JESUS CHRIST AS LORD: Personal Life CHICAGO UBF MEMBERSHIP CLASS #2

“If you declare with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Ro 10:9)

The topic of Jesus Christ as Lord in one’s personal life is vast, so vast that we cannot cover it exhaustively in a short course. Yet the essence of this truth and how it applies is quite clear. Slide 2 I will share in four parts: I. Many stories…but one Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; II. How to follow Jesus Christ as Lord today; III. The Bible’s teaching that Jesus Christ is Lord; IV. Implications of Jesus Christ’s reign in our lives.

I. Many stories…but one Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Slide 3 Let me begin with a question: “How did we get here?” We are here today because in one way or another, Jesus has intervened in each of our lives. If each of us shared our stories, they would all 2 converge on Jesus. Yet there would be many distinctive elements in each person’s story as well. Some would be dramatic, others less so. Slide 4 St. Paul’s conversion was dramatic. His name had been Saul, and he had been an enemy of Christians. In fact, he was on his way to Damascus to persecute them. Suddenly, a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Saul responded, “Who are you, Lord?” Saul knew that whoever this was, it was his Lord. Then the Risen Jesus said to him, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Ac 9:3-5). Jesus overpowered Saul with his love and saving grace. Saul surrendered and Jesus became his Lord. He changed his name from “Saul” the great one to “Paul” a little one. He became a great Christian missionary to the Roman world.

We call events like this a “conversion.” Slide 5 Other conversion moments have not been so dramatic. As a young man, Billy Graham’s hero was Babe Ruth, the baseball star. One night in 1934, Billy heard the gospel at a revival meeting. Upon being told that he was a sinner, he was so angry he vowed never to return. But that night he could hardly sleep. 3

The next evening, he went back to the evangelistic meeting. When the invitation was given, he went forward and accepted Christ as Lord. According to his testimony, he did not feel anything dramatic at that moment. He just knew in his heart that Christ had come in as his Lord. Dr. Graham went on to preach the gospel to more people than any other evangelist in history.

I grew up as the only son of devoted Catholic parents. I wanted to love and serve God. But I could not overcome my pride and lustful desires and fell into sin as a college student. I despaired and cried out to God for help. Then he led me to P. Abraham Kim who studied Mark’s gospel with me. The word of God spoke to me directly in a way I had never experienced before. Jesus’ message of the kingdom of God gave me real hope. Jesus’ declaration that he came to call sinners opened my eyes to his grace and love. I confessed like Peter: “Jesus, you are my Savior and Lord.” Jesus took away my sin, filled me with joy and peace, and gave me a purpose to serve college students. 4

These are just a few examples; there are so many more. Slide 6 These days many Muslims are coming to Christ dramatically through dreams. On the other hand, many believers’ conversions have not been dramatic at all. Slide 7 Many second generation believers are like Timothy. He was raised in the faith by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. Paul urged him to continue in the faith he had been taught (2Ti 3:14-15). In various ways, we have all come to the same Jesus as our Savior and Lord. Slide 8 We have many experiences, but one Lord of all. Let’s share our own stories in small groups of about three each.

Slide 9 II. How to follow Jesus as Lord today

Who is this Jesus we follow? The truth about Jesus is much greater than our experiences. How can we know Jesus better and follow him? The Lord helps us in many ways. Among them, he sends us his Holy Spirit, he gives us his words, and he calls us into Christian fellowship.

Flip 1 First, Jesus sends us his Holy Spirit. Everyone who genuinely confesses Jesus as Lord does so by the 5 help of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul said, “…no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1Cor 12:3b; cf. Mt 16:17). Those who have accepted Christ have the Holy Spirit.1 The Holy Spirit is another Counselor to live with us and be in us forever (Jn 14:16-17). Jesus said, “…he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is to come” (Jn 16:13). The Holy Spirit teaches us what Jesus or the Father has said to us. These words are recorded in the Bible. Whenever we approach the Bible to read it, study it, or share its teachings with others, we begin with prayer that the Holy Spirit may enlighten us with the spiritual meaning of Jesus’ words.

Slide 10 Secondly, Jesus has given us the word of God. Hebrews 1:3 tells us that in these last days, “God has spoken to us by his Son.” Every word Jesus taught and every action Jesus, as recorded by gospel writers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, speak to us today. Bible study is tantamount to having a conversation with Jesus Christ. It is good to remember that “Bible” is our middle name: “University Bible Fellowship.” We emphasize Bible

1 Graham, Billy, “The Holy Spirit: Activating God’s Power in Your Life.” 1978, Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson 6 study in many ways. The majority of UBF Sunday messages are from the gospels. Slide 11 We urge writing and sharing reflections based on the gospels in small groups. This helps us to listen to Jesus and put his words into practice. We also encourage eating Daily Bread. These are bite-sized portions of Scripture that can sustain us each day. We advise spending at least 30 minutes to pray, read a Bible passage, think about its application and writing down what we learn. Our Daily Bread is designed to take us through the whole Bible in five years. This is hard work, like digging a good foundation for a great building. Those who engage in this labor lay a firm foundation for their faith and are not shaken in times of trial (Lk 6:48).

Slide 12 Thirdly, Jesus calls together the Christian church. Jesus’ teachings throughout the Bible are given to his church, not just to individuals. Jesus wants his people to practice his words together. Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn 13:34-35). This love in Christ is the basis of the Christian church. Believers 7 are described as members of the body of Christ, or living stones in the temple of Christ, among other things. Though we each retain our own individual relationship with Christ, we are also joined together in community. God wants each of us to bless and serve others, and be blessed and served by others. In this way we can grow together in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our last name is “Fellowship.” Our ministry is organized in small groups or “fellowships” which meet together regularly to share Bible reflections and pray for and serve one another. We also hold a weekly Sunday worship service for the whole Chicago UBF church community. This is the highlight of our week, as we worship our Lord Jesus Christ together and listen to his word through the Sunday message. We have been thinking about how we follow Jesus in our time. Now let’s consider who this Jesus is.

Slide 13 III. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is Lord

Jesus taught clearly that he is Christ the Lord. Flip 1 The main point of his first message was, “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news” (Mk 1:15). The kingdom of God 8 comes through Jesus, God’s anointed King. Without Jesus, people are ruled by evil. Life is miserable and meaningless. Death is inevitable, and after that, judgment and eternal condemnation. But when Jesus comes into a person’s heart to reign, he changes everything. Jesus sets us free from the power of sin by his grace of forgiveness. Jesus sets us free from the power of death by giving us eternal life. Jesus sets us free from the power of the devil by giving us the Holy Spirit. Jesus heals our wounds, restores our souls, and reconciles us to God. Jesus gives us living hope in the kingdom of God and an eternal inheritance. All we have to do is to accept the message with faith.

As Jesus raised his disciples, the most important thing he wanted them to learn is who he is and what he must do as the Savior King. After they followed him for over two years, he took them to a retreat place and asked, “Who do you say I am?” Slide 14 Peter confessed, “You are God’s Messiah” (Lk 9:20). It was the answer Jesus wanted. It means the unique one sent by God to be the Savior King of the whole world. It meant that Jesus is Lord, and Peter would obey him. Then Jesus taught that he must suffer and die on a cross and rise again. In doing so, Jesus 9 fulfilled the will of God for him. Jesus defeated the power of sin, death and the devil forever. Though it was not easy for Jesus’ disciples to understand and accept this message, they did so. Then they began to preach it. Slide 15 The early church was born through the message that God has made Jesus Christ and Lord (Ac 2:36). Since then, this message had been proclaimed all over the world and whoever has believed is saved. Slide 16 Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Confessing Jesus as Lord brings eternal salvation.

Slide 17 In the Bible, Jesus is known by many names. What is your favorite? Flip 1 My favorite name for Jesus is: ______. Flip 2 Some Biblical names of Jesus include: Son of Man, Savior, the Word of God, the Lamb of God, Friend of sinners, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, the living Stone, Immanuel, the firstborn of many brothers, the good Shepherd, the Light of the world, the Way, the Truth and the Life, the Bread of life, the gift of God, the Rock, Rabbi, a man of sorrows, the author and 10 perfecter of our faith, our elder Brother, our great high Priest, and more. We may know Jesus in one of these aspects of his person. Nevertheless, it is essential for Christians to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Slide 18 What does it mean that Jesus Christ is Lord? Flip 1 The word “Lord” is from the Greek “kyrios.” It emphasizes God’s supernatural authority over mankind—“Lord, Ruler, One who commands.”2 Flip 2 Jesus said in John 10:30: “I and the Father are one.” Jesus is Lord to the same degree that God the Father is Lord. Flip 3 The gospels declare that Jesus is Creator God (Jn 1:1-3), Flip 4 the Giver of life (Jn 1:4), Slide 19 Flip 1 and the Sovereign Ruler of all things (Lk 20:42-43). Flip 2 Jesus will come again in power and great glory as Everlasting King (Lk 21:27) Flip 3 and as the Everlasting Judge of all mankind (Lk 21:27; Jn 5:28-29).

Slide 20 While on earth Jesus demonstrated his authority, in many ways: Authority over the devil (Lk 4:1-13,35,41, et. Al.); Slide 21 2) Authority over diseases (Lk 4:40, 5:13,24-25); Slide 22 3) Authority to

2 Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 138). New York: United Bible Societies. 11 forgive sins (Lk 5:24; 23:34a); Slide 23 4) Authority over the law (Lk 6:5 ff.); Slide 24 5) Authority over death (Lk 7:14-15); and Slide 25 6) Authority over nature (Lk 7:24b). These are some definite aspects of Jesus’ authority. There are more. Slide 26 In fact, Jesus told his disciples before his ascension that he has all authority in heaven and on earth (Mt 28:18).

In addition to the gospel accounts, we also have the apostles’ testimonies to Jesus’ Lordship. Slide 27 These include Colossians 1:15-18, which says, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, his church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (See Php 2:9-11, Heb 1:1b-3.)

Though Jesus Christ is Lord, with supreme authority, he served others humbly while on earth. Jesus is different than worldly rulers. Worldly rulers 12 crush others with their authority. But not Jesus. Slide 28 Jesus is the humble Lord who serves. Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” When Jesus rode into Jerusalem as conquering Messiah, he did not come in military power that intimidates like worldly rulers do. Slide 29 Jesus rode a donkey’s colt (Zech 9:9). Jesus came as a humble and gentle king who serves. Sadly, many people have been wounded by authority figures. Hearing that Jesus is Lord may sound threatening. But Jesus is different than worldly lords. Jesus’ reign brings true freedom and peace. Jesus’ reign restores us as God’s children who can live fruitful lives. Slide 30 St. Matthew was a tax collector. Due to his greed and selfishness, he was despised and hated by his people. He was condemned by the religious authorities. But Jesus loved and embraced him. Jesus hoped he would be a great man of God. Jesus bore with him patiently until he became the one who wrote the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew said, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory” (Mt 12:20). Jesus’ reign is good news to everyone who accepts him. 13

Slide 31 IV. Implications of Christ’s reign in our lives

When Jesus comes into our hearts as Savior, he also comes as the Lord who reigns. Christ is Lord over “me” personally. Christ is my Lord, Owner and Master. I am his servant. We find this relationship emphasized throughout the Bible. Flip 1 Romans 7:4 says, “So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.” Flip 2 1 Corinthians 6:20 says, “…you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Flip 3 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” So the totality of our being is now under the Lordship of Christ.

Though Christ reigns as Lord, his reign is marked by love and grace. We love and serve him because he first loved and served us. We live every day by his grace of forgiveness, acceptance and reconciliation with God. We live every day by Jesus’ grace. As Paul 14 says in Titus 3:3-5: “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” In light of Jesus’ love, grace and mercy we submit to him as Lord. It is a willing submission, characterized by gratitude and love. In this spirit, Jesus becomes our Lord and this affects every area of our lives: church, family, work, school, finances, and social life. We can think of this transformation from a self-centered life to a Christ- centered life. Slide 32…Slide 33.

Slide 34 1) Church life. Jesus is the head of his church (Col 1:18a). Jesus governs his church through his word. Those who belong to him need to honor his word above their own thoughts and ideas and obey him absolutely. Flip 1 In Matthew 28:19-20, the Lord Jesus says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the 15 age.” Jesus wants us to obey everything he has commanded. This includes his command to make disciples of all nations. Flip 2 It also includes is new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn 13:34-35). These are not options, but commands of our Lord to be obeyed. To be a member of the church is to agree to live by the word of God, the Bible, as the rule of faith and practice. One who fails to live by the word of God needs to be willing to be called to account.

Jesus’ words apply to all people of all churches of all times. However, the Lord calls into being and uses local churches for specific purposes at specific times in history. In each local church, the practice of obedience may be distinctive. The leaders of the local church give guidance and direction to obey the words of the Lord as they are enlightened by the Lord. The Bible urges us to respect the leadership of the local church (Heb 13:17). Slide 35 Under the spiritual leadership of our founders, Dr. Samuel Lee and Mother Sarah Barry, God raised Chicago UBF for the purpose of evangelizing college students and raising 16 them as Jesus’ disciples, and to send out missionaries and to support those serving on mission fields. The Chicago UBF motto is: “Campus Mission, World Mission.” Each member of Chicago UBF is asked to embrace this vision and mission. The typical Chicago UBF member meets Jesus as a college student, accepts the gospel and then begins to serve college students with the word of God and prayer. Such people usually remain connected to campus ministry throughout their lifetimes in various ways. Some will go as a missionary to another country. At the same time, there are those whom God calls to a UBF ministry who do not come through campus involvement. Mr. Kaier joined the London UBF ministry as a senior citizen. But he taught the Bible to many college students and one of them was Paul Ridge, who is now a key leader in that ministry. And not everyone may be directly involved in serving a specific campus, and fewer still will go as missionaries to another country. It is God who calls each individual person to serve him and he equips them accordingly. There are many tasks that are not directly related to campus mission and world mission, such as establishing new families, spiritual education of children and high school students, spiritual support of 17 families, and caring for the elderly. In addition, people are needed to serve guests who come for spiritual retreats, to serve praise and worship, to manage church finances and property, to serve community members, and more. When God calls someone to join UBF as a member, there will be specific ways to serve in the body of Christ. We need to prayerfully discover the ways that each person may serve. While the tasks each carries out may be quite diverse, the overall mission statement of Chicago UBF is campus mission, world mission. We should be united around this mission focus. It is essential for each member of Chicago UBF to participate in Sunday worship service, fellowship meetings, Easter conferences, Christmas worship services, and national and international conferences to build up the body, to network with other believers, and to carry out the task of campus mission and world mission. Each member should support this specific vision with prayer, spiritual gifts, willing involvement, and financial giving.

Slide 36 2) Personal life: heart, mind, soul, strength. Flip 1 Jesus taught us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our 18 neighbors as ourselves (Mk 12:30-31). Where we set our hearts is most important to God. God wants our deepest desire to be for him, and him alone. This is not just a feeling, but can be measured with action. We need to objectively examine how we use our bodies, time, money, and media, among other things. God wants us to honor him with our bodies (1Co 6:20). We should take care of our bodies by eating and sleeping properly, exercising, and avoiding anything that is harmful. We must be especially wise in the area of sexual purity. Flip 2 1 Corinthians 6:18- 19a says, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God?” Practically speaking, it is good to examine our lives objectively in regards to how we use our time, money and social media.

Slide 37 God wants us to honor him in the way we use our time. We should strive for Biblical balance in the areas of spiritual devotion, physical work, rest, family time, church work, and recreation. It is helpful to keep a journal or log that helps us objectively 19 examine our activity. Slide 38 God wants us to honor him in the way we use our money. We should offer to God, give generously to others, and support our own lives and families. The prophet Malachi teaches that we should offer at least one-tenth to God every month (Mal 3:10-13). In fact, God says that this belongs to him. To withhold it is robbing God. On the other hand, when we offer it willingly and faithfully, God pours out his abundant blessing on us. In addition to giving to God, we should also give generously to others who are in need. This giving should be done after we have met the basic obligations to support our own lives and our families (1Ti 5:8). We should avoid becoming debtors. We should not use even one dollar to sin. It is good to examine our checkbooks regularly and see how we are doing in using our money.

Slide 39 These days almost everyone in America uses some kind of media device by which we can connect to the Internet. This technology itself is not bad. It is neutral. It can be used for good or for evil. From time to time, it is helpful to examine our use of media objectively. Apps are available that help us determine what percentage of use is for what 20 purpose. If we our use of media is for Bible study 75% of the time, personal management 15% of the time and Facebook 10% it may be good. But if we find that we use Facebook 80% of the time, games 20% and Bible app 0%, there may be a problem. It may be wise to realize that God, who knows how many hairs are on our heads, knows exactly many times we visit each website.

Slide 40 3) Family life. Flip 1 Christ wants his children to establish homes that are surrendered to him. Christians are forbidden to marry non-Christians (2Co 6:14). Christians must marry other Christians and put Christ at the center of their family. Then Christ can reign as Lord over their home. The most comprehensive teachings governing Christian family life are found in Ephesians 5. Jesus wants us to practice these teachings in our family life. Flip 2 Ephesians 5:22 says, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” Flip 3 Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her….” Flip 4 Ephesians 6:1 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Flip 5 Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; 21 instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

While we strive to establish Christian families, there may be cases in which a believer is married to a non-Christian. We can find some helpful instruction in 1 Peter 3:1. It says, “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.” This suggests that by practicing humility and love in a home that is not Christian, the beauty of Christ may lead unbelieving family members to become Christians. There are other complicating factors in family life. Nevertheless, Christians are to recognize Christ as Lord in the home and obey his words.

Slide 41 4) School and work. Flip 1 Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Whether we are students, professionals, or labor class workers, we should work for the Lord Jesus Christ, not for other people only. 22

We should do our best and strive for excellence so that Christ will gain glory through our work. Dr. David Cho is an excellent allergist. He has worked in some of the finest hospitals in the United States. When he is praise for his work, he gives glory to God and thanks to his Savior Jesus Christ. Because people in his workplace respect him, they are willing to study the Bible with him and to accept his invitation to attend Sunday worship services. He is practicing the Lordship of Christ in his workplace in an admirable manner.

Slide 42 5) Social life. Flip 1 Romans 13:1 says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Flip 2 Romans 13:5-7 say, “Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Christians should be the best citizens for the glory of God and the honor of his name. 23

Slide 43 6) Everything belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ, and he can use it when he needs it. In Luke 19:30-31 Jesus asked his disciples to enter a town, take a colt that was tied up and bring it to him. He told them that if anyone asked what they were doing to reply, “The Lord needs it.” When the disciples simply obeyed Jesus’ instructions the owner of the colt let them take it. This is not an excuse to steal something, abusing Jesus’ name. But we disciples of Christ should realize that he is the Sovereign Ruler of the whole world. Others are just temporary owners; the real owner of all things is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is Lord of all. We should live with this faith.

Let’s remember that Jesus Christ is Lord. Jesus is Lord of all. Jesus is my Lord and Savior and I live under his loving reign. Those who confess Jesus Christ as Lord receive God’s salvation and can enter into membership in this local church. This is the first and foremost qualification. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you are welcome to enter into membership. If not, please pray about this until you can make such a confession. Slide 44 Let’s recite Romans 10:9 together: ““If you declare with your 24 mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Let’s practice living with Jesus Christ as Lord.