sermons by David Gibbons

The past week, I've been listening to Pastor David Gibbons. He is the founding pastor of New Song church in California. Here are the links to the sermons. You won't regret it.

God is in control

Title: Chaos
Text: Genesis 45:1-15, 50:15-21
Pastor: David Gibbons
Link: http://www.sarang.com/bbs/zboard.php?id=pray_sermon&page=1&sn1=&divpage=1&category=&sn=off&ss=on&sc=on&select_arrange=headnum&desc=asc&no=7&clicked=1

true worship

Title: The Purple Cow
Text: Isaiah 58:1-12
Pastor: David Gibbons
Link: http://www.sarang.com/bbs/zboard.php?id=pray_sermon&page=1&sn1=&divpage=1&sn=off&ss=on&sc=on&select_arrange=headnum&desc=asc&no=8

beloved

Title: Misfits
Text: Luke 15:11-30
Pastor: David Gibbons
Link: http://www.sarang.com/bbs/zboard.php?id=pray_sermon&page=1&sn1=&divpage=1&sn=off&ss=on&sc=on&select_arrange=headnum&desc=asc&no=9

walking the straight and narrow

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

- Proverbs 3:5, 6

As the oldest of four children in a traditional Korean family, I am expected to be a good example for my younger siblings by excelling in extra-curricular activities, school, and career. My parents expect nothing less than perfection. When I was younger, I practiced playing piano five hours a day and I memorized science and history textbooks word-for-word. Even more recently, I was in an accelerated training program at a global financial company. If I were not born a perfectionist, the fear of disappointing my parents shaped me into one.

However, after 25 years of trying to please my parents, I spoke up for the very first time: I told my parents that I wanted to take a break from my career path in order to attend Westminster Theological Seminary for two years. Although my mother was reluctant at first, she finally conceded. My father was supportive and, after prayer and fasting, he admitted that although he is my father and wants what he thinks is the best for me, God is my Heavenly Father whom I must obey. Needless to say, I was speechless and I broke down in tears when I recognized God had answered my prayers.

Much to my surprise, what I had thought would bring a sense of liberating freedom has caused much unanticipated confusion. My Korean name, Yehjin, means “wisdom,” but there have been times this year when I felt so lost and clueless. However, letting go of the firm grip I had on worldly wisdom and financial comfort, and grabbing onto God’s promises in Proverbs 3:5, 6 has brought much comfort and peace.

I have decided to commit my first year of seminary to the Lord. To be more specific, I have made a covenant with Him that I will not make post-graduation plans or date this year so that I can focus only on His ministry and my relationship with Him. Consequently, I am surrendering my “need to know” – not because ignorance is bliss, but because I am developing a deeper trust in Him for all areas of my life. He may not reveal to me a “10 year plan,” but I know He will at least show me the next step at the right time. He will provide wisdom, and even if I make mistakes along the way, He will steer me in the right direction because He is sovereign.