Today – Kawaiahaʻo Church https://kawaiahaochurch.com A Faithful Hawaiian Christian Church in Honolulu, Hawaii Fri, 05 Jul 2024 20:29:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-kclogo-e1676098650999-150x124.webp Today – Kawaiahaʻo Church https://kawaiahaochurch.com 32 32 This World, Advancements and God focused – Reflection, Today https://kawaiahaochurch.com/this-world-advancements-and-god-focused/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1313
“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

]]> 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

]]> 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

]]> What’s Important – Body and Mind, Integrity, Today https://kawaiahaochurch.com/whats-important/ Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1281

“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
 
As I get older, I really start to think less and less of the “stuff” I have in this
world. As a matter of fact, I start to see the “stuff” as a burden. I have to
maintain it, store it, insure it, sell it, and figure out who to give it to. I have been
misled into thinking “stuff” is important. Yes, the ads have brainwashed me.
If I really break down what I need, it’s actually little. I need a well-balanced diet
and a way to cook it, exercise, good health, basic hygiene items, friends and
family, fresh air, my Bible, God, some clothes, heat (as I live in Canada eh), and a
roof over my head. All the rest is just fluff. Perhaps, that’s why Christ had
nothing. He didn’t worry about the basics He needed. The basics always were
provided. He truly knew what was important.
 
I think the greatest fear I used to have was the fear of losing stuff. I was so
misguided. When one only fears God, they have complete peace. They don’t
care because they realize this world is only temporary. Simply enjoy what God
has given and one just feels so content, fulfilled, and grateful.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Are you a Good Person? – Today https://kawaiahaochurch.com/are-you-a-good-person/ Fri, 05 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1271
“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were
righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the
temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee,
standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other
men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice
a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off,
would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be
merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified,
rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the
one who humbles himself will be exalted.””
Luke 18:9-14 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/luk.18.9-14.esv
If I was to ask you if you are a good person, I am fairly confident you would say
you are. At least you are not committing crimes or perhaps Sins that others are
committing. You try your best every day. You give to the Church. You take care
of your family. You work hard to provide. You try to speak well of others.
What about the person who sees themselves as a sinner like the tax collector
(who were seen at the time as swindlers)? In this parable, the tax collector could
not even stomach looking up to the heavens because he saw himself as unclean.
He didn't compare himself to others. He simply acknowledged his uncleanness.
He asked God to have mercy on him with a shameful heart. Yet, Jesus says it's
the tax collector who is justified before God?
God has mercy for those who see themselves as sinners. They aren't comparing
themselves to others. They aren't making excuses for their sin. They don't think
one sin is smaller or greater than others. They aren't saying they are good. They
aren't making themselves feel better by thinking they are good.
“The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For
there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and
are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus,”
Romans 3:22-24 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/rom.3.22-24.esv
I am not a good person. I gave fallen many times from the glory of God. I
continue to do so in thought and sometimes deed. I do not compare myself to
others because only God’s judgment matters. I must huddle close to Christ
because of my imperfections. I cannot and will never reach anywhere near
God’s glory. All I can give is to try my best and even that is short of God’s
expectations.
I used to think I was a good person and perhaps on this earth I might be able to
say that is true. However, I have gradually learned I must remain humble before
the Lord. Thinking I am a good person is a fallacy. Saying others think I am a
good person is also a fallacy because only God judges me. What I and others
think does not matter.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Creator and Moral Analysis – Integrity, Today https://kawaiahaochurch.com/creator-and-moral-analysis/ Fri, 29 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1268
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/gen.1.1.esv
 
I recently reflected on a quote that sticks deeply in my mind.
 
If you want to create your own rules, create your own Universe.
 
There are certain passages in the Bible that challenge my moral thinking. Wait a
minute. Have I created or the Creator? As the creator, do my judgments even
matter? Do I have the power to question God? Is God’s Word in the Bible to be
questioned, disputed, or challenged?
 
I have learned that when it comes from God’s Word, He is the creator so He is
always right. I am either hot or cold to Him as being lukewarm makes Him want
to spit me out of His mouth (Revelation 3: 15-16). There really isn't any mid-ground with
God. So, I take His Word at face value and embrace it regardless of
my thoughts.
 
So, when people ask my opinion on hot topics like homosexuality, unmarried
sex, drug addiction, abortion, and the like, I simply refer them to scripture. I tell
them what I think doesn't matter. However, what God says through His Word
completely matters as He is the creator. Here's another reason why I love the
Bible. It actually frees me from so many hot questions. I just refer them to God.
So, next time you are questioning morality or being asked your opinion on a
moral question, use your trusty Bible to garner an answer. It will give you the truth
and reflect hard questions to God instead of yourself. God is the one who makes
the rules because He is the creator. If you don't agree, create your own Universe!

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Holy, Holy, Holy – Bible Reading Plan, Today https://kawaiahaochurch.com/holy-holy-holy/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1237
“Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the
womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you
a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know
how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am
only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I
command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to
deliver you, declares the Lord.””
Jeremiah 1:4-8 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/jer.1.4-8.esv
 
Imagine God knew you before you were born! Even though you have free will,
God knew you and what your purpose really is. He knows the road you choose
to take.
 
That’s actually mind-blowing! Here I am lost, confused, and fumbling my way
through life drowning in Sin when God knows exactly where I will end up? How
can anything know what I’m going to do when I have free will? My future is
open, yet God knows.
 
One cannot imagine the scope of the abilities of God. That’s why it’s impossible
to truly understand Him. Here’s another reason to place your full trust in Him.
He knows and you don’t. No wonder there are millions of angels surrounding His
throne on their knees chanting “Holy, Holy, Holy!”
 
Perhaps that explains why I get urges to do certain things. It’s God nudging me
but allowing me to say no yet He knows I will say yes. I have had times when I
foretell I am going to be involved with something and think it’s my mind running
away from me and then it actually happens. One cannot ever understand so
one turns to God. Ok, God, I SURRENDER! Where’s the white flag?
 
Yes, it’s time to join the angels and get on my knees and chant, Holy, Holy, Holy.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Hospital for Sinners – Saved, Today https://kawaiahaochurch.com/hospital-for-sinners/ Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1221
What really is Church? Why do we join a Church? Yes, Church is a beautiful
social component. I have read many a story lately on how Lockdowns and
restrictions have depressed those who miss in-person contact, especially in
Church. A Church is really a wonderful gift from God. It helps us sinners stay
focused on God. We receive strength in numbers. It’s a place of complete peace.
Think about it this way. Can you think of any Church that doesn’t feel peaceful? I
honestly can’t think of any that I have visited. Maybe, that’s also why people
miss not attending Church in person.
 
A church to me is a hospital for sinners. I am a sinner, I remain a sinner and I
need God first to alleviate my Sin. God gives me a spiritual hospital and that’s
Church. I often think the Bible is medicine for sinners too. So, we have a hospital
that gives us a regular dose of medicine that relieves the pain of sin. Hmmm.
I wonder if Kahu Ken sees himself as the Doctor of Sin? Maybe he should wear a
cape. Are the Deacons nurses of sin? Perhaps, the congregation can both be
patients of sin and counselors of love. Boy, can this get deep?
 
Thank God for the hospital of sin. There is no cure for sin but at least there are
treatments for all of us that alleviate the pain of sin.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Selfish desires and Manipulation – Reflection, Today https://kawaiahaochurch.com/selfish-desires-and-manipulation/ Fri, 11 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1189
I say be guided by the Spirit and you won’t carry out your selfish desires. A
person’s selfish desires are set against the Spirit, and the Spirit is set against
one’s selfish desires. They are opposed to each other, so you shouldn’t do
whatever you want to do.”
Galatians 5:16-17 CEB
https://www.bible.com/37/gal.5.16-17.ceb
 
As my Spirit slowly gains strength, I start to realize how my selfishness can
actually, harm me by being easily manipulated.
We regularly hear how others are using our selfish desires to achieve personal
gain. “We do this for you” is regularly used to urge us to act in their direction.
It’s all about you when really it’s all about them. Even now, I am using the word
“you” a lot. It’s because when I taught school, I learned “you” was the best way
to motivate kids. It really never dawned on me that I am actually manipulating
their selfish desires to have them act in a way I want them to act. It’s amazing
how this becomes revealed from the Holy Spirit.
 
If you really want to internalize what I’m saying, keep track every time you hear
“you, you’re” in ads, news, and media and relate that to when “others or them” is
used. Is their message focused on you or is it really about them?
Now, I think in terms of helping others not because I want to feed their selfish
desires but because I generally do it out of love for them. There should be no
gain for me. I try not to have a hidden agenda to garner internal gain because that
also feeds my selfish desires. For me, that is actually a complete shift in thought.
I actually assess whether my actions purely help others or are used to serve my
needs under the guise of helping them.
It’s how one shifts their thoughts to actually act in a way that pleases the Holy
Spirit.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Cowardly? – Body and Mind, Today https://kawaiahaochurch.com/cowardly/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 23:18:24 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=738

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.  But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers,  idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and  brimstone, which is the second death.””

Revelation 21:7-8 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/rev.21.7-8.NKJV

Wait a minute.

Cowardly?

What really does God mean by cowardly? I need to think deeply about this one. Can cowardly include trying to save feelings over the Word of God?

In our world today, we are all about saving feelings. Whatever goes, goes. Whatever makes you feel good is fine with me. It’s ok to tell a little white lie to save someone’s feelings. It’s all good. After all, we don’t want someone to blow up on us, do we? Heck, if labeled really push God’s Word, we might be labeled as being judgmental! Judgmental? But  God’s definition of right versus wrong is not mine. I need to get that fact drilled into its printhead. Wait a minute. I could spawn an argument. I better bite my lip. Could this be seen as cowardly? If so, I am guilty of another sin and I need to put on my grown-up, big man big-man pants and improve my approaches to what God says in His Word. God is quite black and white in His Word. He is clear on what is right or wrong. His Holiness cannot be  pawned off as “He didn’t mean it that way” or “God needs to get with the times.” God never changes. His Word is complete and He doesn’t need to add any more. It’s we who need to change, not Him. He’s perfect, we are not. His thoughts are higher than mine. If  I’m right based on His clear Word, He’s right. If I’m wrong, He’s still right. If we are unsure, I’m always wrong and He’s always right. Perhaps that’s why He breathed the  Bible. It was so I can follow Him and use His Word as my armor against all the backlash.  He’s given me His rule book that has lasted thousand(s) of years and continues to be the most sought-after book for a reason.

Jesus was no coward. Taking on the Sin of all is as brave as one can get. I must follow  His lead as He is the perfect role model. Jesus did say if they hate Him, they will hate me too. So, a brave person can be hated? Well, I guess if I must choose, I will love Him,  obey Him, follow Him and let everyone else hate me. That was easy.

Yes, today I reflect on cowardly. No more wishy-washy. If God clearly says it’s wrong, it’s wrong. I suppose that the road to being glorified has potholes along the way. I will just put on better shock absorbers through Christ. Oh, and strap that seat belt on a little tighter. It’s going to be a bumpy ride to get to the finish line.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

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