Pentecost & How much?

Pentecost comes from the Greek word "pentekoste" which means "50th". It refers to the Jewish Feast of Weeks, which Greek-speaking Jews called the Day of Pentecost (Acts 21:1). Pentecost also commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and the followers of Jesus (Acts 2). The liturgical colour is red which symbolises the fire of the Holy Spirit and the blood of the martyrs which the seed of the Church.

Today's sermon is entitled "How much?" by Rev Melvin Huang. I record some of my thoughts based on the sermon below.

A question was asked if one who goes kayaking would put one foot in one kayak and the other foot in another. Of course not, right? Who in the right mind would?

But do you know that as Christians, we do? We have one foot in God's Kingdom and one foot in the world, and we end up being tossed about. And if we are "double-minded and unstable in every way", we "must not expect to receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:6-8).

God has a rightful place in our heart and life. Do we surrender all that we have to Him? Our family, our work, our finances, our leisure, even our food? If we seek first God's Kingdom, all the other parts will fall in place.

Where is my treasure? (Matthew 6:21)

Do I press on to the goal, forgetting what lies behind? (Phil 3:13-14)

Do I surrender ALL THAT I HAVE? (Matthew 13:44-46)

If God is not the Lord of all,
He is not the Lord at all

Hymn of Dedication - The Kingdom of God
(lyrics written by Rev Melvin Huang, sung to the tune of Foundation, UMH 529)

The Kingdom of God is why Jesus was sent
The gospel for all who in Jesus believe
It's living and knowing God, Father and Son
Be born from above and God's Kingdom receive

Live His life in this age and the age to come
Righteousness, peace, joy in the Spirit of God
Choose God as your treasure, His Kingdom seek first
Your heart sure will follow, be right with the Lord

Whatever you treasure your heart there will be
So seek first God's Kingdom, His righteousness, too
Like field hidden treasure, will cost all you have
But all in God's Kingdom are added to you