Merry Christmas

Twas a few days before Christmas, when all through the land, the lights were all glowing with a message so grand. Christ was the message behind all the gifts and the trees, with a message of hope that can set men free. For all His grace and His blessings that surrounded my year, I give God thanks for His presence so near.

Praise You Jesus, our Emmanuel, You have dwelt among men and have saved us from hell. You are the reason behind all this cheer, it's Your grace that sustains us, year after year. May your Kingdom expand and may your Church shine so bright, for You shine within us, for You are the Light. May 2008 bring us blessings so bright ... Merry Christmas to all ... and to all a good night.

Currently Listening A Very Special Christmas By U2 Christmas, Baby Please Come Home

U2 3D + Podcast Updates

Podcast Updates
We finished our series on Colossians this past weekend. You can get the sermon outlines and MP3's below.

Part 5 of 6: Living a Christ-Saturated Life

• Sermon MP3 download here
• Sermon Outline download here

Part 6 of 6: Making the Most of Life

• Sermon MP3 download here
• Sermon Outline download here

Memory Verses updated here.

Currently Listening Joshua Tree (Remastered / Expanded) (Super Deluxe Edition) (2CD/DVD) By U2 Rise Up

Bowling, Beauty and U2 Baby!

At the Strike at King Street Wharf

Our pastoral staff at Wesley Mission went bowling last week and we had a blast. Our champ was Kao Lee (who oversees the Chinese congregation), followed by yours truly, and third place was my fellow American Don Everhart. A couple of our admin staff were in golf mode, thinking the lowest score wins ... but it was fun hanging out in a casual setting for a change. I posted some more pictures here.

Hyun's Interview in ReSEARCH Magazine

Hyun hates it when I brag about her, but she was interviewed recently for a University of New South Wales science magazine "ReSEARCH". I put up some more pictures and the link to the magazine site here. (This part of the post might disappear once Hyun finds out what I did! So read it while you can! :)

And last but not least, U2 has released a 20th anniversary edition of their classic album Joshua Tree. This was the album that skyrocketed them to super stardom. Not only is the album completely remastered, the Super Deluxe version also comes with a second CD of B-sides and rarities PLUS a DVD of their concert in Paris from 1987. Simply awesome.

Currently Listening Joshua Tree (Remastered / Expanded) (Super Deluxe Edition) (2CD/DVD) By U2 Running to Stand Still

Podcasts and Pictures Update

Podcast Updates

Colossians 1:15-23 Christ Is Supreme

Sermon MP3 (iTunes) Download
Sermon Outline Download

Colossians 1:24-2:5 Keeping Christ Supreme

Sermon MP3 (iTunes) Download
Sermon Outline Download

Colossians 2:6-23 Christ Is Enough

Sermon MP3 (iTunes) Download
Sermon Outline Download

Weekly Memory Verses Updated

Picture Updates

My Uncle and Aunt from Arizona visited recently and so I was able to start playing with my camera a bit more. You can view some pictures here. I'm glad they were able to visit before we moved.

And also, my friend, Samuel Son from New Zealand, moved to Sydney last year and just opened up a new chiropractic clinic in Burwood. I took a few pictures of the opening service here. Sam and his family has been a huge blessing to me this year with their help during our morning services at Wesley. It's been great serving together and getting to know each other more this year as well. Stop by his clinic if you need someone to look at your back. The address is 72 Burwood Road in Burwood.

Currently Listening Joshua Tree (Remastered / Expanded) (Super Deluxe Edition) (2CD/DVD) By U2 With or Without You

The Artistry of Prayer

A Beginning

We began a new series on the book of Colossians this past weekend. The first part of the seven-part series, "The Artistry of Prayer", can be downloaded below.

• Sermon MP3 (iTunes) can be downloaded here.

• Sermon Outline can be downloaded here.

An End

This series should take us through to the end of the year. I cannot believe 2007 is almost over! It went by in the blink of an eye. But I am thoroughly looking forward to 2008 - a year of new beginnings :) And the photo above isn't connected to anything ... just a random picture from the Sydney Aquarium.

Currently Watching NFL Super Bowl Collection - Dallas Cowboys By Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith

A Sermon You Must Listen To

A prophetic word for our generation by Paul Washer. You can download this message and others here. A powerful experience, a humbling experience ... a refreshing time of self-examination. You must listen to this. [Thanks Sam for the link!]

Currently Listening Under a Blood Red Sky By U2 40 (Live)

When Blurry Is Good

At Hyde Park

At Hyde Park

The huge (and almost endless) ocean views of San Diego

Hyun and I were playing with our new camera over the weekend while enjoying the great weather we've been having. I think we're going to revisit every tourist spot in Sydney after we get the hang of using a DSLR - it's amazing what a blurry background can do for a photo =) And I threw in a token photo from our trip to the US. Some day I hope to post the rest of our pictures from our trip ... keyword: some day. Anyways ...

Average Joe - Part 4 of 4

We finished our series on the book of Jonah this past Sunday. There's something very satisfying about going through (and completing) a study on a book in the Bible. I think more than a topical series, a book study feels much more rewarding to me at the moment. Lord willing, I'd love to finish every book in the Bible before heading "Home" ... Lord willing.

• Sermon MP3 (iTunes) can be downloaded here.

• Sermon Outline can be downloaded here.

The weekly memory verse podcast has also been updated.

Currently Listening The Unforgettable Fire By U2 A Sort of Homecoming

Super Bowl Preview

Average Joe - Part 3 of 4

We're almost finished with our series on the book of Jonah and I've been so blessed as I study and prepare for this series. Nothing compares to the wisdom and power that is found in the Word of God. I love seeing how deep Scripture can be ... each time I dig, there are more and more treasures to be found. And in chapter 3, I'm amazed at how widely encompassing God's mercy is for his servants and for the Ninevehs of this world. In the midst of our filth, God is still faithful. What an awesome God we serve. Here are the updates for this week:

Updates

• Sermon MP3 (iTunes) can be downloaded here.
  

• Sermon Outline can be downloaded here.

• Weekly Memory Verse can be downloaded here. [1 John 3:18]
  

The Duel in Dallas












Most are calling it a Super Bowl preview, but this weekend's battle between the New England Patriots and my Dallas Cowboys is the most anticipated match up of the year so far. Though my 'Boys are major underdogs in this game, I really think they have a shot at an upset. Just like last week's game, I think this one is going to be a major shocker to the NFL world. It's going to be a major shootout. Can't wait! =)

Currently Reading The Creative Leader: Unleashing the Power of Your Creative Potential By Ed Young

New Series: Average Joe Part 1 & 2

We're in the middle of a new 4-part series on the book of Jonah called "Average Joe". My apologies for getting to the uploads a bit slower these days. After returning from my trip to the US, it's taken some time to catch up with various things. Here are the updates.

Part 1 of 4: You Can Run But You Can't Hide

• Sermon MP3 (iTunes) can be downloaded here.

• Sermon Outline can be downloaded here.

Part 2 of 4: Returning Back to God the Right Way

• Sermon MP3 (iTunes) can be downloaded here.

• Sermon Outline can be downloaded here.

The weekly memory verse podcast has also been updated.

Currently Listening Achtung Baby By U2 Even Better Than the Real Thing

Thanking God for the Life of Dr. James Kennedy

James Kennedy, the founder of Evangelism Explosion (E.E.), passed away and entered eternal glory yesterday and I'm sure a pretty cool party was thrown in heaven for him, for his ultimate homecoming. Both directly and indirectly, E.E. has been used to help share the Gospel to millions of people around the world.

I own a huge debt of thanks for this man's ministry that taught me how to articulate and share my faith. Back when I was in jr. high, and after tasting salvation for the first time, I was so pumped about the lost but had trouble knowing exactly what to say to my not-yet-Christian friends around me. I *tried* to witness ... starting with the book of ... ahem ... Revelation (!) ... and shared about the end times when Christ comes and final judgment. I would have informal Bible studies on Revelation in the school cafeteria, but I knew I needed to improve in this Gospel sharing thing instead of just answering questions about the Beast and the anti-Christ that were to come.

So in high school, some friends of mine from Hebron Church (Rich Khong and Joshua Ku) told me about the Evangelism Explosion course their church goes through and I was sooooooooo excited to sign up and take that course. We didn't learn much in week one, but the little I learned, I began to share with friends around me and I started to see people get saved (I think the homework for week one was simply to memorize the words: God, man, sin, Christ, grace) ... but hey, that was more than I knew before! So I took steps of faith, I shared, and God saved. It was the beginning of a new passion for evangelism and the lost that consumed my heart. And later on, EE combined with the Navigators Bridge to Life would turn into the basic Gospel message that I still use to this day whenever I preach to a new group of people.

So any fruit that came out of my Gospel sharing for the past 17 years was always somehow connected to Kennedy's ministry. For that I am eternally grateful. As I heard the news about his death on the radio yesterday, they shared how he would turn down speaking engagements (which would often be at very large gatherings) so that he wouldn't miss taking 2 people from his church out for evangelism training.

A humble and faithful man, used by God to train the world, for the salvation of many. This is one verse that I think represents Kennedy's life ...

"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness,
like the stars for ever and ever."
Daniel 12:3

I'm so excited to know that he's shining in eternity now ...

Currently Listening The Joshua Tree By U2 Where the Streets Have No Name

On the Move

Family Honor

In honor of Father's Day here in Australia, this week's message was from Ephesians 6:1-4 on the role of fathers and children in the family of faith. Here are the download links: Sermon MP3 (iTunes), the Sermon Handout, and the Weekly Memory Verse.

On the Move

Hyun and I will be spending the next several weeks in Korea and various parts of the US to pray and prepare for our possible (probable?) move sometime next year. Please pray for God's clear guidance for us as we meet with different people and pray through different cities. Thanks and hopefully I'll be able to update during our travels.

Pray for Robert

And I'd like to also ask for prayer for one of our worship leaders whose name is Robert. He just found out that he has cancer in several (about 6-7) parts of his body. He's in pain, but he still led worship today without letting anyone know until after our service. Please pray for God's mighty healing power to be displayed in Robert's life. Thanks so much.

Currently Listening Wide Awake in America By U2 The Three Sunrises

Free At Last

Koreans Are Free

The remaining Korean hostages have finally been released! Praise GOD! After six weeks of intense prayer and drama, and after 2 of the hostages being killed, the rest have been released safely. Our congregation can finally celebrate God's answer after weeks of prayer. But reports cite that the Taliban still have 1 German and 4 Afghan hostages in captivity, so let's continue to pray for their safe release as well.

Birthday Thanks

Thanks for all the birthday blessings that were sent my way. I definitely think all these social networking sites have changed the way people remember birthdays. And life seems to get faster and shorter with every year that passes by. I read something recently that said, "What I do today will determine who I become in 10 years" ... and with that in mind, it was time once again to set up new goals and renew old disciplines. My newest life-goal is to "seek wisdom".

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. [Proverbs 4:7] Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. [Psalm 90:12] If what I do today determines who I become in 10 years, then I want to spend today with God and seek Him all my days.

Currently Listening Free at Last By dc Talk The Hardway

Brief Update [EDIT]

It's been a busy week so I wasn't able to post podcast updates until now. MP3 memory verses (Lamentations 3:22-23), sermons and outlines have been uploaded. You can get the sermon here and the sermon outline here. My cousin was in town from Hong Kong/Korea so it was great catching up with him. Though we were both from Chicago, we've seen each other more in other countries than we have in the US.

I also wanted to pass on some links to some great resources too:

You can go here for some free MP3 downloads by Wayne Grudem on Biblical manhood and womanhood and also a few lectures on being a Christian in the marketplace (Buying, Selling, and Profit and also one on Competition and Corporations). He's written a book on "Doing Business and Pleasing God" which I think can be helpful for those in the corporate world. Also, here's a great link on financial help for Christians who are thinking about adoption. Pass on the info to those whom you think can benefit from these resources too. Have a great weekend y'all! :)

[EDIT] Podcasts Updated

* Weekly memory verses have been updated here.
(Philippians 4:13; 4:6-7)

* This week's sermon can be downloaded through iTunes here.
(God Honoring Worship)

* The sermon outline can be downloaded here.
(2 Samuel 6:1-23)

[END EDIT]

Currently Reading The Unity of the Bible: Unfolding God's Plan for Humanity see related Daniel P. Fuller

Prosperity and the Poor

Christianity Today has an article on the rapid spread of the prosperity Gospel in Africa and it's heartbreaking to read that it is because of America they have this destructive teaching in their churches.

"[The prosperity gospel] is the most sweeping movement within the continent of Africa," says Dolan. "The African people at large in the church have bought into it hook, line, and sinker. It offers tremendous promise to an economically deprived people."

It's also an issue of controversy for some of the larger churches in Australia. But instead of holding up cash and cars in front of people to chase after, I'd much rather see the Western Church helping to feed the poor and heal the sick. There was a great interview of Bono (of U2) by Bill Hybels during the Leadership Summit last year and I think Bono's "Gospel" to Africa is a much better one for us to embrace and proclaim.

Currently Listening All That You Can't Leave Behind By U2 Grace

Happy Days

Sunny Days

I thought summer was almost here until the sudden temperature change the past couple of days. But Hyun and I were able to enjoy the summer weather while it lasted over the weekend. I think these drastic changes in the weather isn't helping those who are sick. I was talking to a doctor recently and he was telling me that this was one of the worst flu seasons he had ever seen; thankfully we've been able to say healthy so far (my secret: wash your hands often, drink lots of OJ and eat lots of garlic :) I've been experimenting more in the kitchen and garlic is my go-to ingredient :) Mmmmm ....

Happy Cowboy Days

It's also an exciting time of year because the NFL pre-season has started and my Dallas Cowboys are back with a win in their first game last weekend over the Super Bowl champ Colts. I think it's a foreshadow of what is to come. PLUS Michael Irvin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame recently too.

He was drafted in 1988 and after Aikman got drafted in 1989, I knew the Aikman to Irvin combo was going to be a special one. He was a bit cocky during his playing days, thus earning the nickname "The Playmaker", but later on he grew up quite a bit just in time for his kids. Here are some highlights from his induction speech:

A Changed Man

"The threshing floor is where you take your greatest fear and you pray for help from your great God. I want to share something with you today. I have two sons. Michael, he's 10, and Elijah, he's 8. Michael and Elijah, could you guys stand up for me. (They did.) That's my heart right there. That's my heart. When I am on that threshing floor, I pray. I say, 'God, I have my struggles and I made some bad decisions, but whatever you do, whatever you do, don't let me mess this up.'

"I say, 'Please, help me raise them for some young lady so that they can be a better husband than I. Help me raise them for their kids so that they could be a better father than I. And I tell you guys to always do the right thing so you can be a better role model than dad."

"Why must I go through so much?

"At that moment a voice came over me and said, 'Look up, get up, and don't ever give up. You tell everyone or anyone that has ever doubted, thought they did not measure up or wanted to quit, you tell them to look up, get up and don't ever give up.'"

Podcast Updated

And the sermon and memory verse podcasts have been updated. You can find the links on the right and you can download the sermon outline here. I had to preach for the 10:30am, 3:00pm and the 6:00pm services on Sunday so I was a bit more tired this past Monday, thus the late post for today. Well, have a great week and may you delight living each moment ... in His presence.

Currently Listening Songs About Jane By Maroon 5 She Will Be Loved