Raymond J. Kim

Saturday, 06 June 2009

Thursday, 12 March 2009

Saturday, 14 February 2009

Monday, 05 January 2009

  • Praying for Your Pastor

    Reposted from Ligon Duncan's post on the Together for the Gospel Blog.


    Pray -

    1. That [your pastor] would know and love the living God, would have a saving interest in Christ, being purchased by His blood, and thus would be bound to the Lord by the indissoluble bond of the Holy Spirit.

    2. That [your pastor] would know, embrace and ever more deeply understand the Gospel and be shaped by it in life and ministry.

    3. That [your pastor] would be useful servant of the Lord, that he would know and love God's word, God's people, and God's kingdom; that he would be used to build it up and so that it prevails even against Hell's gates.

    4. That [your pastor] would study, practice and teach the Word of the Lord, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

    5. That [your pastor] would love to pray, because he loves to commune with his God, and that he would be a man of prayer, characteristically.

    6. That [your pastor] would be ever dependent upon and filled with the Spirit; and that he would possess true Spiritual wisdom.

    7. That [your pastor] would be holy unto the Lord. That his tongue and heart would be wholly God's.

    8. That [your pastor] would be kept from pride, and especially spiritual pride. That the Lord himself would be gracious to slay pride in him, and that your pastor would endeavor to always be putting pride to death, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

    9. That God would give [your pastor] guidance as to where to focus his efforts in ministry.

    10. That He would protect [your pastor] from himself, from the enemy of his soul, and from all earthly enemies.

    11. That no decision which [your pastor] ever makes or desire that [your pastor] ever pursues would restrict his ability to pour his whole soul into the Gospel ministry.

    12.That many would be converted and many built up under [your pastor]'s ministry, to God's glory alone.

    13. That the Lord would bless [your pastor]'s wife, [. . . ], with holiness and happiness, Gospel assurance and Gospel rest.

    14. That God would make [your pastor] a decent husband and father.

    15. That [your pastor] would be a good friend to his wife, and love her self-sacrificially,

    16. That [your pastor] would be a good daddy to his children. That they would love God, their parents and the church.

    17. That [your pastor] would be a testimony in the home so that his wife might be able to respect him when he is in the pulpit, and so that [your pastor] will be able to feed her soul, along with the rest of the congregation.


Thursday, 21 August 2008

  • Reflections from Respectable Sins - Chapter 20 & 21


    Bridges defines worldliness as “being attached to, engrossed in, or preoccupied with the things of this temporal life” (166). The key word for us as believers to remember is “temporal.” James reminds us, “You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (Jas. 4:14b). In light of eternity, the length of our lives is just a drop in the bucket. The problem is that we focus on the temporal instead of the eternal. We can be tempted to think that we are invincible and immortal during our prime, failing to recognize the uncertainty of live and God’s sovereign will for our lives. Our prayers need to reflect the prayer of Moses’ in Psalm 90:12, where he pleads with the LORD, “So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Understanding the brevity of life, the transitory nature of man, and the certainty of death, among other things, produces this heart of wisdom.

    We store up treasures here on earth instead of in heaven because we have forgotten that we are pilgrims and aliens to this world and are merely passing through. The believer’s citizenship is in heaven, not the world that we presently live in. Or maybe the answer is something different altogether, Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34). Perhaps we acknowledge the theological truths of Scripture, but we reveal by the way that we live what we truly believe; and where we are investing ourselves with the resources that God has entrusted to us a His stewards. Maybe we are in love with the world and the things in it.

    The story of Demas is a tragic one, but undoubtedly a common one in our day. Paul mentions him only three times in the New Testament. He describes Demas as a faithful brother and co-laborer for the gospel in Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of the story. In 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul writes, “for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica…” Demas’ love for the world caused him to abandon his ministry and depart from the faith. What a tragic conclusion.

    We need to heed the warnings of Scripture! In 1 John 2, John commands us:

    “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (2:15).

    Why?

    “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever” (2:16-17).

    Bridges further defines worldliness as “accepting the values, mores, and practices of the nice, but unbelieving, society around us without discerning whether or not those values, mores, and practices are biblical” (166). The reality is that we as believers are either transforming the world through our message and our testimony, or we are being conformed to the world around us. May we as slaves of Jesus Christ be identified with the former.

    Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:1-2


Friday, 15 August 2008

  • Reflections from Respectable Sins - Chapter 18 & 19


    Bridges writes that envy is the painful and oftentimes resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by someone else (149), while jealousy is the intolerance of rivalry, that is, when we are afraid that someone is going to become equal or superior to us (151). It’s easy to compare ourselves and our circumstances with that of another and find ourselves lacking. There is always going to be someone who is more wealthy, more intelligent, better read, comes from a more affluent family, has a nicer house, is more athletic, is more attractive, is more “godly,” is more eloquent, is more creative, seems to have a happier marriage and obedient children, etc. When we focus on what we “lack” instead of giving thanks to God for what we have, it becomes a recipe for discontentment, envy, jealousy, and pride.

    I’ve often said that one’s level of thankfulness is contingent upon the standard of life that one believes that he deserves. So, if one’s situation in life falls short of what he believes that he deserves, he is discontent and not thankful to God. If one’s situation in life is approximately equal to what he believes he deserves, he is neither thankful nor discontent, he believes that all that he has is simply what he deserves and is fair. If one’s situation in life is greater than what he believes he deserves, he is thankful to God because he believes that any excess or extra blessing is from the grace of God.

    The problem is that most of us believe that we deserve much more than we ought. Most people think that they deserve a fulfilling, high-paying job, most people think that they deserve to live in a nice house in a safe neighborhood, most people think that they deserve an attractive, godly, wealthy spouse who just makes them happy, most people think that they deserve many beautiful children who are perfectly obedient and don’t throw temper tantrums, do not cry when their parents are sleeping, and only need their diapers changed once a week. Biblically speaking, what we actually deserve is an eternity in hell because we have offended a holy God through our sin. We deserve nothing short of eternal condemnation and we certainly do not deserve anymore.

    In Romans 6:23a, it is written, “For the wages of sin is death…” a wage is something that you’ve worked hard for and have earned. It is something that you very much deserve. Because of our sin, we have earned death and eternal condemnation, which is all that we deserve. Even as difficult as this life can be, every single day that we have to live here on earth is God’s grace. Every single spiritual blessing, every single mental ability, every single talent, every single material blessing, every single meal to eat, every single step that we take, every single beat of our heart, and every single breath that we take is all because of God’s grace to us.

    What we deserve is hell, everything else is grace. The second half of Romans 6:23 says, “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What amazing love! What amazing grace! God would have been completely fair and justified if Romans 6:23 simply said, “the wages of sin is death,” because that is that we deserve. But it doesn’t, He says that we can find forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the hope of eternal life through the gospel of grace, the good news of Jesus, His Son. We deserve hell, everything above and beyond that is grace… yes, everything.

    I am guilty of envy and jealousy just as much as the next guy, probably even more so. However I believe that an excessive, habitual, life-consuming degree of envy and jealousy in one’s life is an indication that they have a faulty view of the gospel. It’s only when we understand and apply the gospel can we genuinely “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” as we are called to in Romans 12:15, instead of secretly bearing envy and jealousy at the blessings a fellow brother in Christ receives from God.

    One of my favorite passages of Scripture that has really become a life verse for me is 1 Peter 5:5b-7 which reads, “and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

    Instead of arrogantly thrusting our left hand forward to the Lord and clenching our fists in anger with our right hand, as if to threaten the God of this universe… May we prostrate ourselves before the throne of grace with our heads bowed and both hands cupped together to humbly receive that which the Lord in His wisdom has for us.

    Bridges writes that competitiveness is the urge to always win or be the top person in whatever our field of endeavor is. I would make that the case the best employee in any career field should be a Christian. I am not talking about the best in terms of being the most talented, the most creative, and the most intelligent employee… I am talking about being the best in terms of manifesting a biblical work ethic that is exemplary to his peers and his supervisors. One that does all “as to the Lord” (Eph. 6:7-8) and “all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). The key operating principle should be: in whatever you do, do the best that you possibly can, and leave the results to God.

    Bridges chapter entitled, “Sins of the Tongue,” was particularly challenging to me as well as a much needed rebuke. The sign of a mature believer is not that he compromises the truth for love, but that he speaks the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). In James chapter 3 verse 2, James writes, “For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.” We understand that the only man who has never stumbled in His speech is our Lord Jesus Christ. The perfect man and sinless Lamb of God. The frightening thing for us however is that what we say isn’t isolated or compartmentalized to our mouths, but originates and is a reflection of our hearts (Matt. 12:34). Yikes!

    May David’s prayer be ours as well:
    “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer” (Ps. 19:14).

    Amen and amen.


Friday, 08 August 2008

  • Reflections from Respectable Sins - Chapter 17


    Bridges writes that the problem with judgmentalism is that we equate our opinions with truth. We take a gray issue, make it black and white, and impose our way of thinking on others. I am convinced that as Christians, we need to be careful in discerning what is a preference and what is an actual Bible-based conviction. Even after doing this, it is important that we do not elevate our personal convictions to biblical truth. I think it is healthy, and a good thing for men and women of God to have strong convictions based upon God’s Word and a devotion to bringing Him glory, but it is another matter altogether to judge or look down upon those who do not share your convictions.

    Bridges makes the argument that when we judge others outside of the Biblical parameters, we are in effect assuming the role of God by judging another’s heart, which is not our place, nor do we have the ability to do so. There is a place for believers to judge one another, but only when you see your brother violating a practice that is clearly condemned in Scripture, thus it is God’s Word judging them, not you. Even in these circumstances, the motive behind such a judgment should be a love for God and your brother, and the goal should be spiritual restoration and a return to unhindered fellowship.

    I believe that it is fair to make a case for your convictions using Scripture and biblical principles, but there is a huge difference between trying to persuade someone and forcefully imposing your convictions upon them. This doesn’t mean that we should strive for unity at the expense of truth, may it never be! Truth sanctifies (John 17:17) and genuine fellowship cannot exist outside of a common commitment to biblical truth (1 John 4:6). Fundamental Christian doctrines are hills to die on and should not be compromised under any circumstances. However, secondary and tertiary doctrines should be held onto with humility and a certain degree of flexibility, considering the real possibility that your own views may change over time.

    I used to be guilty of judging people in the very things that Bridges mentioned, particularly in how people who come dressed to church. I would never confront anyone or talk to them directly, but inside I would shake my head whenever I saw someone in shorts and flip-flops at Sunday worship. However, after examining the Scriptures, I came to realize that God’s is more concerned about how you are “dressed” spiritually, than physically...

    “But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you ***lay aside*** the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and ***put on*** the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” – Ephesians 4:20-24

    “Your ***adornment*** must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to ***adorn themselves***, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.” – 1 Peter 3:3-6

    “… and all of you, ***clothe*** yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” – 1 Peter 5:5



Wednesday, 30 July 2008

  • Application Thoughts from Respectable Sins - Chapter 16


    Bridges mentions that one strategy to combat anger is to pray that God will enable us to grow in love.

    I have expanded upon this point by examining Scriptures that teach about love and the Christian, and why love is such an effective means to defeat anger and its weeds.

    Christians need to walk in love because:

    1. It is the greatest and second greatest commandments (Matthew 22:36-40)

    2. It enables us to genuinely forgive each other (1 Peter 4:8)

    3. It is the means by which the unbelieving world will know that we are disciples of Christ (John 13:35)

    4. It validates our new identity as a child of God (1 John 4:7)

    5. It is an earmark of the Spirit-filled Christian (Galatians 5:22-23)

    6. It demonstrates that we are yielded to the Spirit’s control (Ephesians 5:18-21)

    7. It is commanded by Christ (John 13:34)

    8. It allows us to emulate our God and our Savior (Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:11)

    9. It leaves no room in the heart of the believer to harbor unrighteous anger!

    a. Because if you are loving God
    b. If you are loving people
    c. If you are quick to forgive
    d. If you are daily following Christ
    e. If you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit
    f. If you are walking in the fruit of the Spirit
    g. If you are obedient to Christ’s commandments
    h. If you are striving after Christlikeness
    i. If you are yielded to the Spirit’s control
    j. And you are walking in Christian love…

    Then there simply won’t be enough room in your heart for anger to take root and fester! =]


Wednesday, 16 July 2008

  • Reflections from Respectable Sins - Chapter 14 & 15


    It is an unfortunate reality that we as Christians are often the most cruel towards those we are closest to, be it our family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, or our significant others. We are often the most impatient and irritable towards those whom we are called to be the most loving. I am guilty of this personally and often convicted of my failures in this very area. I think the problem is that we let our guard down, spiritually speaking, when we are in a comfortable or familiar environment. There is a temptation to remove the yoke of righteousness from our neck when we get home the same way we would remove our work shoes or a necktie. “Freedom!” we exclaim, and let our flesh run rampant.

    Sanctification is hard work, and therein lies the problem for many Christians. It’s much easier to put up a façade of piety when you need it, than to really deal with your own heart issues. Some Christians have already surrendered the battle for holiness by using language such as, “I can’t help it, that’s just the way that I am, there is no point trying, it’s hopeless.” The reality is that if you are a genuine believer in Jesus Christ, you can choose to not sin… the problem is that often you are not willing to.

    Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” Those that have been justified by faith in Jesus Christ have been rescued from the domain of darkness and have been transferred to the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Col. 1:13). This means that the sinner’s bondage to sin has been lifted and now he can choose to not sin and instead pursue righteousness in loving obedience to Christ’s commandments to the glory of God. As an unbeliever, this would be an impossibility, as the sinner would “choose” to sin every time without fail.

    Trials, tribulations, and difficult circumstances in life are opportunities to grow spiritually for the mature believer, not a justification to become angry or sin in some other way. Bridges makes the excellent observation that no one “causes” you to be angry… the fact of the matter is that you become angry because that is how you chose to respond that situation.

    The questions to ask yourself then, are: how will I choose to respond to trying situations in my life? How would God have me respond in this situation? How can I best glorify God by my response? Do I believe that this difficult situation or this unjust treatment is under the sovereign control of God and that in His infinite wisdom and goodness He is using these difficult circumstances to conform me more to the likeness of Christ?

    May we recognize God’s sovereign, loving hand in all things and walk in humility, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, to the praise of His glory.


Saturday, 12 July 2008

  • WALL-E


    Hello everyone!

    If you haven't seen WALL-E yet, and would like to see it, and wouldn't mind me tagging along to watch it with you, please let me know!

    I have already seen it, but I really want to watch it again, and I don't want to go alone... hahaha.

    Thanks!

    Raymond Kim


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    • Name: Raymond
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