Reflection – Kawaiahaʻo Church

Saved – Bible Study, Body and Mind, Ke Akua, Reflection, Saved

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000

““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

This World, Advancements and God focused – Reflection, Today

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the

love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the

flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is

from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but

whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

1 John 2:15-17 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/1jn.2.15-17.esv

Sometimes I think we live in one of the most difficult times. It’s because the

temptations of this World so abounded. The Internet and other

“advancements” are filled with worldly, fleshly desires. Technology has allowed

us to feed our fleshly desires more than at any other time. I think of it this way.

Imagine how people lived in Hawaii or in Canada 200 years ago. Life was simple

and focusing on God was easier. We lived day to day and our focus was on the

basics; Ohana, God, and survival. We had time to reflect on our spiritualism as

we weren’t distracted by a multitude of voices ranging from opinion to

advertisements to politics. Our stress was limited to meeting the basic needs of life.

We focused more on our neighborhoods than pondering what is happening in

another part of the world.

When times were simple, our span of knowledge was much easier to remain

focused. I am often reminded of what Jesus said with regard to knowledge:

“But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a

light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him, much will be required,

and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”

Luke 12:48 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/luk.12.48.esv

With technology, we know much, are given much, and are tempted often. We

know about those suffering throughout this world. Our temptations to amass

stuff is higher than at any other time in history. Many movies are filled with

multiple sins that are simply pawned off as entertainment. Our focus on money

and wealth sometimes crosses the line to being “lovers of money.” We are

tempted to keep pace with our neighbors instead of keeping peace with our

neighbors.

Yes, sometimes I wished I lived in a much simpler time. I think it would make my

journey with Christ easier. The lack of technology would force me to zero in on

what’s truly important in this world. Yes, sometimes advancements are actually

regressions.

I am reminded of what Paul said:

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God,

who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved

brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,

knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

1 Corinthians 15:56-58 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/1co.15.56-58.esv

Even though the race will be riddled with technological sideshows, my focus to

Continuing the marathon will make me victorious.

On a positive note, if one stays focused, one can use technology to do God’s

Will. They can better share the gospel and perhaps, in a small way, make a few

lives better no matter where they live. I suppose the key here is to remain

focused no matter what advancements do to try to derail God’s mission.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

The Mission – Bible Study, Reflection, Today, Truth

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000

“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

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000

“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

Salt of the Earth – Bible Reading Plan, Reflection

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is

of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who

has ears to hear, let him hear.””

Luke 14:34-35 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/luk.14.34-35.esv

The Bible uses the analogy of salt a few times to enhance understanding. Talking

about enhancing, salt is a flavor enhancer. Salt also is addictive because it’s a

flavor enhancer. Have you ever eaten potato chips and just have to eat

more? Salt can make you thirsty. If salt lost its flavor, it would be a useless rock to

you. Salt is also a good preservative to make good food last.

Now, relate yourself to salt. Is your walk with Christ enhancing the mission or

are you flavorless by doing nothing for Christ? Do you and others share the

Word of God with a thirst for more or are you just doing the motions to look

good? Are you preserving God’s Word by being completely balanced and

honest? Following Christ is a major commitment. It’s more than attending

church services here and there. Christ is literally top of mind. You are showing

you are truly the salt of the earth as you take up the cross with Christ. Without

that complete commitment, Christ sees halfhearted efforts as utterly useless.

It’s either you give all or none. Jesus said lukewarm believers are those He wants

to spit out of his mouth (Revelation 3:16). One is better to do nothing if they are

lukewarm. Salt is the same. Either you enhance the flavor or remain useless.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Rely on God more by taking His lead – Bible Reading Plan, Reflection

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“Always trust the Lord completely. Do not think that your own wisdom is

enough. Remember the Lord in everything that you do. If you do, he will show

you the right way to go. Do not think about yourself as wiser than you really are.

Be afraid of the Lord and refuse to do wrong things. If you do, it will be like good

medicine. It will be like medicine that makes your body well. And it will be like

something that makes your bones strong.”

Proverbs 3:5-8 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/pro.3.5-8.easy

As I continue to support others, I have slowly come to the realization that I am

not their judge. Yes, I have my opinions but I’m really not entitled to decide

whether what they are doing is right or wrong. My job is to love them and support them

and be there for them when they are ready. As I continue my journey with

Christ, it is He who teaches morals. That’s why all of us have a conscience. We

are all programmed to know right over wrong. That’s why we all know deep

inside there is a God. That’s why Churches are dotted everywhere to constantly

be reminded He is there. Walk by if you must, but the reminder remains. Yes,

some people have hardened hearts and I pray that God aids them in seeing

their ways. However, any change will be from God, not me.

So where do I fit in? Don’t my opinions help others even if I disagree with their

thoughts and actions? I need to review my experiences.

I work with a fellow who has FASD. He repeatedly is in and out of jail for domestic

violence. He would say he regrets his actions and solicits my advice. I tell him I

am not his judge but I do know the Bible says we reap what we sow.

Fast forwarding, this fellow has gradually changed. It’s not by my doing. I am

simply the tool. It’s really by God’s doing. This fellow now asks me more about

God and the Bible. He opens the conversation, not me. He’s slowly moving towards

God through God Himself. I have seen this happen many times. Just the other

day, a worker for one of my guys asks me, out of the blue, what I think about

God. Yes, God did His work and now it’s my turn. Now, every time he comes, he

gives me Bible questions and we talk. God sends them to me when it’s my turn. I

need to do nothing except be ready to help. This works much better than

pushing my opinions on others. Once their back is up, I actually make God’s

work harder!

Now, I could have told this fellow what I really thought of his behaviors but all I

would have achieved was anger and resistance. He would have not changed

because I don’t know best. God knows best. If he asks my thoughts, I share them

even though what I am about to say is critical.

As I grow, I realize more and more that I need to let God do His Will. Yes, I

should ask questions to try to understand. Yes, I should do research to garner

understanding and share that understanding with others. Yes, I should respond

if asked even though my response may be a hard pill to swallow. However, I

need to let God do all the work in changing someone’s life.

It’s really hard to let God take the wheel and drive lives. He wants us to trust

He is fully for a reason. I do know when I do, I am approached about my thoughts

on the glory of God without me starting the conversation. It’s God’s way to tell

me He now turns this person over to me. Even though He turns this person over

to me, I need to remember that He can grab the wheel anytime He wants. God

lets me know when to do that as well.

I suppose my thoughts towards others are tempered with Christ. Now I

understand how to act as directed by the Holy Spirit within me.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Selfish desires and Manipulation – Reflection, Today

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Dilemmas – Reflection, Love

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“You husbands must also live in a good way with your wives. Each of you should

be kind to his wife and help her. Remember that she is not as strong as you are.

Remember that both of you have received true life from God because he is

kind. So, respect her. Then God will answer you when you pray to him.”

1 Peter 3:7 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/1pe.3.7.easy

I always wondered why it took so long for God to answer my prayers when I

asked him what I should do with my now ex-wife. I wanted to take divorce

seriously. Should I continue to try even though I am so unhappy? Does my

happiness even matter? Am I being selfish? I know God takes divorce very

seriously and really needed His advice. If I must remain unhappy but serve God, I

remain unhappy.

Finally, there were a series of events that happened to give me an answer. One

of the main answers came like this. I moved out and stayed with my mom and

dad. I needed time to really think about what to do. I really needed God to drive me

and was just not getting a response. At least I felt I wasn’t getting a response

when really I was. I was just not listening. After a few months, it was my now

ex-wife who filed for divorce. Since it was she (instead of I) that started the legal

process, I received my answer. It really was God’s way to take this most difficult

dilemma out of my hands.

I think the reason why I got a response is that I truly wanted his guidance

and would continue trying or remain unhappy if that’s His Will. It really wasn’t

about me entirely (but partly because I was unhappy). I suppose the motives I

had that I saw were unselfishly resulting in God responding. I think if there was

any hint of selfishness, God would not have helped me come to an answer.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Fruit – Body and Mind, Reflection

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“A good tree cannot make bad fruit. A bad tree cannot make good fruit. A

farmer will cut down any tree that does not make good fruit. He will burn it on

fire. In the same way, look at the way people live. Then you will know what they

are really like.”

Matthew 7:18-20 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/mat.7.18-20.easy

I’m fat.

How did I get this way? I have a sweet tooth. The temptations of those sweet

chocolate bars, donuts, cakes, and twinkies are just too much to stop. It reminds

me of Satan’s tactics. Sin is so bad yet tastes so good. The world is full of sweet,

fattening things. I just savor those sin-glorified, bloodthirsty movies filled with

cursing against our LORD. Some rap songs have such a cool beat

yet are filled with obscenities. The taste is good but the message is evil and leads to

bad fruit.

I know what to do with my weight problem.

Stop. Eating. Stuff. That’s. Bad. For. Me.

Grab a banana and a carrot instead of Reese’s pieces and make a salad. When I

drive by that Mcdonald's, and order a McSalad instead of a McChicken combo. It

reminds me of the day when I face God and he tells me fat people know what to

do, they just choose other directions because the taste is good and fulfills

instant satisfaction yet results in long-term harm to self.

I almost think God created fat so we can see the results of our choices. Guys like

me are concrete and need to see the results of our behaviors straight up. It helps us

connect the abstracts like following God’s Will when we are surrounded by

temptations. Do we want instant satisfaction with consequences or show self-

control and feel better?

God is right once again. It’s time to stop making excuses and start eating good

fruit. Yes, it’s time to get some self-control and avoid temptation. No, I’m not

waiting until tomorrow to diet when I can start today as good results require

good seed planting.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Three years – Bible Study, Reflection

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 19 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

What have you done in three years? If you pack in your three best years, what

did you achieve? I can tell you my three best years and everything I completed

within those years may be remembered for a maximum of 50 years. The reason

why I guess that is the few people I have helped in my life will more than likely

pass away within that time. Perhaps, 50 years may even be too lofty. I suspect 6

months would be more realistic.

I have often thought of writing a book. My book would be about my journey with

Christ. The themes would be my struggles, my awe in Him, my gradual move

towards humility, and perhaps my questions. I suspect this work would take

three years to complete. How long would this book be read? Most of the best

classic books are perhaps read for 150 years. I doubt mine would be read in 1 year

unless I got really lucky and crafted a book as close to perfection insofar as my

mere mortal, limited mind would carry me.

Now, let’s compare this to the works of Jesus. What did He do in three short

years of ministry? He was the single pebble that triggered an eternal global

following. The New Testament is the most read, revered series of Words every

created. Many died horrific deaths defending His Word. His word continues to

grow and spread. Many millions make it their life’s mission to share His Word.

The Bible is the most printed book in the World. Scholars, atheists, theologians,

apologetics, philosophers, scientists, teachers, learners, and many others lean on,

comment on, and study His word. We have Before and After Christ to revere Him.

Time literally relies on Him. His birth is set at time zero. Our most sacred

holidays give Glory to Him. Great Empires like the Roman Empire converted to

Him. Everyone knows His name. Even the condemned are given his Word and

offered Counsel through Him. Many dying ask for peace through Him. Many

children learn His name. There are over 37 million churches erected globally to

celebrate His name and His Word. The list goes on and on.

Wow! He started all this in three short years! That’s another reason why I

believe in Him, follow Him, love Him, and am in awe of Him. That’s why I want to

know Him and He knows me. That’s also why I know He is our Savior. When one

thinks this way, they are driven because everything around us is driven by Him.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada