It is an injustice to say that Jesus Christ labored in redemption to make me a saint. Jesus Christ labored in redemption to redeem the whole world and to place it perfectly whole and restored before the throne of God. The fact that we can experience redemption illustrates the power of its reality, but that experience is a byproduct and not the goal of redemption. If God were human, how sick and tired He would be of the constant requests we make for our salvation and for our sanctification. We burden His energies from morning till night asking for things for ourselves or for something from which we want to be delivered! When we finally touch the underlying foundation of the reality of the gospel of God, we will never bother Him anymore with little personal complaints. - Oswald Chambers

Punching God

http://placeofdiscipleship.tumblr.com/post/109738568964/gods-just-wrath-and-his-grace

Ready to Date (very rough sketch)

If any brother (or sister) ever asks me how I would know they are ready to date. I would ask them one question: what is the purpose of marriage? If they can answer this single question, I believe they are ready to be made ready for marriage.

Purpose of marriage
 

Testimony of Christ and the church (Ephesians 5, Matthew 19, Genesis to Revelations)

For ministry

Marriage a temporary construct

A covenant and a sacrament

Love one another as brother and sister, as the body

Accountability as brother and sister

Selflessness/Dying to one self – to teach us how to love and rely on God’s love; not for self-fulfillment

Testimony to unbelievers – purest form of preaching the Gospel w/o manipulation (John 13)

Sex as the greatest intimacy and pleasure given to us by God

Having and raising Godly children

Marriage is not eternal, and we are to live for eternal things

Everything else is (relatively) case by case analysis (barring basic assumptions) and can be redeemed  or grown/worked into

Direct CLEAR CUT message from God (rare, I have yet to meet a couple that I believe this happened)

(spiritual) Maturity – responsibility, knowledge (wisdom and truth) of the Word and Gospel (Hebrews 5,6), biblical manhood/womanhood, new believer; role in local ministry; discernment capabilities; seeking first the Kingdom of God, having a Christ-centered life; humility; Godly character; Love and fruits of the Spirit

Understanding of singleness and loneliness; Christ is enough for me

Age and stage of life - Age gap; social awareness and social responsibility (money, taxes, assets, careers, roles in society etc)

Dating history – breakup recently, dated friends of friends, bad relationships

Sin history

Unrepentant sins

Sin temptations – clingyness, idolatry; tendencies; weaknesses; trust issues; shame/guilt

Callings – different directions; future plans; lust

Accountability – from friends/peers; from church/pastoral guidance; counselors; married couples

Parental support and blessing – courtship (extreme case)

Family history – are parents Christian; were they abusive; were they present; did they commit mistakes or have strong and loving presence; closeness with parents; forgave parents

Location – long-distance? Sustainable for marriage? Missions in the nations?

How much prayer and scripture reading they’ve had (and if this can lead to “spiritual sex”)

Boundaries - physical, emotional, spiritual

Personalities

Romance (non-lustful non-idolatrous type)

Physical (and mental) health

Compatibility and interests and chemistry (unnecessary but can make relationships easier)

Dangers of compatibility – Most pastors will admit that compatibility isn’t very important. Tim Keller even went to say that compatibility should only encompass things like “can’t be 40 years a part” or “they must be able to breathe,” and outside of those things are moot. In 2010, my junior year GF small group, our small group leader mentioned that in the ideal Christian world, any two Christians can marry and have a successful God centered marriage. Note the word ideal. We all knew in the small group that given we live in a fallen world and we are flawed people with sinful desires that ideal can never happen, and we scoffed at the idea. But then we stopped and thought. Though we live in a fallen world and are flawed people, because we were saved by grace, we ought to live as we were holy (in order to become holy and righteous). If that is the ideal that Christ would have worked for, then in a way we should try to work for it. At the end of the small group, we all decided if possible, we would want to live that ideal, or at least meditate on that thought when choosing a spouse. This illustrates to how marriage is a ministry founded on self-sacrificing love. Be the chosen people. Be the royal priesthood. Be the holy nation that God intends us to become.

People will change. You will change. That person will change. The very act of marriage is ground shaking enough to change a person. Therefore if you chose to be with someone because they were compatible, then you are on shaky ground.

Compatibility/chemistry at its core is selfishness. It tells us things like pornography are okay because the 2-D women are completely compatible with us, pleasing us, obeying us, gratifying us. We literally/chemically/physiologically and figuratively have the best chemistry with porn. Following down a path of compatibility will lead one to search for the most compatible partner, which then points to the reality that someone “better” will always come along. You can now see how this leads to cheating and adultery and jealousy.

multiply movement p1-s1 takeaways

https://www.multiplymovement.com/Material/203

“Following Jesus is not about diligently keeping a set of rules or conjuring up the moral fortitude to lead good lives. It’s about loving God and enjoying Him.”

I think, of the entire session, this line stood most out to me. Yes, I’ve known about legalism for a long time. Yes I know ministry and prayer and reading scripture are supposed to be done out of joy, but it is so hard to put into practice. Like Francis Chan said at Passion ’15, we need to ask God for focus and self-control.

1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

One of the things talking with K was that he made the point about how love shouldn’t be “convenient.” Following God shouldn’t be “convenient.” Like, do I go to church because it is convenient? For some of us yes, it is because that’s where our friends are. But for him, he would rather go play basketball or the gym or watch a movie or something. But he goes because he loves God and knows going to church is what God wants for him.

I really loved the part where we got to the question If you choose to obey Jesus’s call to follow, what might it cost you? (Avoid being vague. If following Jesus would cost you specific possessions, comforts, or relationships, list them below.) In ways we were able to be honest. Me about my video gaming, and decision to give them up. His for alcohol and winning at basketball, realizing the selfishness behind it. Yes, there is sports ministry and also video game ministry, but there is also just selfishness and pride involved too. For me gaming is time I rather spend on working out, on reading the Word, and fellowshipping with people or proclaiming the Gospel. 671 hours of DOTA is not what I want for my life, and I am asking God to chisel it away. In competitive games (sports or video games), I’ve seen the worst come out in people, including me (for different reasons), and I know that it is not good. Self-control is definitely needed, and to rely on God is definitely needed.

I was glad I was able to share with him several videos, one where Matt Chandler talks about the sexiest love that is unconditional love, and glad he really enjoyed Skit Guys God Chisel video. “I don’t want it [your salvation] to be some sentimental goosh or head knowledge, I want you to work it out in every detail of your life.” Ya. It is still as hard hitting and real as it always is. And how great it is that God is the one holding us up, not the other way around. What I also realized that yes, I have a great collection of sermons and skits and resources, and being able to go to Biblegateway to refer to any verse is useful, but in my daily life I am not going to be able to carry my computer around. Let me really tattoo the Word of God on my heart, and let me be able to sincerely and realistically share it with everyone.

Control. Chisel. Control. Chisel. What do I don't want God to chisel out? What is the cost? Why are people quick to believe without counting the cost, and why do we preach the Gospel w/o mentioning the cost? Luke 24:28-33.

“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.”- C.S. Lewis

Your thoughts are not my thoughts. Your ways are not my ways. Isaiah 55:8.

ZING!

To be honest, this first session went much longer than I anticipated, and it was great. I am glad that I am learning a lot still, despite having heard the series twice alone. K is growing a lot and to hear God is already using him in ways only he is able to for the Kingdom (in areas that I can’t) just makes me want to shout out in joy.

So how do I bring back joy into my prayers and devotions?

One analogy I came up was talking with God is like a chore. Like when someone pops up on gchat saying hi and you don’t really want to talk to him/her, and hoping to not be drawn into a long conversation. Especially when you are watching a good tv show or anime, or stuck in a middle of playing a computer game. But for me, when the girl I like pops up on fb chat or on gchat or texts me, I will drop everything to talk to her. I will even quit in the middle of a DOTA game for her sake. That is the kind of attitude I should have when talking to God (praying) or listening to God (reading scripture). Since I know now the kind of affection I should have for my God, well...its a place to work from.

Christian hedonism. Huh...I finally get what it means.
http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/christian-hedonism

http://adam4d.com/labor-love/ This is what my life should look like.

Why is men underwear so expensive...

The limiting reagent right there.

http://www.walmart.com/search/?ic=16_0&search_constraint=0&search_query=boxers&facet=apparel_category%3AMen

Even at Walmart, 5 for $16. Sigh...

This is why underwear makes great Christmas presents.

If I were in a Brandon Sanderson or Robert Jordan fantasy novel, I will be the character who always "looks thoughtful."

And never say anything.

Does my blogging (to myself) reveal (to myself) that I am grounded in Christ?

hmmm...

I want a puppy Repede

Seriously?

"Hey, I heard you are Christian."

"Yeah."

 "Do you really believe those things?"

"What do you mean by 'those things'?"

"
Do you seriously believe in the things in the Bible? You know, the sun stopping in the sky for a day? Like the Earth will have to stop rotating or stop orbiting or something.

Do you seriously believe in a magical garden with trees that bear fruit that can make you live forever?

Do you seriously believe that a god rained brimstone and turned a city into salt? I know there is the Dead Sea but there are natural explanations for that.

Do you seriously believe that a valley full of skeletons came back to life? Like in a Diablo video game? And then dirt clung to them and became flesh? This isn't Naruto you know.

Do you seriously believe in the plagues on Egypt? Like maybe the day of darkness was an eclipse, but a fog that selectively killed firstborn boys? Seriously?

Do you seriously believe that the Red Sea could be parted? That there are tornadoes made of fire? And ever-burning bushes? Don't you know the 3rd law of thermodynamics?

Do you seriously believe that some kind of magical bread fell from the sky? That some kind of sinkhole ate people that got angry at a god?

Do you seriously believe people can get superhuman strength when their hair isn't cut off? Like do beards help men lift more? Cuz I wish I could grow one.

Do you seriously believe that the Israelites went around committing genocide? Like seriously, why would you want to believe that?

Do you seriously believe in talking snakes? Oh and that talking donkey from Shrek.

Do you seriously believe someone survived 3 days inside a fish without dissolving or drowning?

Do you seriously believe a whole army can be collectively struck blind? Maybe they all got some kind of parasite that ate their corneas

Do you seriously believe in floating hands writing on pieces of stone and on walls?

Do you seriously believe God made the universe? Caused a worldwide flood and invented rainbows as a promise?

And lets not forget about the New Testament, who you all like to quote all the time.

Do you seriously believe in virgin birth? It's probably infidelity, and they were covering it up.

Do you seriously believe water can be turned into wine? The beer companies would start World War 3 over a trick like that.

Do you seriously believe someone can create unlimited food out of bread and fish? Conservation of mass anyone?

Do you seriously believe in demon-possessed people? You know that is just mental disorders right?

Do you seriously believe in angels? Other nations make fun us you know? That 60% of Americans still believe in angels. I mean...come on, halos, wings, harps? Is cupid an angel too?

Do you seriously believe a person survived in a desert for 40 days without food? And then he was tempted by Satan? You know that story sounds like it came straight out of a fable.

Do you seriously believe a god created everything here around us? With all of the evidence pointing otherwise? That he is in control of the weather, of the physical laws, and even our actions?

Do you seriously believe a high and mighty god would want to turn himself into a human and be subjected to pain and humiliation?

Do you seriously believe in a super holy ghost thing that lives in you and whispers to you? It's all in your mind!

Do you seriously believe in hell?

Do you seriously believe in the Resurrection?

Do you seriously believe these things"

"Uh...well yeah. I do."

"Seriously! You know this is why us rational, logical, scientific people think you are all looney."

Whoa! I wanna do foot washing at my wedding! Point to how the man is like Christ, who comes as a servant to serve the Church.

VIA Survey of Character Strengths 1/4/15

http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/testcenter.aspx

VIA Survey of Character Strengths

1/4/15

Your Top Strength

Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith -

You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.

Why this is first is an obvious no brainer. Over the years I have been working hard to try to shape my life to being a disciple of Christ, really giving my life to Christ. I am definitely not there yet. A lot of times I do things out of obedience, not out of faith. I still attempt to pursue a works based faith. But I have come a long way in trust in the Lord, delighting in His promises and worshiping the glory of God.

I guess working hard isn't really the right answer. God is hard at work making a masterpiece out of me. I am just grateful to have found my rock of ages.

Your Second Strength

Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness -

Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.

Why this jumped to number 2 is probably due to my research capabilities, both in theology and in science. I definitely look at both sides more, instead of jumping to conclusions, especially about scripture. I guess this is the maturity of my mind.

Strength #3

Kindness and generosity -

You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.

 This used to be my number 2, but I am glad it is still high. Kindness is a fruit of the spirit, and I hope to continue to cultivate this the rest of my life, especially in my future marriage should I get married. They say, kindness is more important than honesty in a marriage, and is a reflection of love.

Generosity I feel is slightly different than kindness, something that is more of obedience than of nature. As Christians we are called to give. Give to the poor. Give to our brothers and sisters. Give to our neighbors. I hope I can continue to cultivate this as well.

Strength #4

Love of learning -

You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.

This probably also arose from pursuing an highly academic career path. This really jumped up (from #14).

Strength #5

Leadership -

You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a good job organizing activities and seeing that they happen.

Welp. I think I would make a good leader, but I don't think it is part of my calling.

Strength #6

Caution, prudence, and discretion -

You are a careful person, and your choices are consistently prudent ones. You do not say or do things that you might later regret.

My "hand cupping my mouth" thinking face. Hmmm.

Strength #7

Fairness, equity, and justice -

Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.

I think why this strength is rated so high is a flaw in how the are questions presented by the test. And it follows my beliefs in Christianity about showing no favoritism. I have made it my personal agenda to look at people's souls, not at their successes, not at their talents, not at their fashion sense, not at their physical beauty, and working extremely hard in getting the Body of Christ to believe the same. See people as God sees them right? Jesus said our bodies are more than the clothes we wear right? 

Strength #8

Modesty and humility -

You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for themselves. You do not regard yourself as special, and others recognize and value your modesty.

Anything I write here would undermine this strength. Lol.

Strength #9

Citizenship, teamwork, and loyalty -

You excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate, you always do your share, and you work hard for the success of your group.

Personally I have always thought one of my strongest traits that I embody is loyalty, especially loyalty to my friends and beliefs. Wow this used to be 2nd back in college.

Strength #10

Bravery and valor -

You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.

 I have never thought of myself as either brave or having valor. Maybe its just this day and age bravery and valor are not actually needed in life, at least on a daily basis. Maybe this harkens to the one time where I was able to take control of a dangerous situation.

Strength #11

Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness -

You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a "real" person.

 As mentioned above, I feel like kindness is much more important than honesty. Honestly, I don't think I am very honest with people at all. I hide so many secrets and stifle my personal opinions for the well-being of the group. This especially applies with doctrine, where I routinely "shut my mouth" in hopes that I don't seem condemning or judgmental when I hanging out with Christians in non-religious environments. I really don't know if this is right or wrong, but I do hope truth and love prevail.

Strength #12

Perspective wisdom -

Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you. They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to others and to yourself.

 Welp. Must be humble. Still have lots of room to grow and mature. Wisdom does come with age. Every year I will look back and be like "wow...I was so immature last year".

Strength #13

Capacity to love and be loved -

You value close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.

I am worried about this one. Though half the questions regarding this strength was focused on people loving me, which I guess I have enough, so this is a flaw to the test. But I wish this was higher. My belief is in a reality of love. Love as the highest authority and deepest good, which stems from God who is Love. But I am not that loving. I wish I was more selfless and less self-centered. My complaints are a good evidence of this. I need to learn how to love more. For any Christian, this one should actually be first over faith, because our faith is based on Love w/ a capital L.

Strength #14

Industry, diligence, and perseverance -

You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you "get it out the door" in timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction in completing tasks.

Eh...I think I am more lazy than not, though there was hard work involved to get to where I am now, no doubt about that. I still think this is too high on the list.

Strength #15

Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness -

You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.

Hope. I think I am just neutral on this. Hope in the things above I guess. Hope that I can show the world that God is good and it is about Him.

Strength #16

Gratitude -

You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.

I think this is too high. I am terrible at showing gratitude to people. I am well known to take people for granted. I need to work on this. I don't know how to give gifts. I don't know how to hug people. I need to smile more, even though my smile is similar to the Beast's in Beauty and the Beast with my underbite. I need to say Thank You more often. And initiate in group settings. People are more afraid of me than I should be of them.

Strength #17

Creativity, ingenuity, and originality -

Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.

Have I made something of beauty last year? Does my failed korean sponge cake count? I am not talented in the arts. This moved up.

Strength #18

Humor and playfulness -

You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You try to see the light side of all situations.

Girls always say that humor is the most attractive thing in a guy. Everyone tells me I am too serious, and when I try to poke fun at someone, especially a girl, they misunderstand me. Why so serious? People either take me too seriously or not serious enough, and I can't seem to find a good balance. I really don't know how to make people laugh. I am terrible at making people laugh at my own expense, and I wonder if its because I unconsciously care about my image. I don't think so but maybe I should do some introspection. Hopefully I will be able to make my wife and children laugh. Laughter is one of the best medicines, meta-physically proven.

Strength #19

Social intelligence -

You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit in to different social situations, and you know what to do to put others at ease.

This is a toss-up. I am aware of details and moods, but I usually don't know what to do after I feel out the situation. I also describe moods and feelings in an analytical way, as if I was describing a histology slice or something. I don't think this is a healthy way of viewing people, treating them as data or list of traits on a piece of paper. I want to look at a person and instinctively see their essence. It would seem

Strength #20

Appreciation of beauty and excellence -

You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.

 I feel like I do appreciate beauty. Beauty in people, but not just their looks. Inner beauty. Total beauty. I am also a sucker for beauty in the natural world. Always have been. Always will. I wish I had more motivation to just go to a park, sit there and absorb the beauty that is creation around me that points to a marvelous Creator. I am just not very interest in human art I guess. I'm not very savvy with music. I am a poor appreciator of human art, architecture, and dance. I really don't understand abstract art or art that distort natural beauty. I do not have a refined palette, and I seem to have bad tastes for everything. The one thing I do pride myself is a slight understanding of fashion, but unfortunately my body figure and size of purse and my faith restrict my dappling into this art form.

Strength #21

Curiosity and interest in the world -

You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.

Again probably a flaw of this test, but yeah, I am not as curious of this world as other people. Why is this ranked so low while the love for learning is so high? I am kind of curious where the dichotomy is. The terms for discovery and exploration are not well defined.

Strength #22

Self-control and self-regulation -

You self-consciously regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined person. You are in control of your appetites and your emotions, not vice versa.

Eh...I choose "highly disagree" to be able to resist eating cookies in front of me.

Strength #23

Forgiveness and mercy -

You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.

This has always been one of my greatest weaknesses. Bitterness has been my greatest vice, an offshoot of my pride I believe. I have a very hard time forgiving people. Forgiving them for sexually assaulting my friends. Forgiving them for having sex with members of my youth group. Forgiving them for abandoning me in my greatest need. Forgiving them for being selective and cliche-ish. Forgiving them for using God and Christianity as an excuse to not love. And yet Jesus Christ teaches us to forgive. He forgave His captors and torturers on the Cross. The parable of the unforgiving debtor really resounds to me right now. For goodness sake, in the Lord's prayer we are taught to forgive our debtors, our enemies, those who owe us, because God has forgiven me by the grace on the Cross.

I hope to continue to learn how to forgive. This will take a lifetime. But I have grace.

Colossians 3:13 (ESV) bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Strength #24

Zest, enthusiasm, and energy -

Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.

 Ah this. I NEED TO BE MORE EXCITED ABOUT STUFF! NEED TO GO OUT AND DO NEW THINGS! WHY DON'T I HAVE MORE MOTIVATION? NEED MOAR COFFEE! NEED TO RELEASE THE INNER ME! NEED TO BE MYSELF MORE! NEED TO LET MY EMOTIONS OUT! NEED TO HAVE BETTER SLEEPING SCHEDULE! NEED TO EXERCISE SINCE EXERCISE CREATES MORE ENERGY! MORE RED BULL!!!