Author: Chris Evangelista

Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever - WSC
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He is Greater: Jonah and the Whale

Summary of my sermon, based on Jonah 3:1-5. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on October 15, 2023.

Today, we delve into a story of faith, obedience, and doubt that reminds us of the importance of sharing God’s love, even when we doubt our abilities. As we examine the book of Jonah, a tale of divine commission and human reluctance, we’ll find valuable lessons for our own journeys of faith. Just as the missionary Hudson Taylor answered God’s call, Jonah was tasked with a mission he initially rejected.

We commence our exploration of Jonah by recalling Hudson Taylor, the founder of China Inland Missions. Taylor’s remarkable mission to China is a testimony to the transformative power of God’s love. Born in 1832, Taylor was inspired to become a missionary after reading about Robert Morrison, the first Protestant missionary to China. This daring young man sailed to China at the tender age of 21, living among and dressing like the Chinese, a practice uncommon in the 19th century when Western culture was often regarded as superior.

The legacy of Hudson Taylor, along with other missionaries who adopted culturally sensitive approaches to sharing the Gospel, remains profound. Taylor’s work in China resulted in the conversion of millions, even in the face of government persecution. This success story demonstrates the power of God’s love and the transformative impact it can have on entire nations.

Now, let’s turn to the story of Jonah, who was anything but enthusiastic about God’s command to call people to repentance. In Jonah 1:1–3, we see his initial reaction when God instructed him to go to Nineveh, a great city tainted by sin. Jonah’s response was not one of faith and obedience; instead, he attempted to flee from God’s presence by journeying to Tarshish, a place far removed from God’s call. Jonah’s rebellion exemplifies our doubts when tasked with sharing the Gospel.

Jonah’s escape plan led him to a ship, setting sail for Tarshish. However, God sent a fierce storm that terrified the crew. After discovering Jonah’s role in this calamity, they threw him overboard, and he was swallowed by a great fish. In the belly of the fish, Jonah repented, and God caused the fish to spit him out. Jonah’s miraculous survival reveals God’s relentless pursuit of those who have strayed from His path.

Upon his release, Jonah finally obeyed God’s command and went to Nineveh to proclaim a message of repentance. The result was remarkable. In Jonah 3:5, we learn that the people of Nineveh believed God, called for a fast, and put on sackcloth, signifying their mourning. The king of Nineveh declared a fast and urged his subjects to turn from their evil ways. This mass repentance led to God’s mercy, as He spared the city from destruction.

Surprisingly, Jonah was not overjoyed by Nineveh’s salvation. His anger stemmed from a desire to see the city’s demise rather than its redemption. His reluctance to share God’s love reveals a significant aspect of our own doubt – the fear that we lack the ability to save others. While Jonah’s doubts were rooted in his reluctance to see God’s mercy extended, many of us question our ability to effectively share the Gospel.

Our God Saves

An essential lesson to remember is that our God is the ultimate Savior. The act of salvation is the work of the Lord, both for our own lives and for those to whom we are called to share the Gospel. Our doubts often stem from the misconception that we must save someone through our abilities and eloquence, a paralyzing fear that can lead to inaction.

However, our role is not to save but to convey God’s message. The initiative for salvation lies with the Lord, and we are instruments in His divine plan. Our own salvation story can be a powerful tool, sharing how God has worked in our lives. We must recognize that it is God who draws people to Himself, and our duty is to be obedient and share His message.

God Equips Us

Another important lesson from Jonah’s story is that God equips us for the task. He does not only call us but provides us with the necessary abilities. You do not need specialized methods or formal theological training to share the Gospel. God can use you, even with your limitations, to share His love.

Jonah’s remarkable journey began with no formal training or preparation. Likewise, Hudson Taylor lacked a theological education but trusted in the Lord’s power. We must overcome our doubts and trust that God will equip us for the task at hand. As God called Hudson Taylor and Jonah, He calls each of us to fulfill His divine purposes, trusting that His power will work through us.

In conclusion, the story of Jonah reminds us of the transformative power of sharing God’s love, even when we doubt our abilities. Just as Hudson Taylor’s faith transformed China, we too can impact the lives of others by sharing the Gospel. Remember that our God is the ultimate Savior, and we are His instruments in this divine work. He equips us for the task at hand, and through His power, we can overcome our doubts and be effective bearers of His message.

As you go about your life, be encouraged to share God’s love, knowing that you are not alone – God works through you and with you. Just as Jonah ultimately learned the importance of extending God’s mercy, may we too embrace our calling to share His love, casting aside our doubts and embracing the transformative power of the Gospel.

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He is Great: Daniel and the Lion’s Den

Summary of my sermon, based on Daniel 6:19-24. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on October 8, 2023.

As we delve into the Book of Daniel during the Babylonian Exile, it’s essential to recognize the relevance of Daniel’s story in the context of contemporary challenges. From conflicts in Israel to the increasing hostility against the Church, the nations seem to be raging against God and His people. Today, we’ll explore the story of Daniel and learn how to navigate hostility with integrity, drawing valuable lessons for our faith journey.

The Babylonian Exile marked a significant period in Israel’s history when the Kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Babylonian Empire around 618 BC. This event ended Israel’s sovereignty for nearly 2,500 years, until its reestablishment as the State of Israel in 1948. However, Israel’s existence remains far from secure, given ongoing conflicts with groups like Hamas.

The constant attacks on Israel and the excessive number of resolutions passed against it by the United Nations beg the question: Why is Israel the target of such intense hatred? Psalm 2:1–2 suggests an answer: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed.”

The significance of Israel in God’s plan and the world’s opposition to it raise crucial questions about the relationship between the Church and Israel, with two primary viewpoints: Supersessionism and Zionism. Regardless of one’s stance, it’s evident that both the Church and Israel are perceived as representatives of the God of the Bible and face increasing hostility.

Now, let’s explore the story of Daniel, who was among the Jewish captives taken to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. His exemplary life in captivity is a testament to faith and integrity.

Daniel’s Integrity
One of the key lessons from Daniel’s life is the importance of civil obedience and disobedience. Daniel obeyed Babylonian laws as long as they didn’t conflict with his faith. Romans 13:1 emphasizes the need to submit to governing authorities, recognizing that they are instituted by God. While Daniel exemplified obedience, he also demonstrated that civil disobedience may be necessary when laws contradict God’s command.

The story reveals how high officials targeted Daniel’s faith by exploiting his spiritual disciplines, especially prayer. Spiritual disciplines, such as reading the Bible and prayer, play a pivotal role in a believer’s life. Colossians 3:16 encourages us to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly, highlighting the importance of these disciplines in maintaining our faith.

Daniel’s Character
Daniel’s character played a significant role in his positive relationship with King Darius. His integrity, kindness, and excellence made him well-liked even among his captors. This exemplifies the importance of upholding true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and excellent values, as mentioned in Philippians 4:8, within a foreign culture. Daniel’s ability to do so while standing firm in his faith serves as a remarkable example.

In Galatians 5:22–23, we find the fruit of the Spirit, which includes qualities like love, kindness, and self-control. These qualities can guide us in maintaining our integrity and acting with grace, even when facing hostility.

The story of Daniel offers valuable lessons for navigating hostility with integrity. Daniel’s life of obedience, civil disobedience, spiritual disciplines, and exceptional character serve as an inspiration for believers in the face of contemporary challenges. As the world continues to rage against God’s people, we must remember to shine as lights in a crooked and twisted generation (Philippians 2:14–15) and to remain blessed when insulted for the name of Christ (1 Peter 4:12–14).

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He is Greater: Esther

Summary of my sermon, based on Esther 4:12-17. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on October 1, 2023.

In Christian theology, there is a profound concept known as “Providence.” Though this term is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its essence can be felt throughout Scripture. Providence encompasses God’s preservation, care, and governance over all creation to fulfill His divine purposes. It is vital to comprehend how God shapes and guides history. In this blog post, we will explore the relevance of Providence in the story of Esther.

To fully grasp the significance of Esther’s narrative, let’s first set the historical stage. After the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon, the kingdom of Israel split into the northern kingdom, Israel, and the southern kingdom, Judah. Israel and its northern neighbor, Syria, had complex relations, sometimes allies and other times antagonists. However, both kingdoms faced tumultuous times. Assyria conquered Syria and later Israel in 722 BC, while Judah managed to resist the Babylonians for twelve years before succumbing to their rule in 618 BC. This marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, as a significant portion of the Jewish population was forcibly deported to Babylon. The Babylonian Empire eventually fell to the Persian Empire, led by King Cyrus in 539 BC, allowing some Israelites to return. This blog post focuses on the period from 600 to 400 BC when Israel was under Babylonian and Persian rule, a time of great hardship.

Our story unfolds in the 430s BC, with King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) reigning in Persia. At this point, Jewish exiles were scattered throughout the Persian Kingdom, and among them was Esther and her uncle Mordecai, residing in the capital city of Susa.

King Ahasuerus, in his grand feast, summons his wife, Queen Vashti, to display her beauty, but she refuses. Consequently, Vashti is deposed as queen. In Chapter 2, the king initiates a beauty contest to choose a new queen. Esther, a Jewish orphan living in Susa and Mordecai’s cousin, emerges as the new queen, concealing her Jewish identity. Mordecai, stationed at the king’s gate, uncovers a conspiracy to assassinate the king. He informs Esther, who relays the information to the king, giving credit to Mordecai.

Chapter 3 introduces Haman, a powerful official in the Persian court, who demands that all bow down to him. Mordecai refuses, infuriating Haman. Inexplicably, Haman decides to take his anger out on all Jews, plotting their extermination throughout the Persian Empire by bribing King Ahasuerus with a substantial sum of silver. The king grants Haman the authority to issue a decree that will lead to the destruction of all Jews.

In the face of this dire situation, Mordecai’s response is one of deep mourning, as he dons sackcloth and ashes, a powerful public symbol of his grief. Esther hears of this and sends messengers to Mordecai to understand the situation. She is initially hesitant to act as Mordecai requests, as approaching the king without a summons is punishable by death.

Esther’s initial reluctance can be understood within the context of her youth and sheltered life. She is likely a teenager, inexperienced, and somewhat sheltered. Her response is indicative of her immaturity, as she sends Mordecai clothes when he is in mourning.

For Such a Time As This
Mordecai’s response to Esther’s fear is profound, as found in Esther 4:14: “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” This response highlights the concept of Providence – that Esther has a unique role to play in God’s sovereign plan.

The story of Esther ultimately ends on a positive note, with Esther stepping up to thwart Haman’s plot and save the Jewish people. The book of Esther, while not mentioning God explicitly, beautifully illustrates God’s providential work behind the scenes.

Strength in Weakness: The world often celebrates strength and power, but Christianity values weakness. In our weakness, God’s power can shine. As 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 states, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Trusting in God’s Providence: We should trust that God is at work in our lives, shaping events for His divine purpose. Philippians 2:13-16 encourages us to hold fast to the word of life.

The Cross of Christ: Romans 8:31-32 reminds us that God’s providence and care are demonstrated through the sacrifice of Christ for our salvation.

In conclusion, the story of Esther is a testament to the profound concept of Providence, where God’s sovereignty is at work even when He seems absent. Esther’s courage in the face of danger, despite her initial fear, demonstrates how God can use individuals in unexpected ways to fulfill His divine purpose.

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An Eye Towards Eternity

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 5:13-21. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on May 21, 2023.

As a teenager, my love for reading often led to humorous situations, like walking into telephone poles or missing bus stops. One series that captivated me was the fictionalized portrayal of end-time prophecy in the “Left Behind” books. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of assurance in our faith, drawing inspiration from the book of 1 John. Like the believers in John’s time, we may struggle with doubts and insecurities. However, through the assurances provided by the Gospel, we can find confidence in our salvation and a deeper understanding of God’s truth.

Assurance of Eternal Life

In 1 John 5:13, the apostle writes to believers, assuring them of eternal life. While doubts about our salvation are natural, they do not diminish our relationship with God. We are reminded of Romans 5:6-11, where we learn that Christ’s love surpasses our weaknesses and doubts. The goal is to grow in faith, gradually diminishing our doubts and embracing the assurance of eternal life.

Assurance of Answered Prayer

Through 1 John 5:14-15, we gain assurance that God hears our prayers when aligned with His will. Prayer connects us with God, bringing peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). We are encouraged to pray for our brothers and sisters who may have fallen away, trusting that God can bring them back to obedience. However, there is a distinction between sins that lead to death and sins that do not, reminding us of the limitations of prayer for those who persistently reject the Gospel.

Assurance of Understanding

John affirms in 1 John 5:20-21 that the Son of God has given believers understanding. We have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, reinforcing the concept of the Priesthood of All Believers. Proverbs 30:5 and Psalm 119:9-11 emphasize the reliability of God’s Word and the importance of storing it in our hearts. The purpose of this understanding is to guide us in walking worthy of the Lord and growing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9-10).

Just as doubts and insecurities may have plagued my teenage years, many believers experience moments of uncertainty in their faith. However, 1 John provides valuable assurances that can strengthen our confidence in the Gospel. By embracing the assurance of eternal life, trusting in the answered prayers according to God’s will, and seeking understanding through His Word, we can find peace and assurance in our journey of faith. Let us remember to keep ourselves from idols, staying focused on the truth of God’s promises.

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The Testimony of God

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 5:6-12. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on April 30, 2023.

When I was younger, legal thrillers like “Law and Order” and “Boston Legal” were my favourite. These shows showcased the intricacies of the justice system, from crime-solving to courtroom drama. However, courts serve a broader purpose beyond criminal cases. Disputes, including tort cases involving injury or death, also find their way into the legal system. In these cases, expert witnesses play a crucial role in presenting testimonies to support or challenge claims. Similarly, the Apostle John calls us to examine and defend the testimonies that testify to the hope and assurance found in Jesus Christ.

Believe the Testimony

John’s letter in 1 John 5:6 introduces three witnesses that testify about Jesus Christ. The first two witnesses are the water and the blood, symbolizing Jesus’ baptism and sacrificial death. These events signify His earthly ministry and affirm His identity as the incarnate Son of God. John, an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry, confirms the truth of Jesus’ incarnation. In addition, the Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus. At Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit descended like a dove, affirming His divine mission (Matthew 3:16-17). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit inspired the authors of Scripture, providing us access to the truth of God (2 Timothy 3:16). The testimony of the Spirit reinforces the truth of Jesus’ identity and mission.

Defend the Testimony

John emphasizes the importance of defending the testimonies presented in 1 John 5:7-9. He references the standard set in Deuteronomy 19:15, where two or three witnesses are required to establish a charge. By presenting three witnesses, John adheres to this standard. He contrasts the testimony of men with the testimony of God, highlighting the superiority of God’s testimony. As believers, we must be prepared to defend our faith when questioned. This defense extends to external challenges and internal doubts. Equipping ourselves to defend our faith enables us to stand firm in the face of opposition and maintain our trust in God (1 Peter 3:15).

Critics often challenge the reliability of Scripture by pointing out numerous mistakes or textual variants. They claim that the Bible contains hundreds of thousands of discrepancies. However, this claim misrepresents the reality of textual variants. While there are over 300,000 textual variants in the manuscripts of the New Testament, it is important to understand their significance. These variants emerged due to the manual process of copying the Bible by hand, which naturally led to human errors. Nonetheless, the abundance of textual variants is also a testament to the wealth of manuscript copies available. We possess approximately 5,800 complete or partial manuscripts of the Greek New Testament, far exceeding other ancient texts.

Furthermore, the time gap between the original writings and the earliest manuscripts is relatively short compared to other ancient texts. Some New Testament copies were made within a century of the original writing. Although we do not have the original manuscripts, the abundance of copies and the early dates of these copies increase our confidence in the accuracy of the New Testament text (Romans 15:4).

Verdict from the Testimony

In 1 John 5:10-12, John highlights the significance of believing in the Son of God. Those who believe have the testimony of God within them, affirming their status as children of God (Romans 8:16-17). The testimony is that God has granted eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16-18). Conversely, those who do not believe make God a liar by rejecting His testimony. Believing in Jesus leads to eternal life, while disbelief results in condemnation.

As believers, we are called to believe and defend the testimonies that testify to the truth of Jesus Christ. We can trust in the testimony of the water, blood, and the Holy Spirit, which affirm Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. Furthermore, we must be prepared to defend our faith when questioned or challenged. Addressing doubts and external attacks with knowledge and wisdom strengthens our faith and allows us to stand firm in the truth (Ephesians 6:11-13). Let us hold fast to the testimonies of faith, embracing the hope and assurance found in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.