The New Testament starts with the words, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ” (Matthew 1:1). Not a book containing the genealogy but the book of the genealogy (which comes from the word genesis – the beginning). In Genesis, the human race started with Adam, who failed. In Matthew, a new race of spiritual Israelites is starting, with Jesus who doesn’t fail. He is the true King who is going to build His Kingdom with citizens of faith.

King Jesus has come to sweep us into the grand drama of redemptive history. In Christ, we no longer have to live in our own story that leads to nowhere; we are heading toward glory with each passing day.

The devil will always whisper, “What’s the use? It’s too late to change, to late to do something. Just take it easy and look out for yourself (walk on the wide path).” The Holy Spirit has a different voice. “It’s never too late. Go mend that relationship. Stop runing after the wind; invest in eternity. Cut that sin off and pursue Christ. King Jesus is writing a new story in you and through you.” Read more

I’m at the AF1 retreat right now. All night I kept staring at the mixer area where Chris Chung usually sat. I met this inspiring young man three years ago at this very retreat. Has it really been that long since he passed?

Reflecting on Chris’ life and death tonight, I resolved to run harder in the race of faith. I want to end strong like Chris did.

Here is a slightly edited repost of an entry I wrote a couple of years ago:

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On Christmas,

the supernova led the wise men to the manger where the Christ child lay. This makeshift barn-crib held God himself in the flesh. How do you wrap your mind around that?

He formed Mars and Venus with His word, yet he couldn’t form a word! Not yet anyway. He just cried, cooed, and slept. He held the world in His hand, but now he was held by a teen mother.

The creator made himself completely vulnerable to his creation. Read more

“What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas” | The now-famous slogan has been muttered with sly smiles and winks among weekend hedonists as they check out of their Vegas hotel. I’ve never been to Vegas but here’s a possible scenario: it’s a young man’s last weekend as a bachelor, so his buddies decide to take him to Vegas so that he can do everything he can’t do as a married man. The idea is to party as hard as possible and get it out of his system. But does that really work? The truth is what happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas; it comes home with you. Contrary to getting it out of your system, it’s become a part of your system because it’s affected your heart. Read more

Last Sunday we had a Thanksgiving meal at church. After a festive time of food and laughter, we concluded with an open mic time. The Sunday School kids went first. Marky, my seven year old, went up to the mic and said, “My name is Mark and I am thankful that it’s my birthday.” You can get away with self-centeredness when you’re a cute kid.

I was a little embarrassed at his child-like honesty but not all that surprised. During the week, word got back to my wife and me that he was letting his buds know exactly what gifts they should buy for his party on Saturday. I could just picture the little booger during recess, “Hey man, hook me up with the Star Wars Legos, ok?” One night, when it was his turn to pray before bed he prayed, “Lord, please don’t let me get any clothes or books for my birthday.” Read more

God is our Heavenly Father who provides.

About a month ago I stood in front of my closet, with its doors flung open, trying to decide what to put on for Sunday service. It would seem like an easy enough choice: only two possible options – the black suit or the gray suit. The problem is that I always forget what I wore the week before! Sliding myself into the black piece, I thought to myself, ‘Maybe it’s time for a new suit. Suits aren’t cheap though and I only wear it once a week and only because I’m the pastor. Probably not worth it.’ It wasn’t even a prayer, just a brief thought really. I might’ve said, “Lord, you know” or something to that effect. Read more

I got a glossy ad for cable yesterday, which I promptly chucked into the recycling basket. It dawned on me later how much TV has changed. The lowest package for this particular company was 100 channels. MTV, ESPN, TNT … these are all considered standard fare for people ordering cable. Many people get bigger packages, of course, with movie channels, etc. America’s entertainment options have certainly evolved from the days when cable was considered a luxury, not a necessity. (Many people still don’t have cable today but it’s certainly much more a regular household item than years ago). Read more