The Face of Peace

If you were to draw a picture of peace, what would it look like? Years ago a group of artists was given just that task, to capture the image of peace. There were many pictures of beautiful sunrises over beaches or mountains, and other pictures of pristine meadows full of wildflowers and peacefully grazing sheep. One artist depicted two enemy soldiers embracing each other at the end of war. Other artists drew children of different nationalities holding hands across the earth under a shimmering rainbow.

One picture stood in stark contrast to all the rest. It was a rocky ocean cliff drenched in torrents of rain that were falling from an angry sky filled with lightning.. The ocean was churning and foaming. Huge waves crashed against the cliff, but tucked away in a cleft of the rugged rocks was a small white dove, her head tucked beneath her wing, resting peacefully. She had found a place of repose and tranquility in the midst of the storm.

Today with all the economic uncertainty, repetitive natural disasters, and civil unrest in one nation after another, life can feel like that stormy ocean picture. Everywhere we look there is instability, trouble, and we are battered by circumstances beyond our control. It is overwhelming, and it would be so wonderful to find a place of peace and safety like that little dove.

While that picture is very effective at capturing a mood of serenity, it doesn't begin to adequately depict the face of peace. Peace is more than tranquility in the midst of troubling circumstances. Peace is much more than the absence of conflict, and it is infinitely greater than personal security.

Two thousand years ago, an angelic host appeared to a group of shepherds one night and proclaimed "Peace on earth. Goodwill to all people!" If they weren't referring to personal serenity, peace of mind, or the end of war and conflict, just what were the angels announcing with the word "peace?"

The peace the angels heralded to the shepherds is explained in Ephesians 2: 12–14. "Remember, that at that time you were separated from Christ, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and being in the world without God. But now in Christ Jesus, you who were formerly far-off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He, Himself is our peace…"

The peace the Angels were singing about was the good news that God has come to earth to repair the breach in our relationship with Him. In this act of reconciliation, Father God not only invites us back into His family, He fully intends to restore us back to the original position of dominion and authority that was conferred upon us in our creation.

The word for peace in Hebrew is shalom, and it has a rich, extensive meaning. In its essence, shalom is a state of wholeness in every aspect of your life: harmony in your relationships, total health in your body, abundant supply in your finances and joy in your emotional well-being. So you see God was announcing far more than just peace of mind. He was inviting us into a quality-of-life that we have never known before, a life so abundant that we will spend the rest of eternity discovering it.

The face of peace is Jesus Christ. As we gaze upon Him, we see God's incredible love for us in His gift of peace to us. As you celebrate Christmas, may you come to experience more fully that peace the angels announced so long ago.

Come observe Christmas with us this Sunday. We will have only one service at 11:00 AM. Our topic is "The Prince of Peace," which completes our current series, "A Prophetic Christmas."

When Is Ordinary… Extraordinary?

Imagine for a moment that you have some important information to share that is international in scope, information that can potentially affect the life of every person on planet Earth. How would you get that information out? Hold a summit meeting with all the world's leaders? Perhaps you would have a world concert in key locations, using only the biggest name bands and rock musicians. Or maybe you would choose some famous celebrities as key spokespersons.

How would you feel about using a 3rd string quarterback, barely past his rookie year in the NFL? Despite an impressive college career (a Heisman Trophy winner in his sophomore year and 2 NCAA championships), all the experts agree he is not NFL quarterback material. In particular, his passing game is considered very weak. In a league where the average quarterback passes for at least 300 yards per game, this quarterback usually passes under 200 yards, and his passes are all too often intercepted.

Those of you who follow NFL football know where I'm going. In the last few months, Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos has shot to the forefront of NFL football like a rising comet. The Broncos were 1–4, when Tebow became starting quarterback in mid-October. In the 8 games since then, Tebow has led the Broncos to 7 wins, coming from behind in the 4th quarter 6 times, a feat unparalleled in NFL history.

While he's becoming legendary for pulling wins out of defeats at the last moment, Tim Tebow is also creating a stir because of his frank declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. Pictures of him kneeling to thank God in prayer have become iconic, and the stance has been coined "Tebowing." and is being imitated around the world. In 2009, while still a college student, Tebow put the scripture reference John 3:16 on his eye paint, and 92 million people Googled the verse.

Tebow is unapologetic about his faith. He has stated, "My biggest prayer is that win or lose, good or bad, I'm still the same guy. I honor the Lord either way, and I'm not changing no matter what happens." While not everyone appreciates his spokesmanship for God, coaches and the players who know him best describe him as extremely hard-working, obsessed with self-improvement, modest, genuine, and "a real leader who freely gives credit to others."

There can be no doubt that Tebow has been given an extraordinary platform from which to declare his love and loyalty to Jesus Christ. Even his rivals seem to like him. When asked about Tebow, Robert Kraft, owner of the Boston Patriots said, " He's a real fine young man. I sort of like that he's about spirituality, and that the country is thinking about spirituality."

As we approach Christmas, I am reminded that God frequently uses ordinary people to accomplish the most extraordinary things. Take Mary and Joseph for instance. They were just two very ordinary citizens of Nazareth who became the earthly parents of God Himself. When God wanted to do the most extraordinary thing of all time: become a human being Himself, He chose to come in the form of an ordinary infant. But when God touches a situation, what begins as ordinary becomes extraordinary!,

I challenge you to do something different this Christmas. Allow God to touch your life and experience what happens when the ordinary becomes extraordinary!

Please join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. My sermon is ""Mighty God–Everlasting Father," the third message in our current series "A Prophetic Christmas."

Christmas Is Speaking: Who’s Listening?

Where did Christmas come from and just what does it mean anyway?

A brief look at history confirms the fact that Christmas as we celebrate it, is a meld of both Christian and pagan holiday traditions. The Roman, and many of the European cultures, celebrated the observance of the winter solstice. It was a time of feasting and drinking, and people brought evergreen branches inside their homes to commemorate the end of the shortening winter days and the return of sunlight. Some Christmas traditions clearly spring from these roots, for example: Christmas trees, using greenery for decorations, and the festive holiday meal.

The first record of Christmas was in the 4th century A.D. when Pope Julius I established December 25^th as the official date for observing the birth of Christ. Over the next 500 years the holiday spread throughout Europe, and Christmas has continued to grow in influence until today, when at least one third of the world's population observes the day. It is clearly the most widely celebrated holiday on earth.

Christmas has also become the largest single economic stimulus worldwide. In the United States 25% of all personal spending occurs around the Christmas holiday season. More than one economist has stated that if Christmas did not exist, the US economy probably would crumble, and that the current state of US international economic strength may be attributable to activity related to Christmas alone.

Why has Christmas grown to be a holiday of such influence and magnitude? I think we can gain some clues by looking at what people find meaningful about Christmas. Although everyone enjoys the gift giving, decorations and holiday meal, most people state the most meaningful part of Christmas is reconnecting with family and friends. They describe it as a special season of generosity, giving to others, love and peace. One third of people state it is their favorite time of year, and even nonreligious people report enjoying Christmas. As one atheist put it, “As much as I hate every religion, Christmas is such a wonderful time!”

What is responsible for creating this incredible atmosphere? I think it is “background radiation” from the first Christmas, when God released a message into the universe and the cosmos has echoed it ever since. What was that message? Fortunately it is been recorded for us in the second chapter of the book of Luke.

We are told that an angelic host appeared to a group of shepherds on a lonely hill outside Bethlehem. Their announcement was clear and simple. They told the shepherds not to fear because they had good news that would bring great joy to all people who accepted it. They announced the birth of an Almighty Deliverer, anointed with all power and authority, who had come to restore peace to the earth, and to promote goodwill among all people who would receive Him. It was a message of reconciliation and love from Father God to all humankind.

We know that the shepherds heard this Christmas message and received it, because they immediately went and found the babe in a manger and worshiped him.

Christmas is still speaking. Are you listening? What have you done with the Christmas message?

Please join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM when we will continue to unwrap the gift of Christmas, God's son Jesus Christ. My sermon this week is “Wonderful Counselor,” the second in our current series on “A Prophetic Christmas.”

When Receiving is Giving

Her heart is pounding with excitement. She looks down at the grey stone box she is holding and a joyful smile lights up her face. She thinks back to the previous week, the visit to the talented specialist who custom blended the rare, exotic fragrance she now holds in her hands. "Yes, it is perfect," she murmurs to herself. "It is the perfect way to honor the Master Teacher," who is now seated in their front room.

How she loves and respects the Master Teacher, and how grateful she feels towards him, for the incredible favor he did for her family a few days ago. A favor so great no gift could ever repay him, but this special surprise will let him know how much he is honored.

With eager anticipation she enters the room and kneels at his feet, opens the stone box and begins pouring the costly perfume over his feet. "Are you crazy? What in the world are you doing?" The voice is loud and condescending, and comes from one of the Master Teacher’s associates. He continues, "What a waste! You’re throwing away a year’s salary. That money could have been given to a worthy cause like feeding the poor."

Her smile vanishes, replaced by confusion and clouds of doubt. "Am I being wasteful?" she wonders. "I thought this was the perfect gift, but am I wrong?" She’s afraid to look at the Master Teacher; afraid she will see disapproval on his face.

Then she hears his voice. As always, it is calm and full of warmth. "Let her alone. The poor will always be with you, but I will only be here a little while longer. She honors me by preparing my body for burial."
Relief floods through her and joy resurfaces in a broad smile on her face. She looks into his face and is greeted by his love-filled eyes. "I knew it!" she thinks. "It is the perfect gift!"

You may have recognized the story above as an incident from the life of Jesus. (John 12:1-8) The woman, Mary, is the sister of Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead a few days earlier. That was the incredible gift she could never repay. The criticism came from a disciple, Judas Iscariot, and caused Mary to doubt herself. But the warm way Jesus received her gift and his verbal affirmation validated her love and thoughtfulness. In receiving, He was giving.

Have you ever had an experience like this woman? You got what you thought was the perfect gift for someone, only to later have second thoughts about it. You were really anxious until they opened the gift. Then their excitement and happiness gave you so much joy, it was like you were getting the gift! As we enter the holiday season, I hope we all remember that we give to others, not only in the gifts we give them, but in how we receive the gifts they give to us.

In fact, do you know that you can make God’s joy complete? When God sent His Son into the world, He was so eager to give His gift to us that He had His angels deliver a singing telegram to some shepherds, and accompanied it with a spectacular light show (see Luke 2: 8-18). Whenever anyone receives the gift of His Son Jesus, God receives so much joy that He throws a party and all heaven celebrates! (Luke 15:7,10)
Give God the gift He most desires, by receiving Jesus as your Savior this Christmas!

Please join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 11:00 AM. We are starting a new series this December, "A Prophetic Christmas." This week, in my message, "Immanuel," we will unwrap God’s incredible gift of His Son, Jesus.

Real Gifts

We are coming into the holiday season when gifts and giving often occupy our thoughts.  Some gifts we will purchase with joy and excitement, while others will feel more obligatory.  How many times have you experienced an “empty gift,” a gift that had no real giving behind it? 

Perhaps it was the nice what-not you received from a co-worker you really didn’t know at  the annual office gift exchange, or maybe it was from a relative who felt compelled to “go through the holiday motions” of giving.  The object itself may have been nice, but it felt empty because there was no real heart of giving represented in it.

Contrast this with the times you have received a gift from someone who gave it intending to convey their love for you.  It didn’t matter what it cost, or even if it was something you wanted, for the love behind it touched you deeply.  If, like me, you are a parent, you can think of many examples. 

I remember when our son, Gabriel, was four.  He brought home a wrapped gift from preschool that he proudly announced was for me.  He was so excited for me to open it, that it was difficult for him to wait until Christmas.  When the day came, he insisted I open it first.  For a small gift it was heavy, and I couldn’t imagine what it could possibly be. 

Inside was a rock decorated with blobs of various bright colors, sealed with a shiny coat of shellac. “Oh Gabriel,” I exclaimed, “Its beautiful!  Did you make it for me?”  I was absolutely clueless as to what it was.

Gabriel was smiling ear to ear, beaming with pride.  He nodded “yes” enthusiastically and proclaimed, “It’s a rainbow Daddy.  It’s for work.  I made it!”  We finally figured out it was a paperweight, and for years I proudly displayed it on my desk.  I can’t tell you the number of times I looked at that paperweight, and remembered my son’s little face flushed with excitement, and full of love as he gave it to me.  It was a real gift that kept giving to me for years.

Our Father God is a giver, and He demonstrated the essence of a real gift to us.  John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the world (that’s us), that He gave us His only Son, Jesus, to come and demonstrate His love by dying for our sins.  Real gifts are motivated by love, and they carry the power of love as a giving force that touches our lives in profound ways.

God encourages us to be givers of real gifts.  He warns us that even sacrificial gifts can be given without love, and they will amount to nothing at all. (I Corinthians 13:3)  But He also gave us a beautiful example of a real gift.  Jesus was in the temple one day as the people were bringing their offerings to God.  The wealthy gave with a flourish, large amounts of silver and gold coins that clattered, drawing attention to their giving. 

However, Jesus noticed a little widow who quietly slipped in and gave a humble offering of two pennies.  He announced to His disciples, “She has given more than all the others, for she gave everything that she has.” (Luke 21:3)  Her giving touched His heart, for He knew hers was a real gift.  Only her love for God could have motivated her to give her all.

Come join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM as we look at the joy and blessing of giving real gifts in our new series, “The Grace of Giving.”  My sermon is “Giving that Pleases God.” 

Identity Theft

Halloween is upon us, and for one evening many of us will morph into another person by borrowing the identity of someone else.  It may be a character from the movies or famous figure from literature or history.  Some people become animals or even objects, but when the evening is over, everyone assumes their original identity.  Fleeting, intentional loss of our identity can be enjoyable, but when a stranger permanently “borrows” our identity, its no laughing matter.  It’s identity theft.

Everyone has seen the commercials.  Two white haired, little old ladies, Thelma and Norma sit on a couch and start talking and laughing in husky male voices about their new Harleys with all the trimmings.  A bald, buff African-American body builder is lifting weights at the gym.  Suddenly from his lips comes a shrill female voice raving about her new hair extensions.  These people are victims of identity theft, and though the spots are clever and funny, they remind us that any one of us could be next.

We are increasingly aware that nothing is really safe or secure.  Credit cards can be stolen, computer sites can be hacked, and ATMs can be tampered with and altered.  Organizations like banks, insurance companies, and even the government, that hold our personal information can be plundered and our data can get compromised.  In an instant our credit rating, financial resources and reputations can be jeopardized, and it may take months or even years to restore the damage.

As bad as this type of identity theft can be, there is an even more insidious form of identity theft being perpetrated against each one of us.  John 10:10a warns us: “The thief, Satan, only comes to steal, kill and destroy.”  How does he do it?  Primarily he convinces us we are better off on our own, carving out our own identity, rather than saying, “Yes” to God, and receiving our identity as His adopted child.  Then Satan subtly siphons off our true identity until nothing but a shell of us is left.

Two characters in the Bible, Saul and David, vividly illustrate this.  Both were selected by God to be kings of Israel, and both received God’s Spirit to guide them.  But Saul ignored God’s counsel and relied on his own reasoning.  He was influenced by others’ opinions and his own insecurities.  He became jealous when he feared David was becoming more popular with the people. 

The more he sought to establish his identity by comparing himself with others, the more depressed he became.  In the end he was so lost he sought advice from a witch with contacts to underworld spirits.  He lost his throne on the battlefield, where he also saw his son killed before his eyes.  In a final gesture of agony, he committed suicide by falling on his sword.  He lost it all, a victim of Satan’s identity theft.

In contrast, David eagerly sought God and became intimate with Him.  Although persecuted and pursued by Saul, David continued to show loyalty to the throne and did not retaliate against Saul even when he could have.  His integrity earned him a large following with the people, and after Saul’s death, he had a long and prosperous reign, being succeeded by his son, Solomon.  Even when he strayed and became involved in adultery and a murder plot, he repented and sought God’s forgiveness and obtained it.  He was able to recover from his error because his identity was firmly established in his relationship with God.  

Are you battling with identity theft, struggling to discover and maintain yourself through your own self-effort?  Always feeling like you are on the verge of arriving, but never quite getting there?  Say “Yes” to God today, and find your true identity rooted and grounded in Him!

Come and join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM.  My son Gabriel will be talking on “Break Your Fears” as the last message of the “Born Identity 2” series.

The Spice of Life

As President of Harvest International Ministries (HIM), an international apostolic network, I spend a lot of time traveling outside the U.S.  I enjoy my trips, especially getting to experience different cultures and meet wonderful people all over the world.  I don’t admit it to many people, but one of my favorite aspects of traveling is getting to sample all the delicious food!

I love food and I am an adventurous eater.  I seldom sample a food I don’t like.  Maybe because I am Korean, I tend to favor Asian over European cuisine, but I enjoy eating both.  The cornucopia of ingredients, spices, colors and scents over various types of dishes never ceases to amaze me and delight my taste buds.

Of course, I really enjoy traditional Korean dishes such as galbi (Korean barbecue), and all varieties of kimchi.  However, when I come back home, no matter where I’ve been, I almost always want to go out and have good old American Chinese food.  I never tire of chop suey or chow mein, sizzling rice soup, and all of the beef, pork, chicken and fish entrees.  I relish all of them.

When I think about the amount of vegetables in most Chinese food, I’m surprised I like it so much, because I’m really not that big on vegetables, at least not in isolation.  I can’t imagine anything more boring than a stalk of bok choy, for example.  But when blended with some tender beef strips in a tasty brown sauce, that same bok choy becomes irresistible.  It’s amazing how much better ingredients can taste in combination, than when eaten alone.  “Variety is the spice of life,” the saying goes, and when it comes to food I must agree!

I also think “variety is the spice of life” when it comes to our social associations as people too. As we mix with others who differ from us, we are exposed to new ideas and understandings, challenged to apply our skills in new ways, and develop deeper respect and appreciation for the gifts and abilities others bring.  Like a great Chinese dish with multiple ingredients, our community fellowship is so much richer as we blend together.

I think God feels this way about variety too, for He has created us in so many sizes, shapes and other physical characteristics, with so many different interests and talents.  And He encourages His children to come together in heterogeneous communities of mutual respect, love and impartiality.  In Galations 3:27-28, He reminds us: “All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ.”

God is not telling us that our differences do not exist.  He is telling us that differences do not mean inequalities, for we are all of equal value and worth in Christ.  God instructs us: “So in Christ, we though many, form one body, and each one belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:5) “All of you be like-minded, sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”  (I Peter 3:8) 

God loves variety and He intends for our lives to be rich and full through the unity we have together in fellowship as His children.  Please come and experience this fellowship with us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM.  Our guest speaker is Pastor David Hess, from Christ Community Church in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.