have built around our hearts will eventually come tumbling down in judgment for us. But if we move in faith to fully surrender and submit to God's will trusting HIM, then the walls that have molded our lives, God will break down for our freedom and salvation through His Grace.
Faith is not just to acknowledging God exists but it is to believe and then act in obedience to God's Word. It is to take a risk and act upon His Word for life. If needed, it is to risk everything in "assuring of things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses] (Heb 11:1)."
May your faith grow to maturity and may such faith save all of your families as it did with Noah's and Rahab's.
Glory to HIM
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fremont, California
San Francisco Lord's Church Branch USA
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Exodus 14/15 A Journey after accepting Christ and leaving the world
Egypt represents the world of spiritual slavery and bondage. However, because many of us have been born in Egypt and know the things of Egypt (world), we have become too comfortable with its customs and ways. Satan will not give up God's people without a fight. He will send the chariots or demons against us. The chariots may come in many different forms today. They are the obstacles, tests, trials, and tribulations of life as we enter a pivotal crossroad to either move forward to worship and serve God in the wilderness or continue to look back at Egypt. But if we look back and stop moving, the Egyptians will come to kill and enslave God's people once again. This is why so many have back slidden back to their old ways. They had given up to Egypt or back to the comforts of the world.
Moses and God's people were at the edge of the Red Sea with the Egyptians coming to kill and enslave them. Moses was a type of Christ but Moses can represent a pastor or any servant of God with authority. Moses can represent the husband, father, or mother of a family with authority. Moses can represent a person who knows the Word of God. The Lord asked Moses why are you crying? When we get into difficult situations, we tend to cry in dismay. But God said lift up your rod and stretch out your hand and divide the sea and move forward. The rod represents the authority given to Moses. Those who know the Word and have the authority must use their authority to manifest their way out. We must always be moving forward in our Christian walk. We are not allowed to go back to our old life. Yes, God is the one in full control. In fact, HE is the one who is hardening Pharaoh's heart so that Pharaoh may come after God's own people. But this is done to train your faith and to bring God glory. There is always a way out. HE will never give you more than what you cannot handle. HE has given us a way out even in the mist of trouble. If we stand firm, not be afraid, and know we have the authority of God, then we can open the door to our freedom and victory. Did Jesus not say we have the keys?
Once the Egyptians were destroyed by God, the people rejoiced and sang a song of praise. When we receive a breakthrough in life and we witness the manifestation of God coming through for us, we give praises to HIM and we rejoice! Perhaps, some of us have witnessed great miracles of God in our lives. God's people sang. It was a testimony to them. It is when we receive a breakthrough, we are sharing and testifying what God has done to us. In this moment, we are rejoicing. God's people thought they had overcome and everything was going to be fine now. But they failed to realize, their salvation is a process and a journey. It was only the beginning. It is not a matter of saying a sinner prayer, accepting Jesus, and then going back to business as usual. It is a race in which we must finish to the end. You must understand, it is God who leads us into the wilderness as the Holy Spirit had led Jesus into the wilderness after His water baptism.
But people tend to forget very easily as we fall back into the flesh so quickly and easily. God's people were led into the Wilderness of Shur by Moses. We must realize, once we accept Jesus, then we are required to forsake the things of the world and our old life. Our old life of fornicating, smoking, drinking, partying, lying, cursing, stealing, coveting, hating, unforgiving, disobeying, sedition, rebellion, harshness, anger, quick temper, lust, watching violent movies, drugs, addictions, gluttony, breaking the 4th commandment (now Sundays), having made offerings to the industries of death such as tobacco and alcohol, stealing God's money (tithes and offering) and glory and so on must all end. For such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. We must know we will be entering a wilderness. The wilderness is a place of testing and purging. This is a must and mandate for all of God's people. We must prepare for such a journey. The word "Shur" means wall. God was putting a wall between Egypt and where God's people were in order to move them forward.
1 Cor 10:1-6 For I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, that our forefathers were all under and protected by the cloud [in which God’s Presence went before them], and every one of them passed safely through the [Red] Sea 2 And each one of them [allowed himself also] to be baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea [they were thus brought under obligation to the Law, to Moses, and to the covenant, consecrated and set apart to the service of God];3 And all [of them] ate the same spiritual (supernaturally given) food,4 And they all drank the same spiritual (supernaturally given) drink. For they drank from a spiritual Rock which followed them [produced by the sole power of God Himself without natural instrumentality], and the Rock was Christ.5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with the great majority of them, for they were overthrown and strewn down along [the ground] in the wilderness.6 Now these things are examples (warnings and admonitions) for us not to desire or crave or covet or lust after evil and carnal things as they did.
After rejoicing and victory and only after three days, God's people were led to the waters of Marah. In the amplified bible, it states the three days journey consisted of 33 miles. God had ordered their time and steps. They had found no water in the three days. Water can represent the Holy Spirit. After accepting Jesus and being baptized by water, His Spirit, and Fire, we travel a journey of three spiritual days and we may want to hear God's voice, we may want more of the Spirit, and/or we may desire to witness another Red Sea part. We may desire more of HIM. But they were led to the waters of Marah. They could not drink the waters of Marah because it was bitter water. Was it God's intention to give His children bitter water? No, God had led them to Marah to show the bitterness in their heart. God brings us to a circumstance or situation to show what is in our hearts. Sometimes, we are asking God why this or that is happening but we look from our perspective and selfishness rather than the ways of God. In chapter 15 verse 24, God's people were complaining to Moses of their situation. We all tend to complain when the situation gets difficult. But God is trying to show us what is in our hearts based on how we react through the circumstances HE allows.
In any bitter situation, there is always a way out. God told Moses to throw the tree into the water. Once the tree was thrown into the water, the waters became sweet. The tree represents the Cross. When you are in a situation and bitterness is surfacing from your hearts, you must look to the Cross and die to yourself to make the situation change. We can continue to sow a seed of bitterness or you can die to yourself looking at the Cross and sow a seed of sweetness to receive the water. Looking at the Cross and dying to yourself gives you more access to the water or more of the Holy Spirit. The bitterness or other ugly things in our hearts is preventing us from His Presence.
Once the situation changed, God gave them His rules and statues. It was a place of testing. If we look to the Cross for our answers, then out of His Grace HE will change your situation. Thereafter, HE warns and gives us HIS commandments telling us to obey HIM. The warning is that if we obey HIM, HE will NOT put the diseases upon us which are on the world. Do you see who sends and puts the diseases? If we are not fully obeying but still in our bitterness state, then we will be sick and diseased like the world. Their diseases will be upon us and as most of God's people with Moses, they died in their wilderness because they did not have faith. They all had seen the Red Sea part, but is witnessing or experiencing a great miracle from God considered faith?
Exodus 15:24-26 The people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?25 And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree which he cast into the waters, and the waters were made sweet. There [the Lord] made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He proved them,26 Saying, If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God and will do what is right in His sight, and will listen to and obey His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I brought upon the Egyptians, for I am the Lord Who heals you.
God's people need to stop murmuring and/or complaining in their difficult circumstances or wilderness. Perhaps, you may not be complaining vocally, but God sees the heart. The message of the Cross is Christ crucified. Many speak of this term but many have no idea what it really means. You must make choices to pick up your own crosses and die daily to yourselves as God allows circumstances to test your hearts. If you complain and continue to back slide, the diseases may be put upon you as the world experiences through their sin and rebellion against God. Look to the Cross and repent so that HE may heal you. In whatever situation you may be in, look to the Cross, hold your peace, and remain at rest for HE will go to work for you.
Jesus had passed His test in the wilderness in which the Holy Spirit had led HIM there. This wilderness is where Satan will also come and test us. Only through passing the wilderness and the three tests did Jesus come out with full power and anointing. Many are called into God's five fold ministries but many lack the full power as many are still stuck in their wilderness not wanting to complete the time and steps ordered by God. We must know that we have to journey through the wilderness and we must pass the tests in order to come out with power and do God's work as Jesus had done. There is a order to all things. God has an order to our lives and we must understand this so that we will not make the same mistake as the many who were slewed in the wilderness for their rebellion and lack of faith.
May you humble yourselves and pass your tests to glorify HIM.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fremont, California - Branch of the Lord's Church USA San Francisco Area
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Why must we suffer?
Hebrews
5:8 Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience
through what He suffered 9 And, [His completed experience] making Him
perfectly [equipped], He became the Author and Source of eternal
salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him,
Since all of God's people are pretty much stiffed necked and stubbron, we only learn obedience through suffering as Jesus did. Of course, Jesus was not stiffed necked nor stubborn but being the Son of Man, HE set the path for us through His example and death to make it possible for all men to be saved. HE showed us through the Grace of God, it was possible to make the choice to die and live a resurrected life. Verse 9 states His completed experience made HIM perfectly equipped.
Many people suffer but they do not know God's ways. They think suffering is an attack from the devil. Yes, the devil is being used but we must discern why we are suffering. God is using financial, physical, spiritual, and mental sufferings to bring His people to obedience. How many of us know the methods God employs to discipline His children? Many Christians are praying for the wrong thing and thus receive no breakthrough because they are actually resisting the Holy Spirit's work.
Your sufferings have purpose. God allowed you to suffer to break, humble, and teach you obedience. The only way out from such a situation is making thankfulness your sacrifice to God and fulfilling our vows to God. But many Christians in their suffering are complaining, murmuring, and even arguing with God.
Isaiah 45:9 “What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’
Psalm 50:14-15 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.15 Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.”
There are two conditions for Christians to be rescued as verse 15 states. We must make thankfulness our sacrifice to God and keep our vows. But this is not just about personal vows. It is keeping our vows of the bible. It is to keep our part of the covenant. If we do not know the Word from Genesis to Revelation, how will we know His Will? How will we know our vows? Our basic vows are the 10 commandments of God and to break one is to break them all.
We are not being rescued to give HIM glory because many of us are still in Egypt. But when the Holy Spirit leads us into our wilderness, we must stay and pass our tests. We must wait until the appointed time.
Exodus 5:2 But Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go. 3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews has met with us; let us go, we pray you, three days’ journey into the desert and sacrifice to the Lord our God, lest He fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword. 4 The king of Egypt said to Moses and Aaron, Why do you take the people from their jobs? Get to your burdens!
Our religious families, friends, and the world wants to know why we spend so much time in church or on Godly things and not concentrate on our careers, jobs, keeping up with the Kardashians, keeping up with sports, or other worldly things. This is what Pharaoh asked of Moses. "Why do you take the people from their jobs?" In today's term, the modern day Pharaoh is asking, why go to a prayer meeting when we can go have fun or make money.
But if we do not make the choice to allow God to lead us into the wilderness and sacrifice our lives unto to HIM, HE will punish us with disease and war/chaos (verse 3) as we continue to be friends with the world and be worldly. If we are a friend to the world, we are but enemies to God and thus the plagues of Egypt will be upon us. Do you really know the God of the bible or are we serving a golden calf?
Many people are suffering and many are confused. God said to make sacrifices of Thanksgiving onto HIM and fulfill your vows to be rescued and then give HIM glory. Do not complain or grumble in your situations but Thank God in everything and in all your circumstances.
1 Thess 5:18 (NLT) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
If you are a child of God, HE is in FULL CONTROL and you must learn to trust HIM by thanking HIM in all circumstances good or bad. You must ask for wisdom to discern your situation. You must return to HIM in full obedience by fulfilling your vows of the bible. You must follow HIS commandments. You must stop robbing HIM in tithes and offering. You must stop breaking His Sabbath (Sundays) and keep it HOLY. You must spend time with HIM. You must repent and humble yourselves. You must stop your SINS.
Jesus is the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give HEED AND OBEY HIM (Heb 5:9). Will grace save you if you do not obey? Then to believe is to continually obey.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Since all of God's people are pretty much stiffed necked and stubbron, we only learn obedience through suffering as Jesus did. Of course, Jesus was not stiffed necked nor stubborn but being the Son of Man, HE set the path for us through His example and death to make it possible for all men to be saved. HE showed us through the Grace of God, it was possible to make the choice to die and live a resurrected life. Verse 9 states His completed experience made HIM perfectly equipped.
Many people suffer but they do not know God's ways. They think suffering is an attack from the devil. Yes, the devil is being used but we must discern why we are suffering. God is using financial, physical, spiritual, and mental sufferings to bring His people to obedience. How many of us know the methods God employs to discipline His children? Many Christians are praying for the wrong thing and thus receive no breakthrough because they are actually resisting the Holy Spirit's work.
Your sufferings have purpose. God allowed you to suffer to break, humble, and teach you obedience. The only way out from such a situation is making thankfulness your sacrifice to God and fulfilling our vows to God. But many Christians in their suffering are complaining, murmuring, and even arguing with God.
Isaiah 45:9 “What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’
Psalm 50:14-15 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.15 Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.”
There are two conditions for Christians to be rescued as verse 15 states. We must make thankfulness our sacrifice to God and keep our vows. But this is not just about personal vows. It is keeping our vows of the bible. It is to keep our part of the covenant. If we do not know the Word from Genesis to Revelation, how will we know His Will? How will we know our vows? Our basic vows are the 10 commandments of God and to break one is to break them all.
We are not being rescued to give HIM glory because many of us are still in Egypt. But when the Holy Spirit leads us into our wilderness, we must stay and pass our tests. We must wait until the appointed time.
Exodus 5:2 But Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go. 3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews has met with us; let us go, we pray you, three days’ journey into the desert and sacrifice to the Lord our God, lest He fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword. 4 The king of Egypt said to Moses and Aaron, Why do you take the people from their jobs? Get to your burdens!
Our religious families, friends, and the world wants to know why we spend so much time in church or on Godly things and not concentrate on our careers, jobs, keeping up with the Kardashians, keeping up with sports, or other worldly things. This is what Pharaoh asked of Moses. "Why do you take the people from their jobs?" In today's term, the modern day Pharaoh is asking, why go to a prayer meeting when we can go have fun or make money.
But if we do not make the choice to allow God to lead us into the wilderness and sacrifice our lives unto to HIM, HE will punish us with disease and war/chaos (verse 3) as we continue to be friends with the world and be worldly. If we are a friend to the world, we are but enemies to God and thus the plagues of Egypt will be upon us. Do you really know the God of the bible or are we serving a golden calf?
Many people are suffering and many are confused. God said to make sacrifices of Thanksgiving onto HIM and fulfill your vows to be rescued and then give HIM glory. Do not complain or grumble in your situations but Thank God in everything and in all your circumstances.
1 Thess 5:18 (NLT) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
If you are a child of God, HE is in FULL CONTROL and you must learn to trust HIM by thanking HIM in all circumstances good or bad. You must ask for wisdom to discern your situation. You must return to HIM in full obedience by fulfilling your vows of the bible. You must follow HIS commandments. You must stop robbing HIM in tithes and offering. You must stop breaking His Sabbath (Sundays) and keep it HOLY. You must spend time with HIM. You must repent and humble yourselves. You must stop your SINS.
Jesus is the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give HEED AND OBEY HIM (Heb 5:9). Will grace save you if you do not obey? Then to believe is to continually obey.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Fire Revival Meeting, Fremont, California USA May 29, June 1, 2014
Holy Fire Revival Meeting Fremont, California
Thursday to Saturday May 29-31, 2014, 8 PM to late
Sunday June 1, 2014 Time TBA
with Pastor Kim, Yong Doo from South Korea
Author of "Baptized by Blazing Fire" Books
at Fire of God Church
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
43130 Osgood Rd
Fremont, CA 94539 USA
Free Registration
Free Registration
Sunday, March 2, 2014
You have been called into the five fold ministry?
Joseph was seventeen years old when God had told him his calling in life. But, at first, as many with us, God does not give us details but HE gives us a general statement or description of our future calling. And when many of us receive our calling or even spiritual gifts, we are but baby immature Christians and many are prideful and/or ignorant. Joseph was seventeen years old when God first speaks to him in a dream. Moreover, at that age in life, he was already being raised and trained by God as a shepherd.
Genesis 37:5-11 One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. 6 “Listen to this dream,” he said.7 “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!”8 His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.9 Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!”10 This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?” 11 But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the dreams meant.
As baby Christians, when God speaks to us whether in dreams, visions, or prophecy, rather than being still and waiting, we begin to boast to one another. Joseph was Jacob's favorite. In fact, Joseph, as the youngster annoyed his brothers as he would bring his father bad reports of them. In other words, Joseph was always telling on his brothers. The brothers did not think highly of Joseph and were jealous of him and when they heard of his dreams, they hated him even more.
Joseph at his physical and spiritual age was not able to discern his situation. But rather, he used his dreams to boast of himself. When we continue to speak of our dreams, visions and prophecy, rather than edifying the body of Christ, we may weary them out as it can become boasting of ourselves and we may have others end up hating us. When Joseph had his second dream, instead of learning from the first reaction, he continued to share his dream making his brothers even more jealous.
Yes, Joseph was called to be a leader for God's people but at that time, no one has any idea how this will occur or in what type of situation. Many of us have been called. Many have been called into the five fold ministry for these end times. God may have given us a glimpse of the future or our positions. But as Joseph, many of us have no idea of the details or how it will come about. Rather than being still, waiting for God's time, learning and feeding on His Word, praying, worshiping, and fasting, many of God's people boast and assume a role or position of authority ahead of their time not knowing the price, time, and breaking that will be paid to fulfill that position.
Today, when God's people receive a dream, vision, prophecy, or spiritual gifts, we assume we can immediately merge into a leadership position preaching and being witnesses for Jesus Christ. We think we can immediately become pastors or assistant pastors that preach or prophets that can discern the will of God for His people. Many of us measure our qualifications through our spiritual gifts. But the gifts may given without repentance. Your spiritual gifts do not qualify you to His positions. It is the anointing that marks the authority of any person. The higher the anointing, the higher the authority. Yes, everyone has a degree of anointing but the anointing to lead is another matter. Some of us may be physically 40 years of age but spiritually, you may only be seventeen years old as Joseph was when he had first received his dream. Perhaps, some of us are even less than seventeen years old spiritually?
Joseph, his parents, nor his brothers had no idea how or what would happen in the future. God's thoughts and ways are higher. The family had no idea how Joseph would be used or in what manner. But God had allowed Joseph to be sold to the Egyptians to be a slave. It was a season of breaking, learning obedience, and submission. Joseph was sold to Potiphar who was captain of the guard to Pharaoh. In fact, in the amplied, it states, he was chief executioner. But Joseph was called by God and the Lord was with Joseph. As long as Joseph obeyed and stay faithful to God, the Lord would make him successful and prosperous. But if Joseph rebelled or become disobedient, he was serving the chief executioner and such disobedience may have meant immediate death. Our own success and spiritual prosperity depends on our faithfulness and obedience to God.
Before, we can be put in any position of authority, we must all start at the bottom. Joseph had to start as a slave. He did was not a slave before the dream but after the dream. God's people do not realize that once you receive your message of calling, you must prepare to serve at the bottom. But many are prideful and ignorant ready to serve at the top. Joseph is a type of Christ. Even Jesus Christ, our Lord, had come to serve at the bottom washing our feet before HE was raised to the right hand of the Father with all authority and where HIS Name is above all other names.
Where ever God has us, we must make a choice to serve who HE has put us under. But this does not mean in ministry right away. God will test you. HE will test you by allowing you to work for difficult employers or even pastors. HE may test you through your difficult parents, in laws, or spouses. You must first pass your tests in the situations you are in before you can be released into any type of ministry. Your first ministry is Jerusalem which is you and your immediate families, work, schools, and church.
Genesis 39:2-6 NLT The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. 3 Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did. 4 This pleased Potiphar, so he soon made Joseph his personal attendant. He put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned. 5 From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property, the Lord began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished. 6 So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn't worry about a thing—except what kind of food to eat!
In verse 2, even though a slave and even though in his difficult situation, he made a choice to submit and serve his Egyptian master. Who is your Potiphar? Who is your Nebuchadnezzar? Who is your Pharaoh that God is using? Scripture says God's people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. Since many of us do not know the bible, we have not known HIS ways that will lead us into our personal promise land but many of HIS people continue to wonder in the wilderness dying in their sins. God is control of everything. We must humble ourselves and submit to the governing authorities that HE has placed over us and be willing to be treated as a slave rather than slandering them.
In our difficult situations, many seek blessings or financial breakthrough but when we are in the season of being a slave or serving in such lowly positions, we must realize that our blessings come through our obedience as God blesses the Potiphars' household. Verse five states the Lord blessed Potiphar's household for Joseph's sake. Joseph's financial breakthrough had to wait years. Many can speak and believe it. Many can try to prophecy it. Many can try to prophecy over you. But many must wait their time passing their time and season under a Potiphar. Unless we know God's method and process in raising up His servants, many go ahead or fall behind the steps of the Holy Spirit and thus shipwrecking their faiths, becoming corrupted, or falling away.
As a slave, Joseph did all the lowly kind of work. They had no modern day toliet. He had to clean the out houses. The great men of God know how to clean a toilet. They know how to serve the leopards. They are not afraid to touch them. But, today, too many think they can do great things for God but they are not humbled enough to know how to wash another's feet. Before we can be elevated to any higher position for God, you must first work from the bottom and not be afraid to get your hands dirty. Those who have been granted higher anointing have all paid a heavy price. You may not have seen that part of history in their lives and many think they had just assumed such leadership roles overnight. No, this is not true. All true anointing pays a heavy price. Moreover, it did not come overnight. It came years as being a slave. It came years as God broke, test, and molded them. This is why God requires us to honor HIS servants. When we do not honor HIS servants, we prevent our own blessings and breakthrough. It is still our pride as we see the "carpenter" rather than the servant of God. In the western church, there are less miracles not only because the lack of faith, it is because we do not honor our own pastors and God's servants. Many in the western church do not honor God. We have cars but we are late to church. Rather than listening to God's message, many watch their smart phones for sports update or are busy texting. Many steal His tithes and offering. But many would not give a thought in paying for their gluttony as their lack of health proves it. We feed ourselves the best portions but we give God our left overs when HE demands we give our first fruits and best. Satan tempted to test Jesus with food in the wilderness. Many fall because of their stomachs (food, money, and riches of the world). Many dishonor God by giving HIM a measly short service but they will give full four hours attention to sports or their own recreation. This dishonoring is the lack of faith. When we do not honor God by honoring His House or servants, we dishonor God. This is why we must still honor the 4th commandment on Sundays as it is our test of honoring God. When we dishonor God, HE despises such actions and we can only blame ourselves for our prayers not being answered. How will Grace save us when many of us think lightly of HIM?
1 Samuel 2:30 NLT “Therefore, the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I promised that your branch of the tribe of Levi[k] would always be my priests. But I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me.
Joseph was faithful as a slave. He stayed faithful even in his difficult situation. Even though he had served Potiphar the chief executioner and the prison warden, he served them as though he was serving God. Even in prison, he served the prisoners. We must serve all those above us with respect as though we are serving God because HE is watching you. HE is testing you. He is molding and preparing you. Joseph had spent a total of thirteen years in Potiphar's house and prison before he began to serve the king of Egypt at the age of thirty years old. Even as one obedient to God, it took Joseph over ten years before being installed to any position of leadership. Many think just because a word, dream, vision, spiritual gift or prophecy has been given, one can be installed into a leadership position overnight or in a short season. No, it will take years but you must first serve as a slave if necessary. You must first be willing to serve at the bottom. Why don't you volunteer to clean the House of God? Do we think we are above such things? And for many who have been waiting for 20, 30, or 40 years, you must ask yourselves, perhaps, it is because of your disobedience you have been waiting for so long to fulfill your callings or ministry. Perhaps, it is our stubborn hearts and dishonoring God through His servants that is preventing our prayers and breakthrough.
God's people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. May you return to HIM with a full heart. May you forsake the world rather than HIS ways. May you return to your first Love for HE is coming! Repent and humble yourselves.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
An International Holy Fire Ministry
Fremont, California USA
March 1, 2014
Genesis 37:5-11 One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. 6 “Listen to this dream,” he said.7 “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!”8 His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.9 Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!”10 This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?” 11 But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the dreams meant.
As baby Christians, when God speaks to us whether in dreams, visions, or prophecy, rather than being still and waiting, we begin to boast to one another. Joseph was Jacob's favorite. In fact, Joseph, as the youngster annoyed his brothers as he would bring his father bad reports of them. In other words, Joseph was always telling on his brothers. The brothers did not think highly of Joseph and were jealous of him and when they heard of his dreams, they hated him even more.
Joseph at his physical and spiritual age was not able to discern his situation. But rather, he used his dreams to boast of himself. When we continue to speak of our dreams, visions and prophecy, rather than edifying the body of Christ, we may weary them out as it can become boasting of ourselves and we may have others end up hating us. When Joseph had his second dream, instead of learning from the first reaction, he continued to share his dream making his brothers even more jealous.
Yes, Joseph was called to be a leader for God's people but at that time, no one has any idea how this will occur or in what type of situation. Many of us have been called. Many have been called into the five fold ministry for these end times. God may have given us a glimpse of the future or our positions. But as Joseph, many of us have no idea of the details or how it will come about. Rather than being still, waiting for God's time, learning and feeding on His Word, praying, worshiping, and fasting, many of God's people boast and assume a role or position of authority ahead of their time not knowing the price, time, and breaking that will be paid to fulfill that position.
Today, when God's people receive a dream, vision, prophecy, or spiritual gifts, we assume we can immediately merge into a leadership position preaching and being witnesses for Jesus Christ. We think we can immediately become pastors or assistant pastors that preach or prophets that can discern the will of God for His people. Many of us measure our qualifications through our spiritual gifts. But the gifts may given without repentance. Your spiritual gifts do not qualify you to His positions. It is the anointing that marks the authority of any person. The higher the anointing, the higher the authority. Yes, everyone has a degree of anointing but the anointing to lead is another matter. Some of us may be physically 40 years of age but spiritually, you may only be seventeen years old as Joseph was when he had first received his dream. Perhaps, some of us are even less than seventeen years old spiritually?
Joseph, his parents, nor his brothers had no idea how or what would happen in the future. God's thoughts and ways are higher. The family had no idea how Joseph would be used or in what manner. But God had allowed Joseph to be sold to the Egyptians to be a slave. It was a season of breaking, learning obedience, and submission. Joseph was sold to Potiphar who was captain of the guard to Pharaoh. In fact, in the amplied, it states, he was chief executioner. But Joseph was called by God and the Lord was with Joseph. As long as Joseph obeyed and stay faithful to God, the Lord would make him successful and prosperous. But if Joseph rebelled or become disobedient, he was serving the chief executioner and such disobedience may have meant immediate death. Our own success and spiritual prosperity depends on our faithfulness and obedience to God.
Before, we can be put in any position of authority, we must all start at the bottom. Joseph had to start as a slave. He did was not a slave before the dream but after the dream. God's people do not realize that once you receive your message of calling, you must prepare to serve at the bottom. But many are prideful and ignorant ready to serve at the top. Joseph is a type of Christ. Even Jesus Christ, our Lord, had come to serve at the bottom washing our feet before HE was raised to the right hand of the Father with all authority and where HIS Name is above all other names.
Where ever God has us, we must make a choice to serve who HE has put us under. But this does not mean in ministry right away. God will test you. HE will test you by allowing you to work for difficult employers or even pastors. HE may test you through your difficult parents, in laws, or spouses. You must first pass your tests in the situations you are in before you can be released into any type of ministry. Your first ministry is Jerusalem which is you and your immediate families, work, schools, and church.
Genesis 39:2-6 NLT The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. 3 Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did. 4 This pleased Potiphar, so he soon made Joseph his personal attendant. He put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned. 5 From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property, the Lord began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished. 6 So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn't worry about a thing—except what kind of food to eat!
In verse 2, even though a slave and even though in his difficult situation, he made a choice to submit and serve his Egyptian master. Who is your Potiphar? Who is your Nebuchadnezzar? Who is your Pharaoh that God is using? Scripture says God's people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. Since many of us do not know the bible, we have not known HIS ways that will lead us into our personal promise land but many of HIS people continue to wonder in the wilderness dying in their sins. God is control of everything. We must humble ourselves and submit to the governing authorities that HE has placed over us and be willing to be treated as a slave rather than slandering them.
In our difficult situations, many seek blessings or financial breakthrough but when we are in the season of being a slave or serving in such lowly positions, we must realize that our blessings come through our obedience as God blesses the Potiphars' household. Verse five states the Lord blessed Potiphar's household for Joseph's sake. Joseph's financial breakthrough had to wait years. Many can speak and believe it. Many can try to prophecy it. Many can try to prophecy over you. But many must wait their time passing their time and season under a Potiphar. Unless we know God's method and process in raising up His servants, many go ahead or fall behind the steps of the Holy Spirit and thus shipwrecking their faiths, becoming corrupted, or falling away.
As a slave, Joseph did all the lowly kind of work. They had no modern day toliet. He had to clean the out houses. The great men of God know how to clean a toilet. They know how to serve the leopards. They are not afraid to touch them. But, today, too many think they can do great things for God but they are not humbled enough to know how to wash another's feet. Before we can be elevated to any higher position for God, you must first work from the bottom and not be afraid to get your hands dirty. Those who have been granted higher anointing have all paid a heavy price. You may not have seen that part of history in their lives and many think they had just assumed such leadership roles overnight. No, this is not true. All true anointing pays a heavy price. Moreover, it did not come overnight. It came years as being a slave. It came years as God broke, test, and molded them. This is why God requires us to honor HIS servants. When we do not honor HIS servants, we prevent our own blessings and breakthrough. It is still our pride as we see the "carpenter" rather than the servant of God. In the western church, there are less miracles not only because the lack of faith, it is because we do not honor our own pastors and God's servants. Many in the western church do not honor God. We have cars but we are late to church. Rather than listening to God's message, many watch their smart phones for sports update or are busy texting. Many steal His tithes and offering. But many would not give a thought in paying for their gluttony as their lack of health proves it. We feed ourselves the best portions but we give God our left overs when HE demands we give our first fruits and best. Satan tempted to test Jesus with food in the wilderness. Many fall because of their stomachs (food, money, and riches of the world). Many dishonor God by giving HIM a measly short service but they will give full four hours attention to sports or their own recreation. This dishonoring is the lack of faith. When we do not honor God by honoring His House or servants, we dishonor God. This is why we must still honor the 4th commandment on Sundays as it is our test of honoring God. When we dishonor God, HE despises such actions and we can only blame ourselves for our prayers not being answered. How will Grace save us when many of us think lightly of HIM?
1 Samuel 2:30 NLT “Therefore, the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I promised that your branch of the tribe of Levi[k] would always be my priests. But I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me.
Joseph was faithful as a slave. He stayed faithful even in his difficult situation. Even though he had served Potiphar the chief executioner and the prison warden, he served them as though he was serving God. Even in prison, he served the prisoners. We must serve all those above us with respect as though we are serving God because HE is watching you. HE is testing you. He is molding and preparing you. Joseph had spent a total of thirteen years in Potiphar's house and prison before he began to serve the king of Egypt at the age of thirty years old. Even as one obedient to God, it took Joseph over ten years before being installed to any position of leadership. Many think just because a word, dream, vision, spiritual gift or prophecy has been given, one can be installed into a leadership position overnight or in a short season. No, it will take years but you must first serve as a slave if necessary. You must first be willing to serve at the bottom. Why don't you volunteer to clean the House of God? Do we think we are above such things? And for many who have been waiting for 20, 30, or 40 years, you must ask yourselves, perhaps, it is because of your disobedience you have been waiting for so long to fulfill your callings or ministry. Perhaps, it is our stubborn hearts and dishonoring God through His servants that is preventing our prayers and breakthrough.
God's people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. May you return to HIM with a full heart. May you forsake the world rather than HIS ways. May you return to your first Love for HE is coming! Repent and humble yourselves.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
An International Holy Fire Ministry
Fremont, California USA
March 1, 2014
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)