Real Freedom: 1 Corinthians 9:1-12

I heard a quote this last week in a great sermon: Real freedom is being free enough to give up our freedom for the good of others.

How does a participating mature brother not flaunt his freedom to a susceptible weaker brother?

Its so easy to be enslaved to our freedom in Christ.

We need to mature our conscience, and be free enough not to do it to encourage the weaker brother.

There are four types of Christians in relation to this issue of freedom:
Professional Weaker Brother (You're not a good Christian if you participate in ___)
Susceptible Weaker Brother (I am not a good Christian if I participate in ___)
Non-participating Mature Brother (Godly Christians can participate in ___, but I choose not to).
Participating Mature Brother (Christians are free to participate in ___, and I do).

Few thoughts:

Is God's revealed will firmly in my mind so that my conscience can shape its application?
How has my culture and background shaped my conscience?
Do I have this issue in its proper place? Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

vs 12. "Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure (cover, hide) anything rather than put an obstacle (hinder, restrain) in the way of the GOSPEL.

Get your priorities right: Passion for Christ and the Gospel.

Last Day in Japan

It's been way too long since I posted anything. Here is my end of the year report:


As I begin my final semester at Moody Bible Institute, I have been reflecting on the grace and provision of God in my life. As I began the journey towards Japan this summer I had many fears and apprehensions. I was uncertain of how I would raise my support in a faltering economy. I was fearful that I would be a complete failure as an English teacher. I was afraid that I would not connect with my students in a meaningful way. I was worried about being a true blessing and encouragement to the church I was ministering in. I was unsure as to how I would pay for my fall semester after not working for an entire summer. But, I gave all of these fears to the Lord, I prayed that the Creator of the Universe, who knew me better then I knew myself, knew the people I would be ministering to, and owned the cattle on a thousand hills, would provide for me in a wonderful and miraculous way. And He truly did this summer. My support came from the most unexpected sources. The skills that I have learned at Moody in the art of teaching English proved to be quite good! I connected with my students on a level that far exceeded my expectations! The pastor seemed truly encouraged by our presence! And finally, an anonymous donor paid the remainder of my school bill for the fall. God took every fear and uncertainty and swept them away, making room for His name to be glorified through the ministry this summer. Nothing good that happened this summer was a result of me, it was a result of the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. Let’s praise God together for what He has done!

“For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name.”
Psalm 18:49

Arigato, thank you, for being a part of the work God has done this summer.