Be A Rock For Jesus! (Matthew 26:69-75)

Sermon: November 29, 2021

On the license plate frame of my car I have the saying "Smile, Jesus Loves You." Now, most of the time I'm a patient driver and I follow the traffic laws. However, I do occasionally get really annoyed and upset if I am driving behind a really slow driver as I'm trying to get to work on time. Then when I arrive at work 15 minutes early, I think to myself, "Why did I get upset?"

Not only am I setting a bad example as a Christian with that frame on my car, I'm also showing the Lord that I can't handle small inconveniences in life, which is bad if I'm supposed to become a missionary in the future!

Well today, I'm going to tell you how every Christian can become a ROCK for Jesus by avoiding THREE pitfalls.

In your Bibles, please turn to Matthew 26:69-75. Once again, Matthew 26:69-75.

This is a very well-known story of how Peter denied Jesus after Jesus had predicted it beforehand. This was the same night as the Last Supper and Jesus was arrested just before Peter denied him.

What's the first pitfall we do as Christians that caused Peter to deny Jesus?

1. We act impulsively and don't think before we act. Peter is well known for acting before thinking and also not praying before making wise decisions. Just prior to this, a high priest by the name of Malchus came to arrest Jesus. Jesus even refers to the man as "friend", so Jesus was calm despite the circumstances. What did Peter do? He took out his sword and cut the man's ear off. Jesus heals the ear of the high priest and tells Peter in the book of John, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" Jesus was following the will of the Father, but Peter didn't realize it because he acted impulsively and didn't understand the bigger plan. He also thought impulsively when he denied Jesus. He didn't think or pray about what he should do.

- In my past relationships, I rarely prayed about how to handle conflicts with girlfriends and if we argued, I would just give up. I'm still a person that hates confrontations and arguing especially if it's over petty things. I'm thankful to the Lord that He matured me, or I would be an easy candidate for divorce especially with divorce so rampant in my family.

- When I lived in South Korea, I lived in a smaller town in my first year and I was so desperate to get out of that smaller town to move to the capital of Korea (Seoul). What did I do? I took the first job opportunity that came my way and it was one of the worst jobs I had ever had. I worked at two different schools, had 6 classes a day with no breaks, the books were bad, and the school was disorganized. I was miserable. But why did I go through all of that? I didn't pray before taking the job and made a quick decision with my own effort.

When was the last time you were in a desperate situation but acted impulsively without taking it to God first?

What's the second pitfall we do that caused Peter to deny Jesus?

2. We underestimate our weaknesses. Earlier that night, Jesus asked his disciples to pray for him in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew the hour was coming for Him to die on the cross and while Jesus was praying to the Father, He expected his disciples to pray for Him. Going back to verse 40 it says, "Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. 'Couldn't you men keep watch with me for one hour?" Who was he talking to? PETER. He continues. "Watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Peter underestimated his weakness and we all do that sometimes.

- Maybe you think you're a forgiving person, but maybe there's that one coworker or family member that you just can't forgive because you don't think they're worthy of it.

- It could be anger. Just as I have occasional road rage, how easily do you get upset over trivial things or how often do you get upset with your spouses when you're annoyed over something small?

We all have a weakness that we underestimate. What do you think is yours?

What's the third pitfall that caused Peter to deny Jesus?

3. We give into our fears. Not only did Peter deny Jesus three times, but each denial got stronger and stronger. Why? He knew Jesus was in trouble and he had a fear of getting arrested and being put into prison for knowing who Jesus was.

How do we give into our fears?

- We might have fear of failure. This is true for me. I want to do well in my Hebrew and Greek classes in seminary. I have fear that I won't be able to get past them!

- We might have a fear of the future. After attending the missionary conference, I immediately started wondering if I could handle being a missionary in the future!

What is one thing you're worried about in your own life because you're trying to manage it on your own strength and not giving it to the Lord?

But let me give you some hope. In Matthew 26, we see Peter denying Jesus, but what did Jesus say to Peter in 10 chapters before this in Matthew 16? He said, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this ROCK, I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." At this point, Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times, yet he makes this bold statement knowing that Peter would be the pillar for the church. Why? Because He knew Peter had a repentant heart and would come back to Him.

So for us to be a ROCK for Jesus, let's #1- Pray before we make an important decision. #2- Humble ourselves and not overestimate our weaknesses. and #3- Not give into our fears.

I know many of us are going through some difficult circumstances in our lives. My challenge for you today is to think of something that is really worrying you and put it into the hands of the Lord. He understands what you're going through, He loves you, and He wants you to surrender that fear and worry to Him.

Eunhee and I are moving to Ontario, California (not Canada) in a couple of weeks. We're excited, but concerned because it's another transition moment in our lives. Just as I challenge you to surrender your fears and worries to Him, we must also do the same. We're all in the same boat together!

Scott Worden

Instagram: l.a.seoulguy

"All You Need is Love" by Pastor Timothy Nam (January 5, 2020)

Matthew 5:43-48

Since it's 2020,  and since it's a round number, people try to make plans for this year or the next decade. But the Bible says it will end in disappointment. We were created in God's image because He is love. But we need to do it in unselfish ways. Many people can love selfishly, but God wants our testimony to the world and we can't do it in a selfish way.

The 1967 song "All You Need is Love" was written during the Hippie movement, which was anti-government and anti-Vietnam War. The Beatles definition of love was that only their version of love was acceptable, the way they did it. That's not true love. It's limited to certain groups of people. Also, love is not just being nice. You sometimes have to be harsh. You have to respect other people's points-of-view. You have to love people who are irritating and love those that are unlovable.

See Matthew 5:43-48. We need to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. The best use of this life is love. It should be our greatest ambition. We need to build relationships but we put off loving others and take our close relationships for granted. We do it because we know they'll be there. We cut down on giving. You can't build relationships without time and effort. We make excuses by saying we're caught up with work and life. Love lasts forever but everything else fades away: money car, clothes, etc.

When people are in their final days, people just want to be loved. The world deep down knows love is the most important thing. They just realize it too late. We will be evaluated on our love. Whenever we love others, we love Jesus. And yes, we can do things with selfish ambition, which is easy today with social media. However, the more time we spend on people, we realize how genuine love is. A mother gives up everything for her child. There's a lack of love in this world because there's a lack of time and focus on others.

Ephesians 5:2 tells us that the best time to love is now. Tell someone you love them and show it. Anything done without love is a waste of time. Recognize the necessity of love in your life.

Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)

Instagram: l.a.seoulguy

Sermon: "Crown of Thorns, Crown of Victory" by Pastor Andrew Gu

Mark 15:16-20


Before Jesus is to be crucified, he's led into the Governor's quarter. About 500 soldiers are called in after Jesus has already been beaten. These people mocking Jesus for being "The King of the Jews" were doing it in the king's palace. He was dressed in purple which symbolized royalty. It's doubtful that it was real purple since real purple was expensive. It was probably a faded scarlet robe. Then they put a crown of thorns on him and mocked him by kneeling and saying "Hail! King of the Jews!". Next, they "honor" him by hitting him with a reed and spit on him again and again (NIV). After that, they put on his regular clothes so that he can be crucified. Finally they "worshipped" him. It's highly insulting since Jesus deserves ALL of our worship and they gave him a fake and insulting kind of worship.

What about us? We call him "king" but we insult him with the way that we worship Him. We are no better than these soldiers. When things don't go the way that we want, we rid ourselves of Him. Just because we bow, wear nice clothes, and show it outwardly, that doesn't mean that we are really worshipping Him. Are we showing halfhearted worship and obedience?

Jesus did nothing wrong and even Pilate knew this (vs. 14) or in John's account "not guilty". He said "What wrong has he done?" He had done nothing but heal people and do good for them. Yet Jesus doesn't fight back. Why not? Jesus was on a mission (Isaiah 50). There was a huge problem: our sin and our rebellion towards God. God's way is always better. Something was wrong in the world. The soldiers were saying Jesus was weak, not worthy, and a fake king. Yet what they were doing was that he was actually worthy ironically.

He came to rescue us because we needed rescuing (Galatians 3:13). Jesus willingly subjected himself to abuse and mockery for our behalf. It's a triumphant endurance (Spurgeon). Thankfully it isn't the low point of the story. It's the climax. This is the story of redemption and sacrifice. His death is not a defeat. It's the victory. The crown is not just used to symbolize royalty. It symbolized victory.

Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)

Instagram: l.a.seoulguy

Sermon: "Whose Likeness?" by Pastor Eddie Chun (January 6, 2019)

Mark 12:13-17

The Herodians (a liberal group and supporter of Rome) and the Pharisees (a conservative group) had always been enemies but they became strange bedfellows because they disliked someone more than they disliked each other (Jesus- verse 14). They flattered Jesus at first. They use some truth to lay the foundation for their trap against Jesus. They do this by asking a question about taxes.

If Jesus says you must pay taxes, they would upset the people because they especially hated this poll tax (a privilege for living in Rome). You had to pay a denarius (one day's pay for the whole year). This tax started in 6 A.D. There was a revolt by Julius of Galilee after the tax went into effect. And they hated the tax because Rome was on their land. The Jews weren't happy about it to say the least. Also the denarius was completely blasphemous. The titles "Son of God" and "high priest" were changed on the coin and used to lift up a Roman leader. The bottom line is that if Jesus says "yes", he supports Rome. If Jesus says you don't have to pay taxes, then he becomes an enemy of Rome.

Jesus saw straight through them. He asks "Why are you testing me?" He says "Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." Jesus lays a foundation of being a Christian and politics together. Jesus asked, "Whose likeness (image) is on this coin?" Notice that Jesus didn't use the word "pay". He said "render" (to pay back what is owed) to Caesar what is his. But he also said "and render to God what is God's."

What are things that we need to render to God? Ourselves. Humanity belongs to God because we are made in His image (Genesis 1:26). Jesus said to give back what belongs to Him. Maybe you might think that it's oppressive (give everything to God) or you might think this is glorious (all of your concerns are on Him).

To the Pharisees, this is crushing because they want to destroy Jesus. A rebellious and sinful heart says "My life belongs to me. Jesus shouldn't control me." This kind of heart will kill Jesus and reject Him. If you kill the Son, you will be destroyed.

But there's a second option. You can give Jesus what he deserves. Why is this glorious? We are nasty. God is owed and a perfect image bearer, but it's impossible since we all deserve death. Yet only through Jesus can we live a perfect, righteous life.

Colossians 1 tells us that all fullness was pleased to dwell in Jesus. Jesus came to live the life we were supposed to live but Jesus died the death we should have had. Jesus died so we can render to God what is rendered to Him. We become adopted into God's family. Our likeness is Jesus. Once we put our faith in Jesus, we are one with Him. His totally blameless life becomes our life.

When Jesus was seated at the right hand of God, we belong there too if we put our faith in Jesus. Sometimes we feel like failures, but God doesn't see us that way. He sees us the way He sees his Son. Yet we don't look like Jesus in the flesh, so we doubt.

John 8:36- "If the Son sets you free, you WILL be free indeed."

If you render him what is His, trust Him, and love him, you'll get true freedom in Christ. Render to God whatever is God's because you can do that now.

Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)

Instagram: l.a.seoulguy

Sermon: Marriage and Divorce by Pastor Eddie Chun (October 21, 2018)

Mark 10:1-12

Why are the Pharisees asking Jesus about divorce? They're trying to test Jesus but why would they bring up the topic of divorce? It was a very controversial topic at that time, yet everyone agreed that divorce was LAWFUL. They always went back to this verse in the Bible: Deuteronomy 24:1-4.

Most Jews said it was okay and it was very common. However the reasons to divorce your wife were based on two main views: 1. If your wife cheats on you, you can divorce her (the minority view) and 2. Anything you don't like about your wife, you can divorce her (the majority view). If she can't cook well, she loses attraction, doesn't make you happy, or anything as trivial as that, then it was totally okay.

It sounds a lot like today. The Pharisees are not asking because they want the truth. They're testing him because they expected him to have a radical view. More importantly, they thought his view would upset Herod Antipus, who beheaded John the Baptist. Jesus is under his jurisdiction.

Jesus goes to the Bible to answer their question: "What did Moses command you? They responded "Moses allowed us." The Pharisees were wrong in that response alone. Jesus said it was their sin that caused this law to come into existence and Jesus said they were asking the wrong question. They should have been asking "What's God's design and purpose for marriage?"

Jesus tells us three basic things: 1. Marriage is between one man and one woman (vs. 6). 2. Hold fast (glue yourself) to your wife. In marriage 1 +1 = 1. It's no longer about ME. It's "WE". 3. Marriage is inseparable. Marriage is meant for life and divorce happens because of sin. It was never intended that way. See verse 11: Divorce equals committing adultery. These words sting. However, this is not a passage about God not loving you. God loves you and will forgive you or he has already forgiven you if you have repented of it.

In this passage, Jesus is talking to men who aren't really interested in saving their marriages. The Pharisees are seeking legal ground to divorce their wives. If you got divorced for this reason, then Jesus is definitely speaking to you.

There are only two possible permissible reasons for divorce: 1. Sexual immorality (Matthew 19) and 2. Marriage do a non-believer and that non-believing spouse wants to leave the marriage (1 Corinthians 7).

Unless you're in one of those two categories, then it's strictly forbidden. However, that's not really the point. Divorce wasn't God's design in the first place. Ephesians 5:31-32 tells us that God created marriage between Christ and the Church. If that's what marriage is all about then we can understand Malachi 2 where it shows God hating divorce since God hates sin. What does that say about God's love if the covenant is broken? It tells us that God's love isn't unconditional and it's breakable. It's a total distortion of the Gospel. It also destroys families and relationships.

Singles: Make sure your view of marriage is God's. Make it stick in your head that you will never divorce your spouse because God won't divorce me.

Single men: Love your wife like Christ loves the church. It's a huge responsibility since Christ died for the church. You die to yourself so that your spouse can live.

Single women: Submit to your husband like you submit to the Lord.

Married couples: God understands your situation. He knows how to live with difficult people, who spit on him, rebuked him, and even killed him. He died to save those people. Do everything you can to save your marriage if you're having a really difficult time. Pray, fast, and get your brothers and sisters involved. God never intended for divorce and you have to remember that.

Divorced/Remarried people: God loves you. Nothing can change that. There's no sin that isn't covered by the cross. God will forgive you and there's a day coming when everyone will be married to the perfect husband: When Jesus unites with us forever. You will be spotless and blameless and will love Jesus perfectly.

Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)

Instagram: l.a.seoulguy

Sermon: A Real King's Banquet (July 8, 2018) by Pastor Andrew Gu

Mark 6:30-44

There are only two miracles that are covered in all five of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John): The Resurrection and the feeding of the 5,000. If that's the case, then the feeding of the 5,000 must be pretty significant. It's also not an accident that the story came after King Herod's banquet in the book of Mark.

In verses 30-44,  we know that the disciples were tired and wanted rest despite the crowds continuing to seek after Jesus. Jesus's disciples were annoyed and didn't want to deal with the crowds. However, Jesus wasn't annoyed and he showed compassion, patience, and affection towards them. The way we view people shows how we should respond. The disciples saw it as a disadvantage. They were thinking that if they have that many people, how could they feed them? Jesus saw them as people that needed guidance and love. Maybe that's why you're here today. You've heard of Jesus and want to know more about Him.

Jesus never gets tired of meeting our needs. Jesus's compassion has no end. Jesus was tired but still taught them. When Jesus teaches us, he refreshes our spirits.

In verses 35-44, we see Jesus continuing to teach, but dinner time is approaching and everyone is hungry. The disciples quickly forgot and said that they should send the crowds away. They thought it would be an impossible task to feed them. The disciples saw Jesus do many miracles, so you would think that they would have the attitude that Jesus was going to take care of it. But they're humans. They quickly forgot and panicked. On the other hand, Jesus  was in control and focused on what they had and not on what they didn't have. Jesus told them "You lack nothing". Jesus + Nothing = Everything.

What they don't realize is that they're about to have a feast (vs. 39). They're in the wilderness but Jesus tells them to sit on the green grass. There's a lot of imagery here. Green tells us that it was spring time. This story reflects a picture of life and abundance. In the English version, it says Jesus told the people to sit down. But in Greek, he actually said "recline". He's using banquet language. A banquet is a festive celebration and there's plenty to eat.

Who was invited to Herod's banquet (Mark 6:14-29)? Only the elite and most important. It's invite only. Jesus's banquet is in the open field and everyone is invited. Herod's main event was for his own self-indulgence and provocative dancing. Beautiful women would parade in front of him to please his own desires and no one else's. Jesus's banquet focused on all of his guests and he made sure everyone was taken care of. He saw them as sheep without a shepherd. Jesus did whatever he could for the benefit of his sheep. Power corrupted Herod and killed a righteous man (John the Baptist). Herod used his power in a wicked way. Jesus is all-powerful but he isn't corrupt. You can trust Him because he uses his power for the good of his people.

A true shepherd (1) provides, (2) guides, and (3) protects his sheep. Herod fails in all of these. In Jesus's banquet, a righteous man eventually dies. The person that dies is the host of the banquet and by his own choice. He did this so that others could partake in the banquet. In Jesus's banquet, they all ate and were satisfied. Jesus always gives us what we need. We are all invited to Jesus's banquet. His nails in his hands show how much he loves us. See Isaiah 25:6-8. You can also read how much Jesus has to offer you in Psalm 23. Will you join in his banquet?

Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)

Instagram: l.a.seoulguy

"My Pain, Your Gain" by Pastor Eddie Chun

Colossians 1:24-29

Can you think of a time when you went through pain physically or mentally but you knew it would be worth it in the end? (Pastor Eddie recalls his time when he did "suicides" in basketball.) It was painful and I expected to be in shape and to become a better basketball player. Would you willing go through some pain for someone else for their gain? Maybe this message can motivate you to say "My pain, your gain."

 Paul is thanking God in this passage because the Colossian church is mostly a healthy church despite some false teaching surrounding it. See verse 24. "I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake..." Paul is not saying something was lacking in salvation due to Jesus's death. Jesus reconciled us on the cross ("It is finished").

Then what is he saying? What is lacking in Christ's afflictions is that Jesus is no longer there physically. All of the suffering Paul is going through is a visual representation of Christ's suffering. See verse 25. Paul's goal was to make the gospel known to everyone. It was his mission in life. He also wanted them to be mature in God. This is why Paul suffered so much. He was beaten, mocked, whipped, shipwrecked, and sick. Why? So others would know more about Christ.

Jesus bled and suffered so we could have the gospel. We're worshipping in Korea because someone sacrificed to bring the gospel here. My father consistently prayed at 5:00am to pray for my family and because of him, I became a pastor. Can you remember the last time you suffered for someone else?

The point is not to seek out suffering. No one likes that and we aren't made for that. We don't have to look for it. Suffering will happen on its own. See John 16:33 and 1 Peter 4:12-13. Don't be surprised when you suffer as a Christian. If you are surprised, you are following the prosperity gospel. The world hates God, so Christians will suffer.

We need to embrace suffering. What does that mean? It means we need to "rejoice in suffering". It means to say that honestly "It hurts but your will be done, Lord." You're thankful because you realize God is doing something in the long term. Maybe it's drawing you closer to God to help others go through the same problem.

What causes people to say "My pain, your gain"? See verses 26-27. "Christ in you, the hope of glory." The mystery of Jesus dwells in every single believer despite lack of holiness because Jesus is that High Priest who sacrificed his life to atone for our wicked sin. He renews us and sanctifies us until He returns. This is why we can rejoice in our sufferings. If this wasn't true, then it would be pointless to rejoice in our sufferings. All of the suffering in the world does not compare to the glory that awaits us (Romans 8:18).

See verse 29. With all of Christ's energy, not Paul's energy, it was Paul's pain for others' gain.


Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)
Instagram: l.a.seoulguy

"Free in Christ" by Pastor Andrew Gu (July 30, 2017)

Luke 4:1-21

What do you think of when you hear the word 'freedom'? People are willing to die for freedom and some argue that freedom is one of the greatest virtues. In the movie "Braveheart", the princess tries to persuade William Wallace to pledge allegiance to the King of England. His response "Every man dies. Not every man lives." He would not give up the freedom for his people and even lost his life for them.

Galatians 5:1 tells us that if you're in Christ, you're free in everything that you do. Our identity is not sin. We are all sinners, but if you seek the Lord, we can be a child of Christ even though we are still sinners. "Who you are determines what you do." Yet many times we have this backwards. If you put your identity in things besides Jesus, life will be hard. The more we walk in freedom, the more we can live for Christ.

In today's passage, we see that the devil is trying to disrupt God's ultimate plan of redemption. But we  see that Jesus knew these three facts. 1. God is the provider. 2. God is better. 3. God is always with us.

Let's start with the first one. Jesus had just been baptized and he also hadn't eaten in 40 days. We can't think straight when we don't eat food for just even one day. Satan tempted Jesus by saying that the Father wasn't providing for him and that he needed to take it upon himself to satisfy him. Jesus replied with "Man does not live by bread alone." But it was more than just that. Satan tried to convince Jesus that God didn't care. Satan wanted to get Jesus to live independently from the Father.
In Philippians 4:19, it says that God provides all of our needs and we can trust that God is our provider.

Secondly, Satan tempted Jesus by saying that he could have whatever he wanted in the world since he was in control of the world at that moment. In our lives, there's a cost for everything that we do. Many people live paycheck to paycheck and they want the easy way out to get rich and even sell their souls to the devil (figuratively and literally). Jesus didn't sell his soul to the devil (literally) because if he had given into this temptation, although Jesus would avoid dying on the cross, he would have had to worship Satan. In the Bible, it says that no one can serve two masters. He could either serve his Father or serve Satan but his Father already offered him the world as well as eternity. What the devil offered was temporary and counterfeit. He could offer the world but it was eventually going to be destroyed, so it would have been a bad investment anyway. It was just a distortion. We ourselves go on searching for things to satisfy us but what God offers is better.

Finally, God is always with us. In Exodus 17, the Israellites cried out "Massa??" meaning "Are you really with me?" They had legitimate needs because they were hungry yet they started to doubt God and their hearts wandered. Jesus didn't need to jump because he knew God was already with him. When we are filled with God's presence, we are more confident God is with us. In Romans 8:38-39, it says that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Jesus knew his identity. Jesus intimately knew his Father and knew that He loved him unconditionally. God redeemed us and we are free through him.

Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)
Instagram: l.a.seoulguy

Pastor Douglas Park's Last Sermon at NHM (May 28, 2017)

There are four things NHM taught Pastor Doug in his 7.5 years at NHM.

1. Powerful servant leaders- When I came to NHM, it was the first time he saw other church members folding bulletins, setting up chairs, etc. I saw the Holy Spirit moving people's hearts. All of NHM's ministries were begun by the members (homeless outreach, orphanage ministry, Meet and Greet, etc.). There used to be so many prostitute cards all around Gangnam Station. One blonde hair/blued eyed woman went to the police station and dropped the cards onto their desk and said "This is wrong!" The police felt some shame behind it and cracked down. You rarely see those cards now.

2. The preciousness of people- I originally wanted to be a megachurch pastor, not a church of a megachurch. G.K. Chesterton said, "Meaningless does not come from being weary of pain. Meaninglessness comes from being weary of pleasure." What's the point of having numbers at church without having disciples? These are God's precious treasures. I need to take care of them. When Jesus left this Earth, he only left one thing: his disciples. Love the people, invest in them, and disciple them. David Gibbons said that many pastors use people to accomplish their own dreams when they should use God to accomplish the potential in people.

3. The goal is to raise up leaders and not just members.- The more leaders NHM has, the stronger NHM will be. We are all leaders. We should all be a good influence on others.

4. I've been impacted by the transformation of this church.- Different nations, cultures, and different backgrounds yet we are all one community. The pattern of this world is to follow money or your job. Yet one member extended his contract an extra year because he realized NHM was his home. NHM has also helped to restore marriages, comforted me, accepted my weaknesses, and supported my family. Whatever you sow, you will reap. Thank you for 7.5 years at NHM.

Sermon Title: "When Storms are Only Showers"

What's the biggest problem you're facing or have faced? How did you handle it or are handing it? What's the biggest problem Jesus faced? Betrayed by 30 pieces of silver? All 11 of his disciples abandoning him? Beaten, spit on, and mocked? When the Father looks away because he couldn't look at the sin Jesus was taking upon Himself? Jesus faced real problems and struggles but never gave the impression that the problems were out of his control. There wasn't any problem that was too big for Him. We need to realize that all of our problems are small and they are in the hands of a big Father.

Matthew 7:24-27- If you listen to Jesus and follow his commands, it is like building our house on solid rock.  Different problems will come at us, but we need to build our house on the rock.

John 16:33- Let your focus not be on the wind, rain, etc. Let your focus always be in Christ. He has already overcome the world. Jesus took upon the sins of the world and the death on the cross.

We need to set our foundations on Christ. We shouldn't just believe it, but we need to live it out. If we don't, we will be tossed to and fro by this world. God gives us a standard not to be a killjoy but because he knows what we need as our Creator.

Hebrews 9:27- Jesus always prayed and was intimate with his Father and he obeyed. "Father forgive them for they do not know what they're doing." God can use our problems to glorify his name.


Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)
Instagram: l.a.seoulguy

Sermon: "The Meaning of Life" by Pastor Douglas Park (January 8, 2017)

Genesis 1:26-31

What is the meaning of life? Does every human being have equal value? Does a sick 85-year old woman have the same value as a healthy 20-year old man? We twist the meaning of life by the basis on how people make us happy. We also reverse the roles to wherever we see fit. Do humans have intrinsic value or is it subjective and it only depends on how we "evolved"?

Our value is not based on our pedigree, race, wealth, etc. We are created in the image of God. God said "Let us make man in our own image." This is a good explanation of the Trinity and it also explains how human kind is to represent who God is. Humankind is the sculpture of his image. We are to hold each other accountable and respect each other. But we don't because we follow a fallen standard.

God doesn't need anything from us so why did he create us? To love, know, to enjoy God, to love each other, and to enjoy others. What was the meaning of Jesus's life? See Matthew 22: 34-40.

Love without truth is powerless (Ravi Zacharias). Our goal is not to change someone but to love them. If the meaning of life is to get what you want or when you want it, you'll always be disappointed. However, if it is the love of God and you love others, you'll always be satisfied because you can always choose to do that.

The meaning of life also comes from John 3:16-17. Jesus gave his life so that we can get our lives back. We were not only created by God but we were purchased at a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

When we give more value to celebrities based on their looks, we put a faulty price tag on them. Some of us are preoccupied with getting married, getting promoted, etc. We are called to be children of God. Then we can get the most out of life.

Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)
Instagram: l.a.seoulguy