Category: Sermons

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O Come: Taste of His Perfect Love

Summary of my sermon, based on Psalm 34:8. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on December 17, 2023.

In reflecting on the essence of the sermon series, “O Come: All You Unfaithful,” each installment draws from a poignant song by Sovereign Grace Music. The initial sermons are rooted in pivotal lines from this song, each revealing profound truths about God’s nature and our relationship with Him.

The first sermon delved into the profound need that God fulfilled by sending Jesus—addressing the sinful nature inherent in humanity. The subsequent sermon, “His Promise is Peace,” unpacked the anticipation of the Messiah as detailed in Isaiah, notably emphasizing Isaiah 9.

However, a notable issue emerged in the interpretation of these verses about Jesus. Many misunderstood them, anticipating a militaristic conqueror as the Messiah. This misconception stemmed from a limited reading of Isaiah 7-12, with verses like Isaiah 7:14 (the famous Immanuel verse) and Isaiah 9:6-7 (“For to us a child is born”) seemingly aligning with the restoration of Israel as a nation.

Consequently, the prevailing expectation was for the Jewish Messiah to be a political or military leader. Even the disciples initially harbored such notions, hinted at in their actions and inquiries, like James and John’s request in Mark 10 and their disbelief regarding Jesus’ resurrection despite His teachings.

However, these anticipations were shattered by later revelations in Isaiah, particularly in chapter 53—the “Suffering Servant” prophecies. Isaiah 53:5 foretold Jesus’ sacrificial act for humanity’s redemption, disrupting the prevailing understanding of the Messiah’s purpose.

Jesus didn’t come to rescue Israel from earthly oppressors; He aimed for a far grander victory. This sets the stage for the theme “Taste of His Perfect Love” from the song—a natural extension of God’s promise of peace and a concept echoed in 1 John 4:18.

The invitation is extended to both the ancient Israelites and us today—to experience God’s goodness and perfect love. The invitation to “Taste” the Lord’s goodness may seem peculiar; however, it’s a metaphor for experiencing and embracing His love and salvation.

This tasting of God’s goodness parallels the assurance that His perfect love removes the fear of punishment, illustrated in Hebrews 2:9. Jesus tasted death, enabling us to savor His perfect love and escape the death penalty our sins incurred.

This tasting isn’t limited to Psalm 34:8 alone but intertwines with the broader concept of salvation, seen in Titus 3:4–6. The goodness of God leads to salvation—an experience that fills us with joy and a deep sense of God’s pursuit, as echoed in Psalm 23:6.

The goodness of God, though profoundly comforting, finds its application in taking refuge in Him, a concept reiterated in Nahum 1:7 and Psalm 36:7–8. Practically, this refuge is found in immersing ourselves in the Word of God, as evidenced in 2 Samuel 22:31 and Colossians 3:16.

The call to immerse in scripture isn’t just an individual pursuit but a communal one. The encouragement to engage in reading the Bible together, as a church, becomes a spiritual goal for the year—a simple act of seeking refuge in God collectively.

So, in the pursuit of God’s goodness and love, let’s engage deeply with His Word, for it holds the pathway to understanding, joy, and the fullness of His promises.

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O Come: His Promise is Peace

Summary of my sermon, based on Isaiah 9:1-7. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on December 3, 2023.

A little over a decade ago, Coca-Cola brought us the “Where will Happiness Strike Next” campaign. You might remember those videos—the “Happiness Machines” in North America and Europe dispensing joy in the form of Coke bottles and even surprising students with pizza and flowers. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, a different tale unfolded, more heartwarming and story-like—a Christmas-themed video.

This narrative followed three Overseas Filipino Workers yearning to return home after years away. Lonie and Joey, caregivers in distant lands, watched their own children grow while they cared for others. Jo Mari, a medical technologist, sent money home instead of visiting as his father fell ill. The video culminated in their reunion with family for Christmas, a powerful portrayal of anticipation and homecoming.

If you’ve seen the video, you know its emotional impact, stirring sentiments of family, joy, and, of course, the festive lechon. Yet, amidst these touching themes, one often overlooked element stands out to me—the theme of “Anticipation.”

Imagine the emotions surging within Jo Mari, Lonie, and Joey as they readied to reunite with their families after years apart. Consider the tension building in their hearts during the long journey home. This anticipation mirrors the first part of the Christmas season, the part we’re in right now—Advent.

Advent, often overshadowed by the exuberance of Christmas, embodies the anticipation of Jesus’ arrival. While comprehending this might challenge us, living in the aftermath of the Messiah’s coming, pondering the anticipation preceding his birth remains crucial. For we, too, await a second Advent—the return of Jesus.

Reflecting on the initial sermon in this series, we explored the circumstances necessitating the Messiah’s arrival—a response to rebellion, a world operating as if devoid of God. Today, we delve into God’s promises to Israel that cultivated anticipation for a Savior.

One such powerful prophecy is found in Isaiah 9:6-7: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given….” This promise of a child bearing significant names—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—foretells his reign, establishing justice and righteousness forever.

Another verse, Isaiah 7:14, prophesies the virgin birth, announcing the coming of Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” This divine intention of God dwelling among his people contrasts starkly with prevalent beliefs. Society often portrays God atop a mountain, and religions as paths leading to him. But Christianity disrupts this notion, asserting that God descends to us.

Jesus embodies this descent—the divine humbling himself to human form, as Philippians 2:6–7 illustrates. He didn’t cling to his divine privilege but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, born among us.

Immanuel—God with us—shouldn’t strike ancient Israelites as peculiar, considering God’s previous dwelling among them through the Tabernacle and the Temple. However, this commonplace idea may have hindered some from recognizing Jesus as the awaited Messiah.

The objections to applying Isaiah 9:6-7 to Jesus stem from claims that the prophecy was fulfilled in historical events involving King Hezekiah. Yet, scrutinizing the prophecy’s description of the child’s attributes points to a divine being.

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—these names evoke a deity’s characteristics, reflecting Jesus’ divine nature. Each name holds significance—Wonderful Counselor, not just an advisor but a miracle-working God; Mighty God, self-explanatory in its divinity; Everlasting Father, mirroring God’s care and reflecting the Father; and Prince of Peace, promising the perfect peace Jesus brings with God.

This everlasting kingdom, as Isaiah 9:7 elaborates, emphasizes the unending reign of justice and righteousness brought forth by the zeal of the Lord. It’s not our doing but the triumph of God’s grace that guarantees our salvation.

Philippians 2:8–9 beautifully summarizes this, acknowledging Jesus’ humble obedience, leading to exaltation.

So, as we navigate this Advent season, let’s not merely revel in the joy of Jesus’ birth during Christmas. Let’s embrace the anticipation, remembering not just his first coming but also anticipating his glorious return—a second Advent. In this anticipation, we find hope, knowing that God’s zeal ensures the triumph of His grace.

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O Come: All You Unfaithful

Summary of my sermon, based on Psalm 14. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on November 12, 2023.

Last week, our series on the Old Testament, He is Greater, concluded on a somber note. Despite the Israelites’ return from 70 years of Babylonian exile, marked by the rebuilding of Jerusalem and their Temple, Malachi highlighted the Lord’s disputes with them. Their halfhearted worship in the rebuilt temple mirrored the absence of God’s Glory within it.

Haggai 2:3 questions the temple’s diminished glory, setting the stage for a sober end to the Old Testament, transitioning into the 400-year “Intertestamental Period,” marked by God’s silence in biblical revelations. In this period, often bridged by the Apocrypha in some religious texts, there’s a theological gap preceding the Gospels’ narrative.

However, the silence doesn’t imply a void in the historical timeline. Empires, from Assyrians to Seleucids, successively held sway over Israel, shaping the spiritual and political landscape. Amidst this silence, Psalm 14 vividly describes a worldview resonating through the ages.

Psalm 14:1–2 portrays the concept of a ‘fool,’ not as an individual denying God’s existence—a concept almost foreign in biblical times—but as someone acting as if God doesn’t matter. This resonates even today, debunking the assumption that atheism existed in ancient times. There weren’t atheists but many gods and various beliefs.

The fool’s context isn’t intellectual stupidity; rather, it’s about rejecting God’s role in life. This distinction aligns with biblical wisdom—where true knowledge stems from the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). Richard Dawkins and his New Atheist contemporaries, while perceived as intelligent, miss out on true knowledge by denying God.

Psalm 14:3–4, reiterated by Paul in Romans 3:9–11, declares the universality of human shortcomings. The psalm encapsulates Paul’s early chapters in Romans, outlining humanity’s inclination to act as if God doesn’t exist. However, even in their denial, people intrinsically recognize God’s presence (Romans 1:20).

The rejection of acknowledging God leads to darkened hearts and a pursuit of counterfeit gods—anything taking the central place in life, steering emotions, finances, and actions. This counterfeit pursuit is not confined to the primitive but extends to modern times, where individuals turn to idols that promise fulfillment but fall short.

In a world surrounded by counterfeit gods, Jesus stands as the true beacon. His words in John 12:32–33 and Matthew 11:28–30 extend an invitation—to find rest and fulfillment in Him. Despite humanity’s attempts to deny God or replace Him with idols, Jesus draws us back to Himself, offering genuine fulfillment and rest.

The ancient silence may have echoed for 400 years, but it wasn’t devoid of God’s presence or implications for human behavior. Today, amidst a cacophony of beliefs and pursuits, the call to find genuine solace and meaning remains—within Jesus, the only true source of fulfillment.

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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.