Category: Books of the Bible

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He is Greater: God’s Promises to Abraham

Summary of my sermon, based on Genesis 12:1-9. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on July 2, 2023.

In our exploration of Biblical Theology, we delve into the story of Abraham and the promises God made to him. We witness the calling of Abraham, the difficulty of obedience, and the glorious promises that unfold. This blog post uncovers the significance of God’s calling, the challenges faced by Abraham, and the profound impact of these promises on our lives today.

God’s Difficult Calling

Genesis 12:1 reveals God’s call to Abraham to leave his country, kindred, and father’s house. As a church with a majority of immigrants, we can empathize with the challenges Abraham faced in leaving everything behind. However, this obedience does not save us; rather, it tangibly exercises our faith and showcases our dependence on God.

God’s Glorious Promises

Genesis 12:2-3 outlines the promises God made to Abraham. The first promise is to make Abraham’s name great, which contrasts with the builders of the Tower of Babel who sought to make a name for themselves. God’s promise assures Abraham of eternal significance. The second promise is to make Abraham a great nation, despite the initial obstacle of his childlessness. This promise reminds us of God’s power and faithfulness.

The global promise in Genesis 12:3 carries immense importance. Through Abraham, all families on earth will be blessed. This promise points to the ultimate blessing that comes through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:3 emphasizes the spiritual blessings we receive in Christ, including salvation by grace through faith. God’s promise to Abraham directly affects us, highlighting the magnitude of this covenant.

Abraham’s Obedience and Faith

Abraham’s obedience and faith are essential aspects of this narrative. Genesis 15:6 states that Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness. However, his journey was not without struggles. He attempted to help God’s promise through actions such as taking Lot with him and engaging with Hagar. These instances remind us that the road of faith can be challenging, but God’s promises remain steadfast.

The story of Abraham teaches us about obedience, faith, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Like Abraham, we are called to exercise obedience, knowing that our salvation is based on faith in Jesus Christ, not our works. As we navigate the rocky road of faith, we can take solace in the unwavering faithfulness of God. Just as God fulfilled His promises to Abraham, we can trust that He will fulfill His promises to us.

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The Love that We Need

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 2:12-17. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on February 5, 2023.

Remember the time when smartphones revolutionized our lives? While they brought numerous benefits, they also became a major source of distraction. Similarly, in our journey of faith, we often get distracted by the allurements of the world, hindering our focus on the profound love that Christ offers. In the writings of the apostle John, we find a compelling message of assurance: when we truly know, love, and obey Jesus, we can have confidence in our salvation.

The Love of Christ Gives Salvation

In the first portion of 1 John 2:12-14, John repeatedly affirms his message to different groups within the church, emphasizing the fundamental aspects of salvation. He reminds “little children” that their sins are forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice. To the “fathers,” he emphasizes their intimate knowledge of Jesus, the one who existed from the beginning. Addressing the “young men,” John celebrates their victory over the evil one. By knowing the Father and being strengthened by the Word of God, they have overcome. Through the love of Christ, we receive the gift of salvation, which leads to exaltation and victory over the forces of darkness.

John’s poetic expressions in this passage resonate with the Psalms, which frequently exalt God for His salvation. We are encouraged to sing and proclaim the wonders of our redemption. As we exalt God, our hearts are stirred with a passionate love for Jesus. Salvation not only delivers us from sin but also empowers us to live victoriously in Christ. Ephesians 6:10-12 further reinforces this truth, urging us to put on the armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Through salvation, we gain the strength to resist and overcome the attacks of the enemy.

The Love of Christ Gives Eternity

John’s exhortation continues in 1 John 2:15-17, where he warns against loving the world and its temporary allurements. The desires of the flesh, the lustful cravings of the eyes, and the prideful pursuits of life are not aligned with God’s purposes. Instead, we are called to align ourselves with the will of God, for the world and its desires are transient. By embracing the love of Christ and living in obedience to God’s will, we secure an eternal existence. Our love for God should transcend the fleeting pleasures that the world offers.

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, we must refocus our attention on the profound love that Christ has bestowed upon us. By exalting God for our salvation, finding strength in Christ to overcome the evil one, and turning away from the transient desires of the world, we can confidently walk in the assurance of our salvation. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, knowing Him intimately, loving Him fervently, and obeying Him faithfully. In Him, we find eternal life and the unwavering assurance of our salvation.

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He is Greater: The Tower of Babel

Summary of my sermon, bassed on Genesis 11:1-9. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on June 25, 2023.

Biblical Theology encompasses the diverse and unified nature of the Bible, recognizing its collection of 66 books written by approximately 40 authors over a span of 1500 years in different languages. While the Bible’s various books offer unique perspectives, genres, and purposes, they all contribute to the overarching story of Salvation, known as “Redemptive History.” Through typology and tension, Biblical Theology seeks to uncover symbols, figures, and events that point to Jesus Christ, creating a longing that can only be fulfilled by Him. This blog post explores the Tower of Babel story, revealing its underlying desires, God’s response, and how it relates to our lives today.

Typology is a concept within Biblical Theology where individuals, places, objects, or events in the Old Testament function as symbols that point to Jesus Christ. For instance, the bronze serpent in Numbers 21 serves as a typological representation of Jesus, providing salvation and healing when the people looked upon it. Tension, on the other hand, signifies a longing that can only be fulfilled by Christ. It arises from symbols, individuals, objects, or events that don’t explicitly point to Jesus but create a yearning for His redemptive work.

Desire for Security

The Tower of Babel narrative in Genesis 11:1-4 introduces two fundamental desires. The first desire revolves around security, illustrated by the people’s resolution to build a city. Although desiring security isn’t inherently wrong, the problem arises when we seek ultimate security outside of Christ. True security comes from placing our faith in Jesus, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17). While we embrace God’s provision, we must adopt a posture of faith and become good stewards of His blessings. Tithing can also serve as an act of faith, demonstrating our trust in God’s security by giving back a portion of what He has blessed us with.

Desire for Praise

The second desire present in the Tower of Babel story is the longing for praise. The people aimed to build a tower that would reach the heavens and make a name for themselves. We can all relate to this desire for recognition and praise, but it becomes problematic when it leads to pride. Pride opposes God, and He extends grace to the humble (James 4:6). The Tower of Babel’s narrative serves as a reminder of the futility of pride, as even a tower reaching the heavens fails to impress God. Recognizing that God alone deserves our praise can help us navigate the fine line between courageous initiative and pride.

God’s Response: Judgement and Scattering

God’s response to the Tower of Babel reveals His opposition to pride and His desire for humility. In Genesis 11:5-7, God “came down” to see the city and tower as a symbolic act emphasizing the insignificance of human pride. While humanity can achieve great things, God confused their languages and scattered them across the earth. This scattering and confusion still persist today, manifesting in diverse languages, nation-states, and conflicts. However, amidst this judgment, God’s grace and deliverance remain available to us.

The Tower of Babel narrative creates a tension that can only be resolved in Christ. Revelation 7:9-11 beautifully portrays the unity of diverse nations, tribes, peoples, and languages before the throne of God, worshipping the Lamb. GCF Toronto embraces this vision, seeking to make disciples of all nations and teaching them to observe Christ’s commands (Matthew 28:19-20). Through our actions, we strive to reflect the unity and diversity found in Biblical Theology, acknowledging Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of security, praise, and salvation.

Understanding Biblical Theology allows us to appreciate the diverse yet unified nature of the Bible. The story of the Tower of Babel highlights the dangers of seeking security and praise outside of Christ. While the desire for security is natural, our true security lies in Jesus, and we can practice this by adopting a posture of faith and becoming good stewards. Likewise, the desire for praise must be channeled towards God alone, avoiding pride and embracing humility. As we engage with Biblical Theology, we recognize the tension created by symbols and longings that find their resolution in Jesus Christ, leading us to embrace His grace and share His love with all nations.

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How We Know We’re Saved

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 2:3-11. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on January 29, 2023.

People often question and doubt their assurance of salvation, especially when faced with the reality of sin in their lives. While the Bible teaches that we are justified by grace through faith, doubts can still creep in. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The more honest you are about your sinfulness and your shortcomings, the more glorious Christ’s salvation becomes.” So how can we have confidence in our salvation? In 1 John 2:3-11, we find guidance on knowing, loving, and obeying Jesus as the basis for our assurance of salvation.

We Know Jesus When We Obey Him

To have assurance of salvation, we must know Jesus. And we come to know Him through obedience. The Apostle John writes, “By this, we know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3). Obedience is not about earning salvation through works, but rather the evidence of a genuine relationship with Christ. When we walk in obedience, we reflect our knowledge and understanding of who Jesus is.

Obedience to Jesus goes hand in hand with keeping His commandments. Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Our love for Jesus is demonstrated by our obedience to His teachings. The commandments of Christ are not burdensome but rather the path to abundant life and true freedom (1 John 5:3). By embracing His commandments and aligning our lives with His teachings, we grow in our assurance of salvation.

In order to obey Jesus, we must first know His commandments. The Bible is the primary source for understanding His teachings and commands. Psalm 1:2 encourages us to delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night. Reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture is crucial for our spiritual growth and knowing Jesus more intimately. It may seem daunting, but there are resources available to help us understand and apply God’s Word effectively.

When we obey Jesus and keep His commandments, His love is perfected in us. This perfection refers to the maturing and completion of His love within us. Through our obedience, we align ourselves with God’s love and allow it to work in and through us. This perfect love brings assurance and confidence in our relationship with Christ. As we walk in obedience, His love becomes evident in our lives and impacts our relationships with others.

We Know Jesus When We Love One Another

A key aspect of knowing Jesus is loving one another. John writes, “Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him, there is no cause for stumbling” (1 John 2:10). Our love for others is a tangible expression of our relationship with Jesus. When we genuinely love one another, we demonstrate that we know Him. This love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through our actions, sacrificial service, forgiveness, and compassion towards others.

Doubts about our salvation can arise, but we can find assurance by seeking to know Jesus more intimately. Our knowledge of Jesus grows as we walk in obedience to His commandments, grounded in Scripture. This obedience is not about works-based salvation but evidence of our genuine faith. As we keep His commandments, His love is perfected in us, leading to a deepened assurance of salvation. Furthermore, our love for one another reflects our relationship with Jesus and strengthens our confidence in Him. So let us pursue a deeper knowledge of Jesus, rooted in obedience and love, finding assurance in Him.

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He is Greater: Noah’s Ark

Summary of my sermon, based on Genesis 7:1-5. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on June 4, 2023.

Biblical Theology, as we practice it today, encompasses the understanding that the Bible is both diverse and unified. It consists of 66 separate books, written by around 40 authors over a thousand years, in three different languages. While each book contributes to the overarching story of salvation, we also employ typology and tension to uncover deeper meanings and connections within the text. Typology involves symbols and figures in the Old Testament that point to Christ, while tension creates a longing that can only be fulfilled by Jesus. We will delve into the story of Noah’s Ark and uncover its profound theological implications.

The Seriousness of Sin

Genesis 6:5-7 presents a sobering portrayal of the wickedness that consumed humanity: “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, ‘I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.'”

This description of humanity’s sinfulness still holds true today. Turn on the news, and we witness the pervasive evil and darkness that plagues our world. It is crucial to recognize the seriousness of sin, as it not only destroys society but also directly opposes the holiness of God. Scripture, such as Psalm 11:5-7, emphasizes God’s righteousness and His hatred for wickedness. Sin creates a separation between us and God, hindering our ability to experience His presence and hear His voice (Isaiah 59:2).

Righteousness in the Midst of Evil

Genesis 6:8 reveals a remarkable statement about Noah: “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” How can Noah be considered righteous when Scripture declares that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)? The answer lies in Hebrews 11:7, which explains that Noah’s righteousness came by faith. Noah’s righteousness was not based on his own actions but on his unwavering trust in God. This aligns with the concept of righteousness in the Old Testament, where faith alone is the means of salvation.

Saved from the Flood but not from Sin

Genesis 7:1-5 describes how Noah and his family were saved from the flood. They entered the ark as the rain poured down, and they remained inside until the floodwaters receded. While Noah became a type of Christ, representing salvation, he was still an imperfect version. This imperfection is evident in Genesis 9:20-21, where Noah’s drunkeness reveal his fallibility. Sin remained, highlighting the need for a perfect Savior who could fully redeem humanity.

The Coming Judgment of Sin

The story of Noah’s ark ultimately points to the salvation that Jesus provides. 1 Peter 3:18-20 highlights the connection between Noah’s ark and the redemptive work of Christ. Just as Noah and his family were brought safely through the waters, Jesus suffered for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. The wrath that God displayed in the flood is redirected to Christ on the cross. Romans 5:8-9 beautifully expresses this truth, stating, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”

The Depths of Redemption

The story of Noah’s Ark holds profound theological significance beyond its familiar Sunday school portrayal. It reveals the seriousness of sin, the possibility of righteousness through faith, and the need for a perfect Savior to bring salvation. Noah’s ark becomes a symbol of Christ’s redemptive work, as He rescues us from the wrath of God by His sacrifice on the cross. As we explore the depths of this narrative, we are reminded of the gravity of sin, the power of faith, and the hope found in our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we embrace the complete message of Noah’s Ark and proclaim the transformative power of God’s redeeming love to the world.