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: 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

Sermon: "The Royal Family" by Edward Chun (April 22, 2018)

Mark 3:20-35

Mark uses a literary "sandwich technique" in the book of Mark. He puts two stories together to create one idea. He is trying to tell us who Jesus is in Chapter 3. First, we find out who isn't in Jesus's royal family.  Secondly, we find out who will never be in his royal family. Finally, we find out who is in Jesus's royal family.

Let's start with who isn't. See verses 20-21. Jesus's family thought he was crazy. Ironically these are people that spent the majority of is life with him.  They find themselves on the outside of Jesus's royal family (vs. 31). Jesus's kingdom doesn't operate like this world. In this world, if you're born into a royal family, you're in and if you're not you're not. It's not like Jesus's family couldn't be a part of his royal family but at this point in time (Mark 3), they aren't.  Jesus's said that his mother wasn't his mother. The reason they're on the outside is that they came to arrest and seize him. He wasn't acting how he would normally act. Even if are in proximity to Jesus (go to church every, born in a Christian family, have Christian friends, and/or listen to Christian music), that doesn't necessarily make you a Christian.Are we controlling Jesus or is He controlling us? We should respond "It's really hard but I trust you!" Always check your heart.

There's one area of the Word that tells us who doesn't belong (vs. 22). Not only did the scribes say that Jesus was crazy, but they also said he was possessed by Satan. Jesus responds in verse 23 by saying "How can Satan cast out Satan (paraphrased)?" Why in the world would Satan cast out his own demons? In verse 27, we see that "the strong man" means Satan and the house means Satan's kingdom. The plunder has already begun. The Royal Family of Jesus is already being established.

Then Jesus gives a severe warning. He mentions the unforgivable sin: blaspheming the Holy Spirit. It means to deliberately or intentionally repudiate the work of God's Spirit though Jesus. That's not to say that people can't turn back towards Jesus. God always forgives those who come to Jesus after rejecting Him before. We all have rebelled and rejected Jesus (Psalm 51). However, when you say Jesus is evil and possessed by Satan, that is the unforgivable sin (vs. 30). The scribes can no longer distinguish between good and evil (Isaiah 5:20). It's unforgivable because you can't repent any more and if you don't repent, you can't be saved.

So who is part of the Royal Family? Whoever does the will of God. It is to do what the scribes aren't doing: Believe! Today if you are struggling to believe, trust, or obey, look towards the Son. Look at the King and spend some serious time with Him. He's the King who bound the strong man on the cross. We can enjoy the plunder in His Royal Family. He has invited us to be a part of his family. Let's accept that invitation.

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

Instagram: l.a.seoulguy

"Lord of the Sabbath" by Pastor Edward Chun (March 25, 2018)

Mark 2:23-28

The Sabbath was the most important day of the week in Jewish culture. It lasted from Friday night to Saturday night. The two highly revered things in Jewish culture were circumcision and the Sabbath.

Why was it a big deal? God commanded it (See the 4th commandment in Exodus 20:8-11). No one worked on that day. You must rest. Why? God rested when he created Earth. He didn't rest because he was tired. He rested because he was finished. God enjoyed the work that he created.

The Sabbath pointed to the divine order of the universe and God was serious about the Sabbath (Exodus 31:14-15). It's as if God was saying that if you don't rest, you'll die sooner.  This is how we're designed. We'll die if we don't rest enough. How do I know if I'm keeping the Sabbath? Can I cook? Take a shower? Go outside? Drive?

This is where the Pharisees come in. They created many laws to make sure they weren't breaking the Sabbath. Here are some examples they had to follow on the Sabbath:

"You can't tie more than two knots on the Sabbath."
"You can't carry anything heavier than a dry fig."
"Don't sew more than one stitch."
"Don't write more than one letter."
"You can't walk more than 1,999 steps."

These laws and regulations were exhausting and burdensome. In verse 23, the disciples were plucking grains of wheat. In the next verse, the Pharisees called them out but there was a verse that vindicated them: Deuteronomy 23:24-25. This verse showed God's heart. He wanted NO ONE to go hungry. So if the disciples were innocent, what was wrong? They broke the Pharisees manmade laws. They couldn't charge the disciples with walking too many steps or they would have been just as guilty since they were there with them. The Pharisees charged them with working on the Sabbath. Jesus responds in verses 25-26 with a reference to a story in 1 Samuel 21. King David violated the same law but the Pharisees never criticized David because he was the king.  Yet someone far greater than David was in front of them (Jesus) yet they didn't get it. The Sabbath belonged to God (verse 28) and Jesus was making a serious claim that he indeed was God (See also John 1:3).

Think of the universe. Jesus is saying that it all hangs on His power. The Pharisees can't accept it and want to kill Jesus. What does this mean for us? We are to rest from work and not be burdened by the Sabbath. It was supposed to be a blessing for mankind and it was also about peace and trust that God was in control of that day. There was no need to worry. Jesus said he was the source of rest and peace.

Matthew 11:28 tells us to come to Jesus. He will give you rest. Maybe you're restless and tired. Maybe you're worried about the future. Maybe you don't feel good enough, pretty enough, not rich enough, or not holy enough. You might have possibly been disappointed by people. Come to Jesus because he can only refresh you and give you unconditional forgiveness. Jesus died on the cross to give us rest. If you are restless, have anxiety, or fear, go to Christ and make him the center of your life.

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

Instagram: l.a.seoulguy

Sermon: "Remember" by Edward Chun (December 31, 2017)

Deuteronomy 8:1-10

In Deuteronomy, we have the new generation of Israellites about to enter the Promised Land. The last generation didn't make it. At 120 years old, Moses preaches to the new generation although, he won't make it in. However, before he dies, he preaches a crucial lesson: You shall not live on bread alone but by every word that comes out of the Lord. It's a matter of life and death.

The Lord's words are life but failing to follow Him leads to death. There's no life without God and God doesn't want you to die (Ezekiel 33:11). Jesus says in John that the thief wants us to die, not Him. The Israelites lived in the wilderness for 40 years. God taught this same lesson for that long and God humbled them by leading them to the wilderness. The wilderness is dangerous, uncomfortable, lacks water, and has a shortage of food. They literally have to rely on God for everything.

God also tests them (vs. 2). When God tests us, it's not because he's going to be surprised by how we act. He tests us to see if we'll obey Him. Only when things get hard do we find out where our faith is. When God tests us, he shows us how much pride and sin that we have. Even our best effort isn't good enough. They are filthy rags. God knows that we need grace and mercy, which is why he provided manna to His people.

Maybe you were in the wilderness in 2017 or you're still there. Let me encourage you with these three things: 1) God is leading you. He has not left you and has not forsaken you. He's with you. He's the good shepherd and leads you in the paths of righteousness. 2) Maybe the Lord is humbling you to show certain areas where you're not submitting to Him. He wants to show those things that are killing you. 3) God absolutely loves you. You're not in the wilderness because he hates you. He could be disciplining you (vs. 5). He disciplines the ones he loves.

God gave Jesus His Son. Without Jesus, none of us could follow every word that comes out of the mouth of God. Israel had the same problem. Over and over they sinned and didn't submit. Many died, were disciplined, and then exiled from the Promised Land.

Our rebellious hearts kept us from the Father. Yet God sent his Son who was the only one who lived a perfect, spotless life. He breaks the power of sin by putting our sins on the cross. God gave us a new heart by putting the Holy Spirit in us. As we enter 2018, let's remember that man lives by every word that comes out from the mouth of God. We have grace and the gift of salvation that Jesus gave us.

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