Christians and Power

As a Christian and most Christians would agree, that everything is about Jesus. If so, then why do Christians get so caught up in a power struggle with the world? When it comes to politics, abortion, LGBTQ rights, and more, we put on this heroic cape that if we change the world, we have won a nation back to God.

But is that necessarily true?

Sure, from an Christian ethical standpoint, there are things my tax dollars go towards that I might not agree with. At the same time however in the Graeco-Roman world, while the early Christians were under the governance of Rome, there was the practice of Emperor worship. Caesar demanded to be seen as a deity/Lord (Kyrios). Would you support Emperor worship? Would you pay taxes in support of this so called deity using your money? Even if did not align with your Christian values? But the thing is this, the early disciples, followers of Jesus for the first 300 years were not concerned about trying to fix the world. The world will always be the world. After all, Jesus says, in Matthew 18:36, “My kingdom is not of this world…” The first believers weren’t about pushing for laws that would dictate action. They weren’t about correcting the brokenness of this earthly kingdom. They simply just tried to live ANOTHER kingdom.

It was by the way they assembled, gathered the Ekklesia. Everything that Jesus taught, modeled, had them practice, sharing life with them and preparing them all for the moment when His physical presence would be gone from the earth, were the things they held onto. The believers literally saw themselves as brothers, sisters, mothers (Matthew 12:49-50). So deep was their koinonia which embodies the English words fellowship, sharing, contribution, partnership was what you find in Acts 2:42-47, where nobody had a need. You have a special gathering unlike any gathering in the Graeco-Roman world, where you have slaves, the poor, the rich, women, sharing all things, a giving people, being the BODY of Jesus, loving their neighbors, and partnering in this gospel life together. In the Graeco-Roman world, it was typical for people of the same status to gather together. This gathering was counter-cultural, became so attractive to the world, that others were dying(literally at times) to be a part of it. That’s what caught people’s attention. That’s why numbers were added daily (Acts 2:47). We have documents of these Christian’s paying for each other’s funerals, caring for their own poor, their sharing/giving nature, and even their common meals together would remind them of Jesus’ breaking of bread, “This is my body, which is given for you…” would remind them that they have are now ONE body, JESUS’ body. The early followers of Jesus simply were so drawn by Jesus, His life, and His kingdom, that they just wanted to tangibly live it out.

It was not until the rule of Constantine (306-337AD), when Christians were made into the official religion of the Roman Empire that Christians began to mix the simplicity of just following Jesus with the world and power. When Christians got a little taste of power, they got caught up in it. Instead of focusing on living Jesus’ kingdom life, we now are fighting the world, as the world fights.

Isn’t it interesting that in God’s kingdom it is never about grabbing a hold of power but instead releasing it? Isn’t it interesting that Jesus Himself kenosis empties Himself, to where He has all the power in the universe but chooses not to abuse His power, but instead becomes a doulos, a slave/servant to all (Philippians 2:6-7) as an example for His followers? Isn’t it even interesting that when Jesus calls His followers to be, “…brother, sister, and mother”, He leaves out father? In the Graeco-Roman world, as the pater familias, whom was the head of the household had the authority, power, and the final say in all things. Jesus was going against a simple power-structure of the world. Jesus Himself replaces the idea of pater familias in the world. This power in normal living was at many times abused, which I won’t go into detailed documents here, but ultimately JESUS becomes the perfect pater familias/Father/Head of His body! Jesus, countering the ways of the Pharisees in Matthew 23:8-11 says, “But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant.” We were never meant to take positions of power, have dominance and to be over others. We are all simply broken people, equals, with different gifts from God, just brothers, sisters, and mothers living out the life Jesus had given us. We reserve titles of power like head, leader, Father, for Jesus.

Even the concept of servant-leader which eventually became a book, that started from one man in 1970 by the name of Robert K. Greenleaf, gained traction. It also picked up for Christians. The problem is this. In the New Testament, Jesus simply just calls us to be a servant, a slave, a doulos. Why do we have to attach to ourselves a position of power (leader) when all the titles of power should be reserved for Jesus? Now don’t get me wrong. I believe fully in the leadership gift like the many other spiritual gifts found in the New Testament. However, there is a difference between the functioning of a gift and title/position because of a gift, which elevates a gift above others. A title/position naturally gives power over others. Whenever you have fallen human beings with power over others, naturally there will be misuse. Jesus is the only one that is perfect, worthy of all the power, to where He would never abuse the power He holds. Followers of Christ should not be so concerned with the worlds way of power. The mother of James and John came to Jesus with a request concerning power. She asks Jesus if her sons could while in the kingdom take a high position next to Jesus, to His left and to His right. Now you have got to see what Jesus says here in Mark 10:42, “And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant diakonos, and whoever would be first among you must be a slave doulos of all.” A comparison of the worlds power and the releasing of power found in His kingdom. God had always intended for Himself to be the one and only king, the one that is to be worshipped, the one that holds all the power, the authority, and having the highest position. It was not intended for imperfect human beings. Even when the Israelites looking towards the worlds ways of power structure in the Old Testament, wanted a king like other nations, look what God says in 1 Samuel 8:4-7,

“Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.”

When looking at the other nations, Israel wanted a king. This was not God’s desire for in fact, God tells Samuel to obey the voice of the PEOPLE, because they had REJECTED GOD as king. God had always wanted for Himself to be the only King. Again, it gives perspective to the world’s power and the way the kingdom functions. Perhaps we may need to rethink our methods in reaching out to the world. Is it through the worlds way of power, or is it simply just being transformed by Jesus and desiring to live the kingdom life – to live as brothers, sisters, and mothers, sharing, serving, loving, becoming a slave doulos, and showing another kingdom that releases power.

Jed

Official Launch 9/2/2018

Hello Friends!

For the last month, as we were testing our launch services just to make sure we had everything that we needed, we realized that we didn’t need much. It’s not about the space, the equipments, the microphones, stands, speakers, and etc. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:4-8 that the people are the church. Wherever the people are, the church is. We are one with various gifts that are meant to be shared/utilized for His kingdom. While it was such a blessing that God provided us with an affordable celebration space, we continue to remember that we really don’t need that much. As long as we function as the church, continue to grow as kingdom family in word, prayer, maturity, depth, and in deed, that is more than enough. Sometimes we can get so caught up in quick results and the grandeur of what church ought to look like through our American cultural lens that we tend to forget that Jesus was quite the opposite. Jesus as a King in all His power and status chose to come without the expectation of being served but to serve. Instead of making a grand entrance on a stallion, Jesus instead rides on a donkey. Instead of subjecting imperfect people in all their sins to death, He instead gave up His own life. Instead of taking the highest seat, He taught us take the lower one. On and on throughout Jesus’ life, you can see such examples of humility/servanthood that are quite the opposite of “grandeur” which demands attention. Instead of our churches striving to look like a Drake concert, which in the worlds eyes, would be considered a success, why not we as Christian’s just simply imitate Jesus where we are. Success is not the grandeur. Success is being Jesus’ body where we are, and in humility, serving one another and others. In Awakening, we just want to follow Jesus the best that we can.

Join us for our newly launched church plant this week on Sunday. We look forward to meeting you and everyone is welcome!

Location: Super Lake Hotel
36-31 Prince St, Flushing, NY 11354
2nd FLR. Breakfast Room
Time: 2:00PM
Date: September 2, 2018

Awakening Church Launch!

Hello Everyone!

As you may or may not know, Awakening has been planning to church plant for about a year already. The goal of this plant is to reach more people with the message of Jesus’ love, to serve the community, local and global, and to live as authentically as we can as the Body of Christ. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, we have now kicked our planting into high gear. God has HIS timing so we trust in Him. Our church may be filled with young adults, the odds of our success may look slim, but we are reminded that God is able to use anyone at any age. God always proves Himself to be faithful. We are the ones that are at times faithless. God reminds us that in:

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

In all things, our faith is in Jesus, and in Him alone. We trust that He will move us in the right path, as long as we set our eyes on Him.

We have been settling into our new space this month, seeing the needs of the church as we adjust, and finally launching to the people of Flushing in September 2nd of 2018. Keep us in your prayers. We believe in the power of God, when His people come together in Spirit to lift up a concern. Pray that God would work mightily in Flushing. Pray that Awakening would be Jesus’ body/hands/feet where we are. Pray that as we embark on this new journey, we continue having faith in Jesus.

Our Vision for the Awakening Church Plant is to:  Love God, Love People and Live Church
Our Core Values are: Celebrations (Sunday Service) Church Groups (Groups that covenant under New Covenant living)  and Community Needs (Local/Global Ministries)

First Launch:

Super Lake Hotel
36-31 Prince St. Flushing, NY 11354
2nd Flr. Breakfast Room.
September 2, 2018 @ 2:00PM

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT THIS NEW PLANT:

1. PRAY with us and PRAY for us! We could use as much prayer as possible!

2. You can bring about a fragrant offering to this ministry from your hearts!  See possible options below:

• Check: Written out to, “Awakening of Faith Bible Church” ( Mail to: ATTN: Jeddy Hao, -133-25 37th Ave, Flushing, NY 11355 )
• Chase Quickpay: Send to: awakeningflushingnyc@gmail.com
• Venmo: @AwakeningChurchNYC
• Cash ( Mail to: ATTN: Jeddy Hao, 133-25 37th Ave, Flushing, NY 11355 )

3. Join us on September 2nd at 2:00PM for our launch!

4. Send our church letters of encouragement!

• a. Email: awakeningflushingnyc@gmail.com
• b. Snail Mail to: ATTN: Jeddy Hao -133-25 37th Ave, Flushing, NY 11355

5. Connect with us on Social Media!

• Instagram: @awakeningchurchNYC
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/awakeningchurchNYC

 

Romans 8:26-28 26
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

In Christ,
Awakening Serving Team

 

Devotional

Good morning Awakening!

These past few months has been crazy for me. From the many errands, church plant, sermon preps, lesson plans, church planning, meetings, and many other misc. little things which add up that needs to get done, it may feel like constantly playing the game of catch-up. But you know what, I am joyful!

In Nehemiah 8:9-10, it says, 9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The context of Nehemiah is that the Israelites whom were under the oppression of the Babylonians, are now under the governance of the Persian empire. The king allows Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple walls. After the rebuilding, the Jewish people observed the law of Moses and they were reminded of this in verse 9-10. They were told not to weep. They had been in oppression for far too long. This was a joyous day because Jerusalem was destroyed, and now it is erect once again. However this does not mean that they were suddenly free from Persian rule. The people are reminded, “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

How many of us just get overwhelmed by the things that are in life? How many of us get caught up in playing catchup and are burdened? How many of us feel as if time is just too little? Can we at all times say that the “joy of the Lord is our strength”? WOW. No matter what life throws at us, the JOY of the LORD should be our strength.

-Jed

Grace

Quick words of encouragement from Awakening Church NYC,

Grace is something that is given to you and not earned or deserved. Like a murderer that is released from his punishment of death, we are released from our punishment of sin. Nobody can release us from this death. Nobody can give this amount of grace even if they wanted to. The amount of grace that is given is based upon the giver of grace and we have a GREAT God indeed. Even by you breathing, living, moving and being allowed to go through this day is by the grace of God. We never know our time. Treasure this grace that you have been given and live in it. Return your thanks to God and live for Him today!

Hebrews 4:14-16

¹⁴ Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

His grace is sufficient for us because we have one that can relate to our sufferings.

In Love,

jed

God’s Leading

From Awakening Church to you,

Too often we try to schedule everything; Our time, our plans, our dreams, our future, our goals etc. We always have something in mind for our lives. Not only for our lives, but this also at times creep into the church. We think that we can always just do things our way, that all of the outcome of an event lies in our efforts. I’m not saying that we should do nothing, but too often we think we are everything, and that pushes God out of the picture.

Romans 8:14 says, “14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”

This means that when our leading comes together with God’s leading, His leading then overrides ours. This is the person that is a son or a daughter of God. The one that allows God’s hand to take their wheel. The matter of fact is, we are too scared to allow someone brand new that we are unsure of to take the wheel from us. We want to be in control of our lives, we want to know where we are going, we want to stay on the path that we are used to. Even if it means that this path leads us to death. It’s scary to allow someone that you have never seen lead your life before, suddenly lead your life. That’s what happens when you give your life to Jesus. When we are in fact sons/daughters of God, then the Spirit is the one that takes charge. We head in another direction, we allow Him to invade us, to work in our hearts, to change our minds, and to stir our spirits. Even though we may be fearful at first, Jesus wants to let us know that when we give over our control, He knows our life better than we know our own.

As Awakening is preparing for History, we want to understand that we can plan so many things beforehand, but we will still never be at rest. We will never be fully prepared. God is the one that is taking control of this event in His own way and He will do what He pleases. He will stir hearts, He will change minds, He will give new perspectives, He will produce hope. We are just there as His servants.

For our church, this the passage that we have been standing upon.

Luke 9:23-24, “²³ And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”

This is what it means to be a follower of Jesus. If I were to put the Christian life into abbreviations, I would say, “dts”, which means, “Dying To Self”. It is a dying to self all day, every day, allowing God to look much bigger in us and through us. Jesus died for our sins, giving us victory, and when we die to our own flesh through Christ, we let the living God reign in our lives. So as History is coming up soon in just two Friday’s, December 5th, 2014, Awakening will be “Dying To Self”, and letting the Lord reign in this church and in this event!

Excited for what is to come!!!

In Christ,

jed

Preparing for History

Hello from Awakening Church!
God has been preparing the church greatly for the event History coming up. Again, the reason why the event is called History, is because it is short for His Story (God’s that is). The theme that we have for History is called Nobody Left Behind. This has the idea that we don’t want anyone near the community of Flushing, or anyone in this world to feel as if they are left out. We want to let the world know, that Jesus has a great life to offer for every person, and anyone that decides to come to Him will be introduced into His huge spiritual family. I believe that all people on this earth are looking for somebody to lead their lives. In biblical terms, we are all looking for a “shepherd” to lead us as sheep. Many times, we model after those that are our favorite actors, actresses, musicians, those that are rich, make it big, and those that set the trends in our world. We all are people that naturally look for someone to lead us, whomever we are. But for us as imperfect people who idolize others and follow those that are imperfect, what we are doing is adding on more of their imperfections to our imperfections. Who wants to do that? We want to follow after someone that can remove our imperfections, take away our sins, change our character, give us a healthier mindset, and provide us with all of the good things that God promises. We need to follow somebody that is perfect. That is only found in Jesus. If we follow any human in this world, we will die. People all die. When we follow Jesus, we live. Who we follow results in where we end up. That means that I would rather follow somebody that is eternal, so that where I will end up is right alongside Jesus.

Now I believe that as we are preparing for History, we want to keep these things in mind. We don’t want anyone to be left behind, but that for all to come to know the greatness of Christ in them. Everyone is invited to His kingdom. God wants you as you are, He wants to work in you, He wants to let you know that you are wanted, He wants to turn your life around, He wants to heal your family, your relationships, and your brokenness, and most of all, God takes pleasure in being your guide! Will you let Him, One that knows what’s best for you, lead you? This is not about politics, doing righteousness things, and following a set of rules. What this is really about, is really knowing Jesus personally. That WILL change you! Then the outcome of knowing Jesus is following after Him, when you experience His life in you.

During this time, the church has been praying for History. This is the most important thing. We believe that there is power in prayer. We have been praying for the event, the hands working during this event, and all those that are going to come to this event. Every single week during prayer meetings and in all of our gatherings, we have been praying for God to take the lead. If we do this on our own, we know that it wouldn’t glorify God. If we are the one running things, then we are leaving God’s power out of it. We don’t want that. What we do want, is for God to move in History, the way that he wants History to be run. When we allow God to be in charge of History, and to let Him empower our church, then we know that amazing things will happen in History. We want History to be a success in God’s eyes.

No matter what happens during those days of History at Awakening, God will be the One that is glorified. We can be sure of this!

In Christ,

jed

History: Nobody Left Behind

Updates from Awakening Church,

At Awakening Church, we are excited for this upcoming event called HISTORY. HISTORY meaning HIS/God’s story, is the story of hope that we want to give to all people. We have been praying for each of our friends, our relatives, the strangers that we meet every day in our walks of life, and for those that are around our community in Flushing NY. This event led by not Awakening Church but God is meant for life change. Anyone is welcome to HISTORY because God desires all to be a part of His Kingdom. The poor, the rich, the hipsters, the Gothic, the depressed, the drug addicts, the ones with ripped jeans, those with tattoos, all are welcome to join us. We believe as Awakening Church that God wants to give life in full to all people. He truly wants to AWAKEN hearts. Until HISTORY comes, we will be a church that keeps on praying, because we know that we cannot do anything on our own, and if we do things on our own, it wouldn’t be pleasing to God. It’s only in God that anything can actually be considered a success. The theme for HISTORY is called Nobody Left Behind.

The idea behind Nobody Left Behind is that there are so many people in this world that have no direction and feel as if they are alone. In this world, people fight for their own survival, try to make a place for themselves and figure out what their purpose is here on this earth. Sadly, they wouldn’t be able to find a purpose that would satisfy their inward desire for life in full. This searching for a place leads us to find God. Only He can give us our place here on this earth, satisfy our inward desire for life, and give us our true identity. We don’t want anyone that comes to History to feel depressed, lost, chained to sin, and feel out of place. We don’t want anyone left behind, but for everyone to have the opportunity to be FOUND

Dates:

Friday,  December 5
Friday, December 12
Friday, December 19
Friday, December 26 of 2014
Friday, January 1, 2015

Love,

jed

Upcoming Events @ Awakening Church!

HISTORY – THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT 7:30 – 9:30
This event is catered for everyone and anyone.  From seekers to Christians, everyone is welcome to come and hear about HIS story.  The gospel, the word of Christ.  Come visit and see what we have in store.  There will be music, games, performances and more!

HELLO!!

Our first post to the Awakening Church’s website! Give us a few days while we compile everything together!