November 13, 2015--4:15 PM--It Was the Best of Times; It Was the Worst of Times
I titled this post that way because of two reasons. First, locally speaking, Cornerstone has been enjoying a new relationship with the Christian African-American community (more specifically with All Nations Deliverance Church led by Pastor David Harris). We have been partnering with them and allowed them use of our facilities for their Pastor Appreciation Lunch as well as their Regional Leadership Conference. In partnering with them, I have gotten to know not only Pastor Harris but several other key leaders of the Black Apostolic community in Northern California. Everyone at the leadership conference thanked me and the church and I was treated with respect and kindness. This has been an answer to many prayers for us to find a way to partner with the African-American community (specifically Christians in Redding). Hallelujah!
But in international news, I've read news pertaining to the terrorist suicide bombings and shootings in Paris, France which has killed over 127 people and injured countless others. The perpetrators were "soldiers" of ISIS. My heart breaks for the City of Paris and for the nation of France. I pray that they would eventually come to grips with what has happened, heal and recover from it, and turn to God for both their healing and for justice to be done in accordance with His Word.
Also, the other reason for the "Best of Times/Worst of Times" title is because on a personal level, I have been going through some hardships of my own. After 10 years of marriage, my wife and I are getting a divorce. I will not mention on this public channel why but I am divorcing her and not the other way around. The Bible permits and allows divorce and ajudicates it as not sinful under two and only two circumstances:
1) The spouse was unfaithful.
2) The spouse has fallen away from her faith.
I'm sure you can probably guess what my situation is then. This truly has been the worst of times for me lately, not to mention the hardship and heartbreaking pain this has caused to my two little girls, my mother, and the rest of my family and friends. But in a way, this is a blessing because I will not have to remain in a loveless marriage anymore. I will not have to fall victim to anymore lies and deceit. In addition, I have been blessed with the love and support of so many friends as well as family members. I might be lonely at times, but I certainly know that I am not alone. I have my God and I have all of my loved ones and for that reason, it's also the Best of Times as well.
I believe the Lord gives us bad days (bad times or bad periods in our lives) so that we can appreciate the good ones. Everything He gives us is for a reason. We may not always understand His reasoning (nor His timing or context) but we are called to accept, trust, and obey Him. I'm planning to do just that for the remainder of my life. Life is just so much easier and rewarding that way. Praise be to God in the Highest! God bless you.
February 27, 2015 6:25AM--The Myth of Hating the Sin and Not the Sinner (Jessa Duggar's comments)
The other day, I came across an article where they interviewed Jessa Duggar (one of the Duggar kids who had recently gotten married). You probably recognize the name from their reality TV show aptly titled "19 Kids and Counting". With much conviction and determination, she proclaimed to the world that we need to all turn away from our sin (repent) and seek the Lord Jesus Christ for His Grace and Mercy. Some people lambasted her. Others defended her. One such person who came to her defense stated that God's love is all-consuming and there for us if only we surrender to Him. He also stated that God doesn't hate the sinner, just the sin. I agree with everything he said except for one thing. Nowhere in the Bible does it say what he said. It never says "God hates the sin, not the sinner". Wanna know why? Because God DOES hate the sinner. He hates anything and anyone that has to do with sin. He has to. That's the judgment and wrath side to God. Everyone is so bent on the "God is love" aspect that they've boxed Him into their convenient little mold...their wonderful little model. God has multiple sides and yes, as far as anything to do with sin, He hates it including the sinner. Ah but wait, you ask. Then what are we to do? This is precisely why He sent His Son to drink fully from His Cup of Wrath. Jesus propitiated all of our sins (past, present and future) onto His own shoulders so that we could have eternal life. Why on earth would He do that? Now you can insert the "God is love" part here. You see, it's dangerous theology to think that "God loves the sinner but only hates the sin". This is what's being taught even in evangelical churches today and it's not scriptural. Having said all of this, I implore whoever is reading this to carefully think about their own soul and salvation. Where will you go the second after you die? Heaven or hell because contrary to popular belief, those are and will be, the only two choices. We will all live forever...the question is where. And before you're so quick to jump on the "I'm a good person" bandwagon, please go to www.NeedGod.com, and take the test. Like my Sister-in-Christ Jessa Duggar, I don't want to see ANYONE go to hell. It's a horrendously awful place. Let your heart lead you to Christ. Let Him love you and by all means, love Him back. That's what I ask and thank you for hearing me out. God bless you all.
September 3, 2014--12:38 AM--Dealing with Loss (Finding a New "Normal")
The kids are all back to school now (including mine) and things are pretty much returning back to "normal" (whatever that means). One thing that's really affected me is that someone I work with and consider a friend has had a devastating past month. In just a little over a month's time, she lost her mother to cancer, she lost her mother-in-law, and recently got tragic news of the passing away of her brother. Honestly, I'm not sure how she's keeping it all together. I'm pretty sure I couldn't be that strong of a rock. We have a tendency to take the people in our lives for granted. Our loved ones (especially family members) we think, will last forever. In our minds, they'll just simply always be there (for us and with us). But we know that's the furthest thing from the truth.
Our time here on this big blue planet is fleeting and finite. I sometimes feel really badly for atheists. For them, this is it. Their one and only chance at it (at life) and after it's all over, the big dirt nap. No heaven, no hell, no judgment and no repercussions for the life that we lived. Just closing your eyes and then darkness forever. Here's the problem with that. That scenario completely goes against the Bible and Scripture tells us that we WILL experience an afterlife. So who do I believe? The Word of God or a bunch of doubters, skeptics and blasphemers? I'll take my chances with the Bible (thank you very much). So for those who love God and have received salvation through Jesus Christ, that means an afterlife filled with joy, abundance, reward, and no more pain, and no more tears. It means spending eternity with God in all His glory. However, for those who doubt, distrust, or never accepted Jesus, they too will receive an afterlife, but it will be the harshest kind imaginable. They will be thrown into the Lake of Fire for all eternity to be tormented in pain and anguish. Most pastors these days refuse to preach on this topic for fear of "alienating" their membership and for fear that they'll be perceived as "fire and brimstone" preachers. But pastors who don't preach this as part of their Gospel message are doing a HUGE injustice to their congregation and potentially setting people up for eternal damnation. And for leading people astray through this sin of OMISSION (not CO-mission), these very pastors will have to answer for what they are doing. And rest assured, God will mete out heavy justice to those who teach the Word of God much more harshly than to those who don't.
But I digress. Back to my friend. After three successive losses in her family, how does one deal? What do you say to someone that's experiencing this type of pain and loss? How can one prepare or at least "brace themselves" for a situation like this in their own future? There are many questions and they seem to get more plentiful daily. But there are answers; true answers if you know where to look. God's Holy Word, the Bible, is a roadmap on how to navigate these turbulent waters. Will it make the pain go away? No, not really. Will it change the way you look at and perceive of the loss? Maybe. Will it reassure you of God's love and mercy while comforting you? It should. But here again, what do you say to someone like this? Well, the simple answer is, not much. At this point, the less you say the better. Instead offer your support, love and assistance. This is what loving them like Jesus looks like. Reaching out to the hurting and offering a hand to help and a shoulder to lean on and cry on. This is what God made you for, to be an instrument...a vessel for his love to pour through.
So when I go to work tomorrow, what will I say? How will I act? All I know is that I will offer my support and assistance and give my friend a hug. Impropriety be damned. Remember, we are the Body of Christ. Let us love as He did...especially during times of great difficulty. God bless you.
April 01, 2014--11:17 PM--No Fools Here
Now that springtime is upon us, I am filled with dread. Oh, don't get me wrong...I love springtime! I love the thought of baseball and spring training. I love sunnier days, Daylight Savings Time, and so many other things too. But I don't love the allergy season. For me, it's not ragweed or grass. It's tree pollen. Itchy burning eyes, uncontrollable sneezing, constricting sore throat and general misery are the order of the day for me. And I suppose it runs in the family because just the other day, the allergens triggered and exacerbated my daughter Christall's asthma. You see, her asthma pretty much lays dormant most of the year. She's an active kid and loves to run around at school. She plays tennis, she swims, and she likes to go for walks with our dog Max. She never has a problem; well, except when it's early springtime (like now). That's when the asthma rears its ugly head.
I'm not telling you all of my family maladies for sympathy. Rather, I find myself praising the Lord that we have the wonders of medicine and science today (made possible by God) to treat these ailments. I see God's handiwork in everything, I suppose. Besides, I've heard that many children outgrow their asthma in their adulthood so there's some room for optimism in my daughter's case.
We need to not take our health for granted. Each day, God gives us another day at precious life. Each day however should be lived with gratitude and humility. Our days should be used for devoting to God and for serving others. Since God's mercies are anew each morning, so too should our longing for Him and our eagerness to draw closer to His Word. Everyday, we need to ask ourselves, "How have I made a difference in someone else's life today?" and even more importantly, "Have I made God happy and proud of me today?" These questions are not easy ones to answer all the time. They are stark reminders of how much we need to change and how much we need the Holy Spirit to turn us into new creations in Christ.
As for Springtime, allergies or not...I still love it and I'm still grateful to the Lord for this reprieve from winterland.
May God bless you and yours~~
January 01, 2014--1:04 PM--A New Year of Hope
I would first like to wish you a very Happy New Year! I always get excited for New Year. To me, even as a kid, it felt like a fresh start. Actually, when I was a kid, it was great because it meant my birthday was just around the corner and I'd get to be another year older. Being another year older to me meant that I would automatically be that much more wiser and that much more able to do "grown-up" things; things like driving and voting and going off to college. As a middle-aged man, I don't think that way anymore, nor do I believe that older means wiser. I know lots of really foolish older people and really wise younger people. But New Year is a chance to forget about the negativity of the year previous and look forward to the hope that God will bless us with the new one.
I have been so blessed in these past several years. I have been blessed with a wife who is tireless in her support and love for me. Someone asked me once why I love my wife and I replied "Electric toothbrush". They looked at me with a quizzical look. I told them that I use one of those fancy electric toothbrushes but that once a week or so it needs recharging. I'm so lazy that I forget to charge it and I'm left often times looking quite foolish using an electric toothbrush manually like an old fashioned one. But before I can blink, my lovely bride has already charged it in its charger and given me a freshly charged toothbrush. Now, normally most people wouldn't consider that a big deal but I do. Because it's in those little things, the little details when we show how much we truly love the other person. I also see (and yes I eavesdrop) sometimes hear my wife praying for me. I have someone in my life who actually prays for me not just weekly or even daily but multiple times a day. Other than my own mother, who else would do that for me? Only my wife, praise God!
I've been blessed with two beautiful but more importantly godly little girls. I know everyone dotes on their own kids but when my oldest daughter was born, I could see in those newborn eyes something special in her. It almost seemed like when she stared at you, she stared right through you. When she would stare off, it was almost as if she could see God. There was something sublime and unique about her and there still is. She is turning out to be such an amazing lover of Jesus and reads her Bible every night. And even though she excels in school and is at the top of her class in 1st grade, I care less about that than I do that she loves the Lord! I'm most proud of her for that and that she not only loves God but she loves others. And when I say others, I mean everyone! She smiles and says hello to everyone she meets. If there's someone at school that's down, she's the first to put her arm around them and invite them to prayer. And taking nothing away from my youngest, she is also at the ripe old age of 5, a champion for the Lord. She asks for her bible stories to be read to her and is the first to offer to say grace at the dinner table. She has the softest heart of anyone in the family and you can see the tenderness when she interacts not only with other children and grownups but also with our puppy at home. She is gentle and at times, I can see the majesty of God in her. I am blessed.
I have a beautiful mother who God has blessed with good health as she rapidly approaches 70 years of age. Many of her contemporaries have to take multiple medications daily and/or have had multiple diseases and ailments. My mother is healthier than most women half her age. That's a blessing. And even more of a blessing is how she is the glue of this family. Her love is unconditional. In the house, although the most senior person, she acts and serves as the lowliest servant for her family and in service to the Lord. She is faithful in prayer and is easily our family's prayer warrior. I'm proud of having a godly mother. With the loss of my father last year, she has drawn even closer to her faith and I want to do everything in my power to foster that and encourage her to lean on Christ. That's the greatest gift I could give my wonderful and loving mother.
Our ministry at Cornerstone has also been a huge blessing. We're a very small church but I feel that the Holy Spirit is telling me we are poised for growth. And if God tells me that, then who am I to doubt Him? It is my job, however, to eliminate barriers that might prevent people from finding us, remembering us, and visiting us. And in a town that is filled with non-denominational churches of various Protestant flavorings, my prayer to the Father is to show me a way that we can standout so that people will identify us. That's how a church grows...organically.
We have a new Deacon Board that is leading this church now. In many ways, it feels like it's starting over...almost like a church "re-plant". And all I know is that my job (both my vocation and avocation) is to lead my flock closer to the Lord and closer to His Holy Word. If I'm not doing that, if I'm not discipling, teaching, counseling, and serving, than I'm not doing my job. And I'm not happy unless I'm pursuing and carrying out my calling.
And so here we are at the very beginning of 2014 anno domini (the year of our Lord). What will this year bring? Will it bring trials and tribulations or will it bring prosperity, blessing, and rejoicing? I'm not sure. But what I am sure of is that no matter what, God will be there right beside us going through it with us; good and bad. Our God is a loving God and He alone is worthy to be praised!
So Happy New Year and may your year be hope and joy filled and may the Lord our God bless you and your family.
December 28, 2013--1:51 AM--Reflections on Christmas and New Year (2013 to 2014 transition)
I am so happy to say that our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service was very well attended. We had 27 people attend (which is actually quite good for us) and we had a delicious meal afterwards.
We're also really looking forward to this Sunday's New Year's service at 10:45 AM. We'll be reflecting on the year we've had and talking about our goals for the new one (all while praising the Lord). We hope you can join us.
Okay, so with that said, I just wanted to say how proud I am of the leaders of our church. As most of you know, I report to the Deacon Board. They are actually the de facto church leaders and yes, they are my bosses. We have two new Board Members (Deacons) as of this month. They are Brother Jerry McLallen and Brother Namarr Newson. Both of them have expressed interest in fulfilling at minimum 2-year term. I am very proud of our deacons and deaconesses (Marjean Gannon & LaVerne Tuggle) for how far they've come in spiritual maturity, how much they do in terms of service to the Lord for Cornerstone, and how they have emphasized servant-leadership (most of all). If you know them, please give them an attaboy/attagirl. They need to be recognized for the ton of work they do for the church and for others.
I also wanted to thank Sister Mollie McLallen who is our Children's Ministry Leader. Every Sunday (week in and week out) she is ready and prepared with lesson plans, fun songs, interesting arts and crafts projects, and a caring and compassionate attitude. She is truly a wonderful servant of God and we are so blessed to have her. In 2014, we look forward to growing our children's ministry especially. Hopefully more children will mean more grown-ups who wish to share in the worship experience with us and join our family.
Lastly, I know that I'm forgetting people. Please accept my apologies in advance. There are people like my mother and my wife who tirelessly work behind the scenes to make Cornerstone an amazing offering and ministry to the Lord. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
2014 will be a wonderful and blessed year, not because of us but because of what God can and will do. We serve a risen King. We serve a loving and faithful God! Thank you all and let's join hands in welcoming 2014 together! God bless you.
October 21, 2013--6:00 AM--Christmas in September? Retail Stores Really Pushing Christmas Too Early...
I was in the store the other day...I can't remember if it was Target or Walmart but it was a retail store like that. I noticed to my dismay that even before Halloween, the Christmas stuff was already out on display. I asked one of the clerks about that and she said, "Oh, the Christmas stuff has actually been out since last month...since September!" Needless to say, I was really disappointed to hear that. Because to me, that represents the greed and sheer selfishness and revenue-driven mentality of retail businesses; especially the Big Box stores.
I think it's sad that in this day and age, we can't really enjoy true holidays like Thanksgiving because of the hype (imaginary or otherwise) that's being built up by the commercial retail machine. And while I don't condone what Halloween stands for, I do allow my little girls to go out dressed as princesses, etc. to get candy on Trick or Treat Night. But it seems like these days, all of these holidays are under the shadow of Christmas.
Now, don't get me wrong. Christmas is one of the greatest holidays (if not THE greatest). It is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. What could be better than that? But to the rest of the world, that's not what it really represents to them. To the world (to most people), Christmas is about buying presents and crossing people off the list. It's about going into debt making purchases you shouldn't be. It's about the stress of long lines, shipping deadlines on websites, and overcrowded parking lots. It's basically everything that Christmas is not supposed to be and absolutely none of what Christmas should be: celebrating the birth of our Messiah Christ Jesus. We have taken the Christ out of Christmas. And now it's time we put it back into that word.
This holiday season, I'd like for you to make a vow with me. I'd like you all to vow that you will honor Thanksgiving and give sincere thanks for all the blessings in your life. Really celebrate and commemorate it! And then, once that's done, then and only then should be think about Christmas. The Advent season is a wonderful time but it shouldn't overshadow Thanksgiving and it certainly shouldn't be swayed by what retail stores are doing. Wake up and know that you will not be manipulated like this! It's time to put Christ back in Christmas, people. Won't you do that for Jesus?
July 20, 2013--01:18 AM--A Nation Divided
This past week has been one where people have been fixated to their TVs and computers. All eyes have been on the George Zimmerman case where he was accused of murdering teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, FL. For the past year this case has riveted the nation for many reasons. First, it's the very first major case which involves Florida's "Stand Your Ground" Law that allows additional liberties to citizens when they feel imminent danger. Secondly, because this was a peculiar case of race but one in which the defendant (Mr. Zimmerman) is actually biracial although he identifies himself as Caucasian/white. Lastly, the case involved a young man, a minor, being gunned down by an adult. For all of these reasons and many more, it held our country's attention.
I will not go into analysis or assessment about this case except to say that I am deeply disappointed. According to polls conducted post-case, I'm not the only one who feels that way. But despite what my opinion is or what polls say, the truth of the matter is that nobody is the winner in this case. In fact, everyone loses. A 17 year old young man is taken way before his time and leaves behind a grieving family. A 29 year old, while "free" and found "not guilty", is really not free and really not innocent in the eyes of the majority of the country. In fact, that 29 year old will have to forever watch his back and look over his shoulder for fear of his life and reprisal. His family as well has already had to endure great hardships. We need not even go into the tremendous hardships that the Martin family has had to bear.
I apologize because it seems like I write the great many entries after some tragic event in our nation. But I don't mean it that way. Yes, I promise to write much more frequently (if I can). The bottom line here though is that this case has left our nation even more divided; even more polarized than ever before. Laws won't solve these problems of race. Love (and ONLY love) will. We're all humans. We all have children (or will have children someday) and we want what's best for them. We want to have affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, good schools, clean air, etc. We are all made of the element carbon, we have muscle and skin, and bone and 5.5 liters of blood each. We are part of the human race. When I pray, I don't pray for a million dollars and a yacht. I pray for people to love one another and accept one another as brother and sister, regardless of race, creed, nationality or skin color. Maybe we should all pray that way. I guarantee if we did, this world would be a much better place.
Jesus, if He taught us anything, was to love your neighbor as yourself. Who is your neighbor? Everyone. He didn't mean your exact next-door neighbor. He meant to love all people and count them as brethren, for they are. The late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King understood this. In fact, he lived a life of serving Christ this way...to boldly declare that all man are created equal before their God. For that, Dr. King has my utmost and eternal respect. What kind of a nation have we become? Aren't we supposed to get better as new generations are born? Why does it feel like we have gone backwards in race relations. There are a great many people I know in Redding who feel that racism no longer exists. Because of this court case, we know that is simply not true. I'd like to tell these people who believe racism is dead to kindly pull their head out of their sand. (That's actually not what I really wanted them to pull out) but this is a family show. I'm sure you know what I mean.
So with that said, and as cliche as it can be, let us move forward and each one of us try to treat one another without regard to our skin color or nationality. Maybe Rodney King wasn't that far off base when he so shakingly asked, "Can't we all just get along?" God bless you all and thank you for listening to this insomniac.
June 11, 2013--11:49 PM--The End of One Thing is the Beginning of Another
A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of witnessing my youngest daughter Norah "graduate" from Pre-K. Not there is probably anything grueling academically about Pre-K but in Norah's own little world, it was probably a very taxing and long school year. I was proud of her as I was also proud of her older sister Christall who completed 1st grade and is now moving onto 2nd grade. And while the kids were excited and psyched about summer vacation, still there was twinge of sadness I felt. There is always a beginning and an end. Whether it is a school year, an NFL football season, a marriage or even a life. Today, one of our former members of Cornerstone passed away from complications from cancer. She was a stalwart and faithful disciple in the Lord and when I visited her last week, she boldly stated that she was ready. I believed her. Confidence and assurance like that can come only from true and undying faith. I know exactly where she is right now and that's in the ever loving arms of our God the Father.
As humans, we are programmed to feel sadness when we experience loss or the terminal point of something. But we know that through faith in Christ Jesus, all things on this earth are temporary and fleeting while all things from His Kingdom are eternal and lasting. Still, I've learned some things and I'd like to share them with you.
1. Treasure the Time You Have with Love
We have one shot at this life. This is a cosmic pitstop, a dress rehearsal for the grand finale. The thing is, the grand finale (if we've accepted Christ and believe) is one that never ends because it has us in heaven where we will bask in God's glory forever. But here on earth life is short. Genesis 3:19 says, "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." And because of the temporary and finite nature of our lives here in this world, we need to spend it loving on people. Now, when I say this, most people assume I'm speaking about their family or friends when in fact, the Bible teaches us something very different.
Matthew 4:43-48 says, "You have that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what rewards will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, there, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
2. Remember to Keep Focuses on Heavenly Things
It's really easy to get caught up with "keeping up with the Joneses" and wanting to lead a certain lifestyle. Ultimately though, all of it will fall to moths and thieves for we don't get to "take it with us". Therefore, we need to keep our eyes on the prize of heaven. This means maintaining God's commandments, sharing the Gospel with others, and growing as new creations in Christ everyday. We are in this world but not of it. Glorious things await us but as we're getting through this life, we must remember who our master is. Matthew 6:24 tells us, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
3. Stay True to Correct/Orthodox Doctrine
Jesus told us that there would come a time where wolves would disguise as sheep. Matthew 7:15 says, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." We should always be praying for wisdom and spiritual discernment. If you are consistently being swept away by the Prosperity Gospel preacher of the month or any number of these humanism and/or universalism-related doctrinal standpoints, that's a red flag. A lack of spiritual discernment typically means that a) the person is not spending enough time in earnest prayer. It could also mean that the person is not truly a born-again Christian. Many churches in North America are looking for increases in numbers (sort of like how many customers were served at McDonalds world-wide). Many pastors today feel the numbers "speak for themselves" and that's not necessary. Basically, we need to stay true to Scripture but also to the essential tenants of orthodox Christian theology.
4. We Must Count Our Blessings
We are blessed everyday (probably every hour and minute for that matter). But we tend to be so mired in loss and grief at the end of things, we lose sight of the big picture sometimes. But again, we must set our sights on heavenly things and on Christ Jesus the Lord.
I think we're blessed to have a beginning and end to all things. Let's remember that the next time we wake up forlorn and sad, there is someone who promised us forever. Let us give thanks and praise Jesus Christ for all things temporary in nature.
March 26, 2013--7:11 AM--Easter is Upon Us! We Serve a Risen King!!!
Well, I think I need to apologize for not writing any entries for so long. It has been a very challenging past few months to say the least. But despite bumps in the road both personally and professionally, one of the biggest blessings in my life continues to be my ministry at Cornerstone. I believe I've mentioned this before but we are not just merely a non-denominational Christian/Protestant church in Redding. We're a family. We delight in worshiping and serving the Lord together and we pray for one another without ceasing. And I truly believe it is because of those prayers that I am so blessed. So first and foremost, thank you to all of you who have been praying for my family (myself, my wife Jiwon, our daughters, my mom, my brother Chris, etc.)
As we go through this Holy Week (Palm Sunday/Passover/Good Friday/Easter), let us be reminded that Jesus was very well "in the know" of what He would have to endure during His Passion. Let us also be reminded that God chose to do this freely of His own accord. He sent His only begotten Son to die for us and be raised from the dead and He did this to win and buy our freedom. Freedom from what? Freedom from our eventual demise (both physical and spiritual) and a trip to the Lake of Fire. Romans 3:23 tells us "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" and Romans 6:23 says "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord".
While on this earth, Jesus was the physical manifestation of a God that is invisible to us. But just because He's invisible to us does not mean that He doesn't exist. He exists and believe me, He makes His presence known. But Jesus was sent for one reason: to be our substitute in death. Jesus drank from the Cup of Wrath (God's wrath) and took on substitutionary atonement for us. He who knew no sin became sin through propitiation. And all of God's anger landed on Him for OUR sins. And when it was over and He gave up His life on the cross at the end, Jesus said "It is finished". And with that, we were freed from the bondage of sin and being in the clutches and chains of the enemy.
Let us rejoice this week! Easter is upon us and let us give thanks for being new creations in Christ.
Blessed be His Holy Name!!!
December 24, 2012--8:08 AM--We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Well, I am very pleased to announce that we had a spectacular Christmas Sunday yesterday. We started off with our regular morning service which was great but we also had our Annual Christmas Candlelight Service. Normally we have it on Christmas Eve but due to schedule conflicts, we chose to do it on Christmas Sunday instead. We started off with a free Christmas dinner open to all and boy was it well attended. After the delicious meal we shared together, we all went into the candlelit sanctuary for our candlelight service. The candles were already lit and everyone received one. It was a service filled with powerful preaching, great music both from the worship team and from folks performing specials, and you could feel the Holy Spirit's presence in its fullness. Praise the Lord for that!
As a non-denominational Protestant church, we fully honor the real "Reason for the Season" not just here in Redding but worldwide. The gift of having Jesus Christ, our Lord, Messiah, and Savior born this day some 2000+ years ago in a little town called Bethlehem, is our real reason for celebration. Don't get me wrong. Gift giving and other traditions are a nice part of the season. But the word "Christmas" is a redux of the words "Christ" and "mass" (or religious celebration). We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ because that's the central focus of all things.
So, we at Cornerstone Community Church would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas. We pray that it's one filled with many blessings! Praise the Lord!
December 17, 2012--3:54 PM--In Honor of the Victims of Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting
SHOOTING IN NEWTOWN, CT @ SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY
I feel that it's necessary to say something on my blog about this tragic event. There's no doubt in my mind that the nation felt a mutual and collective sense of pain and anguish upon hearing the news of this event. On December 14, 2012, a lone gunman, 20 year old Adam Lanza, went into Sandy Hook Elementary School killing 20 children, three teachers, the principal, as well as his mother (beforehand) and then ultimately himself. All told, the body count finished at 27.
I don't know what could possess a person to do something like this. If this kid was so despondent, why didn't he just kill himself and be done with it? Why take the lives of 20 innocent children and the teachers/principal who have done nothing wrong? Then to top it all off, instead of facing consequences, Lanza committed suicide. This was a good-old fashioned coward. Now, all that's left are grieving families that will forever be without their 6 or 7 year old. Their child (for some, their only child) who had given them so much joy and love and hope will now be gone for the rest of their lives. The media used words like "unimaginable" and "tragic" but there's nothing unimaginable about this. We can all feel what kind of hurt this must be like. And the fact that this was tragic does not extend to the shooter. I feel no pity for him. But again, I do feel pity for his (and his mother's) family which has now also suffered loss. This was senseless and pointless.
Of course, this will now turn to the gun control debate, I'm sure. And I'm sure I'll have an opinion about this to share in the future. But for now, I'm grieving along with the rest of the nation. I too, have a 6 year old. I don't know what I'd do without my daughter. It would literally be the end of me.
So, let us pray for these poor grieving families who have suffered tremendously this past week. I don't mean just saying we'll pray. I mean let's literally get on our knees and pray to God that He will be merciful and bring peace and comfort (and renewed strength) to their lives. It will be difficult if not nearly impossible for these parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, etc. We owe it to them to pray.
May God have mercy on these families.
August 18, 2012--1:20 PM--Dog Days of Summer
This has been a scorcher of a week in terms of temperatures. It even got up to 111 the other day. I suppose I shouldn't complain about the insanely hot summers here in Redding. After all, the rest of the year is very mild and unlike living on the East Coast, I don't have to dig from under the snow nor slip and fall on ice. In fact, when I used to work at Mercy Medical Center, I would tell out-of-town job applicants that "if they can handle July and August, the rest of the year is wonderful". I forgot to mention the part about the rain-soaked winters.
Anyway, why am I talking about weather. Well, I saw a church sign the other day that said "If you think this is hot, hell is hotter". It was an amusing sign but one that made you stop and think for a minute. Most of us don't want to think about a place like hell. Some people don't even believe there is a hell. Why not? Well, for them it's just easier that way. Then they don't have to do the whole "God thing". That's a big mistake, right there. Lots of people don't want to think about a place that's that horrible where temperatures are torturous and relief is nowhere. More importantly, the most palpable thing you feel in hell is the distinct absence of God there. Hell is complete and total separation from God forever.
If you're someone who has left the church because you've just flat-out been disgusted with how you were treated, understand that I've been there as well. The church is not perfect and was never designed to be. But Jesus is. Jesus is perfect and loving in every possible way. Church is supposed to remind us that God wants us to love one another despite our shortcomings. In other words, we are imperfect believers who worship and love a perfect God. Christians aren't perfect. We're just forgiven.
So, I urge you, if you've been "shopping around" for a church or recently have been thinking about trying church again, come and check out Cornerstone. We are a Protestant church affiliated with the Church of God in Anderson, Indiana but we operate much like a non-denominational church does. Our emphasis and teaching is on the Word of God, not necessarily on specific doctrines or theological views. In other words, we're bible-based, not man-made-theology based.
Please consider this a personal invitation from me to you to join us on Sunday. Any Sunday. We'd love to meet you, get to know you and most of all share God's love with you. Oh...and we've got cool refreshing air conditioning and cold drinks to beat this Redding summer heat. See ya soon!
July 26, 2012--12:56 AM--Aurora, CO Shooting
Last Friday, we received the news about the horrible shooting massacre in Aurora, CO. In a senseless violent act, a gunman walked into a crowded movie theater and killed 12 people and injured 58 others. The nation mourns for these victims and prays for the survivors and of course the victims' families. We, here in Redding, need to pray. Christians pray. The world analyzes, scrutinizes and pours over facts. Christians pray.
We may never truly know why this man did what he did. But the fact of the matter is, he did do what he did. And now, hundreds of people have been affected. Each one of these people that were killed had a family, had relatives, had friends, classmates, co-workers, a church family, and so many others who were connected. When a person is killed, it affects far more than just the immediate family.
And while the justice system may take months or even years for this trial to conclude, the real trial will be before Almighty God. Someday, we will all stand naked in front of God and have to answer for our sins. Someday, we will all have to account for each and every one of our transgressions. The wrath of God comes from the justice of God. However, the love of God always wins. And the love of God is in the form of Jesus Christ, His Son. Jesus was sent here on this earth to have our sins propitiated (transferred upon His shoulders) so that Jesus (not us) would be nailed to the cross. Those sins were forgiven then and there but the important part is that WE must accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We must also repent of our sins and live our lives as Christ would have us live it. Then and only then, will the Holy Spirit enter our hearts and change us from the inside out. We will be new creations in Christ. From then on, it's about discipleship and growing deeper and deeper in love with God and doing the things that make Him happy. Also, it's about taking that joy in your heart because of Jesus and sharing it with others, thereby making disciples of others.
If we've learned anything by this senseless atrocity in Aurora, CO, it's that life is short. Tomorrow is not guaranteed because life is temporary and fleeting and never permanent. The real question is, do you know where you'll go once you've taken your last breath? Have you thought about what will happen to you when you die? If you're not sure, I invite you to join us at church this Sunday. Cornerstone is a Christian church here in Redding, CA that believes in the grace of God through Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. Come and let the joy of knowing and loving Christ be something that becomes a part of your life! We would love to see you here!
Finally, I just wanted to say that we will continue to keep these folks in Colorado in our prayers. There are no answers and probably only more questions. But one thing is certain and that is the love of God. Won't you come and join us to experience that love and give Him praise? We'd love that.
Thank you.
-Pastor Sung
June 6, 2012--7:47 PM--A Plug for Redding Christian School
I hope you all get to enjoy my little video starring my darling daughter Christall (with a cameo appearance by baby sister Norah). I'm truly blessed to be able to send my children to a fine school like Redding Christian School. RCS not only has quality academic instruction but also emphasizes discipleship in Christ Jesus. God bless Redding Christian School and it's faculty and staff!
Friday, April 27, 2012--12:01 AM--Big Plans at Cornerstone
Lots of things have been going on at Cornerstone. There are lots of churches in Redding but for some reason Cornerstone as church and as a congregation really takes its involvement in ministries seriously. That's a good thing. No, scratch that. That's a great thing!
We're poised to do a lot of great things in God's name and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will hopefully be accomplishing these many things. I've told lots of people that I truly feel like Cornerstone Community Church is right on the precipice of something great. I'm not sure what that is but I'm sure God will show me. I believe we're right on the edge of something wonderful and I believe that's growth in numbers and expanding how and where we're doing outreach and evangelizing. You'd be surprised how many people have never heard the Word of God...right here in Redding! They don't know that Christ died for their sins and with that bridged the gap that would have prevented us from going to heaven to be with God the Father. They don't know that there is no greater satisfaction than loving on Jesus and following Him and the rewards and blessings you get from that. I believe it's OUR JOB to share the gospel with people in Redding. That's going to be our focus. Outreach!
In addition to that, we're going to be hosting a number of Christian concerts/special music events over the next several months. Our worship leader Daniel Cameron is graduating from Simpson University on Saturday, April 28th. What a blessing he and his lovely wife Megan have been in sharing their many talents with us at Cornerstone. Both of them are completely "souled-out" for the Lord and are serving with passion. Praise God!
Well, I won't spoil the fun because there's going to be a lot more to report but I won't let the cat out of the bag just yet. Please stay tuned and come back to our website regularly for updates. May God bless you and your families! Blessed be His Holy Name!
Wednesday, March 5, 2012--9:23 PM--Pastor Sung's First Entry
Well, this is my first entry on our new website and new pastor's blog. I gotta tell ya, I am so blessed to be the pastor of what I consider to be the greatest church in Redding. We are by no means the biggest (in fact we're small). We're not the oldest (although we've been around for almost 60 years). But we definitely are the most loving and warmest place you'll find. When you come, my lovely wife Jiwon or I will personally greet you and make sure you're comfortable. And if you're really lucky, our two little girls (Christall and Norah) will greet you at the door with big toothless smiles and chubby cheeks!
But don't take my word for it. Come on down and see for yourself! If you like cozy churches with lots of wonderful genuine people and a pastor that believes in preaching and teaching from the Word, you're going to really like it here. I promise!
God bless you,
Pastor Sung
