Reflection on learning biblical hospitality in ministry

I have benefited and learned so much as I participated in learning biblical hospitality in ministry class. A few highlight of the insight I have learned from the course.

1. God as Host

I have never thought that hospitality happened even right at the creation of the world. In Genesis 1:1-31, when I read it, I would always take it as God is the creator of the world, he provided us food, prepare the ground and the living environment. I would always take it as it is how God created the world, I just need to take note of it, don’t need much thinking. However, my thought was challenged to think that God as Host, He extended His hospitality to human, by choosing to create human at last. As a Host, God need to prepare the earth, to make sure that it is suitable for human living. God ensure that there are enough provision of food, and human are protection.  That is my God, as a Host to me. A deeper conviction has grown in my heart ever since. Through this creation story, I see how God provided, and protected. In every household, there is a rule, same thing, God has given rules for human not to eat fruits from certain tree. However, man broke the rules. As a guest broke the rules, host would have to ask the guest to get out of the house. Even though man was chased out, God is still make sure that man have enough to survive. As I was meditating on God’s provision and goodness during creation time, I have this deep conviction that all that I have come from God. My God provide everything I need, my food, my protection and my shelter. From the beginning, My God has already a Host to us. Furthermore, as we are created in God’s image, naturally, we are expected to exhibit this character to extend and represent God in our hospitality to others.

2. The presence

During the class, we were asked to select an Art piece and comment on the Art piece. These Art pieces are drawn by different people during different era. The artist may have certain impression of God, and they drew according to their understanding. I observed that how impactful it can be when the Art piece speaks the truth into man’s heart. In particular, I was impact by this art piece. This art piece is about Christ and Zacchaeus (1913) by Niels Larsen Stevns (Randers Museum of Art, Randers, Denmark). In Luke 19:4-6, “⁴So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.  ⁵ When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”⁶ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.” Personally, I was impacted to observe that everyone in the picture was rushing, their feet are not on the ground. But, the only person that stood there and both feet on the ground was Jesus. Jesus was giving Zacchaeus his full attention. One of the important point for showing hospitality is giving attention to the people. Jesus has shown me the example how He did it. It was just amazing. The Lord Jesus Christ grace is for all the people including tax-collectors. Jesus embraces sinners, this is how I can learned hospitality from Jesus. I asked myself question: how long is my table? To what extend I could embrace others? In my capacity as a teacher, how do I extend grace to my student? What are the ways that I could let my students know that they are important and they could sense. One of the important way is to address students by name, remember their details, discipline students in private, and praise students in public.

3. Intentional marginality

This is a new concept. The intention of intentional marginality is to get myself into other’s shoe, see things from others’ perspective, by becoming a stranger myself, so that I could empty myself, and feel how other felt. I was challenged how do I practice intentional marginality? Upon reflection, I could understand why I kept falling so sick over this month, from Christmas Eve till now, I have not fully recovered. I am someone seldom fall sick, and could not identify with people who always sick for months. By having this sickness, I guess, I am now in a better shoe to understand those who are ill, their feeling, and their pain. What would I do to help them to ease their pain?

In conclusion of my learning of these 2 weeks, it was fantastic. I got to solely depend on God’s mercy and grace to complete my assignments. I sensed God’s hand in extending His healing to me while classmate prayed for me. It is God’s embracement and God’s hospitality.

Learning points for Romans class

Learning points for Romans class

Learning Romans is importance, because it provides importance basic understanding of gospel and how it affected our everyday living. In learning Romans, I often examine myself about these questions: a) Does my day-to-day life mirror the beliefs I hold? b) Do I find myself in a constant battle with hypocrisy? c) How do I constantly be impacted and influenced by the basic truth in my life? How do I live out those beliefs that I hold on to? I guessed the greater gained that I had is through the monthly spiritual exercise, when I need to reflect and think through what does the verses mean to me in my life, where am I now in my current spiritual walk. In one of the spiritual exercise, I was asked to reflect on the grace of God, how much am I aware of the grace of God? I think my personal theology on man would determine how much I aware of the grace of God that has called me. I believe that I am a sinner and am created by God that needed God’s grace to be in the right relationship with God again. I believe that without God’s spirit, my spirit will not be alive. God is the one who is gracious, loving, just, holy. He is gracious and loving, just and holy, because it is His attributes. I do not need to earn His grace, and in my own ability I can’t earn it too.

The righteousness of God

The righteousness of God is one of the theme of the book of Romans. What truly makes me interested is it started the book with tracing the righteousness of God and the ultimate plan of God for human kind. In Romans 1:16-17, Paul said he was not ashamed of the gospel, because the gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. THE GOSPEL REVEALS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. And, how could someone experience the righteousness of God? The righteousness of God can only be experienced by faith. In verse 17, it said “a righteousness that is by faith from first to last.  What would make someone realize and appreciate God’s grace? It is when I realize my own sin. In Romans, Paul has explained to me, the reader, again on how human beings are falling short of God’s standard, because of our sin. And, I can only receive God’s righteousness when God justifies me by faith. Paul used himself as an example to illustrate God’s righteousness. He was a sinner too, and being transformed to be God’s leader. Lastly, Paul explained how I could apply God’s righteousness in practical ways throughout my life. In examining this book, I have gained better understanding of the meaning of THE GOSPEL REVEALS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD.

Genuine Love in the community

As the college and the church is addressing to be a community that learning together, I think it is important for the community to learn to show genuine love. In studying Romans 12, it is a very appropriate passage to apply for Christian living.  Some self-examinations are how do I respond when someone is in need? To what extend has I show love to others when they are in trouble? I think it is a challenge for many people because we are not perfect, and we would definitely wrong others. But, as a body of Christ, we should constantly talk it out, and resolve the misunderstanding. In serving others, everyone of us like an instruments, we need to play together, understand our roles clearly, work together for the one same goal and objectives. Finally, I like what Paul said we ought to overcome evil with good. Many of us may think that how to do it? God has instructed us that we cannot take vengeance into our own hands.  We are to leave it for God to judge, only God know the best.  What we need to do is to let go of what we think it is the best judgement for those who hurts us, harms us. Our role is to show genuine love to others, to serve others, to pray for others with sincere heart, to be hopeful. 

Weak vs. Strong

There is a discussion on the Weak and the Strong. Interesting, the class did a careful presentation and discussion in examining it. The conclusion is that the stronger are those who have a greater degree of Christian faith. The stronger faith was those who has better understanding of the basic of Christian doctrine. The weaker faith was those who has weaker understanding of the basic Christian doctrine.

What is the solution to it? The strong Christian must exercise patience and extend compassion. By doing so, it allows the weak Christian to have time to grow in understanding and comprehend that the doctrine and beliefs sot that they can move forward in Christ.

Currently, there are different conflicting ideas on how to run a church, some said it is not alright to have a church service by watching a pastor preaching, some said it is alright. What is the basic understanding? Again, both should communicate and have more conversations on this topic, so that it could come to mutual respect and understanding, and maintain unity in the church. 

Reflection on Corinthians Adventures

I recalled in 2015, I felt the challenge in my faith. I made a decision to take a n-pay leave to attend Corinthians class in 2016. Indeed, I have gained so much and never regret coming to attend and join this journey together. The “EAR” principle in studying the word of God has made me rethink about my personal walk and attitude in learning the word of God. E, that is exegesis, A is application of God’s word and R is response to God’s word. Before teaching and preaching the word of God, I need to understand the text, the content.  In this process, I need to understand the certain key words, the structural of text, and analyze the text. And, by doing structural diagramming, it will help me to understand the key message of the writer. After understanding the text, I ought to know how to apply the biblical principles in our life. Lastly, it comes to allow God’s word to transform my lives and let God speak to me in my situation. Often, I have focused too much in understanding the plain meaning of the text, and the principle extract from the text. I may think that I have responded to the word of God, let it transform my life. However, I am wrong. These 3 processes are equally important. Exegesis without application of the word is an irrelevant informed understanding; application without exegesis is a subjective eisegesis; exegesis and application of the word of God but without a personal respond is a mere head knowledge. I felt that it has served as a warning to me, not to fall into the trap of having only head knowledge without heart knowledge. Thank God for the 2 spiritual exercises, it has served as a platform for me to respond to this warning. In fact, I would like to adopt this practice and make it as part of my spiritual discipline.

In reading Corinthian, I have always wondered about the issue of unity in Corinthian church. Many times, in Christian churches we often hear people claimed that they are from this denomination, that denomination. Or in my own church, I often hear people said they are from this congregation, Chinese congregation, Filipino congregation or Young adult congregation. In speaking of this, if not careful, it is quite easily to create some division in the church. Often, I will ask people that question as well, at times, it is to find out more about others, however, at times, I know that my motive is not right. In studying this Corinthian, I have a new perspective about division in the church, and how it could start with a small conversation. In the Corinthian church, people talked about who are their leaders, in my church, people talk about who are the leader of their congregation. It is the attitude that matters when I participate in such conversation. I ponder perhaps I was just trying to strike a conversation with people, and this is just an easy starter for conversation. Perhaps, I should learn to use another starter instead of this. Watching out for any small conversation or thoughts that will cause division in the community, and my role is to take captivate the thoughts, and make it obedience to the Word of God. All things belongs to God, there is only one God. All the churches, all the resources, all ministries belongs to God.

Paul taught the community that what is mean to be a true Spiritual community. I have gained a new perspective on the meaning of Christian community. He has addressed many issues and problems faced in the church. A church is a body of Christ, all of us needed each other. In this community, we are to build up one another in growing and knowing God with the principle of love not of jealousy. I am doing a pioneering work in my church. I am seeing some of the same problems, e.g. offering to idols, gossipping. I am praying that I will make use of the principles and build up the community to be grounded with God’s love.

In studying this book, I also felt that my perspective of “right” changes. It is quite common for me to think that I have the right to feel angry, to make things right, to judge others for doing the wrong things. I have the right to be myself, not to be used by God, to be fearful. However, when I calm down and think, the truth is only God is the chief judge. My role in Christ is to humble myself, to follow God’s commandments that is to love God and to love others. Certainly, when I start to think that I have “the rights”, I am already sinning against the Lord. In overcoming pride, I think repentance is always come first. However, in order for me to know that I am prideful, I need to always turn into God’s channel, listen to His leading and guiding. When I am too proud, God will surely tell me, remind me. My respond is to quickly repent and accept His correction immediately without hesitation.

NTE reflection: Challenging yet rewarding Adventure

My reflection:

First learning point

After making a decision to study New Testament exegesis, I have a sense of excitement yet concerns. I felt excited because it is going to be a new learning curve for me, yet felt concerns as it could be too technical that I may not able to handle and plus the time that I have are limited.  In this journey of learning about NTE, I have to learn to put priority for the course. It is first time for me. I have finished a textbook for few times before the starting of the course. Initiate stages of the class was still manageable, I have learned how to do an exegesis paper outline. However, I felt that how to apply the correct historical and literary contexts in a biblical text appropriately is still a struggle for me. In this course, I have the chance to produce an idiomatic translation of the Greek text, which is quite interesting as it is based on my understanding of the contexts. Finally, I felt that I could put into practice of the learning of Greek 1 & Greek 2. And, of course, I have fun learning how to do diagramming, analysis of the grammar, word analysis. However, putting into practice for all that I have learned, it is a challenge to me. Yet, I have started to appreciate the important of using Greek in ministry. I felt that it is rewarding learning. My guiding principle is always to teach and preach with the right words. I felt that I am like a “spiritual waitress”, I need to take from God, in order for me to feed the people. If I didn’t interpret the text as its right context and principles, I would mislead others. One of the take away learning points for me is always ask myself what truth about God and about his saving work in our lives is described in this passage, if I can answer that question, then I can assure to teach and preach from the text.

Second learning point

The second take away points for me is when I am preparing myself, God’s assignment always on the way to me at the right timing. 2 months ago, I was approached by a couple to give an exhortation in their wedding in May. The timing was just nicely fixed into my schedule which is in within my 2 subjects in the college. Besides, I could still have some times to finish up the research, by applying the learning I receive from this course into good use. I can’t imagine myself doing this kind of work if I didn’t study further.

My third learning point

In this journey of learning, I was also busy with my school work commitments and my church ministry commitments. In particular, for church ministry, I have the burden to pioneer a new ground for life group. This is on top of other regular ministry in church. It will mean time and energy required for this pioneering work. As the time was getting tight, I tends to not to respond fast to SMSes sent by my co-worker. At time, I felt that there is a need to call and clarify. However, I didn’t do it, as I have a preconceive idea that it is better to meet face to face. However, my delayed in replying SMSes has caused some tensions between us. In doing the research and studying of Philemon, I learned the important of forgive and reconciliation. One night, I took the initiative to apologise to her about my slowness in responding and asking for forgiveness. I felt that God is speaking to me to always be accountable to my small group, and to my co-worker. Whenever there is a conflict or tension, if I felt it, I shall always be the one taking initiative to solve it.

In conclusion, I am now on this adventure on discovering the word of God in a different manner. I wish that this challenge and yet rewarding journey ahead will be always fun. 

Spiritual Journey Reflection

It was an enriching experience for me! Doing spiritual exercises and reflecting on my personal spiritual growth and walk with God, has made me to have an overview on God's faithfulness in my life. I was so amazed by His miracles and transformation works. Upon reflection, I would say I have became a more positive person in life because God has given me the meaning and purposes for this life. I am convicted that I am called to be a beacon. Having doing this spiritual exercise, I felt that I shall constantly doing reflection on the work of God in my life. I started to see the benefit of having this exercise. I gained more overview on God’s faithfulness and God’s mission in my life. Generally, I tends to looking at the future for the vision that God has given to me, how would God want me to move on. I have seldom taking time to think back on what has God done in my life. Having understanding of the benefit for this spiritual exercise, I shall build up this habit of having a holistic reflection on God’s work in my life.

I recalled the time when I was challenged by Bro Casey to trust God for opening door to attend this Philippians class, I was lack of faith. It was a great reminder for me to exercise trust and faith in God that with God, all things are possible, He will open door. In fact, I have experienced it personally. I was so overjoy when I was granted the time-off from work. And, I experienced a leap of faith. And, as I related it back to this class lesson, I think Bro Casey has just set me thinking and reflecting on my personal walk with God. Honestly, I am a person of little faith. I was checking on myself when is the last time I have exercise my faith? In this class, I guessed the more I know the Lord, the more I will able to imitate Him and willing to do what He has asked me to do. I think I have made the right choice to attend this class, as I felt that I was challenged to think through and reflecting on my learning on the scriptures, the implication, the application and so on.

Before the class, in reading the textbook, I have learned more background about the Philippians. I learned about the important of servanthood. However, during the class, when we were learning Philippians 2, Paul begins his instructions for the people in the church in Philippi by exhorting them to practice humility. Bro Casey asked the class to think whether I am a servant or a helper. This is a statement caught my attention. I pondered. When evaluating, I definitely have more of a helper’s heart than a servant’s heart! I recalled my past as a child, my parents has tried to train me to have servant heart. However, by nature, I am a helper, I only serve when it is convenient. However,  I do not have the heart as Paul. I evaluated my life and motivation to serve. I served because I am just so thankful that God has called me, it is out of grace and privileged. Besides, I guessed I am trying to be involved in many things, hence, most of time, I could not give fully to the ministry. And, I guessed I need to have wisdom also in deciding on doing mission that God has asked of me. In reflecting, I was reminded that in my attitude towards people and ministry, I should always humble myself. So the take away challenges to me is from Philippians 2 and this statement will be this: what would my life, family, community looks like if I am fully obeying Paul’s instruction for being humble, take up the very nature of a servant that Jesus has displayed when He is on earth? Truly, my classmate has displayed part of it, it is how it would be looks like. It is amazing when I saw it right before me that my classmates and teacher are exhibiting servanthood spirit. I felt that the word of God is alive and walking in the room at time.

And, I have enjoyed the team presentation. I felt that with a little time that we had, we could do something out of nothing, it is really amazing. I think I have a great team. They are willing to go extra miles for other teammate. Their life stories and servanthood spirit has set me thinking. I was feeling very thankful to know them and their life stories. Their testimonies have encouraged me to continue to trust and believe in God.

Words can't expressed much of how I felt, and how thankful I am in learning.

NTF Reflection

In NT class, I have learned many good ideas and concepts that caused me to want to reflect further.

1. In one of the lesson, I learnt that after Davidic covenant, there is no more prophecy about God’s covenant. And, the Jews were captured and under oppression. Hence, the Jews were looking forward to the return of Messiah. They were hoping to have political messiah, to bring them out from the oppressive situation. This is the only hope for the Jews. However, after hearing from Jesus, they were quite disappointed as it is conflicting with their beliefs. Something caught me thinking is where is God when the people are in this kind of situation?

How did the people during that time still keep their hope and faith in God? I guess God wants the people to wait patiently, keep believe in those prophecy that yet to take place. And, the Jews couldn’t believe in Jesus, due to conflicting ideas. Taking it to my own life, at time, I got to examine also if I am also behaving like the Jews: fixing and insisting on certain understanding and leave no room for correction. Secondly, in the situation that I do not see the promises of God come to pass yet, do I give up easily? I think there are times that I think I feel like giving it up, as I was impatient and tired of keep doing the same thing and waiting. Thank God for His grace, I was able to have friends around me to support me, prayed for me and encouraged me to preserve on.   

2. Book of Mark is emphasizing on Jesus is servant messiah. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. However, most people in current churches don’t practice the biblical leadership. Some churches tried to practice biblical leadership; however, it is still work in progress. I think this is part of discipleship. People would only continue to display God’s image in action when they continue to be renewed and changed in their understanding. I was reflecting on my current practice of leadership. I think as much as I would like to practice, I would like to say that outwardly it may seems that I am practicing biblical leadership. However, if I examine deeper, inwardly, I am still having the worldly leadership attitude. It is good reminder for me again that I shall keep my heart attitude examined constantly.

3. There is a question that posted by Bro Casey- what is the key to understanding and experiencing Christ? He shared Mark 4: 11-12 to the class. The key to it is the mentality. Most people have this philosophy of thinking that 1 plus 1 is equal to 2, to them it is logical, so it is the truth. However, this 1+1=2 is a philosophy. I guess at time there are things that cannot use this logic to explain, cannot be logical, yet there is still truth in it. For example, someone experience miracle healing, this is something that medical doctor could not explain. It is just like salvation, it is simply by believing in the heart and confessing in the mouth that Jesus is Lord and Savior. However, this simple truth to people is a hard truth, illogical truth. It is because of the mentality of people. Having this understanding, I think it helps me in my discipleship and evangelism work. Nowadays, I would try to observe and understand the mentality of people, to understand stop them from understanding and experiencing Christ.

4. Jesus came to reveal God’s will and preaches the kingdom of heaven. Bro Casey commented that when someone said please pray for me to hear God’s will, he may not know what he is asking, as we already know God’s will, however, most of us are not willing to do the will of God. I agreed with this statement. I believe that as we continue to do God’s general will, God will naturally reveal to us the specific will or calling to the person.

 5. I was reflecting on what are the common obstacles to discipleship. These obstacles are lack of understanding, lack of faith, self-concern, presumption, doubt, fear of losing control. To me, my biggest obstacle is lack of faith. When I heard from God, my first respond to it always doubting and do not believe that it could be true in my life. Two year ago, I have already heard from God, however, I was afraid to act on it. So, I asked friend to pray for me to hear from God correctly. During that time, down in the heart I was having mix feelings, excited and fearful. Because of lack of faith, I do not respond immediately. So, I prayed that next time, I will have faith and respond to God immediately and obey His call.