REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on November 8, 2016.  Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.  

Devotional Thought for Today

“Thinking about the Next Year’s Election In Light of the 2016 Election”

Hebrews 7:11-22

Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. 13 For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. 15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is attested of Him, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” 18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. 20 And inasmuch as it was not without an oath 21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “The Lord has sworn And will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever’”); 22 so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

Today is Election Day! And when it’s done (unless something weird goes on… weirder than what has already been happening this election season) we’ll know the next president of the United States of America. 

There’s no denying that this election season has been a tumultuous one. Not just because the candidates from the two major parties have the lowest approval ratings anyone alive has ever seen. But also, and more significantly I think, because the thoughts and opinions of many Americans regarding how we should live together and how we view one another have been laid bare through their support of certain candidates and platforms. And it has been a little scary hearing what we actually think of one another, what we value, and how we envision our best life together (if together at all). And no party or candidate is exempt… there has been cause for concern from them all.

Throughout the last few months, I’ve learned a lot about what people think will save us. That might sound dramatic, but as “concerned citizens” share their immovable support and vitriolic denouncement of various candidates and policies, I’m convinced that the intensity of it all points to an underlying belief that some sort of political figure or change that comes through government will be the thing that finally saves us (from any number of things/people) and affords a life that satisfies and fulfills. 

Much like the Hebrew writer’s audience, we too are deceived about what can save us. While the Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system should have revealed its own inadequacies and the need for something greater (Jesus!), our broken society should do the same for us. More than politics, Jesus is the hope of the world. And that means that no matter who is in power, it is the LORD, His work of salvation and redemption and His coming Kingdom, that will ultimately save and give abundant life. 

So, as many of us vote today, may we make wise decisions that reflect the heart of God, and remember when the results come in, that the LORD is at work and we trust in Him.   

Prayer: Lord, for generations humanity has somehow missed just how broken we are. As I look at the society around me today, may I not be mistaken about what it is that we truly need – You. Give me grace to participate in my communities in a way that honors You. Give me perspective to see things the way You see them. Grant me hope as I await Your coming Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: John 10

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Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 461-11: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, who has wrought desolations in the earth. 9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

Questions to Consider

1. What is a refuge? Why would someone need one? According to the passage, what does having God as a refuge do for His people? 
2. How do God’s promises in vv. 4-7 encourage us? 
3. What is God’s command in v. 10? Why are we able to obey this command? 

Notes

1. A refuge is a place of shelter and protection for those fleeing some sort of impending danger or lack. And a refuge isn’t just a place that allows those fleeing to come in (i.e. protection – keeping the bad things away), but it is also a place that provides a new home (i.e. shelter) and all that entails, recognizing that those fleeing have little or nothing and need help. This is what God does for us. We come to Him in need of protection and shelter and He affords it to us. Knowing that the God of the universe is our protector and provider gives us confidence. No matter what we face, we have no cause for fear. 
2. We know that God is with us and that His victory is assured. This should be an encouragement to each of us. Spend some time reflecting on how it encourages you personally. 
3. God commands us to “quit striving” (or be still) and know (acknowledge and trust) that He is God. We can do this because He accompanies the command with a promise –  He will be exalted among the nations and in the earth. We can take that to the banks. We can also do this because we know His track record and his promises of what is to come (vv. 8-9).

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Evening Reflection

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Spend some time praying for the nation you call home and nations around the world. Pray especially for the leadership and the governing powers. Pray also for the people, keeping in mind any situations you know the nation is facing. 

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 17, 2016.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Nations at Odds with the God of the Bible”

Acts 4:23-8

When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’—27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.”

The Oakland Athletics was the last team to win three consecutive World Series from 1972 to 1974.  Ironically, although the players feuded among themselves, their common dislike for the team owner Charles Finley brought them together.  Similarly, Herod and Pilate, who “had been enemies,” became friends over making sport of Jesus (Lk. 23:11-2).  Perhaps, that friendship pales in comparison to an alliance formed among Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin during the World War II.  While Roosevelt and Churchill must’ve been horrified to later find that Stalin engineered the genocide of millions of people, including the Russian leader in the alliance must have seemed like a good idea since their common enemy was Hitler.

So, what does it mean that the nations, rulers and people plot in vain and rage against God?  Today, it means, first, when the heads of the nations seek to work together, the last thing they want to discuss and to avoid conflict, is God and religion.  Actually, that has changed: exculpating Islam as a religion of terror has now become a vogue. (The “mainstream” Islam isn’t.) Consequently, the God of the Bible, relegated to the level of the gods of world religions, is ignored or even chastised for alleged past wrongs.  Once, President Obama, while condemning the terrorism of ISIS, mentioned the Crusades as if to say, “You Christians were no better.” (It’s not that simple.)  

Second, the moral values and the spiritual truths the Scripture advocates are bypassed in lieu of their secular counterparts.  For instance, while UNESCO’s sex education curriculum tout abortion and contraception, abstinence is merely mentioned as “only one of a range of choices.”        

Third, it means that people who don’t believe in God mock His existence as well as the believers.  Long before Richard Dawkins penned “The God Delusion,” Sigmund Freud wrote, “When a man . . . accept[s] all the absurdities [of] religious doctrines . . . we need not be greatly surprised at the weakness of his intellect.”

So, since nothing has really changed from the past, we shouldn’t hide and be passive; rather, we should show the world why the Christian faith offers a more reasonable faith than other world religions—for this life and the afterlife; and demonstrate the intellectual bankruptcy of atheism.  To do that, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, diligently study the Bible, and read critical books that can stretch our minds.  

Prayer: Father, I marvel at Your infinite patience over humans who constantly defy You, even questioning Your very existence.  While it must be infuriating to see this disturbing pattern generation after generation, You’ve been amazingly merciful by giving us many opportunities to get to know You through the gospel of Christ.  Thank You! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  John 9

Lunch Break Study

Read Genesis 11:1, 3-8: Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. . . . 3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” 5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. 6 And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.” 8 So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city.

Question to Consider

1. There is a first-time for everything: what happened here that had never happened before?

2. What was intrinsically wrong with what they did?  Are we guilty of doing the same thing?

3. In a general sense, how would you respond to those who advocate atheism or religious pluralism?  What would be your basic strategy (Ps. 14:1; Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12)?

Notes

1. This was the first time that humans united themselves to directly challenge God’s authority, that is, the right to rule men.  Of course, Adam and Eve did that as well, but it was done at an individual level (but with a widespread consequence). 

2. This was an attempt to deify man as if to say, “We don’t need God anymore; since we got up here on our own, we will govern ourselves from here and out.”  Anyone who doesn’t believe in God or any “believer” who doesn’t allow Him to rule his/her life is really no different from these men.  

3. I would show inconsistencies in their views.  First, I would ask how all religions can lead to the same God when their essential doctrines are as different as night and day. Second, I would ask the atheists to explain the origin of the universe—none that they offer is factual but rather a preferred belief.

Evening Reflection

As you look back to today, did you hear anyone mocking God and the Christian faith?  How did you respond?  Why did you respond the way you did?  1 Peter 3:15 says: “Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”  Are you obeying that command?  Pray for boldness and wisdom.  And also, read a good book:  I am presently reading The Question of God: C. S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life by Armand M. Nicholi, a Harvard psychiatrist—I highly recommend this book.  

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on July 24, 2016, is provided by Pastor Joshua Kim. Joshua, a graduate of Emory University, Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Talbot Theological Seminary (Th.M.) just planted a church in Seattle called “Seattle Upper Room”.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“What True Faith Is”

John 2:23-25

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. 24 But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, 25 and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.

I used to lay in bed as a kid with my legs propped up on the wall. This was my thinking position. And I would spend hours just thinking about some of the weirdest things. When I would think about God, I would often pray, “God, if only You would show Yourself to me, then I wouldn’t struggle as much believing that You are real.” I think we’ve all prayed that prayer before. I have met countless number of people who have gone to amazing conferences and incredible mission trips, bringing back stories of how they had witnessed God’s unbelievable power at work. I, too, have had those experiences. 

But the truth is that despite these powerful experiences, we know people or perhaps we are these people that come back from these experiences, only to fall back into our struggles and denial of the realness of God. Perhaps when we face opposition or life takes an unexpected turn, the brilliance of that moment begins to dim.

Today’s passage is a bit strange at first glance. Jesus can almost seem cold or distant from the people, but when we meditate on it, it reveals something deeper about faith. Commentators note that not all of Jesus’ powerful works have been recorded up to this point, but it can be understood that Jesus had performed many more miracles and demonstration of His power throughout the region. And through witnessing these mighty acts, many have come to believe in Him. In fact, in the previous chapter, Nathanael came to follow Jesus because he had witnessed Jesus’ supernatural power. And yet John writes that Jesus did not entrust Himself to them. 

Two things to gleam from this passage: (1) Faith is much more than seeing and believing or just being convinced. Faith requires more than cognitive agreement.  (2) True faith means not only trusting in Jesus but a deeper connection with Jesus where He entrusts Himself to you. I wonder if this is what He means when Jesus says to His disciples, “No longer do I call you slaves, but I call you friends” (John 15:14-15). And Jesus is inviting us to this kind of faith. One that goes beyond head knowledge, but an all-encompassing kind of faith. Simply put, a faith that is found in a relationship. How will you respond to His invitation today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the ways You continue to demonstrate Your incredible power among us today. But thank You also for inviting me to something so much more substantial than that. Thank You for inviting me to something where I am not just a spectator but a participant. May I walk in that reality every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: John 8

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on July 16, 2016, is provided by Mei Lan Thallman—now a friend of AMI—who had served at Grace Covenant Church UC (now Philadelphia) for a long time.   

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“A God Who Constantly Works In and Through Us”

1 Corinthians 3:5-11  

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul?  Only servants through whom you came to believe – as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.  So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.  The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.  For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.  By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it.  But each one should be careful how he builds.  For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

This spring, I had the blessing to go back to Taipei, Taiwan and visit the House of Praise—the first church we loved and served for seven years.  I was deeply moved during worship, as I watched many of the old faces who were stepping up in their places to serve God as elders, deacons, worship leaders, greeters, etc.  I remembered how hard it was to leave them nine years ago, when we felt God leading us elsewhere.

But now I rejoice over how much the church family has grown as a whole, and how well they are doing under the care of the current pastor and his family.  I was overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s great faithfulness–truly God was and is the ultimate and rightful Shepherd of HOP.  Though we were blessed and privileged to be entrusted by God to care for HOP, I was also glad that we trusted and obeyed God when it was His time for us to move on.  If we didn’t, things would look very different for all of us.

The following week, I shared a meal with a family who joyfully informed me that the husband has come to faith in Christ Jesus after 15 years of witnessing and praying for him; now they are planning to be baptized as a family. Their first exposure to Christianity was attending their sister’s baptism at HOP fifteen years ago.  But during the course of 15 years, God was using the church to lead them one by one to Himself; first, the wife, WiWi, through her sister Kathy; then the kids, Stanely and Chi Chi; and lastly the husband, Grant.

We serve a great God who is constantly at work to draw the world unto Himself through his bride, the church.  We, the church, are the living and thriving hands and feet of Christ.  God not only wants to save and sanctify us, but He longs to enthrone and reign as the cornerstone of our heart and lives.  Then, and only then, can He use us freely to build the same foundation into other people’s hearts and lives.  Let us not grow weary to keep pursuing Jesus wholeheartedly, to steadfastly and faithfully keep planting seeds, and watering into the lives of people that God brings into our path.

Prayer:  Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being the author and perfector of our faith.  Thank You that You desire not only to save us but to entrust us with the responsibility of being a thriving and active member of your church family.   Please forgive us of our tendencies to be a spectator, consumer, critic and competitor.  Fill us with more of You and Your heart for the world.  Teach us to freely, unconditionally, and boldly give away the love and grace that You so lavishly bestow upon us always. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: John 6-7

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Jabez Yeo who is now a friend of AMI, was first posted on November 31, 2016.  He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (B.S.) and Columbia International University where he studied Islam (M.A.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Don’t be a Proud Pharaoh”

Colossians 3:12-4

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

“There is nothing more taxing than having to make a choice between the ‘lesser of two evils’—this is as perplexing today as it was back in the days of the early church when the choice was between Nestorius and Cyril.” 

For the early church, much debate continued regarding the nature and person of Jesus Christ. During the mid-fifth century A.D., the bishop Nestorius argued that prosopon (person) and physis (nature) go hand in hand for both humanity and divinity. Thus, Nestorius believed that if Jesus had a human nature and a divine nature, “His incarnation had to be a mutual dwelling of two people – the eternal Son of God and the mortal Jesus.”  To that mutual dwelling, Nestorius assigned the name Christ and considered it to be a combination of two separate persons.  

Unfortunately, Nestorius was sincerely wrong, and the bishop Cyril was quite eager to point that out.  Under the rubric of what was called “hypostatic union,” Cyril taught that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who took on Himself a human nature and existence, while remaining fully divine. According to Cyril, “If Jesus was truly the Word incarnate, then it must be theologically correct to attribute to him all the glory of deity, as well as to the Son of God who became human all the weakness and mortality of humanity.” Cyril’s favorite formula for expressing the incarnation was that “God the Logos did not come into a man, but he truly became man, while remaining God.”

Unfortunately, Cyril was also known for behaving like a “proud pharaoh.” He was involved in many disputes throughout his life, and some historians believe that Cyril was responsible for stoking tensions that led a “Christian” mob to murder the Hellenistic philosopher Hypatia. When Cyril was exiled by Emperor Theodosius II, he even engaged in bribery with the emperor’s confidantes and sent mobs to besiege Theodosius’ palace to shout abuse. Needless to say, Cyril did not have a reputation for being patient or loving. 

As we are all sinners, conflict is not only possible but inevitable. Nevertheless, how we deal with conflict indicates whether we are indeed putting on our godly nature or resorting to our sinful nature.  Perhaps, it is fair to say that God used Cyril despite of his shortcomings, not because of his greatness.  Let’s ask for God’s strength to put on Christ’s nature today.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that there is nothing good in me. I know that without You, my selfishness and pride seep into every conflict that I face. Help me to put on Your nature and to have compassion, patience, humility and kindness. Help me to love others as You have loved me. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: John 5

Lunch Break Study 

Read Colossians 2:9a: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”

Colossians 1:19: “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him.”

John 4:6: “Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey.”

Mark 11:12: “The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry.”

Questions to Consider

1. Given these limited verses, justify Jesus’ complete divinity as well as His complete humanity.  

2. Which of the following two statements is correct? Jesus is 50 percent human and divine, respectively, in one person, or, Jesus is 100 percent human and divine in one person?

3. In light of this, can we have confidence in what Hebrews 4:15 declare:“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Notes

1. The Colossian passages clearly state that the fullness of Deity dwells in Jesus Christ.  Fullness is not a half-measure but complete and exact as its counterpart.  As for Christ’s humanity, he became tired after a long day’s walk and became hungry when not eating, just like us.

2. Jesus is 100 percent human and divine, respectively, in one person.

3. We can absolutely have confidence in what is promised in Hebrews 4:15 because Jesus experientially knows what we are going through (without sinning).  In truth, Jesus didn’t need to go through all this to empathize with us; but He did so that it will help us to have more confidence in Christ.   

Evening Reflection

This evening, as you are about to turn in for the night, would you say a short prayer of gratitude to the Lord for having come in the flesh to do for us something no one except He could have done, that is, taking care of our sin problem, once and for all, and continuing to intercede on our behalf?  

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” (1 Jn. 2:1).

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Andrew Kim, was originally posted on December 22, 2016.  Andrew is presently pastoring Alive Church in Montreal.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Love & Grace, In Light of His Wrath”

2 Peter 2:4-10 

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; [5] if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; [6] if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; [7] and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked [8] (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); [9] then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, [10] and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.

One of my favorite quotes (used by almost every pastor as a sermon illustration) is from C.S. Lewis’ novel The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In response to the character Susan’s question about the safety of meeting the mysterious Aslan the Lion, Mr. Beaver replies, “Who said anything about being safe? Course He isn’t safe. But He’s good. He’s the king.” I like this quote because I find Mr. Beaver’s response to be an apt description of God. He’s good but He isn’t safe. 

I wonder how many of us hold both descriptors in tension when it comes to our view of God. It seems that many have opted for a God who is good but also safe, maybe even domesticated—and understandably so. It’s easy to focus on His love and grace at the expense of His less popular attributes such as His wrath and judgment. But upon surveying the biblical narrative, one cannot walk away without a profound realization that God isn’t safe. 

In our passage for today, we see the apostle Peter bringing these two descriptors of God into focus. As false teachers have infiltrated the church, Peter warns that those who are led astray by false teaching will indeed be judged. The apostle makes his point by giving them a brief survey of Scripture and highlighting moments in biblical history where the judgment and wrath of God were powerfully displayed. In essence, he is making the point that God does not only know how to save, but He is also the righteous judge. To put it simply, God will not overlook sin and immorality. There will surely be judgment in the last days, and for this reason, Peter exhorts the church not to deviate from the way of Christ. 

How should we respond to this passage? I want to offer two ways: First, we must take our sins seriously because God deems it a serious matter. We shouldn’t grow lax or apathetic in our fight against sin. Instead, we must make every effort to pursue holiness. Second, it should create in us a sense of urgency to share the gospel with those who don’t know Christ. The final judgment is a reality that is sure to come. In the limited time that we have, we should do what we can in sharing the good news of the gospel with those whom we love. I want to encourage you to take some time today to pray for those who have not accepted Christ. It is imperative that we do so. 

Prayer: Father, I pray for those who do not know You. I ask that You would open up their hearts to the good news of Your gospel. Give me opportunities to share about You and the courage to do so. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: John 4

Lunch Break Study 

Read Romans 1:18-23: The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. [19] For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. [20] For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. [21] For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Claiming to be wise, they became fools, [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Questions to consider 

1. What is the essence of sin according to this passage? 
2. Can a person who never had access to the Bible claim total ignorance of God’s laws? 
3. How would you describe your posture toward sin? 

Notes 

1. Paul writes in verse 22 that the essence of sin is to exchange the glory of the immortal God for images resembling creation—that is, choosing to worship the creation rather than the Creator.  Sin at its fundamental level is idolatry. 
2. No, since by way of God’s general revelation (i.e., that which is knowable about God apart from Scripture but through creation and God’s law written on human hearts [Rom. 2:14-5]), men have access to adequate knowledge of God’s divine nature and laws.
3. Personal.

Evening Reflection 

As you wind down and reflect on your day, did you have a sense of urgency for those who don’t know Christ? Were you able to see and act on different opportunities to share the gospel as you went about your day? Take some time to pray for unbelievers you regularly interact with; ask God for more opportunities tomorrow to share and demonstrate the love of Christ. 

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on February 10, 2016, is provided by Joanna Tzen, who was a long-standing member of Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Savior of the World that the People Didn’t Want”
John 6:26-35
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.””34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.

You might not guess that I am a Facebook “stalker,” since I almost never post, but I do pop up here and there liking photos. My favorite posts are from my friends about their babies. Usually if the children are toddlers, the funniest are not when they are cute and well-behaved, but when there’s some sort of meltdown or mischievous activity. These meltdowns are often brought on by the wise, logical, and compassionate actions of their parents (like removing dangerous objects or putting them down for a nap).
The passage above picks up after Jesus crossed the lake of Galilee after a full day of teaching—the sheep came for the Good Shepherd again. However, Jesus wanted the crowd to know that He wasn’t an earthly leader who had come to solve all of their problems or provide material things, but that He was so much more. First, he begins by telling them that they need to work for bread that will not spoil. The people ask about the work in v.28, and Jesus says it is to believe. They then take Jesus’ words literally and ask for this bread. When Jesus begins to tell them that He is the bread of life, they reject Him. It is as if the crowd wants to do more than believe, be it through a set of rituals or reliance on their lineage. They also see Him through earthly eyes as Joseph’s son (v.42). They reject Jesus’ offer that the work is already done for those who believe in Him.
It is clear that Jesus was not the savior that the people wanted. They wanted a worldly hero to save them from political oppression at the time and provide earthly comforts. In this day and age, particularly during the Presidential election cycle, even we as believers are not that different.
Are we only looking to Jesus for solution to our worldly concerns? What if He is saying, in His compassion, that He does see these concerns, but He is asking us to look beyond the temporal—that He provides, more importantly, what is eternal? He cares so much more about who we are becoming as Christ-followers over our temporal comfort. I am not trying to dismiss any of the very real hurt and pain we will experience in this world, but asking us to allow the Good Shepherd and Heavenly Father to remind us of what will endure over what will fade away. 
May we ask the Lord to replace our earthly eyes with a heavenly perspective, so we will not return to the former ways of thinking (Gal 4:9), such as reliance on self. Let us ask the Lord to mature and strengthen us in our faith, so that we will not be like children tossed in waves of circumstance and lies of the Enemy (Eph. 4:14).
Prayer: Lord, are there times when I see Jesus as the crowd did and care more about my comfort than following the Savior? May you open my eyes to situations where You are asking me to follow You even though it may be difficult. Help me to depend on You and trust You. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: John 3

Lunch Break Study 

Read John 10:11-3:“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.”
1 Peter 5:2-4: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Questions to Consider

1. What makes a hired hand different than a shepherd?
2. Read 1 Peter 5:1-4. What does Peter instruct of those who are shepherds in the church?
3. How can we learn from the Good Shepherd?

Notes

1. A shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, while a hired hand abandons the sheep to save his own life.
2. Shepherds are instructed to watch over their flock, eagerly serve, and be examples to the flock. They are not to have a begrudging heart in serving, pursue dishonest gain, or lord their authority over others.
3. We can only shepherd well when we understand how the Good Shepherd laid down His life for us to give us life. Then we can lay down our lives for others.

Evening Reflection

Ask yourself these questions and pray: Were there situations today where I behaved more like Philip in calculating the cost before trusting the Lord? Did I have trouble following the Good Shepherd today because I was afraid? If so, Lord, please forgive me and help me to see how You are trustworthy. As tomorrow is a new day filled with new mercies (Lam. 3:22-23), I pray your Holy Spirit will enable me to better remember Your character and promises.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 10, 2016.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Why Personal Devotions Are So Important”
John 6:63
The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

Proverbs 4:23, 27:19
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. . .. As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. 

“After hearing your testimony about family turmoil,” someone says, “mine is just like yours”; but, after hearing that person’s story, you realize that what appear to be similar stories on the surface, they are actually quite different—while you spoke of unilateral forgiveness, the other person was talking about a conditional forgiveness:  They are not the same.
The Christian narrative is one given to us in God’s Word, interpreted by the Christian community through the Spirit. It is the story that tells us of God’s creation of all things, of the human fall, of how God sent Jesus Christ to redeem humankind from wickedness and suffering.  It tells how the Holy Spirit teaches us to live and how Christ will one day come back to enact true justice and transform the universe into his all-good kingdom. This is our story, and we should not be afraid to live by it. 
But the world tells its own stories, like that sexuality is not God-made and God-directed, that we can only look to ourselves to make the world better, that all religions lead to the same God.  We must guard our heart against these narratives and influences that subvert our story and cause us to live against Christ. What we let influence our heart—whether through media, friends, literature, etc.—will affect who we become and how we live. 
Theologian Wayne Grudem, in speaking of Proverbs 4:23, says that when he was on the translation committee for the ESV Bible, he stopped his personal time of reading his Bible and praying, thinking he was already reading the Scriptures enough in his scholarly work. After a few days of sensing something wrong, he began to reflect on the effects of this neglect of devotion to God: “Results of missing personal Bible-reading and prayer time: pride, talking about myself a lot, often inwardly hoping people will praise me, lack of love for friends, irritability, relationships with friends just stall or put on hold, general inward feeling of unease, unsettledness, hard to concentrate on Scripture and prayer, self-reliance, no peace.” 
Once we let the stories of this world influence our hearts, they will change who we are and our faithfulness in living according to Christ’s story. Deny the ungodly narratives of the world any power in your life! Live according to the Christian story! Live for the Lord Jesus Christ! 
Prayer: Father, I glorify You, for there is none greater in this entire universe.  I thank You for giving us the story of redemption in which we are ultimately triumphant.  While darkness, at times, still inundates my life, the hope in my final redemption in heaven brings me joy unspeakable.  Thank You.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.   
Bible Reading for Today:  John 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Genesis 3:1-7: Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
Question to Consider
1. We are familiar with the story of what the first couple was told as a condition to living in peace and joy in the garden.  The adversary, who opposes God, had a plan to undo all that.  What was his strategy that worked to a tee? 
2. In what sense does this chain of events demonstrate the power of believing in the wrong narrative?
3. What are some stories that we are being told by those who wield great influence in our society that have everything on their side except unvarnished truth and facts?  

Notes
1. The enemy, being mindful of the original narrative (“You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die”) induced the woman to distort it.   All the devil had to do was raise a doubt (“Did God really say?”) and Eve took it from there: she changed God’s narrative from “You must not” to “You may not.” That’s what led to the Fall.
2. What truly affects our view of the reality is what we believe and how passionately we believe it.  If you still believe in a flat earth, then you wouldn’t be sailing too far from the harbor.  If  you don’t believe in a loving and gracious God, then you would try to earn His acceptance by good works.  That, of course, is a ready-made recipe for never-ending disappointments and insecurity.
3. The factuality of evolution, the biological determinism of homosexuality, the global warming—you challenge any one of those reigning discourses of our secular society and you  may lose your job in the academia; you will certainly not be invited to cool parties or be considered very bright. 

Evening Reflection

Here are some truths that you should meditate on before going to bed tonight: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16); “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us” (1 Jn. 3:16^a).  You are loved by the God of this vast universe; He knows you by name, in Christ.  Yes, you have the right to feel elated and joyous, regardless of what you got on your last exam, or whether your boss likes your report or not.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on February 22, 2016, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee.  He is a friend of AMI who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches.  He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Sovereignty of God”
Acts 4:23-28
On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one. 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 

Let me make a stereotypical statement to start this morning:  “Women hate sci-fi, and only men—but not all men— like sci-fi movies.”  So in logic terms, the conditional statement, “If you like sci-fi, then you are a man” holds true; however, the converse does not: “If you are a man, then you like sci-fi.”  I bring this up because one of the more popular themes in sci-fi is time travel.  Now when Hollywood gets its hands on time travel, they generally go one of two ways:  Option 1:  Fate is set, and all your actions will inevitably lead you to the one destined path.  For example, in The Time Traveler’s Wife (do you see how I got the ladies back into this conversation by connecting sci-fi and romance movies?), despite her best efforts, Rachel McAdams cannot stop her husband from being shot in a freak hunting accident.  Option 2:  There is no fate—and people have the power to change their future (e.g., Back to the Future).  
When it comes to the sovereignty of God, unfortunately, I think too many people are stuck in one of the Hollywood models.  We either think our fate is set, and we are destined to fulfill God’s plan, whether we like it or not; or we react negatively to the idea that God controls anything, so we reject the notion of His sovereignty.  
First, I want to affirm that human beings have choices—and we will be held accountable for our choices and actions.  In the Bible, we are constantly told to believe, obey, or do right and resist evil—these commands imply that we have the power to choose, and that we are not mindless robots.  But second, I want us to see that God’s sovereignty was meant to be a great source of comfort for us.  After being released from prison, Peter and John were able to see that the worst event they had witnessed, the death of their Lord Jesus, was not something that was out of God’s control; in fact, God was using Christ’s betrayal for greater purposes—the redemption of creation.  
How do you see God in your difficult situations?  Do you think He is helpless or just as confused as you are?  Or do you believe that God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).  Does God’s sovereignty bring you comfort, knowing that you are not out of His plan, grasp, or power?  I hope it does.  
Prayer: Oh Sovereign Lord, give me perspective to see that You are in control.  Give me peace in my heart, knowing that I can trust a good, fair, loving, and just God. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: John  1

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Peter 1:3-11: His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to[c] his own glory and excellence,[d] 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities[f] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Questions to Consider
1.  As Peter discusses our calling, what are the things that God has done?
2.  What are the things that He commands us to do?
3.  When it comes to your growth in Christ (sanctification), what is the relationship between God’s working and your personal responsibility? 
Notes
1.  God has granted us all things pertaining to life and godliness and called us to the knowledge of Jesus (1:3).  He has given us a new nature, which frees us from corruption and our sinful desires (1:4).  All this is summed up as faith (1:5).  
2.  We are called to add to our faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.  
3.  Growing in Christ is a joint venture between us and God.  God provides the power and faith for true change; however, we are responsible to keep His commands and to strive for godliness.  

Evening Reflection

Did you receive some bad news today?  Or has something been going on in your life or your loved ones?  If so, did you struggle to find comfort in God’s sovereign hands?  Did you choose to be obedient or to strive for godliness, knowing that God has given you the power to obey and follow after Him?  

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on July 9, 2016, is provided by Pastor Barry Kang, who heads Symphony Church in Boston.  Barry is a graduate of Stanford University (B.S.), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Gordon Conwell Seminary (D.Min.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Transformation of a Runaway Slave”
Colossians 4:7-9
Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

Sometimes when we hear a sermon or read the Bible, the knowledge we gain is left theoretical or conceptual.  When Tychicus delivered this letter to the church in Colossae, the Colossians might reasonably have thought they’d have time to reflect upon these words and consider their implications.  However, they wouldn’t have this luxury.  They would be tested right away.
For along with Tychicus was a man they hadn’t expected to see: Onesimus,  a runaway slave from Philemon’s household—now returned, and a Christian with a recommendation from the Apostle Paul to boot!  They all knew Philemon of course.  He was a respected follower of Christ and a wealthy home-owner and host to a church that met in his house.  If they didn’t know Onesimus’s story, they would have heard soon enough. 
It is likely that Tychicus would have read the letter from Paul in their public gathering.  As they listened, their eyes would have shifted in Onesimus’s direction on more than one occasion. 
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (3:11-14). 
Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. (4:1) … and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you (4:8).
So how would they receive and welcome the runaway slave?  Praise God for an immediate opportunity to obey and give honor to our God!
The Word of God is not meant to be hypothetical or theoretical: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
His word challenges us and transforms us.  The quicker we obey, the quicker the transformation takes root.  Is there a step (or steps) of obedience God has been asking you to take?  Let us be a people who obey and right away!
Prayer: Father, You delight not in our sacrifices but our obedience. We want to be a people who are transformed through Your word.  Help us not to keep Your word only in our minds, but give us Your grace to immediately live Your good and perfect will.  Thank You for the example of Jesus who obeyed that will even unto death. Thank You that His obedience meant our salvation.  As we think upon Jesus, may we also likewise put on Christ each day, this day.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Nahum 3