There is a very familiar Christian concept about "surrendering", and there is a song called "Surrender" written by Marc James:
I'm giving you my heart, and all that is within
I lay it all down for the sake of you my King
I'm giving you my dreams, I'm laying down my rights
I'm giving up my pride for the promise of new life
And I surrender all to you, all to you
And I surrender all to you, all to you
I'm singing You this song, I'm waiting at the cross
And all the world holds dear, I count it all as loss
For the sake of knowing You for the glory of Your name
To know the lasting joy, even sharing in Your pain
So what's the point of surrendering? Why do we need to do that? A verse that come into my mind is the Vine and the Branches (John 15) that tells us to abide in Christ. It we called ourselves Christians, then we acknowledge the lordship of Christ in our lives, therefore we submit to Him. There are instances that we are called to submit, like to authorities (Rom 13:1, 1 Peter 2:3), to one another (Ephesians 5:21), the wife submitting to her husband (Ephesians 5:22).
The idea is more clear to me when I look at passages about Christ living in me since He died for me (Gal 2:19-20, 2 Cor 5:15).That I should not live this life for my own ambitions or to please myself, but Christ out of infinite mercy died for my sins, so that I can be rescued and reconciled to God. Therefore, I should live for Christ, to follow Him, to do His work, to give glory to God.
I see many instances of my life reflects Romans 7, that I desire to do something good, but I end up doing something bad, and I don't do the good I intend to do. It's actually quite annoying, but the reality is that there is war inside me every moment. The Spirit desires good, but my flesh desires the bad things. And no matter how much effort I invest in correcting my sinful behavior, it cannot be done all by myself. I need the Holy Spirit to help me, and that's when I learn to surrender to God, so that the Spirit can work in me and transform me. It's not that the Spirit is unable to change me if I don't surrender (God is all-powerful) but God offers grace and waits for our response.
I kind of explained a similar thing about lowering our resistance so that the power of the Spirit can flow in us.
Here is another illustration, I am not too familiar with chemistry (that's part of the reason why I am Electrical Eng), but I did learn a bit in high school, and I know about the concept of limiting reagent. From my limited knowledge about limiting reagent, I think it means that in a chemical reaction, the yield (output) is limited by the amount of a reagent (input).
Similarly, I think we are the limiting reagents for God to work powerfully in our lives. It could be my lack of faith, the times I don't focus on God, or don't read His word, or don't pray enough, or follow after my flesh desires... all these hinder the ongoing transformation in my life and the good works that can be done through me by God's power.
Therefore, I must always surrender to my Lord, Jesus Christ.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Trial by fire
For many people in my year who had stepped up for leadership in CCF, we weren't always properly trained or prepared. Even though I had many encouraging upper years who I constantly learned from, I wasn't mentored to lead things like bible studies, prayer meetings, committee, etc. I suppose formal mentorship is not a strength in the fellowship. Though I can see more improvements now, it is still an issue.
Therefore, many of us had a considerable rough time in our first serving experiences in CCF. I remembered that the first bible study I lead was very intimidating, especially since there was a particular upper year who was always quiet and had that serious look =P. I was asking myself if this upper year was upset at my poor bible study leading skills. My first time in committee was rough and tough like an overdone steak. I was appointed on a summer term, and it was my 2B term in Engineering (and I took an extra course haha). Most of the committee was inexperienced, and somehow pretty much all our fellowship leaders were struggling with something that term which cause most of us to burned out. Definitely, there was some spiritual influence. Furthermore, I was in the elected committee for next year, and it was a very inexperienced committee (only one person had previous experience as appointed). To add more to the fire, an issue came out which caused hurt and division among us. That issue escalated when finals came, so I had to bus to Toronto for a meeting in between exams.
Those times were frustrating and discouraging, and some of us were losing sleep because of our concern for the fellowship. It would have been so nice if I was more prepared to handle the situation, or that we had experienced leaders who could intervened and lead us in unity to solve this issue. But, it was pretty much this group of blind inexperienced committee going through the a tough trial. By the grace of God, things eventually were resolved, and CCF hasn't seen an issue of similar magnitude ever since.
Even though those times were really difficult, I rejoice (Philippians 4:4). I experienced quite a bit of growth in Christ during those times as I felt very pressed and it really pushed me to rely on God alone. Reading the bible seemed so refreshing especially during those times. Many of my leadership skills were developed. And I will not change anything to make things easier because of so many valuable lessons learned.
I am not writing to say that leadership is always this difficult :P, as this was a very unique situation. But that in all circumstances, God is in control, and it is only by His grace and power that leading is possible.
Currently, CCF still struggle with the lack of leadership. And I just want to encourage for those who haven't serve in the fellowship to step up in obedience to the Lord. Each of us who called ourselves disciples of Christ, is blessed with a new life in Christ, and we live for His glory (1 Cor. 10:31). Let's devote ourselves fully to the work He has entrusted to each of us, and God is faithful and He will always supplied more than enough for us.
Not everyone has to be in committee or leading bible studies in CCF, but there must be something that God is calling each of us to do. The more we read His word, and the more we spend time knowing Him, the more likely we are able to discern what we should be doing.
In the end, God does not need us to do His work, as He is all powerful and He can make anything happen within less than a second. But God chooses to use us as carriers of the message of the gospel, so that through us, the power of the Holy Spirit flows to change people's lives. So serving is not a duty nor something that raise our status, but it is a privilege to be co-partners serving God for His Kingdom and Glory! We were dead in our transgressions, and objects of wrath, but by God's grace we are made alive with Christ (Eph 2:1-5) so that we are reconciled to Him and we can partake in God's work here on earth.
As Christians, we are in the process of being conformed into the image of our Lord and Saviour, Christ Jesus. This process often faces obstacles, and can be painful and slow. Part of this process is that we are used as instruments by God to do His work so that we exercise the gifts that He has given to us, so that our character can be molded, and that in our weaknesses His strength will be displayed in us.
I learned mainly with trial by fire, just jumping to the water, taking a leap of faith trusting that God will work. I don't think this should be the case for everything. The truth is that, when we put ourselves in challenging situations (outside of our comfort zone) is when we learn the most. But always seek guidance from experienced people (if they are available), take advantage of the resources you have, and do the best you can for the Lord. Trust Him, and He will not give you more than you can handle. Remember, it is not by our power, but by His, so it is ok.
The point is, what are you doing with what God has entrusted you with?
Therefore, many of us had a considerable rough time in our first serving experiences in CCF. I remembered that the first bible study I lead was very intimidating, especially since there was a particular upper year who was always quiet and had that serious look =P. I was asking myself if this upper year was upset at my poor bible study leading skills. My first time in committee was rough and tough like an overdone steak. I was appointed on a summer term, and it was my 2B term in Engineering (and I took an extra course haha). Most of the committee was inexperienced, and somehow pretty much all our fellowship leaders were struggling with something that term which cause most of us to burned out. Definitely, there was some spiritual influence. Furthermore, I was in the elected committee for next year, and it was a very inexperienced committee (only one person had previous experience as appointed). To add more to the fire, an issue came out which caused hurt and division among us. That issue escalated when finals came, so I had to bus to Toronto for a meeting in between exams.
Those times were frustrating and discouraging, and some of us were losing sleep because of our concern for the fellowship. It would have been so nice if I was more prepared to handle the situation, or that we had experienced leaders who could intervened and lead us in unity to solve this issue. But, it was pretty much this group of blind inexperienced committee going through the a tough trial. By the grace of God, things eventually were resolved, and CCF hasn't seen an issue of similar magnitude ever since.
Even though those times were really difficult, I rejoice (Philippians 4:4). I experienced quite a bit of growth in Christ during those times as I felt very pressed and it really pushed me to rely on God alone. Reading the bible seemed so refreshing especially during those times. Many of my leadership skills were developed. And I will not change anything to make things easier because of so many valuable lessons learned.
I am not writing to say that leadership is always this difficult :P, as this was a very unique situation. But that in all circumstances, God is in control, and it is only by His grace and power that leading is possible.
Currently, CCF still struggle with the lack of leadership. And I just want to encourage for those who haven't serve in the fellowship to step up in obedience to the Lord. Each of us who called ourselves disciples of Christ, is blessed with a new life in Christ, and we live for His glory (1 Cor. 10:31). Let's devote ourselves fully to the work He has entrusted to each of us, and God is faithful and He will always supplied more than enough for us.
Not everyone has to be in committee or leading bible studies in CCF, but there must be something that God is calling each of us to do. The more we read His word, and the more we spend time knowing Him, the more likely we are able to discern what we should be doing.
In the end, God does not need us to do His work, as He is all powerful and He can make anything happen within less than a second. But God chooses to use us as carriers of the message of the gospel, so that through us, the power of the Holy Spirit flows to change people's lives. So serving is not a duty nor something that raise our status, but it is a privilege to be co-partners serving God for His Kingdom and Glory! We were dead in our transgressions, and objects of wrath, but by God's grace we are made alive with Christ (Eph 2:1-5) so that we are reconciled to Him and we can partake in God's work here on earth.
As Christians, we are in the process of being conformed into the image of our Lord and Saviour, Christ Jesus. This process often faces obstacles, and can be painful and slow. Part of this process is that we are used as instruments by God to do His work so that we exercise the gifts that He has given to us, so that our character can be molded, and that in our weaknesses His strength will be displayed in us.
I learned mainly with trial by fire, just jumping to the water, taking a leap of faith trusting that God will work. I don't think this should be the case for everything. The truth is that, when we put ourselves in challenging situations (outside of our comfort zone) is when we learn the most. But always seek guidance from experienced people (if they are available), take advantage of the resources you have, and do the best you can for the Lord. Trust Him, and He will not give you more than you can handle. Remember, it is not by our power, but by His, so it is ok.
The point is, what are you doing with what God has entrusted you with?
Saturday, January 15, 2011
UWCCF Insight Fall 2010
For those who are interested in reading insights from fellow brothers and sisters from UWCCF: http://www.uwccf.ca/wiki/images/f/fa/InsightF10.pdf
All glory to God!
All glory to God!
Monday, January 10, 2011
How much should a Christian know?
Recently, I have been blessed with learning more theology. In a recent post-CCF discussion at Westcourt (UWCCF fellowship house) some of us were talking about the meaning of the words "atonement", "propitiation" and "expiation". Mainly because we saw the video (below) that briefly explains the definition of these words (by the way, this video is a very good overview about the gospel).
Some people asked whether it is really important to know the specific meaning of those words, whether it really matters. I believe that knowing these meanings are not essential, as we are saved by grace alone through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9, John 1:12) in Jesus Christ. That is the beauty of the gospel, that God is the one who is initiates to reconcile us by offering His Son to die for us, even though God is the one who we have sin against.
So what's the point of building our knowledge? Isn't enough to believe in God, and go to church, and serve? Sometimes, the acquirement of knowledge can be seen as negative because the Pharisees were so knowledgeable about Scripture, but they didn't worship God. Also, sometimes I see myself worshiping theology more than God himself, and that is dangerous! So I need to slap my face once in a while, because Christ is our most precious treasure (as John Piper like to say). Also, the possession of knowledge leads to pride, which I need to stab myself everyday.
I agree that the core of Christianity is not about knowledge, but about love (1 Cor 13). As C.S. Lewis explains in "Mere Christianity" that theology is not the same as God. Of course God is greater, God is the one who we worship! So, we ought to allow God to be the first in our lives. But we cannot neglect knowledge. C.S. Lewis go on to explain that theology is like a map that guide us through our lives. When you need to make decisions, when you need to choose a church, when you face a struggle, sometimes there is no clear answer of what is right or wrong. Those are the times when knowledge comes in handy to help us (in addition to prayer) to take action to do what is best according to God's will.
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."
It seems that people think that theology is only reserved for those in full-time ministry. I do agree that not everyone has to be a master in theology, but there is gain to learn about it. Because we can better serve God (2 Timothy 2:15) if we know more, and it can help us in situations when we need to defend our faith, or test whether what is being preached is biblically true, or to teach others who are young in their faith. We are called to love God with your mind too (Matthew 22:37).
A good man shared this on last Friday, that evidence of Christian maturity (like knowledge) doesn't save you, it is grace through faith. But if you are truly saved, you would display the evidence of Christian maturity.
For me personally, building in the knowledge in theology has served to blow my mind as I am able to see how much more glorious and how much more gracious God is. Because this knowledge helps me to better understand God, and the more I learn, the more I see how majestic and awesome He is.
For a good start, I think every believer should know what is outlined here.
For fun, this video is really cool as it presents a good summary of the gospel and the Christian terms that should impact our lives.
Some people asked whether it is really important to know the specific meaning of those words, whether it really matters. I believe that knowing these meanings are not essential, as we are saved by grace alone through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9, John 1:12) in Jesus Christ. That is the beauty of the gospel, that God is the one who is initiates to reconcile us by offering His Son to die for us, even though God is the one who we have sin against.
So what's the point of building our knowledge? Isn't enough to believe in God, and go to church, and serve? Sometimes, the acquirement of knowledge can be seen as negative because the Pharisees were so knowledgeable about Scripture, but they didn't worship God. Also, sometimes I see myself worshiping theology more than God himself, and that is dangerous! So I need to slap my face once in a while, because Christ is our most precious treasure (as John Piper like to say). Also, the possession of knowledge leads to pride, which I need to stab myself everyday.
I agree that the core of Christianity is not about knowledge, but about love (1 Cor 13). As C.S. Lewis explains in "Mere Christianity" that theology is not the same as God. Of course God is greater, God is the one who we worship! So, we ought to allow God to be the first in our lives. But we cannot neglect knowledge. C.S. Lewis go on to explain that theology is like a map that guide us through our lives. When you need to make decisions, when you need to choose a church, when you face a struggle, sometimes there is no clear answer of what is right or wrong. Those are the times when knowledge comes in handy to help us (in addition to prayer) to take action to do what is best according to God's will.
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."
- Philippians 1:9-11
It seems that people think that theology is only reserved for those in full-time ministry. I do agree that not everyone has to be a master in theology, but there is gain to learn about it. Because we can better serve God (2 Timothy 2:15) if we know more, and it can help us in situations when we need to defend our faith, or test whether what is being preached is biblically true, or to teach others who are young in their faith. We are called to love God with your mind too (Matthew 22:37).
A good man shared this on last Friday, that evidence of Christian maturity (like knowledge) doesn't save you, it is grace through faith. But if you are truly saved, you would display the evidence of Christian maturity.
For me personally, building in the knowledge in theology has served to blow my mind as I am able to see how much more glorious and how much more gracious God is. Because this knowledge helps me to better understand God, and the more I learn, the more I see how majestic and awesome He is.
For a good start, I think every believer should know what is outlined here.
For fun, this video is really cool as it presents a good summary of the gospel and the Christian terms that should impact our lives.
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