My personal statement

My role model in the Bible is Ezra. Ezra 7:10 says, “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” All that I want to do through my life is “studying and teaching the Bible.” Someone may think I should do something more practical than this. However, I believe that this job is the most practical and most important job.

To my thought, crucial talents required for studying and teaching the Bible are “understanding” and “communication.” A preacher should have deep understanding of God’s word and be able to communicate the understanding to others. Furthermore, he should be alert to understand each individual person because there are no two persons who share the same personality, experience or life problem. Between God and people, I assume the role of a communicator. In Matthews 13:52, Jesus says, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” A good Bible teacher should be well versed in the treasures stored the Bible and be able to use them in season for each person. I pursue good understanding of God’s word as well as people and critical issues in their life. I also want to be a good communicator between God and Man.

I have worked as a member of UBF (University Bible Study) and as a Bible teacher in Korea, New Zealand and the U.S. mainly for college students. My works have been focused on 1:1 Bible study, which I believe is the most efficient and effective way of planting the Word in people’s heart. To me, face-to-face conversation is often a very intense battle, sometimes even more intense than giving a sermon in front of a large congregation. These experiences have led me to be very prudent in reading the Bible and reading people’s heart, both of which must be most difficult to handle.

I have cherished an earnest desire to preach the gospel. Out of this wish, for a while, I have thought that I do not have time to study. However, I have learned that I should learn in order to teach. I use a parallel Bible with NIV and KJV. God’s word is graceful and truthful in both versions, but I see many differences even between the two most popular translations. This made me want to study the Bible more thoroughly and professionally. In Boston, I met several students and graduates of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and all of them told me how intensively the school is teaching the Bible through many different approaches.

I have a vision. It is opening a Bible house on the Harvard Ave in Allston. It will be like St. Paul’s rented house in Rome. Acts 28:30, 31 says “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Although he was in chain and confined in a small house, he became a gushingly flowing channel for the gospel of the kingdom of God. I want to install such a device in this city, which is available and accessible 24 hours a day and 365 days a year for all hungry and thirsty after God’s word.