The Parable of the Shed

There was once a man who built a shed. He purchased blueprints, materials and with hand tools he crafted it for his own unique purposes. From the foundation, to the walls and roof, every detail was thoroughly thought out, even to the doors, windows and shelves. When the project was complete he invited a friend over to show him what he had done. The friend was so impressed that he desired to build one of his own. The man offered to build it for him as a friendly gesture, but needed to know what exactly his needs were.

“No need for that,” the friend quickly interrupted, “I really need to get started.”

“At least let me help you,” the man said. “We can work side by side as partners to get this done for you.”

“That won’t be necessary,” the friend abruptly explained. “I get what you are doing here. I have my own tools. Just let me get some measurements off of your shed, and I’ll build what I need.”

The man finally offered, “May I at least loan you the blueprints to guide you?”

“Keep your blueprints. I’m on my way. I’ll let you know how it goes.” The friend said this and left.

A great deal of time later, the friend invited the man to the inaugural celebration of the completion of the tenth shed. The friend said, “It is unbelievable what you have inspired! These sheds seem to be popping up everywhere since my first facsimile. I haven’t seen this one yet, but I’m sure you won’t believe what we have been able to accomplish.”

The friend was right, for when the man saw the tenth facsimile of the original, it not only had no resemblance to the inspiration, but the entire construction was perfectly useless. The edifice was a monstrous monstrosity. The foundation was unstable; the windows were gone; the doorway was too narrow to enter in; the roofline was so low a person could not comfortably work in it and finally entire facsimile was built as some sort of embellished ornate thing that it had lost all of its functionality and practicality.

The man questioned, “How did this happen?”

“I don’t know, but isn’t it a wonder,” the friend exclaimed! “It really doesn’t matter. This shed alone is worth ten times ten of what your old pathetic little utility shed is worth.”

“Well, at least my shed still serves me well,” the man said, as he walked away in disappointment.

(Excerpt from my new book, "Identifying the Believer", Chapter 9, "We are the Church")

The Blessing - Psalm 20

May the Lord ...
- Answer you in trouble
- Set you on high
- Send you help
- Strengthen you
- Remember your offerings
- Grant your heart's desires
- Fulfill all your plans
- Fulfill all your petitions
- Give you victory
- Answer you when you call

Speaking Prophetically

“But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”
I Corinthians 14:3

This day I choose to prophesy. I have decided to stop speaking out of my own thoughts and opinions, and speak prophetically over my life and the lives of others around me. I have been created with the ability to form words that have the power to change lives and circumstances. The dynamic of the Holy Spirit dwells within me, discerning the heart of God over a matter or a person. I choose to prophesy.

I don’t know what you think of prophecy. Some relegate it strictly to foretelling the future. That is true, but that is not all it is. In a broader understanding, prophecy means to say before. Whenever I speak the word and the will of God under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I am operating in the gift of prophecy. Others see the gift of prophesy only as someone who might speak out over the congregation saying “Thus saieth the Lord …” Then they say to themselves “I can do that,” or “I won’t do that, so I must not have the gift of prophesy.” But, truth be told, we have the opportunity to speak prophetically every day. Whenever we refer to a person not according to what they were, or what they are, but to see them in light of what they will be with respect to God’s plan and purpose for their lives, that is prophecy. When I talk about my personal situation out of faith, based on the blessing and favor of the Lord over my life, I am prophesying.

The Apostle Paul desired that all believers would prophesy. And he set forth criteria in his letter to the Corinthians for New Testament prophecy. You can recognize prophetic words that are flowing from the throne of God, because they will always edify, exhort and comfort. This day I choose to speak prophetically

I choose to edify. To edify is to building up. The act of one who promotes another's growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness and holiness is a person who is operating out of their prophetic ability. We need to speak God’s good, acceptable and perfect will over our lives, and the lives of those around us, in a constructive manner. A builder builds by design and with purpose. We need to tap into God’s Word as the Creator’s divine blue print for our lives. He is building us to be the temple for His dwelling. Treating yourself and others as the temple of the Holy Spirit is an issue of respect for God’s work in each of us!

I choose to exhort. Exhorting is to address by admonishing or instructing for the purpose of persuading through arousing and stimulating the call of God on each of our lives. When we speak over the lives of others it is for the purpose of helping them. Building them up, not tearing them down. Whether by sermon, or lesson, or counsel, our words can be constructive or destructive. Either by the spoken or the written word, choose to constructively exhort. Over all the things that we can receive through our eyes and ears, filter out everything that does not edify. Think on these things …
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

I choose to comfort. Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit to His disciples as the Comforter. Comfort is a calming and consoling, solace. You will recognize comfort for its refreshing, encouraging, and consoling qualities. We must seek to find the words that will bring the Lord’s comfort and encouragement. When we comfort we are operating out of the Spirit of Christ, for “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). Oh, that we would choose to use our words in such a way that when we speak over ourselves and the lives of others that our words would release the purposes of God for His glory!

“Bless and curse not.”
Romans 12:14

God's Economy

We could talk about the economy in terms of saving, investing, business, interest rates, inflation, etc. But what about your personal economics in terms of your relationship with God. This world’s economy is not God's economy.

Jesus instructed His disciples in Matthew's Gospel, when things are looking down, we should look up.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ... No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof."
(Matthew 6:19-21, 24-34)

Kingdom principles supersede temporary mortgage meltdowns and financial collapse. Putting God 1st is the key to overcoming in every area of our lives. The theme of our 2010 Spring Conference is "Good News for Challenging Times," featuring special guests Mike Rovner & Chuck Damato. They will be teaching biblical principles that will change your life! You don't want to miss this exciting meeting!RSVP NOW! For more information click this link. http://bit.ly/d8vrJg

A New Mind

The very first word of the good new preached by Jesus was “Repent!” (Matthew 4:17). F. F. Bruce described repentance as involving a turning with contrition from sin to God. He said “The repentant sinner is in the proper condition to accept the divine forgiveness." (The Acts of the Apostles [Greek Text Commentary], London: Tyndale, 1952, p. 97.) This is so true, but what we see of Biblical repentance has more to do with changing your mind, or way of thinking and understanding. We need a new mind!

Paul reminded us in I Corinthians 2:16, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” Our lives are filled with our own ways of thinking. We base our understanding of things on personal life experience, education and our emotions. By using this particular mode of thinking and judging, our perspective on life are limited and often flawed. If this is true, then the choices we make with this rational can turn out to be big mistakes. As a new man, I have the ability now to put on a new mind - the mind of Christ.

In Christ Jesus I have the opportunity to set aside my old way of thinking and begin to reason from Jesus’ own way of thinking. Paul again instructs us by saying, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). Now, this is a process. Although we have newly revived spirits, it takes time and effort to change our way of thinking. We have two helpers. There is the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, who now lives within our spirits, and we have the Word of God which comes to us from without through a variety of different ways.

My grandmother told me about Dutch spring cleaning. When she was a little girl, every spring the family would empty the house of everything – and I do mean everything. Then they would scrub the inside of the house from floor to ceiling, and every cupboard and corner. After this they would white wash paint the interior walls. Finally they cleaned everything they had taken outside the house, than brought them back in one by one. Now they brought in only the things that they were going to keep. These had to be useful and beneficial, for they lived very simple lives on that old Indiana farm. What didn’t come back into the house got trashed, given away or sold. Imaging if we let the Holy Spirit scrub our souls with the Word of God and give us a good “brain washing,” in a manner of speaking. That is to cleanse our thought life by the “washing of water by the word” (Eph.5:26). This includes clearing up confusing and misleading ideas even about who God is.

My wife’s grandparents also did something similarly in Ohio. She remembered that throughout the year they were very careful about what they brought into the house, because sooner or later they would have to deal with it. We must also continually guard our minds for thoughts and influences that we will later have to deal with.

If the air and the water are polluted and can have unhealthy effects on us, how much can our thoughts be polluted by the negative ungodly influences of this fallen world? My car radio is set on KYCC, KLOVE and 770AM. These are Christian music and Bible teaching stations that lift my spirit and help to fill my mind with godly thoughts. Still I have to judge and discern biblical truth from error in all of that, and not take it at face value.

It is my job to put on a right mind. “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on … an helmet, the hope of salvation” (I Thes. 5:8). God provides His Word to me. It is a protective helmet over the thoughts of my mind. But I must take it off the shelf and actively apply it to my life. Listen to it. Read it. Study it. Memorize it. Meditate on it. Teach it. Live it!

Knowing God

How well do you know God? You may know about Him from what others have said. You may have done your own study and research on God, and have an academic knowledge of Him. You may even have intimate knowledge of Him based on your own personal relationship with Him.

There is yet another dimension to knowledge. It comes from the little Greek prefix “epi” as in “epi-gnosis,” which is to super-impose knowledge and thereby come to a complete and precise understanding. This knowledge is not general or informational. We have the opportunity to increase in correct spiritual knowledge (epi-gnosis) about God which is supernaturally imposed .

The Apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:17 for believers, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge (epi-gnosis) of him.” We can study Him and know Him by His Word, the Holy Bible. But add to that the dimension of the indwelling presence of the God's Holy Spirit in our lives as believers. With the Spirit’s help, by giving gifts of wisdom and revelation, we can “know him better” (NIV).

When I learned about this kind of knowledge (epi-gnosis) - the super-imposition of understanding - it reminded me of my souvenir collection. Whenever I go on a trip I try to find the cheapest souvenir. I discovered for fifty-one cents I can get a smashed penny. Into the machine I put my two quarters and a copper penny which already has the image of President Lincoln. After I crank the handle it comes out of the machine thinner, stretched and with the new image of a landmark. Although there is the faint and distorted old image of Mr. Lincoln on the back, the new impression on the front is now prominent. Is that what happens when we come to the knowledge of Christ? When we seek God by the Spirit and the Word, we want to know and understand who Jesus is to us. We want to discover what the Holy Spirit wants to do in our lives. This kind of seeking changes us as God stamps His divine image on our lives! The dominant image then becomes “… Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). With this new understanding of our relationship with God, our true identity is solidified. His life becomes our life. His identity becomes our identity. His nature becomes our nature. His love becomes our love. By putting our faith in Him, we are being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29).

This super-imposition is about searching out the things of God through His Spirit within us until we become a part of Him; a partner with Him, and become a full participant in Him. Knowing the truth about God has the power to change our lives. Not through mere informational or intellectual ascent, but by the Spirit's gift of revelation knowledge. In seeking the Lord, we are being impressed upon by the Holy Spirit to come to the full and complete “knowledge (epi-gnosis) of the Son” (Eph. 4:13).

Is God Dead?

The cover of Time Magazine, April 8, 1966 featured three disturbing words. “IS GOD DEAD?” Although the vast majority of American’s say they believe in God, the real question is what do they believe about God? The article sited several ideas from “on the street” interviews.
- Scientist - “God, if anything, is hydrogen and carbon. Then again, he might be
thermonuclear fission, since that’s what makes life on this planet possible.”
- Prostitute – “God will get me out of this filth one day. He is a God of mercy, dressed all in
white and sitting on a golden throne.”
- Cleaning Lady – “God is a ghost floating in space.”
- Screenwriter – “God is an infantile fantasy, which was necessary when men did not
understand what lightning was. God is a cop-out.”
- Janitor – “God is like a fiery flame, so white that it can blind you.”
- Seminary Student – “God is all that I cannot understand.”
- Another Scientist – “God is the totality of harmony of the universe.”
- Playwright – “It is the voice which says, ‘It’s not good enough’ – that’s what God is.”
- Civil Servant – “God is a lot like he was explained to us as children. As an older man, who is
just and who can get angry at us. I know this isn’t the true picture, but it’s the only one I’ve
got.”

What is wrong with this picture? Things haven’t changed much over the years. Too many people are coming to God with their own ideas about who He is. He is not who we think He is. He is not who other people say He is. God is who He said He is. God is not dead, but if people put faith is a confused misunderstanding of God, I’m afraid they will be terribly disappointed.

In his book, “When God Doesn’t Make Sense,” Dr. James Dobson said, “There is no greater distress in human experience than to build one’s entire way of life on a certain theological understanding, and then have it collapse at a time of unusual stress and pain.” Did God fail, or did an individual’s misconception of God fail?

Who is God? What is His true identity? A person can be identified by personal I.D., fingerprints, blood type, dental records, or DNA. God’s identity is to be discovered in a diligent search for Him in the pages of the Bible, with the help of the Holy Spirit. God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah saying,
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will
be found of you.” (Jeremiah. 29:13)

Our faith is only as good as the God we put our trust in. My book, "IDENTIFYING GOD" is designed to be a training course in identity. The study series begins with identifying God. In order to know who we are, we must first know who God is and why He made us - what our purpose is in Him. After identifying God, we can identify the believer. When we understand what the ministry of the believer is, we can then identify the ministry of the Church, and begin working together as one.

I am a fellow seeker, a fellow struggler. This has been a personal study for me that I would like to share with you. My search begins by understanding the knowledge of truth. The direction that my study takes investigates the meaning of the seven proper names for God from Old Testament Hebrew. These can help us to define the nature, character and authority of God. You will also gain a perspective of the kind of relationship that He wants to have with us. From this vantage point, you will get a clear perspective of who Jesus Christ is in relation to God. Finally, you will meet the Holy Spirit and discovery His divine attributes and manifestations.

These lessons are intended to be an introduction to the unique and personal relationship God wants to have with each of us. It is not my intention to be exhaustive, as the mystery of who God is must become a lifelong pursuit. If time spent in my book helps you to get off to a great start in your faith, or fills in the gaps of a partial understanding of the Lord, and thereby improves your relationship with Him, than the many hour spent in study and preparation have been worth it all.

May you be blessed and greatly rewarded in your diligent pursuit of the true and living God.

Check out my book "IDENTIFYING GOD at www.edhan-idgod.vpweb.com

School of Life Long Learning

I’m passionate about Christian education. Call me “Christian Ed” if you like. I remember summer camp when I was a teen. We were visited by the president of a Bible college. His approach to the young people was very interesting. He asked the students, “What career choice have you made for your future?” Many kids weren’t sure. Others were confident they would pursue fields in engineering, medicine, law enforcement and business. His next question was simple. “After completing your education,” he asked, “how many years of your life will you spend in that profession?” Most of the young people assumed 30, 40, maybe even 50 years in their chosen occupation. He then asked, “How many years do you expect to be a Christian?” The obvious answer is the rest of your life. The last question was, “Then should you consider starting your adult life in Christian education?”

The Bible college president posed a convincing argument. Too bad I didn’t follow his counsel in my youth. It took me many more years to come to the reality of his sage advice. A career may last a few decades, but serving the Lord is forever. Yet, how seriously do we take the issue of adult Christian education? I believe as believers, when entering into relationship with Christ, we enroll in a “School of Life Long Learning.” One human lifetime is not enough to learn all there is to know about God. But isn’t that one of the primary reasons God has given this one life to you?
“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ.” (Philippians 3:8 NLT)

However, I have witnessed well meaning Christians dismiss the value of faithful commitment to Bible study. “Sunday School is what I did as a kid,” seems to be their attitude. It really demonstrates an attitude of, “I did my time as a kid, so I don’t need Bible classes anymore.” With or without a degree, we don’t graduate from Bible school until resurrection. I am confident that I will take and teach Bible courses for the rest of my life. It is a matter of spiritual discipline in my mind.

Another deficiency to note is the “dummy down” approach being taken with adults. We need to teach to stretch and grow our faith by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). If I had my druthers, I would teach all adult classes at least to a junior college level. We tend to live with such low expectations of students that we seldom give homework or expect that students will memorize Scripture verses. You might be surprised at what level students will rise to when challenged and lead.

I’ve been so pleased with the resent response we had at our church in launching a school of ministry. I told the pastor if we could get six commitments we should start the two year diploma program. Wonder of wonders! We finished our first session with 24 disciples. Four times more than the fleece I had laid out. But people are hungry for discipleship, thirsty for the knowledge of God and longing for leadership.

In this day and age we desperately need believers to give God their best effort toward self-discipline to study, learn and grow. If you are gifted and capable, we need you to step up and teach the Word. If you are a true follower, seek out and find Bible based, Spirit filled courses to study. Join the “School of Life Long Learning” today!

If you live near Stockton, CA, take classes with us at Lakeview bible Institute (http://www.lakeviewassembly.com/). If you can study online, try Golden State School of Theology (http://www.goldenstate.edu/).

"Identifying God" - the book

Check out my book "Identifying God" at www.edhan-idgod.vpweb.com

We invite you to read our book, which is a Bible Study in the
character, nature and authority of God!

Do you know who God is?
You may think you know, but you have no idea.
God is not who you think He is.
God is not who others say He is.
God is who He said He is.

The book “IDENTIFYING GOD” offers a biblical definition of the One True Deity. This Scriptural portrait of the character of God can be a tremendous help for new believers looking to foundationalize their faith. It can also be beneficial for established believers by filling in some of the gaps in their personal faith.

Through this study you will discover …
• The nature of God from the meanings of His biblical names.
• Why the name of Jesus has authority over every name.
• The ministry of God’s Holy Spirit, who works within you.

In a world that is faced with a serious “identity crisis,” this book can help to settle much of your confusion by aligning your faith with “the King of kings, and the Lord of lords.”

Here's what people are saying about author
Ed Han and the book "IDENTIFYING GOD"...

"Ed Han is a quality and detailed Bible teacher. His teachings are both practical and theologically deep at the same time. In his book IDENTIFYING GOD, Ed uses these strengths to address a foundational understanding of God. His insights will be helpful to a wide variety of people. Most importantly, Ed lives a real sincere, down to earth Christian life. His life reflects his teachings and therefore there is real life in his teachings."
Tim Kurtz, Pastor
Fusion Christian Fellowship
Yuba City, CA

"I received your book IDENTIFYING GOD. I thank God, who gave you the prophetic message concerning the writing of this book. I must confess, it is helpful and I was inspired as I read it. Your illustrations gave me deeper understanding of the topics being discussed. This book is very good and you are an excellent teacher. Brother Ed, God richly blesses you. In fact your explanations made me read with excitement. I would like you to teach this topic here in Ghana in my ministry. I believe God is using you to talk to Africa . It is as if you are an African and know the problems here. God is using your book for spiritual break through! Hallelujah! Our God is wonderful. I am very happy about your teaching and I love it.Thank you for your teaching. You make it very simple to understand. You are a great teacher of the Word."
Joseph Ntsiabah
Pastor in Ghana
West Africa