Bible Study – Kawaiahaʻo Church https://kawaiahaochurch.com A Faithful Hawaiian Christian Church in Honolulu, Hawaii Fri, 05 Jul 2024 19:48:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-kclogo-e1676098650999-150x124.webp Bible Study – Kawaiahaʻo Church https://kawaiahaochurch.com 32 32 Saved – Bible Study, Body and Mind, Ke Akua, Reflection, Saved https://kawaiahaochurch.com/saved/ Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1322
““You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and
whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who
is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother
will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the
hell of fire.”
Matthew 5:21-22 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/mat.5.21-22.esv
 
““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to
you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already
committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Matthew 5:27-28 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/mat.5.27-28.esv
 
Matthew 5 is a wonderful chapter to really understand God’s Laws. When one
looks at what Jesus says, he says not acting out the Sin doesn't mean you have
not sinned. So, if you don't commit the sin but have sinful thoughts, you are just
as guilty of committing the sin.
 
What does this really mean? When you are a true Christian, your heart has been
purified through the Holy Spirit. It means leaning on the finished work of Christ
and God’s grace to receive salvation is crucial because you will never reach
God’s perfection.
 
How do we really know then we are saved? Once you accept Christ as your
savior, repent of your sins, and have a loving, regular relationship with God, you
notice a change within yourself. In my case, I have noticed I'm not an angry person
anymore. I think differently about so many things. I think about how I can better
help others. I look at my bank account and savings and see them as numbers
versus anything of value. As a matter of fact, I have been praying to ask God
where he wants these numbers shared. I care less and less about this world. I am
completely satisfied with meeting basic needs. I am easy to forgive when before
I held grudges. I want to read the Bible and listen to sermons more and more. I
want to pray more. I have gratitude for how well God cares for me. I am not
afraid. I am more apt to be truthful than hurt feelings. I have transformed
internally in thoughts and desires. I gradually realize my outward veneer
matches my inward heart. I don't feel fake by looking outwardly good when
inwardly I am angry, lustful, prideful, greedy, and spiteful. I have peace within.
Yes, Christ helps change you from the inside out. Your inwardness matches your

outwardness. Your heart goes from stone to flesh. Mahalo Ke Akua!

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

 

]]> The Potter – Body and Mind, Bible Study, Integrity https://kawaiahaochurch.com/the-potter/ Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1319
“You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his
will?” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say
to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over
the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and
another for dishonorable use?”
Romans 9:19-21 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/rom.9.19-21.esv
 
I had a lot of trouble trying not to question God. Questions like, “Why would
God threatened to kill the first born in Egypt if the Egyptians didn't let His people
go?” or “Why does God let people die of cancer?” or “Why is there a Hell?”
When I read the Bible, I question why God acted a certain way. Boy, have I got
that wrong!
 
The fact is God is my creator and I am created. As my creator, God can do
whatever He wants. Think of it this way. When you create something or own
something, how do you feel when others criticize you if you use something in a
way they don’t like? How would you feel if I came to the home that you built
and started painting your walls purple and orange? Who am I to do that?
The fact is God can do what He chooses with us. We can't pick and choose what
God should or should not do. We can't choose commandments that we like and
ignore what we don't like. We don't decide if God places evil people in this
world. God is the potter and we are His pottery.
 
So, when you're reading the Bible, read all of it. Don't pick passages you like and
ignore ones you don't. God is the potter so He decides and makes all the rules.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> The Start of Kingship and Christianity – Believe, Bible Study https://kawaiahaochurch.com/the-start-of-kingship-and-christianity/ Mon, 15 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1316
““Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my
Father’s house is many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I
go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will
come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And
you know the way to where I am going.
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we
know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No
one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would
have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen
him.””
John 14:1-7 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/jhn.14.1-7.esv
 
The passages during the Last Supper are so telling. It really is the cross-over
between the Old Testament and the New. Now, Christ has revealed that He will
prepare a place. It is He who will begin the New Covenant. It is He who clearly
states He is the gatekeeper. It really was at this point that Christianity was
born. The sequence of events to occur shortly afterward solidified Christ’s
rightful place as King.
 
It took me a while to really think about Christ’s coronation as King because it's
actually opposite to what someone would think a coronation should be. What I
mean by this is Jesus was asked if He was King of the Jews. A crown of thorns
was placed on his head. He was mocked as King by the Romans and the masses
as he was carrying the cross to the place of the skull. A sign “King of the Jews”
was placed overhead of His mangled body on the cross. He asked His Father to
forgive “His Subjects.” When He died, He was glorified by the Father. His blood
and sacrifice were the glories.
 
“When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is
glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and
glorify him at once.”
John 13:31-32 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/jhn.13.31-32.esv
 
In John 13, Christ also creates a new commandment. It reads:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have
loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you
are my disciples if you have a love for one another.””
John 13:34-35 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/jhn.13.34-35.esv
 
A new commandment from a new King. Christ is actually preparing to be King.
He is stating His commandment before he is coronated as King on the cross.
When I reflect and re-read God’s Word, my understanding ever changes and
hones in. My understanding seems to go deeper and marvel because I start to
understand God’s way is different and higher than my ways. Who would think
crucifying one’s only son would trigger a whole new way to worship the Father?
and the Son? I encourage you to read John 13 and 14 carefully and reflect. The
Words of Christ are very telling of the changes in God’s plans.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Walk with God – Bible Study, Prayer https://kawaiahaochurch.com/walk-with-god/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1310
“When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with
God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters.
Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was
not, for God took him.”
Genesis 5:21-24 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/gen.5.21-24.esv
 
Where does God truly fit in your life? Is God behind, above, or in front of you?
Or, is God walking with you? When someone walks with you, it has a sense of
friendship, love, and equality. Yes, God has unlimited power, Grace, love, and
mercy. Yes, God should be in your driver’s seat. However, God loved Enoch so
much that Enoch avoided death because Enoch walked with God. So, it is clear
God wants to walk with you.
 
What does it really mean to walk with God? Well, I see it as treating God with
love by praying to Him often. This goes beyond just asking for things. It’s like
having a coffee with a good friend and/or loved one and talking about anything
for hours. While having coffee, you aren’t into asking for a gain or help, you just
enjoy the conversation. I have prayed many times actually having a conversation
with Him. I am not asking for anything, I just want His company. I pray to Him
“just because.” Sometimes, I have questions I pose to Him I just can’t answer.
Sometimes, I thank Him for loving a wretched sinner who still slips up here and
there. I might read passages in the Bible and ask Him what the passage truly
means. I have been known to simply ask Him if I will ever have all my questions
answered.
 
God loves faith. I have found God especially likes walking with you. You want
nothing but His company. You just want Him to be there with you. You want Him
to show you what He sees as important for you. It’s just a loving relationship
where you want Him in your life. He is all you really need.
 
So, when you pray, do you walk with Him at times? You want nothing but His
Company. You just want a conversation with no needs at the moment. If you
haven’t tried this, I highly recommend it. It will take your faith to a whole new
level.
]]> Kapuna – Bible Study, Fragile, Today https://kawaiahaochurch.com/kapuna/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1307
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is
being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us
an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things
that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are
transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/2co.4.16-18.esv
 
Whenever I read this passage, it becomes clear why I can sense those with
strong, beautiful spirits. It also explains why some of my most enriching times
were with Kapuna. Even though many Kapuna usually has more health
challenges, they just seem to have stronger internal spiritual strength. It
reminds me of when I was in my 20s and I was terrified to lose my hair. Now, I
don’t give two hoots about being bald and actually rejoice because I just shave it
off for free instead of paying 30 dollars for a hairstyle. My outer self is slowly
wearing but my inner self gradually transforms closer to God.
 
As we get older, we are ever reminded that this world is temporary. Most of us
increasingly don’t care about our stuff as we age and focus our energy on the
unseen. As my mom gets older, she spends more time telling me what I am to
do to dispose of her house, farm, and cash. It’s like she is naturally preparing for
something so much better. Her prized things now are our long conversations
together about God and the great memories we both have. Even 5 years ago,
 
these conversations just didn’t come up very often.
For you younger folks, having long conversations with Kapuna can be so valuable
because Kapuna gradually values the unseen. They value their memories,
relationships, learnings, wisdom, and character-building more and more. As their
outer self wears, their inner self pyramids up. Being younger, it takes a bit to
hone in because our sense of the future is completely different than Kapuna's. Being
younger, most think more of dating, earning money, and acquiring. It’s just so
refreshing looking through the lens of Kapuna because their thoughts in the
future gradually focus on succession and closure on this earth. Their outer sense
of mortality kicks in and their inner sense of what’s more important than is
unseen becomes keen.
 
God Bless our Kapuna! Their inner sense of what’s truly important is so valuable
for the rest of us.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Self-proclaimed false prophets – Believe, Bible Study, Truth https://kawaiahaochurch.com/self-proclaimed-false-prophets/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1299
“I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name,
saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ How long shall there be lies in the
heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their
own heart, who think to make my people forget my name by their dreams that
they tell one another, even as their fathers forgot my name for Baal? Let the
prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak
my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 23:25-28 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/jer.23.25-28.esv
 
“But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not
commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same
prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word
that the Lord has not spoken?’— When a prophet speaks in the name of the
Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the
Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not
be afraid of him.”
Deuteronomy 18:20-22 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/deu.18.20-22.esv
 
The Bible is clear on being mindful of false prophets. Frankly, the only truth is
from the Bible itself. I am saddened when I watch or read self-claimed
“prophets” who claim they have more access to God than anyone else. The truth
is everyone has the same access. Every believer has the Holy Spirit within them.
Every believer has access to an unmodified Bible containing the same passages.
God transforms all of us through faith and the Holy Spirit. God wants a loving
relationship with everyone equally.
 
Do not be deceived. You are on a level playing field with God. Yes, you may have
unique gifts given to you by God to serve His Will but you can be as close to Him
as the next self-proclaimed “prophet.” God gives everyone equal access.
““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes
in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/jhn.3.16.esv
 
So, when you read or watch self-proclaimed “prophets”, listen with a grain of
salt. Read the Bible to garner truth and pray for truth. Allow God to guide you
on what you need to do. Let Him take the lead in your life. God, Himself will
never lead you astray. God, Himself will show you the truth. God, Himself will
demonstrate immense love and mercy for you as He does with everyone.
With the advent of technology, believers are more vulnerable to being led
astray. We are overrun with information. Perhaps, that’s why Jesus states:
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your
Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:6 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/mat.6.6.esv
 
I take this passage simply as having a 1 on 1 with your Heavenly Father is so
important. Perhaps, Jesus stated this to protect you from self-proclaimed
“prophets.” Focus on God Himself and you will be rewarded with clear
direction.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Grace – Bible Study, Love https://kawaiahaochurch.com/grace/ Sat, 17 Feb 2024 03:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1290
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect
in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/2co.12.9.esv
 
“For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own
doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/eph.2.8-9.esv
 
God’s Grace through faith in Jesus is all you need to truly know.
 
Even though I am a sinful man filled with regrets who has nothing to give but
love and faith, I cannot help trying to understand that that's all that is required. I
suppose I think in terms of committing crimes against God through sin and truly
deserving His Wrath. It's like when I did something wrong and the person I
transgressed gives me a hug when I needed punishment. The hug just makes me
feel worse. At least when I receive punishment I can feel good knowing I
deserved it. Yet, God would rather hug me than punish me and I just feel worse
yet redeemed in some way.
 
Over time, I have come to learn that I just need to understand God’s love and
mercy at face value. I think He sees my failings more as learnings than requiring
punishment. The best way I can illustrate this is when I periodically get a flash dream
of a man with short, curly dark hair smiling at me and extending his arms
towards me. It's a truly warm, loving experience.
 
So, one needs to understand the power of God’s grace. One needs to yield to
Him but when they fall, God’s loving Grace continues. It's this Grace that builds
faith and love toward Him.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> The Mission – Bible Study, Reflection, Today, Truth https://kawaiahaochurch.com/the-mission/ Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1284
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in
Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in
him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless
before him. In love, he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through
Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious
grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption
through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of
his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to
us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and
things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been
predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to
the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be
to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the
gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised
Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession
of it, to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:3-14 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/eph.1.3-14.esv
 
It’s ironic when we think of Mission as simply converting the lost. Some of us
think this means Atheists are the only ones lost. Frankly, this is untrue. I see
many groups come to my door to share their beliefs and provide supplementary
materials as a foundation for their faith. It’s astonishing when some believe Jesus
is the brother of Lucifer. Others believe they must complete works and follow
ordinances as God’s Grace is simply not enough. Still, others see Jesus as the Arc
Angel Michael.
 
I am not writing this to offend. I am writing this because I love others and want
them to read the Bible without the supplements. They need to strip away the
teachings and relearn through the Bible directly. That’s where Mission really
comes in. We are not trying to divide, we are trying to unite through the
Gospels. We let God’s Word itself and the power of Christ do the work through
the Holy Spirit.
 
You know what I have found amazing? When those with supplemental
documents actually read the Gospel directly and find out that salvation is
through Grace and the blood shed by Christ on the Cross without the need for
works, they are dumbfounded. Surely, God does not give a gift freely without
works. Surely, the blood of Christ is not enough. When one shares the Bible and
encourages them to read and seek the Father for guidance and let them decide,
the power of God takes over.
 
The mission does not end with this encouragement to read the Bible. Many of
those who are lost in supplemental doctrine are leery to move to Biblical
teachings because their world is believers of the supplemental doctrine. If they
move to Biblical truth, they need us to be there for them. We need to help them
deal with their community loss by welcoming them into our community. We
need to love them, support them and allow God to give them the courage for
truth. Showing them the truth through scripture is only the beginning of loving
them.
 
So, when you have someone approach you with supplemental doctrine, ask
them about their beliefs in Christ and confirm it through the Bible. Ask them about
their need for works to enter God’s Grace and confirm with Biblical teachings
like this one:
“For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own
doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For
we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/eph.2.8-10.esv
 
Mission work is not to change people. It’s to show them the truth through the
Gospels and plant a seed. It’s not to divide them, it’s to love them through the
Word of God. It’s to open the door so God Himself can show them the truth.
So, Missions can be done simply by sharing the Bible with those ordered to
actually come to your door to preach. Treat it as a sharing moment with them

and welcome them to your door with open arms.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Tempting to testing? – Bible Study, Reflection https://kawaiahaochurch.com/tempting-to-testing/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1278
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the
devil. And after fasting for forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the
tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these
stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall
not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of
God.’”
Matthew 4:1-4 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/mat.4.1-4.esv
 
Recently, I really thought about the passage about when Jesus was tempted by Satan.
Upon reflection, I wondered by Jesus needed to be tempted in the first place?
Jesus was both divine and human. He is the Son of God. In my mind, God is
perfect and does not need to be tempted.
 
Then, I thought deeper. Perhaps, the temptation is God’s test to determine
faithfulness? Was Jesus being tested to confirm His faithfulness towards His
Father just like we are tempted throughout life in this world?
 
Is that why God placed us in this world? Maybe it's His way to separate the
sheep from the goats? Is His true purpose for me being in this World to test to
see if I am worthy to enter His Kingdom? It reminds me of initiation ceremonies
some clubs and organized crime used to test loyalty.
 
The Bible reveals many things. God has His reasons for what He does. In the end,
He knows what's best for the common good.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Tremble at His Word. – Bible Study, Truth https://kawaiahaochurch.com/tremble-at-his-word/ Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1275
“Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what
is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All
these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the
Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in
spirit and trembles at my word.”
Isaiah 66:1-2 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/isa.66.1-2.esv
“He was still speaking when behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a
voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well
pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces
and were terrified.”
Matthew 17:5-6 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/mat.17.5-6.esv
Can you imagine going up a Mountain with Jesus and witnessing what happened
in Matthew 17? Imagine hearing a voice through a cloud telling you that Jesus is
His Son and you better listen to him. I think I would be falling on my face and
trembling like Peter and the others did.
God says His Word requires trembling because His Word is more important than
anything else. Yet, I know some Christians that have never opened the Bible.
They rely on others to “interpret” His Word. Frankly, relying solely on others can
be dangerous and make you vulnerable to false teachings. I have learned God
helps me understand His Word through the Holy Spirit. I know what’s true
through Him by reading the Bible. I don't need to “interpret” because I rely on
God to do that.
I know my love, faithfulness and eternity depend on me reading His Word
through the Bible directly. I don't want to be misled. The Bible has survived 1900
plus years (longer for the Old Testament) so I know it stands the test of time.
Truth never dies. Falsehoods die in time. It's amazing when one cracks open the
Bible shuts the door in their room and prays to God to reveal His truth. You can
sense the bond between teacher and learner. It's a bond where you become so
fulfilled and peaceful. Sometimes when I am done reading for the day, I can feel
a warm hug. The hug alone makes the time so worthwhile.
I urge every believer to take time aside to just crack open the Bible and ask God
to reveal His truth. Don't rely on anyone else’s “interpretation”. Yes, garnering
new aspects through Church is helpful but it should not be the only way you
learn the Word of God. That way, you will learn the truth and supplement it with
other believers.


by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]>