My wife and I have been asking God for a couple years now why HE had sent the Angel of the Lord to stop Balaam when it was HIM who had sent him in the first place? Many know the story because God had used a donkey to speak to one of His servants. But it is more than just a story about a donkey able to speak. It is a story of a calling and the road to corruption.
Numbers 22:20-23 And God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, If the men come to call you, rise up and go with them, but still only what I tell you may you do.21 And Balaam rose up in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. 22 And God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the [a]Angel of the Lord stood in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his donkey, and his two servants were with him.23 And the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way and His sword drawn in His hand, and the donkey turned aside out of the way and went into the field. And Balaam struck the donkey to turn her into the way.
The men of Moab had come a couple times to entice Balaam to speak a cursing on God's people. They had initially brought wealth to bribe him. In verse 7, the people of Moabite had come with rewards of divination or fortunetelling. But since God did not give Balaam permission, the Moabite princes had up the ante. However, in Numbers chapter 22, verse 20, God actually gives Balaam permission to go with the men of Moab. But God had given him strict instructions to only do and say what God allows.
But why after two verses, in verse 22 was God's anger kindled against Balaam? Why did God send the Angel of the Lord to stop Balaam when it was God who had just given permission to go?
When God had gavin Balaam permission to go, we can perceive this as a calling for those in the ministry. Many are called to preach, evangelize, teach, help, and so forth. Many have been called receiving spiritual gifts for healing ministries, missionary work, deliverance, prophecy, and so forth. However, many of God's own people are stuck. Many are defeated and many are dismayed. They think the devil has got in the way. Yes, the devil is used but God had given the devil permission to come against Job. Many today are being stopped by God HIMSELF against their ministries. Why? All answers are in the bible.
2 Peter 2:15 They have wandered off the right road and followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong.
2 Peter 2:16 But Balaam was stopped from his mad course when his donkey rebuked him with a human voice.
Jude 1:11 What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion.
Yes, God gave Balaam permission to go. Just as today, many have been given a calling and permission to start ministries or other works of God. But Balaam saw an opportunity to use God's calling to become rich. In the morning, Balaam's heart was wrong and God's anger was kindled. Many today have their own spiritual donkey at work against their journey in God's work. They may think they are doing God's work, but they are doing it to earn money. They have become corrupted. It may not always be for money. Some are doing it out of pride, for their own glory, to prove themselves to others, and so forth. They are trying to live their personal dreams through God's work. God had told all of us to follow precise instructions in what we say and do. But many have self willed spirits and are doing their own thing. Therefore, we have ichabod (1 Samuel 4:21, The glory of God has left) in our churches.
There are many corrupted servants who prophecy and interpret dreams for money. There are many who hold conferences speaking end times stirring up the emotions of God's people to earn money. Many have gone the way of Balaam. Yes, God may have given permission to go but they had left with a wrong heart. Woe to them!
Numbers 22:7 (AMP) And the elders of Moab and of Midian departed with the rewards of foretelling in their hands; and they came to Balaam and told him the words of Balak.
May the eyes of God's people be opened to HIS TRUTH so that they may be set free from the enemy and the ways of their flesh/fear. Have mercy on your people, Oh Lord, and restore the joy of our salvation!!
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
Fremont, CA USA
August 28, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Monday, August 25, 2014
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Do NOT tell anyone that I am the Christ of God!
Luke 9:18-21 AMP Now it occurred that as Jesus was praying privately, the disciples were with Him, and He asked them, Who do men say that I am? 19 And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, that one of the ancient prophets has come back to life. 20 And He said to them, But who do you [yourselves] say that I am? And Peter replied, The Christ of God! 21 But He strictly charged and sharply commanded them [under penalty] to tell this to no one [no one, whoever he might be],
Why did Jesus command His disciples not to tell anyone that HE is the Christ of God? In the other versions, it states that Jesus had warned or strictly commanded them not to tell anyone. In the Amplified, HE strictly charged and sharply commanded them under penalty. Under penalty! After all, the Messiah had come to deliver HIS people. HE was performing miracles, feeding thousands of people, and healing people. Why wouldn't HE want the other people to know His true identity?
If we continue reading the context of the chapter, we see that Jesus said the Son of Man "suffer many things and be deliberately disapproved and repudiated and rejected on the part of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be put to death and on the third day be raised again." Jesus is basically stating that in order to be known in the fullness as the "Christ of God" HE must first suffer many things, be rejected, persecuted, and be put to death. Yes, although HE is the "Christ of God," the journey was not finished. Is an olive tree defined by a seed? An olive tree bearing olives is an olive tree. It is a full mature tree. A young olive tree not mature enough to bear fruit is still defined as an olive tree but it has not come to its fullness as an olive tree.
The name "Christ of God" is defined from beginning to end. In order to possess this title and the fullness of it, Jesus had to finish the path and purpose of why HE had come. Yes, HE was performing miracles. HE was feeding thousands. He was healing people. But still there was unfinished business. Too heal and feed people is only temporary. HE had come to bring eternal life. But to conquer death, HE had to suffer greatly and obey even unto death so that many many would live.
Now, let us look it at from Peter's angle. It was Peter who had answered, "Your are the Christ of God!" Why wouldn't Jesus want Peter to tell others that HE was the "Christ of God." Peter was a follower of Jesus. Jesus did not want people to know Peter was following HIM because Jesus already knew Peter was a denier of HIM. Jesus knew HE would already deny HIM one day. Why would Jesus want Peter to boast who he is following but yet would deny HIM? Today is no different. Many Christians boast they are "Christians". They boast that they believe in Jesus but yet many deny HIM every day. Many cheat on HIM. Jesus does not want us to boast that we are followers of HIM when in fact many are but living lives as though their father is the devil.
Jesus said if you are going to follow ME, you will have to deny yourself. We must deny ourselves but so many deny HIM. HE said to take up our own crosses and follow HIM. Jesus was willing to take up HIS cross knowing HE would suffer much. Do you know you will suffer much if you take up your crosses daily? Are you ready to obey unto death as well? Then at least die to yourselves.
If Jesus lives in us now, then if we are to say we are "Christians" or that we believe in HIM and we follow HIM, then before we boast of ourselves as "Christians" in public to our friends and family, we must first suffer with HIM having gone through much persecution, rejection, suffering, and most of all, have died to ourselves. Yes, you are a Christian once you have repented and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior but are you sure you want to boast about it so soon to the world when many are so much in the flesh making Jesus look bad? Many are very bad ambassadors of heaven.
I hear many lukewarm Christians are turning to paganism. Why? They say in paganism, they are talking about loving, forgiving, helping others, and so forth. Today's Christianity has a lot of people bragging about being saved but such carnal Christians are stumbling one another and offending many others. Many people are getting hurt by Christians and thus they are rejecting God because such carnal Christians are stumbling weaker believers and the world. This is why Jesus had warned under PENALTY, do not go around misrepresenting Me when you are not like ME. Do not say you are following ME when you are denying ME!
Luke 17:1-3 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! 2 It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin. 3 So watch yourselves!
A Christian can have the anointing to bring healing, feed people, and perform miracles. But have you died to yourself bearing HIS Fruit to say Christ is in you and you can really say you are a Christian in its fullness? Be careful how you represent and follow HIM. There will be consequences.
May you all come to the fullness of God.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
August 14, 2014
Why did Jesus command His disciples not to tell anyone that HE is the Christ of God? In the other versions, it states that Jesus had warned or strictly commanded them not to tell anyone. In the Amplified, HE strictly charged and sharply commanded them under penalty. Under penalty! After all, the Messiah had come to deliver HIS people. HE was performing miracles, feeding thousands of people, and healing people. Why wouldn't HE want the other people to know His true identity?
If we continue reading the context of the chapter, we see that Jesus said the Son of Man "suffer many things and be deliberately disapproved and repudiated and rejected on the part of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be put to death and on the third day be raised again." Jesus is basically stating that in order to be known in the fullness as the "Christ of God" HE must first suffer many things, be rejected, persecuted, and be put to death. Yes, although HE is the "Christ of God," the journey was not finished. Is an olive tree defined by a seed? An olive tree bearing olives is an olive tree. It is a full mature tree. A young olive tree not mature enough to bear fruit is still defined as an olive tree but it has not come to its fullness as an olive tree.
The name "Christ of God" is defined from beginning to end. In order to possess this title and the fullness of it, Jesus had to finish the path and purpose of why HE had come. Yes, HE was performing miracles. HE was feeding thousands. He was healing people. But still there was unfinished business. Too heal and feed people is only temporary. HE had come to bring eternal life. But to conquer death, HE had to suffer greatly and obey even unto death so that many many would live.
Now, let us look it at from Peter's angle. It was Peter who had answered, "Your are the Christ of God!" Why wouldn't Jesus want Peter to tell others that HE was the "Christ of God." Peter was a follower of Jesus. Jesus did not want people to know Peter was following HIM because Jesus already knew Peter was a denier of HIM. Jesus knew HE would already deny HIM one day. Why would Jesus want Peter to boast who he is following but yet would deny HIM? Today is no different. Many Christians boast they are "Christians". They boast that they believe in Jesus but yet many deny HIM every day. Many cheat on HIM. Jesus does not want us to boast that we are followers of HIM when in fact many are but living lives as though their father is the devil.
Jesus said if you are going to follow ME, you will have to deny yourself. We must deny ourselves but so many deny HIM. HE said to take up our own crosses and follow HIM. Jesus was willing to take up HIS cross knowing HE would suffer much. Do you know you will suffer much if you take up your crosses daily? Are you ready to obey unto death as well? Then at least die to yourselves.
If Jesus lives in us now, then if we are to say we are "Christians" or that we believe in HIM and we follow HIM, then before we boast of ourselves as "Christians" in public to our friends and family, we must first suffer with HIM having gone through much persecution, rejection, suffering, and most of all, have died to ourselves. Yes, you are a Christian once you have repented and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior but are you sure you want to boast about it so soon to the world when many are so much in the flesh making Jesus look bad? Many are very bad ambassadors of heaven.
I hear many lukewarm Christians are turning to paganism. Why? They say in paganism, they are talking about loving, forgiving, helping others, and so forth. Today's Christianity has a lot of people bragging about being saved but such carnal Christians are stumbling one another and offending many others. Many people are getting hurt by Christians and thus they are rejecting God because such carnal Christians are stumbling weaker believers and the world. This is why Jesus had warned under PENALTY, do not go around misrepresenting Me when you are not like ME. Do not say you are following ME when you are denying ME!
Luke 17:1-3 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! 2 It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin. 3 So watch yourselves!
A Christian can have the anointing to bring healing, feed people, and perform miracles. But have you died to yourself bearing HIS Fruit to say Christ is in you and you can really say you are a Christian in its fullness? Be careful how you represent and follow HIM. There will be consequences.
May you all come to the fullness of God.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
August 14, 2014
Choose to Love
For many years, the Holy Spirit has led me to ask HIM for His Heart and His Love. For us to do HIS work and come to the fullness of HIM, we must come to possess His Heart and Love. Some Christians may ask, why won't God just give us all of His Heart and Love to us now instantly so we can possess and Love with His Heart? It is like asking, why won't Jesus just come now and stop all the fighting, hating, killing, jealousy, murder, cheating and etc?
IF Jesus would come now, would that stop all the evil and sin in the world? It would only stop if HE would judge and destroy the wicked. Many are asking God to come now and stop all this but perhaps God is asking us to stop it by our choice and through prayer. His delay is His mercy and grace for the world to repent.
Lucifer was in God's presence. He was the worship angel or leader. He experienced God's love and glory. If we can only experience His love and glory, would that be enough for us to stay faithful to HIM? Obviously, for the devil, it was not enough.
Why would God not just give us all of His Heart so it can be easier on us to be more patient, to love without failing one another, to forgive when it is so hard to forgive, and to show mercy when we do not really want to show mercy?
If we ask for God's Heart and if HE just gave it to us all now, then yes, we would have the ability to possess enduring love, we would have His ability to forgive, we would have the ability to have His type of patience, but the question still remains.......Will we choose to Love with His Heart even though we may possess it.
Therefore, God will test you as you ask. If you want to possess all of His Heart and Love, then you must choose to Love. You must choose to have patience. You must choose to forgive. You must choose to show mercy.
If you choose to Love even though the circumstances may be difficult, if you choose to love even when it will cost you, if you choose to love even if they do not love you back, and if you choose to love even your enemies, then God will give you the Grace to Love with His Heart. Then as you choose, HE will give you a little of HIS Heart and His Love until you come to the fullness of God. Each day, you must choose to love, forgive, be patience, show mercy, and etc. You must choose to bear HIS fruit.
If you plant a seed to grow a tree, the seed will not turn into a tree with fruits overnight. It will take many years through the different weather situations. But the olive tree is very resilient. It will choose to grow to bear fruits.
Life and how you will achieve victory to be His Overcomer will be your choice to receive His Grace or not. The word salvation is "Sozo." This word does not only mean saved to go to heaven, it means victory, delivered, prosperity, overcoming, health (cured), joy, love, and much more NOW. The Kingdom of God is NOW!
Glory to God
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fremont, CA USA
Fire of God Church
IF Jesus would come now, would that stop all the evil and sin in the world? It would only stop if HE would judge and destroy the wicked. Many are asking God to come now and stop all this but perhaps God is asking us to stop it by our choice and through prayer. His delay is His mercy and grace for the world to repent.
Lucifer was in God's presence. He was the worship angel or leader. He experienced God's love and glory. If we can only experience His love and glory, would that be enough for us to stay faithful to HIM? Obviously, for the devil, it was not enough.
Why would God not just give us all of His Heart so it can be easier on us to be more patient, to love without failing one another, to forgive when it is so hard to forgive, and to show mercy when we do not really want to show mercy?
If we ask for God's Heart and if HE just gave it to us all now, then yes, we would have the ability to possess enduring love, we would have His ability to forgive, we would have the ability to have His type of patience, but the question still remains.......Will we choose to Love with His Heart even though we may possess it.
Therefore, God will test you as you ask. If you want to possess all of His Heart and Love, then you must choose to Love. You must choose to have patience. You must choose to forgive. You must choose to show mercy.
If you choose to Love even though the circumstances may be difficult, if you choose to love even when it will cost you, if you choose to love even if they do not love you back, and if you choose to love even your enemies, then God will give you the Grace to Love with His Heart. Then as you choose, HE will give you a little of HIS Heart and His Love until you come to the fullness of God. Each day, you must choose to love, forgive, be patience, show mercy, and etc. You must choose to bear HIS fruit.
If you plant a seed to grow a tree, the seed will not turn into a tree with fruits overnight. It will take many years through the different weather situations. But the olive tree is very resilient. It will choose to grow to bear fruits.
Life and how you will achieve victory to be His Overcomer will be your choice to receive His Grace or not. The word salvation is "Sozo." This word does not only mean saved to go to heaven, it means victory, delivered, prosperity, overcoming, health (cured), joy, love, and much more NOW. The Kingdom of God is NOW!
Glory to God
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fremont, CA USA
Fire of God Church
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Desire HIS Presence by spending more time with HIM
Desire the gift to speak in tongue, to sing in tongue and to dance in the Holy Spirit so that you may pray unceasingly and to dance and worship before HIM. I impart those gifts onto you! Fire of God!!! Fire of God!!! Holy Fire!!! May you find HIS Rest.
Joel 2:28-32“Then, after doing all those things,
I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your old men will dream dreams,
and your young men will see visions.
29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on servants—men and women alike.
30 And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth—
blood and fire and columns of smoke.
31 The sun will become dark,
and the moon will turn blood red
before that great and terrible[f] day of the Lord arrives.
32 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved,
for some on Mount Zion in Jerusalem will escape,
just as the Lord has said.
These will be among the survivors
whom the Lord has called.
Repent!! The condition for the pouring out of the Spirit is repentance! For HE is returning for the Overcomers!! He is returning for the Victors! He is returning for the Meek! He is returning for those who have forgiven others! He is returning for those who have been humbled! He is returning for those who are possessors of HIS Presence bearing enduring fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Repent! Ask God to search your hearts! Ask God to show you what needs to be repented and surrendered at the foot of the cross. Ask HIM to help you fully surrender! Ask HIM for a SPIRIT OF REPENTANCE!
HE does not desire a sacrifice from you. The sacrifice HE desires from you is a broken spirit. HE will not reject a broken, contrite, repentant heart.
Through repentance the veil is removed so that you may enter more deeply into HIS Presence. Stop the sin! Stop the fighting! Stop the outrage! Stop the complaining! Stop the anger! Stop the bickering! Stop the jealousy! Stop moving backwards! We are called to move forward from glory to glory not glory to backwards and then in circles!
Stop the sin or you will lose HIS Presence! Die to yourselves! With every once of your will, call upon HIS Name for mercy and grace.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.11 Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Grant us oh Lord a pure heart, a willing spirit to fully obey you, and restore your people the joy of Your salvation!! Fire!!!
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
Fremont CA USA
Joel 2:28-32“Then, after doing all those things,
I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your old men will dream dreams,
and your young men will see visions.
29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on servants—men and women alike.
30 And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth—
blood and fire and columns of smoke.
31 The sun will become dark,
and the moon will turn blood red
before that great and terrible[f] day of the Lord arrives.
32 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved,
for some on Mount Zion in Jerusalem will escape,
just as the Lord has said.
These will be among the survivors
whom the Lord has called.
Repent!! The condition for the pouring out of the Spirit is repentance! For HE is returning for the Overcomers!! He is returning for the Victors! He is returning for the Meek! He is returning for those who have forgiven others! He is returning for those who have been humbled! He is returning for those who are possessors of HIS Presence bearing enduring fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Repent! Ask God to search your hearts! Ask God to show you what needs to be repented and surrendered at the foot of the cross. Ask HIM to help you fully surrender! Ask HIM for a SPIRIT OF REPENTANCE!
HE does not desire a sacrifice from you. The sacrifice HE desires from you is a broken spirit. HE will not reject a broken, contrite, repentant heart.
Through repentance the veil is removed so that you may enter more deeply into HIS Presence. Stop the sin! Stop the fighting! Stop the outrage! Stop the complaining! Stop the anger! Stop the bickering! Stop the jealousy! Stop moving backwards! We are called to move forward from glory to glory not glory to backwards and then in circles!
Stop the sin or you will lose HIS Presence! Die to yourselves! With every once of your will, call upon HIS Name for mercy and grace.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.11 Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Grant us oh Lord a pure heart, a willing spirit to fully obey you, and restore your people the joy of Your salvation!! Fire!!!
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
Fremont CA USA
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
You may have been called, but have you received the calling?
Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Many have been summoned and invited to the Great Feast of the King. Many have been called to sit at His feet and to do HIS Will. Many have a special invitation. They have been called to do the work for the Kingdom of God. But sadly, many will turn their calling down.
Matthew 22:3-6 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!4 “So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ 5 But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. 6 Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them.
Many will hear but many will refuse. Many will hear but will fail their test. Many will forsake HIM. Many will go back their own way. Others will insult and kill God's messengers. Just because one has been called, it is another matter to have received the calling. In order to be wearing the wedding garment, one must have received the calling and authority to enter the feast. Just to be called is the invitation to wear the wedding clothes.
And then their are those who have been called but have yet to pass their tests to receive the calling but have decided to go without proper wedding garment and with their own authority to sneak into the feast. They go without proper covering or authority.
Matthew 22:11-13 “But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 12 ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. 13 Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Many ministries have been formed prematurely as a premature baby is born. With premature babies, there are many problems. Many are so eager but have no patience. Many have yet to die to themselves. Many have yet to pray plowing their lands properly preparing for the harvest.
Just because one has been called does not mean they have received the calling or authority to do HIS Work. All must pass their tests prior to receiving the call. All must be broken to be used as an honorable vessel. Many are called but few choose to obey. Only those who do the Father's Will will enter the Kingdom of God.
May you all fully surrender to the Great King of Kings and be chosen to do HIS Work.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
Fremont, CA USA
Many have been summoned and invited to the Great Feast of the King. Many have been called to sit at His feet and to do HIS Will. Many have a special invitation. They have been called to do the work for the Kingdom of God. But sadly, many will turn their calling down.
Matthew 22:3-6 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!4 “So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ 5 But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. 6 Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them.
Many will hear but many will refuse. Many will hear but will fail their test. Many will forsake HIM. Many will go back their own way. Others will insult and kill God's messengers. Just because one has been called, it is another matter to have received the calling. In order to be wearing the wedding garment, one must have received the calling and authority to enter the feast. Just to be called is the invitation to wear the wedding clothes.
And then their are those who have been called but have yet to pass their tests to receive the calling but have decided to go without proper wedding garment and with their own authority to sneak into the feast. They go without proper covering or authority.
Matthew 22:11-13 “But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 12 ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. 13 Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Many ministries have been formed prematurely as a premature baby is born. With premature babies, there are many problems. Many are so eager but have no patience. Many have yet to die to themselves. Many have yet to pray plowing their lands properly preparing for the harvest.
Just because one has been called does not mean they have received the calling or authority to do HIS Work. All must pass their tests prior to receiving the call. All must be broken to be used as an honorable vessel. Many are called but few choose to obey. Only those who do the Father's Will will enter the Kingdom of God.
May you all fully surrender to the Great King of Kings and be chosen to do HIS Work.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
Fremont, CA USA
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Do works and live lives consistent with and worthy of your repentance.
Mark 11:13-14 And seeing in the distance a fig tree [covered] with leaves, He went to see if He could find any [fruit] on it [for in the fig tree the fruit appears at the same time as the leaves]. But when He came up to it, He found nothing but leaves, for the fig season had not yet come. 14 And He said to it, No one ever again shall eat fruit from you. And His disciples were listening [to what He said].
Jesus walking in the flesh was hungry as any person on the earth. When HE saw a fig tree from the distance covered with leaves, the assumption was there would be fruit. The fig fruit appears at the same time as the leaves. When HE had come up to it, there were nothing but leaves. Since there were no fruit, Jesus basically cursed the tree and it withered away.
The fig tree had leaves but no fruit. It was in its season to bear fruit but the tree missed its season. The size of the tree and leaves can represent many things. A person may be a Christian for many years. Some Christians have much knowledge. Some Christians have much spiritual gifts. Some Christians have much experience and talent. Some Christians may even have the ability to hear God clearly. The abundance of leaves may represents time, knowledge, spiritual gifts, experience, and talents.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee in authority (John 3). He was one with much knowledge. But yet Jesus emphasized that one needed to be born again to enter the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus did not understand what God had expected from His people even though he appeared to be an ideal person who should know. Too many Christians define their Christianity and their worth based on their leaves. Even such a person like Nicodemus thought he was safe with his salvation. Many Christians today are not working out their salvation with trembling and fear but thinking they are very safe.
We are like trees. We are called to bear fruit. If we do not bear fruit, the ax will already be at the root of the tree ready to be cut and thrown in the fire. Is Jesus coming for your leaves? HE is hungry. HE is coming for the fruit. HE is going to be looking for the fruit of the Holy Spirit in you.
John the Baptist rebuked the religious order and told them to bring forth fruit consistent with repentance. Where is the change in your lives? Many have repented but where is the change in their lives? If people had truly repented, then it would be proven through the fruit they bear.
Matthew 3: 8 Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart];
The crowds asked John the Baptist, how do we repent? What do we need to do?
John said that if we have two shirts to give one away. If we have food, then to share it with the hungry. For the tax collectors to only collect what the government requires. John further said, do not extort or make false accusations and be content with your pay.
The people in John days are like the Christians today. Many are very greedy. Many are jealous and envy of each other. Many are liars, dishonest, and complainers. Is John speaking and evangelizing to non believers? No, John is speaking and rebuking God's people who are so blind and stubborn. John said to bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance. Show that you have changed your lives. Is your life changed? Have we truly repented? What has it cost you to follow Jesus?
Jesus was hungry and had come to the tree for fruit. Today, HE is seated in the right hand of Father God. Is Jesus still hungry for fruit? Yes, HE is still hungry. When HE sends a weak believer, wounded soul, baby Christian, or a least one of HIS your way, will you love them even though they may be very difficult to deal with? Will you feed them? Will you give them something to drink? Will you clothe them? Will you be kind to them? Will you embrace them even though they have many issues or will you demand them to change first before you love them? As Jesus said, even the sinner love their own but if you only love your own and not others, how is that love?
Matthew 25:34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
In the physical realm, you may feed someone physical food or give them money as an expression of helping. When one helps whether you feed, give them drink, or clothe, hopefully, you do it out of genuine love from your broken spirit and as you do it out of true love, then you are bringing forth fruit, the fruit of Love. In the spiritual realm, God is able to partake this fruit that you are bearing and bringing forth.
Bring forth fruit of repentance. When you ask forgiveness from one you had offended or hurt, if you have truly repented, the fruit you will now bring forth to such a person would be love. To say you have forgiven but never want to see that person's face is not forgiveness nor love. It is but mockery. If you had stolen, you would give back or stop stealing. If you are in sin, then you would stop sinning. If you are in addiction or bondage, then you would be crying out to HIM for freedom. Bring forth fruit worthy of repentance!
Are we truly loving those who had offended us? Are we truly feeding and praying for our enemies or are you slandering them while you watch the news? Are we truly allowing them to slap our other cheek? Are we truly blessing those who curse us or are you making an offensive gesture back at the one who just cut you off in traffic? Are we truly going two miles when they ask us to go one mile? Are you loving those who are not your own?
Only through true contrite brokenness can a person bring forth ripe sweet fruit. When a Christian is not broken but hard and stubborn, they can only bring forth leaves and at best unripe fruit. Unripened fruit is bitter and hard. When a Christian who possess unripened hard bitter fruit and attempts to minster to others, they are essentially feeding them poison and at the end, they will end up hurting and offending others. Such Christians will need to repent as they will answer to God for casting out the least ones. Remember, the fig tree without fruit was cursed.
Matthew 25:41-46 Then He will say to those at His left hand, Begone from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!42 For I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink,43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me and entertain Me, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me [l]with help and ministering care.44 Then they also [in their turn] will answer, Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?45 And He will reply to them, Solemnly I declare to you, in so far as you failed to do it for the least [[m]in the estimation of men] of these, you failed to do it for Me.46 Then they will go away into eternal punishment, but those who are just and upright and in right standing with God into eternal life.
May you bear fruit worthy of repentance as those words spoken thousands of years ago have been spoken in the context of eternity and still applies to us today. May you ask God to brake you so that HE may use you as a vessel of honor. You must understand the cost of this request but it is required if you want to see HIS face one day.
Acts 26:20 But made known openly first of all to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout the whole land of Judea, and also among the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works and live lives consistent with and worthy of their repentance.
As the book of Acts states, "DO WORKS AND LIVE LIVES CONSISTENT WITH AND WORTHY OF REPENTANCE!" The bible says that you must be perfect as HE is perfect.
Matthew 5:48 You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete [maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
Fremont, CA USA
July 23, 2014
Jesus walking in the flesh was hungry as any person on the earth. When HE saw a fig tree from the distance covered with leaves, the assumption was there would be fruit. The fig fruit appears at the same time as the leaves. When HE had come up to it, there were nothing but leaves. Since there were no fruit, Jesus basically cursed the tree and it withered away.
The fig tree had leaves but no fruit. It was in its season to bear fruit but the tree missed its season. The size of the tree and leaves can represent many things. A person may be a Christian for many years. Some Christians have much knowledge. Some Christians have much spiritual gifts. Some Christians have much experience and talent. Some Christians may even have the ability to hear God clearly. The abundance of leaves may represents time, knowledge, spiritual gifts, experience, and talents.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee in authority (John 3). He was one with much knowledge. But yet Jesus emphasized that one needed to be born again to enter the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus did not understand what God had expected from His people even though he appeared to be an ideal person who should know. Too many Christians define their Christianity and their worth based on their leaves. Even such a person like Nicodemus thought he was safe with his salvation. Many Christians today are not working out their salvation with trembling and fear but thinking they are very safe.
We are like trees. We are called to bear fruit. If we do not bear fruit, the ax will already be at the root of the tree ready to be cut and thrown in the fire. Is Jesus coming for your leaves? HE is hungry. HE is coming for the fruit. HE is going to be looking for the fruit of the Holy Spirit in you.
John the Baptist rebuked the religious order and told them to bring forth fruit consistent with repentance. Where is the change in your lives? Many have repented but where is the change in their lives? If people had truly repented, then it would be proven through the fruit they bear.
Matthew 3: 8 Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart];
The crowds asked John the Baptist, how do we repent? What do we need to do?
John said that if we have two shirts to give one away. If we have food, then to share it with the hungry. For the tax collectors to only collect what the government requires. John further said, do not extort or make false accusations and be content with your pay.
The people in John days are like the Christians today. Many are very greedy. Many are jealous and envy of each other. Many are liars, dishonest, and complainers. Is John speaking and evangelizing to non believers? No, John is speaking and rebuking God's people who are so blind and stubborn. John said to bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance. Show that you have changed your lives. Is your life changed? Have we truly repented? What has it cost you to follow Jesus?
Jesus was hungry and had come to the tree for fruit. Today, HE is seated in the right hand of Father God. Is Jesus still hungry for fruit? Yes, HE is still hungry. When HE sends a weak believer, wounded soul, baby Christian, or a least one of HIS your way, will you love them even though they may be very difficult to deal with? Will you feed them? Will you give them something to drink? Will you clothe them? Will you be kind to them? Will you embrace them even though they have many issues or will you demand them to change first before you love them? As Jesus said, even the sinner love their own but if you only love your own and not others, how is that love?
Matthew 25:34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
In the physical realm, you may feed someone physical food or give them money as an expression of helping. When one helps whether you feed, give them drink, or clothe, hopefully, you do it out of genuine love from your broken spirit and as you do it out of true love, then you are bringing forth fruit, the fruit of Love. In the spiritual realm, God is able to partake this fruit that you are bearing and bringing forth.
Bring forth fruit of repentance. When you ask forgiveness from one you had offended or hurt, if you have truly repented, the fruit you will now bring forth to such a person would be love. To say you have forgiven but never want to see that person's face is not forgiveness nor love. It is but mockery. If you had stolen, you would give back or stop stealing. If you are in sin, then you would stop sinning. If you are in addiction or bondage, then you would be crying out to HIM for freedom. Bring forth fruit worthy of repentance!
Are we truly loving those who had offended us? Are we truly feeding and praying for our enemies or are you slandering them while you watch the news? Are we truly allowing them to slap our other cheek? Are we truly blessing those who curse us or are you making an offensive gesture back at the one who just cut you off in traffic? Are we truly going two miles when they ask us to go one mile? Are you loving those who are not your own?
Only through true contrite brokenness can a person bring forth ripe sweet fruit. When a Christian is not broken but hard and stubborn, they can only bring forth leaves and at best unripe fruit. Unripened fruit is bitter and hard. When a Christian who possess unripened hard bitter fruit and attempts to minster to others, they are essentially feeding them poison and at the end, they will end up hurting and offending others. Such Christians will need to repent as they will answer to God for casting out the least ones. Remember, the fig tree without fruit was cursed.
Matthew 25:41-46 Then He will say to those at His left hand, Begone from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!42 For I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink,43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me and entertain Me, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me [l]with help and ministering care.44 Then they also [in their turn] will answer, Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?45 And He will reply to them, Solemnly I declare to you, in so far as you failed to do it for the least [[m]in the estimation of men] of these, you failed to do it for Me.46 Then they will go away into eternal punishment, but those who are just and upright and in right standing with God into eternal life.
May you bear fruit worthy of repentance as those words spoken thousands of years ago have been spoken in the context of eternity and still applies to us today. May you ask God to brake you so that HE may use you as a vessel of honor. You must understand the cost of this request but it is required if you want to see HIS face one day.
Acts 26:20 But made known openly first of all to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout the whole land of Judea, and also among the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works and live lives consistent with and worthy of their repentance.
As the book of Acts states, "DO WORKS AND LIVE LIVES CONSISTENT WITH AND WORTHY OF REPENTANCE!" The bible says that you must be perfect as HE is perfect.
Matthew 5:48 You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete [maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
Fremont, CA USA
July 23, 2014
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