Rev. Arnel C. Tan
“And when Christ , who is your real life is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” Colossians 3:4 NLT
Christ is your real life sounds a simple statement, look at it again and you will see a spiritual breakthrough. Christ granting new life is wonderful better yet Christ Himself is life! Isn’t that what John says about Christ being the way, the truth and the LIFE? In Him all your existence and mine finds color and meaning. The triumph and tragedies in this life and the glory beyond this life all depends in Christ. Without Christ nothing can stand a moment.
This new life and Christ being the real life is not automatically experience by any person born in earth. There’s got to be a turning point, a defining moment in life that God delivers a spiritual awakening in the depraved heart of man. And from there a spiritual choice is made responding to Christ by faith, bowing to His Lordship. Only then the new life is activated and Christ is personally experience as the source and the sustaining person of life. The other challenge is to make this simple truth “Christ Is your life” sink in to the hearts of those who already have this life.
Knowing Christ and entering into a spiritual relationship with Christ by faith has often been locked into the idea of going to heaven, being saved from the wrath of God. While this is true this is not complete. One can be on his way to glory without enjoying and being empowered by the life of Christ now. It is here that a believer learns to discover that there is more to just being saved from hell. It is here that Christ takes the preeminent role and rule in life. From the daily routine into the refreshing surprises of the day and onto the painful corners of life, Christ is the reason of everything.
The hunger to know Christ and the desire to do things in His strength and for His glory is no longer nebulous. It now clear that Christ is my all in all. He is not only first Christ is the center of life. Yes how wonderful to have a happy marriage and godly children, added to that good health and enough material wealth to enjoy life, and to have a good church and long list of good friends, what more can one ask for? Yet something is different when we view things in the lens of Christ our real life. Everything is simplified to having Christ is enough the rest are bonuses. Take away Christ those long lists of blessings looses its very purpose and essence. In the real sense of it Christ is enough!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
A Prayer for Justice
By: Rev. Arnel C. Tan
“How long, O LORD? How long will the wicked be allowed to gloat? Psalm 94:3 NLT
Either as a victim or observer and who knows a perpetrator, injustice is a perpetual sight in this fallen world. As an observer pray that senses are not overwhelmed by numbness, as a victim pray that we can boldly express our cry to the Just One and as a potential source of injustice tremble when we trust our strength to maintain integrity. How scary not even to think that those who cry for justice today may be the tyrant of tomorrow? Prayer for justice is not only a plea for the victim but a reminder for the observer that without God’s grace we can take the role of the aggressors.
Praying for justice is releasing all our bitterness and frustrations to the throne of grace. Honestly when we choose to clam up even in our private prayers we are adding to the venom of hate that is already consuming us inside. Expressing, pouring it all our anger and bitterness to the Lord is an integral part of this prayer. Here we detoxify ourselves from the hate that we cannot handle. We release it to the Judge who is wise and who has the strong character and thickest skin of all that can absorb all these acids in us. Here we are allowed to question and vent our frustrations towards the denial or delay.
The book of Psalm actually models how God in grace allows His children to really cry to Him minus the polite protocol. As a victim cry to God all your pain, as an observer cry with those who are in pain, and as a potential aggressor cry to God for grace that He may spare us from situations and tendencies to inflict injustice to others. Prayer is a plea for help for the helpless. Frankly praying for justice includes that we may ask God to make us instrument of justice rather than abuse. As we cry or sympathized with those who are crying for justice, we include that God will grant us discernment and grace that we might not be an instrument wherein justice is denied or delayed.
Whether a victim or an observer let us remember what we are made of, we are made of clay that can easily be hardened by greed or that can easily melt in grace. As we draw close the Lord who is the just One we reflect His passion for justice and develop a deep hunger to be instrument of fairness. The prayer of the psalmist is a timely reminder of the many cycles and possibilities of life. Actually the gist of the prayer is that God will not give us in to govern by ourselves. Here God is acknowledged as the Just One His verdict are perfect and our tendency to be judge ourselves is arrested before vengeance control our reason and action. Lord have mercy. Amen.
“How long, O LORD? How long will the wicked be allowed to gloat? Psalm 94:3 NLT
Either as a victim or observer and who knows a perpetrator, injustice is a perpetual sight in this fallen world. As an observer pray that senses are not overwhelmed by numbness, as a victim pray that we can boldly express our cry to the Just One and as a potential source of injustice tremble when we trust our strength to maintain integrity. How scary not even to think that those who cry for justice today may be the tyrant of tomorrow? Prayer for justice is not only a plea for the victim but a reminder for the observer that without God’s grace we can take the role of the aggressors.
Praying for justice is releasing all our bitterness and frustrations to the throne of grace. Honestly when we choose to clam up even in our private prayers we are adding to the venom of hate that is already consuming us inside. Expressing, pouring it all our anger and bitterness to the Lord is an integral part of this prayer. Here we detoxify ourselves from the hate that we cannot handle. We release it to the Judge who is wise and who has the strong character and thickest skin of all that can absorb all these acids in us. Here we are allowed to question and vent our frustrations towards the denial or delay.
The book of Psalm actually models how God in grace allows His children to really cry to Him minus the polite protocol. As a victim cry to God all your pain, as an observer cry with those who are in pain, and as a potential aggressor cry to God for grace that He may spare us from situations and tendencies to inflict injustice to others. Prayer is a plea for help for the helpless. Frankly praying for justice includes that we may ask God to make us instrument of justice rather than abuse. As we cry or sympathized with those who are crying for justice, we include that God will grant us discernment and grace that we might not be an instrument wherein justice is denied or delayed.
Whether a victim or an observer let us remember what we are made of, we are made of clay that can easily be hardened by greed or that can easily melt in grace. As we draw close the Lord who is the just One we reflect His passion for justice and develop a deep hunger to be instrument of fairness. The prayer of the psalmist is a timely reminder of the many cycles and possibilities of life. Actually the gist of the prayer is that God will not give us in to govern by ourselves. Here God is acknowledged as the Just One His verdict are perfect and our tendency to be judge ourselves is arrested before vengeance control our reason and action. Lord have mercy. Amen.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Straight From My Heart
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
Let me express my sincere gratitude for all of you who have faithfully responded to God’s invitation to pray for me and my family. It is the united prayer of the brethren that makes ministry lighter and much more bearable. Your prayers and your generosity have truly refreshed us. Today my wife Sheryl and I are spending our 18th anniversary in the beautiful island of Bohol. Our trip to this place also opens the opportunity to bring the gospel to the First Southern Baptist Church here in Tagbilaran. It is also in the occasion of their church anniversary that I am given the privilege to preach.
While there is an opportunity to minister it is also a timely favor from the Lord that my wife and I enjoy some rest from our ministerial routine. Please remember us in prayer especially in the area of letting our minds be free from worry about the church, the kids and the radio ministry (DXFE). Pray too that God will use this time that we might nourish friendship in our marriage. I must admit that in many ways I have not given the attention that my wife deserves these past years. 18 years went by so fast! We were in our early 20’s when we made a vow to be together as husband and wife. Believe no marriage is spared from the harsh reality of adversities and unending adjustments. May the Lord continue to fill our marriage with His abundant supply of grace.
A pastor that is cared for is a pastor that is prayed for. Embarrassingly I admit though you heard me preach and emphasized the importance of prayer; it is also in this area of prayer that the Lord needs to remind me time and time again. I will be praying for you too as you worship the Lord today. That you may grow deep in Christ and in His grace as you hear God’s word today through Pastor Bobby and Pastor Cezil. Thanks to our deacons who led our prayer meetings. God is truly honored where we find ourselves empty before Him. Before I forget please pray that my boat ride will be smooth and uneventful. Hope to see you all next week in prayer meeting and worship service next Lord’s day.
Let me express my sincere gratitude for all of you who have faithfully responded to God’s invitation to pray for me and my family. It is the united prayer of the brethren that makes ministry lighter and much more bearable. Your prayers and your generosity have truly refreshed us. Today my wife Sheryl and I are spending our 18th anniversary in the beautiful island of Bohol. Our trip to this place also opens the opportunity to bring the gospel to the First Southern Baptist Church here in Tagbilaran. It is also in the occasion of their church anniversary that I am given the privilege to preach.
While there is an opportunity to minister it is also a timely favor from the Lord that my wife and I enjoy some rest from our ministerial routine. Please remember us in prayer especially in the area of letting our minds be free from worry about the church, the kids and the radio ministry (DXFE). Pray too that God will use this time that we might nourish friendship in our marriage. I must admit that in many ways I have not given the attention that my wife deserves these past years. 18 years went by so fast! We were in our early 20’s when we made a vow to be together as husband and wife. Believe no marriage is spared from the harsh reality of adversities and unending adjustments. May the Lord continue to fill our marriage with His abundant supply of grace.
A pastor that is cared for is a pastor that is prayed for. Embarrassingly I admit though you heard me preach and emphasized the importance of prayer; it is also in this area of prayer that the Lord needs to remind me time and time again. I will be praying for you too as you worship the Lord today. That you may grow deep in Christ and in His grace as you hear God’s word today through Pastor Bobby and Pastor Cezil. Thanks to our deacons who led our prayer meetings. God is truly honored where we find ourselves empty before Him. Before I forget please pray that my boat ride will be smooth and uneventful. Hope to see you all next week in prayer meeting and worship service next Lord’s day.
Friday, August 20, 2010
THE BLESSING OF EMPTINESS
By: Rev. Arnel C. Tan
"Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me." Mark 10:21b
Definitely Jesus is not against owning things or having money. Helping the poor requires money too. The issue here is not about possessions of things, it's about being possessed by things or in this case money. Materially abundant while spiritually dead, that's the true condition of this rich young ruler. Actually the honest description of this man should be a rich young greedy ruler. What complicates the matter is not that Jesus is in a dilemma but it is this young man who doesn't even know then later won't repent that he is in a critical crisis spiritually.
The obstacle that blocks his following Christ is the deep grip of greed in his heart. On the outward it is surprising that he could not even come close to be a suspect of being greedy, but the Lord sees the heart. It is here the Lord brings a timely insight of the blessing of being empty so He can fill. In emptiness though one may have much but his heart is not in love affair with riches, emptiness is obvious when one values God and his grace more than any human effort. Spiritual emptiness leads to a deep hunger for God and an authentic admission of one's need of grace and spontaneously the display of grace abounding becomes an irresistible attraction to this graceless world.
Radically Jesus wants this young man to get rid of the greed now! Cut off your ties with these glittering snares that have denied you the blessing of being empty. The result of the spiritual lab test is positive, positively greedy. What's the next step? Jesus wants him to admit and repent to bring the spiritual lab test to the Great Physician who man make the greedy generous! No one can do this except Christ, not the good labor man, projects for humanity and the list goes on. Certainly not the law who according to this young man he has observed since a child, it is Christ and Christ alone who delivers from greed!
There is just one thing that this young man need to see and that is his emptiness inside while having all these material accessories outside. When the Lord transform any one of us He shows us our emptiness, this emptiness is slowly transformed to a realization of our desperate need of God not just of His gifts but God Himself. In this in acknowledging emptiness that God cause humility and grace to abound in the life of the greedy, making him a mysterious testimony of grace. The blessing of being empty is that it leads those who see their emptiness to lift up their cups to Him who can pour grace and create a deep spiritual appetite for God.
By: Rev. Arnel C. Tan
"Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me." Mark 10:21b
Definitely Jesus is not against owning things or having money. Helping the poor requires money too. The issue here is not about possessions of things, it's about being possessed by things or in this case money. Materially abundant while spiritually dead, that's the true condition of this rich young ruler. Actually the honest description of this man should be a rich young greedy ruler. What complicates the matter is not that Jesus is in a dilemma but it is this young man who doesn't even know then later won't repent that he is in a critical crisis spiritually.
The obstacle that blocks his following Christ is the deep grip of greed in his heart. On the outward it is surprising that he could not even come close to be a suspect of being greedy, but the Lord sees the heart. It is here the Lord brings a timely insight of the blessing of being empty so He can fill. In emptiness though one may have much but his heart is not in love affair with riches, emptiness is obvious when one values God and his grace more than any human effort. Spiritual emptiness leads to a deep hunger for God and an authentic admission of one's need of grace and spontaneously the display of grace abounding becomes an irresistible attraction to this graceless world.
Radically Jesus wants this young man to get rid of the greed now! Cut off your ties with these glittering snares that have denied you the blessing of being empty. The result of the spiritual lab test is positive, positively greedy. What's the next step? Jesus wants him to admit and repent to bring the spiritual lab test to the Great Physician who man make the greedy generous! No one can do this except Christ, not the good labor man, projects for humanity and the list goes on. Certainly not the law who according to this young man he has observed since a child, it is Christ and Christ alone who delivers from greed!
There is just one thing that this young man need to see and that is his emptiness inside while having all these material accessories outside. When the Lord transform any one of us He shows us our emptiness, this emptiness is slowly transformed to a realization of our desperate need of God not just of His gifts but God Himself. In this in acknowledging emptiness that God cause humility and grace to abound in the life of the greedy, making him a mysterious testimony of grace. The blessing of being empty is that it leads those who see their emptiness to lift up their cups to Him who can pour grace and create a deep spiritual appetite for God.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Pulpit To Pew
THE PRAYER OF THE TIRED
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
“Then he went alone into the desert, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4 (NLT)
All signs of fatigue and depression are on the red alert for Elijah! It’s a combination of physical and emotional and spiritual breakdown. Listen to his prayer and you will know that something is about to explode. Actually, Elijah’s prayer is a combination of a lot of emotions poured out before the Lord. Is it alright to pray this way? Honestly it’s more than all right I think we too must come to the point in our lives that we can honestly tell God where we are and what we feel! Prayer like these somehow allowed him the necessary breathing holes.
God is so gracious that he did not reprimand His servant from being honest. I have a feeling that we are to transcend our own superficial kind of praying into something like this. God knows how we feel, it’s really about us to humbly admit that things are not fine all the time even in the service of the King! Having expressed his in most feelings to God allowed the prophet to release something heavy in his soul pouring all it’s venoms into the presence of God. I see a whole lot of grace here from God.
God knows his request is foolish and his view is so selfish and yet He lets him. A bitter man cannot listen to reason. As I read the book of Psalms I see a lot of raw prayers expressed before the Lord. More than a therapy there’s a lot of truth that we need to learn from the prayer of Elijah, especially ministers who display all obvious signs of fatigue. Before we explode let’s learn to express. Pray!
God hears prayer and prayers lodged before the throne of grace must not be underestimated, for all you know this is the only way out of your valley of tiredness. Here’s the lesson, God is not unaware of our make up, He is our Maker remember? From adolescent to midlife and menopause down through our sunset God designed it that way. So that hotshot prophet and multi talented ministers might see who they really are! It is in this time fatigue that we really understand the real essence of what we preach. We are really desperately praying! Elijah’s prayer is revealing but pay more attention to whom did he address his prayer. And don’t miss it was in this posture of prayer that he found help and recovery! I think it’s about time that we try praying our tiredness to God Himself and discover that our rest is in God alone! I have a feeling that there are more Elijahs out there that need to pray the prayer of the sick and tired.
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
“Then he went alone into the desert, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4 (NLT)
All signs of fatigue and depression are on the red alert for Elijah! It’s a combination of physical and emotional and spiritual breakdown. Listen to his prayer and you will know that something is about to explode. Actually, Elijah’s prayer is a combination of a lot of emotions poured out before the Lord. Is it alright to pray this way? Honestly it’s more than all right I think we too must come to the point in our lives that we can honestly tell God where we are and what we feel! Prayer like these somehow allowed him the necessary breathing holes.
God is so gracious that he did not reprimand His servant from being honest. I have a feeling that we are to transcend our own superficial kind of praying into something like this. God knows how we feel, it’s really about us to humbly admit that things are not fine all the time even in the service of the King! Having expressed his in most feelings to God allowed the prophet to release something heavy in his soul pouring all it’s venoms into the presence of God. I see a whole lot of grace here from God.
God knows his request is foolish and his view is so selfish and yet He lets him. A bitter man cannot listen to reason. As I read the book of Psalms I see a lot of raw prayers expressed before the Lord. More than a therapy there’s a lot of truth that we need to learn from the prayer of Elijah, especially ministers who display all obvious signs of fatigue. Before we explode let’s learn to express. Pray!
God hears prayer and prayers lodged before the throne of grace must not be underestimated, for all you know this is the only way out of your valley of tiredness. Here’s the lesson, God is not unaware of our make up, He is our Maker remember? From adolescent to midlife and menopause down through our sunset God designed it that way. So that hotshot prophet and multi talented ministers might see who they really are! It is in this time fatigue that we really understand the real essence of what we preach. We are really desperately praying! Elijah’s prayer is revealing but pay more attention to whom did he address his prayer. And don’t miss it was in this posture of prayer that he found help and recovery! I think it’s about time that we try praying our tiredness to God Himself and discover that our rest is in God alone! I have a feeling that there are more Elijahs out there that need to pray the prayer of the sick and tired.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Pulpit To Pew
GEHAZI’S GREED
By:Rev. Arnel C. Tan
“…….As surely as the LORD lives, I will chase after him and get something from him. And so Gehazi set off after him. 2 Kings 5:1b
Though all kinds of greed are the same in substance but they are not the same in presentation. Gehazi’s greed is an uncommon one, it’s hidden or clothed in good intention. Yet the deception of Gehazi’s greed has ruined the very foundation and fiber of his faith and his conviction. A long time loyal servant of the Prophet Elisha ended his ministry being a lepper. While Naaman got rid of the gold, Gehazi took hold of it and along with it the curse of abundance. Gehazi’s greed is a “noble” one like an old testament Robin Hood, greedy for a good purpose?
Let’s dig deeper. As a close friend of Elisha Gehazi is aware of the many struggles within the inner circle of the ministry that perhaps include how they must have lack material resources to keep the work. His greed has overtaken his faith. Gehazi is not only exposed to the realities of needs but also is privileged to see the wonder of God’s provision. His greed led him away from faith to manipulation using the name of Elisha. “The end justifies the means” might be popular saying but sometimes can be a tool for rationalization instead of obedience to God.
Being over concern and over protective to our leader, to our kids or friends is greed. This is not easily notice or quickly addressed because it stands out in false kind of nobility compared to other manifestations of greed. It’s not for me, it’s for the good of my boss and our ministry, no wonder this kind of greed can dare invoke the name of God “as the LORD lives” surely I will go after him says Gehazi. Let us submit ourselves to the scrutiny of the Holy Spirit and in fervent prayer ask God to expose our greed clothed in good intention. When there is over protection, when there is control, when there is lying there is greed! Lord deliver us from greed.
By:Rev. Arnel C. Tan
“…….As surely as the LORD lives, I will chase after him and get something from him. And so Gehazi set off after him. 2 Kings 5:1b
Though all kinds of greed are the same in substance but they are not the same in presentation. Gehazi’s greed is an uncommon one, it’s hidden or clothed in good intention. Yet the deception of Gehazi’s greed has ruined the very foundation and fiber of his faith and his conviction. A long time loyal servant of the Prophet Elisha ended his ministry being a lepper. While Naaman got rid of the gold, Gehazi took hold of it and along with it the curse of abundance. Gehazi’s greed is a “noble” one like an old testament Robin Hood, greedy for a good purpose?
Let’s dig deeper. As a close friend of Elisha Gehazi is aware of the many struggles within the inner circle of the ministry that perhaps include how they must have lack material resources to keep the work. His greed has overtaken his faith. Gehazi is not only exposed to the realities of needs but also is privileged to see the wonder of God’s provision. His greed led him away from faith to manipulation using the name of Elisha. “The end justifies the means” might be popular saying but sometimes can be a tool for rationalization instead of obedience to God.
Being over concern and over protective to our leader, to our kids or friends is greed. This is not easily notice or quickly addressed because it stands out in false kind of nobility compared to other manifestations of greed. It’s not for me, it’s for the good of my boss and our ministry, no wonder this kind of greed can dare invoke the name of God “as the LORD lives” surely I will go after him says Gehazi. Let us submit ourselves to the scrutiny of the Holy Spirit and in fervent prayer ask God to expose our greed clothed in good intention. When there is over protection, when there is control, when there is lying there is greed! Lord deliver us from greed.
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