Category: Books of the Bible

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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.

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What the World Needs to Hear

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 1:5-2:2. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on January 8, 2023. My first sermon as Pastor of GCF Toronto.

Recent events, such as the FTX cryptocurrency scandal, highlight the world’s increasing denial of sin and accountability. We see individuals refusing to take responsibility for their actions, while society enables and even supports sinful behaviors. In a world that denies its sinfulness, it is crucial for us to preach the complete Gospel. By examining 1 John 1:5-2:2, we can gain insights into how the Gospel message addresses the world’s denial of sin and offers hope in Jesus Christ.

God is Light

In our current cultural climate, where sin is denied and relativism prevails, it is essential to begin with the truth that God is Light. This truth confronts the world’s distorted perception of morality and emphasizes the holiness and righteousness of God. The Apostle John, in his letter, proclaims, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). By starting with this foundational truth, we expose the darkness of the world and the need for righteousness to have fellowship with God.

We Are Sinful

To preach the complete Gospel, we must affirm that we are sinful. Society often denies sin or minimizes its impact, promoting self-righteousness and a false sense of moral superiority. Yet, the Bible declares, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). It is crucial to confront the world with the reality of sin and its consequences. By acknowledging our sinfulness, we can experience forgiveness and cleansing through Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9).

Jesus Saves

In the face of human sinfulness, the complete Gospel offers hope and salvation through Jesus Christ. As we acknowledge our sin, we find assurance that “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). Jesus, the propitiation for our sins, took upon Himself the punishment we deserved and offers redemption to all who believe in Him (1 John 2:2).

Preach the Complete Gospel

In a world that denies sin, the urgency to preach the complete Gospel cannot be overstated. We must challenge the distorted narratives and false beliefs that lead people astray. The Four Spiritual Laws, once effective, must now be supplemented with a clear message about the righteousness of God and our sinfulness. We need to address the world’s misplaced values, where good is called evil and evil is called good (Isaiah 5:20). By presenting the complete Gospel, we provide a pathway for people to come to the light and find redemption through Jesus Christ.

We can learn from the Way of the Master evangelism approach, which emphasizes the importance of addressing sin before sharing the good news of salvation. Like Peter and Isaiah, who recognized their sinfulness in the presence of a holy God, we must help people acknowledge their own sin and their need for a Savior. By pointing to Jesus Christ as the advocate and propitiation for our sins, we offer hope and forgiveness.

In a world that denies sin, preachers and believers must boldly proclaim the complete Gospel. We start with the foundation that God is Light, exposing the darkness of sin and highlighting the need for righteousness. By acknowledging our sinfulness and accepting Jesus Christ as our advocate and propitiation, we find forgiveness and redemption. Let us rise to the challenge of sharing the complete Gospel, bringing light to a world that desperately needs to hear the truth.

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He is Greater: Adam and Eve

Summary of this sermon, based on Genesis 3:16-24. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on May 28, 2023.

Understanding the Bible’s Richness and Unity

Biblical Theology is a fascinating field of study that aims to uncover the unity and diversity present in the Bible. It is a response to modern biblical criticism, which emerged in the late 18th century as an academic study of the Bible using evidence, observations, and reason. Contrary to the negative connotation of “criticism,” this approach analyzes the Bible in a scholarly manner, similar to studying literature or social sciences. While some critical scholars have disconnected the Bible from the Christian faith, Biblical Theology affirms the Bible as the inspired Word of God while recognizing the benefits of using critical methods.

Diversity and Unity

The Bible is not merely a single book but rather an anthology—a collection of 66 separate books written by approximately 40 authors over 1500 years in three different languages. This diversity of authors, perspectives, and purposes contributes to the overarching story of the Bible. It is comparable to a functioning human body where diverse parts, like a hand and an eye, work together for the body’s unity. Similarly, the Bible’s theology is enriched by its complementary diversity, leading to a greater understanding of God’s plan for humanity.

Typology and Tension

Biblical Theology also employs typology and tension to explore the connections between different stories and themes in the Bible. Typology refers to symbols and narratives that clearly point to Jesus Christ, such as the story of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21. When the Israelites were afflicted by fiery serpents due to their rebellion, God instructed Moses to create a bronze serpent and lift it up on a pole. Anyone who looked at the serpent would live. Jesus later referred to this event, stating that just as the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness, He, the Son of Man, must also be lifted up for eternal life (John 3:14-16).

Tension arises from the longing for relief and fulfillment found in the Old Testament, which can only be satisfied by Christ. The Old Testament’s symbols, situations, and unfulfilled promises create this tension, highlighting the need for a Savior. By understanding the typology and tension within the biblical text, we can see how every story, symbol, and prophecy point to Jesus, revealing His central role in God’s redemptive plan.

Grace in the Midst of Judgment

In Genesis 3, we witness the aftermath of Adam and Eve’s first sin and God’s subsequent judgment. Both Adam and Eve receive specific judgments related to their roles in marriage and work. These judgments introduce tensions, creating a longing for relief that can ultimately be fulfilled in Christ. Eve is told that her pain in childbirth will be multiplied, and conflict will arise in her relationship with her husband. Adam, on the other hand, is informed that work will become toilsome, with thorns and thistles, and he will return to the dust from which he was taken.

These judgments, seemingly arbitrary at first glance, actually serve as reminders of the brokenness caused by sin. They create tensions and dissatisfactions in areas of life that should be rewarding, leading us to yearn for relief and restoration. The world often presents alternative paths to relief, such as victimhood or seeking societal solutions, but true relief can only be found in Christ. As Jesus promises in Matthew 11:28-30, those who labor and are burdened can find rest in Him alone.

Foreshadowing the Gospel

Genesis 3:14-15 contains the first articulation of the Gospel, as God pronounces judgment on Satan. The offspring of the woman is prophesied to bruise the head of the serpent, while the serpent will bruise his heel. This promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the ultimate offspring who defeats Satan through His crucifixion and resurrection. The New Testament clarifies that this offspring refers to Christ (Galatians 3:16) and foreshadows the ultimate triumph over Satan (Romans 16:20).

He Is Greater

Biblical Theology unveils the beauty and interconnectedness of the Scriptures, revealing Jesus as the focal point of the Bible’s diverse stories, symbols, and prophecies. The tensions and typologies throughout the Old Testament create a longing that can only be fulfilled in Christ, who offers rest, redemption, and victory. As we delve into the depths of Biblical Theology, we become like detectives, searching for connections that lead us to the truth of God’s redemptive plan. May we recognize that Jesus is greater than Moses, greater than David, and greater than any figure in the Old Testament. As Sally Lloyd-Jones so beautifully puts it, “Every story whispers His name”. They point us to the ultimate source of grace and salvation.

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Jesus At The Center

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 1:1-4. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on December 18, 2022.

In a world that continually pushes Jesus aside, it is vital for us to keep Him at the center of our lives. Just like the recent news of the absence of a Christmas tree at the Eaton Centre, society often tries to minimize the importance of Jesus during significant occasions. However, as believers, we must resist the temptation to let other things distract us and instead focus on keeping Jesus as the center of our attention. The first letter of John addresses a similar struggle faced by the believers at that time, as false teachers spread heretical claims about Jesus. John reaffirms Jesus’ divinity and aims to confirm and encourage the believers in their faith. In this passage, John emphasizes the importance of encountering, sharing, and enjoying the Word of Life, which is Jesus Himself.

Jesus is at the center when we encounter the Word of Life

John highlights the significance of encountering Jesus, both through his personal experience and the written Word. By sharing his own encounters with Jesus, John assures believers that Jesus is real and life-changing. He draws attention to the eternal nature and incarnation of Jesus, emphasizing that encountering Him is the basis for fellowship and joy. While John had the privilege of physically encountering Jesus, we can encounter Him through the Written Word, the Bible. The Scriptures testify about Jesus and serve as a means for us to have a personal encounter with Him. It is crucial for us to regularly engage with the Bible, using the resources available to us, and set aside time to encounter Jesus through His Word.

Jesus is at the center when we share the Word of Life

John reminds us that sharing Jesus is not limited to evangelism but also extends to sharing Him with fellow believers. By testifying and proclaiming Jesus, we encourage and build up one another in faith. Sharing Jesus within the community of believers is essential for our ongoing sanctification, as the Gospel continues to shape and transform our lives. The basis of our fellowship with one another is Jesus Himself, and sharing Him strengthens the bond we have as a community. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to encourage one another, meet together, and build each other up. By sharing Jesus, we deepen our fellowship and help one another grow in faith.

Jesus is at the center when we enjoy the Word of Life

Lastly, John emphasizes that Jesus is the source of true and unending joy. When Jesus is at the center of our lives, we can experience complete joy. While worldly joys are temporary and fleeting, the joy we find in Jesus is eternal. Christmas celebrations often bring us joy through various aspects like family, gifts, or food. However, it is essential to recognize that these temporal joys cannot compare to the joy we find in Jesus. The joy we experience from worldly things serves as a glimpse of the greater joy we find in Christ. By enjoying Jesus, we discover the fullness of joy that only He can provide.

In a world that tries to cast Jesus aside, it is our responsibility as believers to keep Him at the center of our lives. We do this by regularly encountering Him through the Written Word, sharing Him with one another within the community of believers, and enjoying Him as the ultimate source of joy. As we maintain Jesus at the center, we deepen our relationship with Him, strengthen our fellowship with other believers, and experience true and lasting joy. Let us commit to keeping Jesus at the center of our lives and continuously grow in our encounter, sharing, and enjoyment of Him.