Category: He is Greater

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He is Greater: The Refiner’s Fire

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

The book of Malachi offers a poignant reflection on Israel’s tumultuous history, their struggles, and their relationship with God. It unveils the challenges, discontent, and disputes the Israelites grappled with following the Babylonian Exile, encapsulating a narrative of trials and God’s enduring faithfulness.

Israel’s history, marked by triumphs and failures, began with the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah after the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. Despite periods of revival and commendable leadership, the Israelites veered from wholehearted worship and obedience to God’s commandments, falling into complacency and half-hearted devotion.

Malachi’s time echoed the discontentment of the people. They questioned God’s love, offered subpar sacrifices, engaged in unfaithful marriages, and doubted the fairness of His justice. Their disillusionment stemmed from the belief that the wicked prospered while they struggled, leading to doubts about the righteousness of God’s judgments.

In response, God promised the advent of a messenger to prepare the way and a messenger of the covenant, referencing John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, respectively. This promise underscored God’s commitment to righteousness and foretold a future of purification for His people.

The analogy of the Refiner’s Fire, as mentioned in Malachi, symbolizes this purification process. Just as impurities are purged from gold through intense heat, God’s refining process purifies the hearts of His people. This purification, though challenging, embodies God’s grace and the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Ezekiel’s words echo the divine role in transforming humanity, promising a new heart and spirit from God. Titus highlights God’s grace, guiding us toward godliness, while 2 Corinthians reassures us of Jesus becoming sin to grant us God’s righteousness.

Malachi’s message encapsulates the tension between human fallibility and God’s promise of redemption. It reminds us that our salvation does not hinge on our efforts but on God’s transformative promise through Jesus Christ.

The narrative calls us to wholehearted faithfulness to God, devoid of complacency or half-heartedness. It invites us to embrace God’s promise of transformation and redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ.

In the midst of life’s uncertainties, Malachi offers a powerful reminder: God’s refining fire draws us closer, transforms our lives, and grants us the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.

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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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He is Greater: Samson and Delilah

Summary of my sermon, based on Judges 16:25-30. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on August 13, 2023.

The story of Samson and Delilah, found in the book of Judges, marks a significant chapter in the history of the Israelites. It is a tale of strength, weakness, and the unyielding grace of God. Although the book of Judges is often considered a chronicle of Israel’s waywardness, it offers profound lessons for us today.

The Downward Spiral

The book of Judges follows the period of Israel’s history after their conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. Tragically, this once-faithful nation rapidly descended into sin and idolatry. Judges 2:11 tells us that “there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.” They forsook the God who had delivered them from Egypt and preserved them during their wanderings.

To counter their disobedience and oppression by neighboring nations, God raised up a series of judges who served as leaders, governors, and deliverers of Israel. These judges, like Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, and Gideon, were chosen to rescue the Israelites when they repented and cried out to God for help.

The Rise and Fall of Samson

Samson, the last of these judges, is a unique figure in the Bible. He was set apart as a Nazirite from birth, signifying his consecration to God. His story begins with the announcement of his miraculous birth to a barren couple, a sign of God’s divine intervention (Judges 13:2-7). Samson’s great strength, a gift from God, became his hallmark.

Samson’s flawed character and impulsive nature, however, often led him astray. His first marriage, to a Philistine woman, demonstrated his disregard for God’s commands. This marriage was marked by strife and vengeance (Judges 14:2-4).

Delilah, a Philistine woman, entered Samson’s life as a seductress, lured by the Philistine rulers who sought to uncover the secret of his strength. Through her persistent questioning and deceit, Samson eventually revealed the source of his power: his uncut hair, symbolizing his adherence to the Nazirite vow. Delilah betrayed him by having his hair cut while he slept, leading to his capture, blindness, and imprisonment (Judges 16).

Over time, Samson’s hair began to grow back during his captivity. The Philistines, seeking to mock him, brought him to a temple during a grand celebration. It was here, in his moment of weakness, that Samson cried out to God for strength one last time. He pushed apart the temple’s main support pillars, collapsing the structure and killing more Philistines in his death than during his lifetime (Judges 16:28-30).

Power Perfected in Weakness

Samson’s life teaches us that power is perfected in weakness. In our weakness, we find our greatest strength. Just as Samson’s strength was only effective when he recognized his vulnerability, our true strength comes from relying on God’s grace (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Saved by Grace

The Israelites’ repeated cycle of disobedience and oppression illustrates humanity’s need for God’s grace. Even when we are dead in our sins, God’s rich mercy and love save us through Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5). God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4).

The story of Samson and Delilah serves as a reminder that God’s grace and redemption are available to all, even in our weakest moments. Samson, while a hero of faith, also points us to the ultimate Savior, Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this story, let us remember that power is perfected in weakness, and salvation is found in God’s boundless grace. In Christ, we find our redemption and hope, just as Samson’s last act of faith brought victory and deliverance to Israel.