Tag: Christian Living

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Serve One Another

Summary of my sermon, based on Galatians 5:13-15. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on July 6, 2025.

When you hear the word “freedom,” what comes to mind? For many people, it’s economic freedom—having enough money to do whatever you want. Whether it’s traveling, taking up hobbies, or just relaxing on a beach, freedom often looks like having no obligations. And while that kind of freedom sounds appealing, it’s often just a dream. In reality, we carve out little moments of freedom—like weekends or holidays—tiny escapes from the things we must do. But this leads to a misunderstanding: that freedom is simply the opposite of obligation. That’s why Galatians 5:13 is so important. Paul writes, “You were called to freedom.” And that very first line pushes against our assumptions. Freedom, according to the Bible, is not something we naturally have. Nor is it something we fight for. It’s something we’re called to—by God.

This brings us to our One Another series. If you’ve been with us since January, you’ll remember that we’ve been working through the “one another” commands of the New Testament—23 in total, though some are repeated. We began with “love one another,” which is repeated more than any other. It’s foundational, the “one command to rule them all.” And it directly connects to today’s command in Galatians 5:13: “through love, serve one another.” Paul goes on in verse 14 to say, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” But that’s not the only “one another” command in this passage. In verse 15, Paul gives a warning: “But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”

So what does it mean to be called to freedom? First, it means that freedom doesn’t equal doing whatever we want. Even our most celebrated freedoms—like freedom of speech—have limits. Just try yelling “bomb” on a plane and see how far that freedom goes. Freedom always comes with boundaries. And in Scripture, being “called” to freedom emphasizes that it comes from God. Galatians 1:15–16 tells us that God, by his grace, set Paul apart and called him. In 1 Corinthians 1:24, the message of Christ crucified is foolish to the world, but to those who are called, it is the power and wisdom of God. True freedom is a gift we receive when we are called by God and come to know Christ.

This is why Jesus says in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” And Romans 8:1–2 says that we are free from the law of sin and death. But that doesn’t mean we’re free to sin. In fact, Romans 6:16 warns that if we present ourselves to sin, we become slaves to it. Freedom in Christ isn’t the freedom to do whatever we want—it’s the freedom to obey God. It’s the freedom to live in love and righteousness. That’s why Paul says, “Don’t use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.”

Now here’s the warning. Even though we are free from the penalty and power of sin, we still live in a world where the presence of sin is real. That’s why Paul warns us not to bite and devour one another. Because when we do, we’re not acting in freedom—we’re acting like the enemy. 1 Peter 5:8 describes the devil as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. And when we gossip, manipulate, and turn on each other, we’re reflecting his work—not God’s. That’s why Paul tells us again: use your freedom to serve one another in love.

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A Time for Everything

Summary of my sermon, based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on January 19, 2025.

Last week, we kicked off our short series on Biblical Stewardship with a foundational truth from Colossians 1:15–17: Everything belongs to God—because He created everything. That includes our possessions, talents, and yes… even our time.

So if everything is God’s, then Jesus, “the firstborn of all creation,” has authority over everything. And when we’re faced with that truth, we typically respond in one of two wrong ways.

Some respond with idolatry—worshiping the created instead of the Creator. Others try to negotiate with God—“God, I’ll give You this if You give me that.” But as Romans 11:35–36 reminds us: “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”

So what’s the right response? It’s stewardship—the careful and responsible management of what God has entrusted to us, all for His glory.

That’s what 1 Peter 4:10–11 teaches: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace… in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”

Last week, we talked about being stewards of our “stuff”—our money and material possessions. And that can be both hard and easy. It’s hard because we work hard for what we have, and it’s easy to start thinking, why should I give glory to God for what I earned? But it’s easy when we realize that every opportunity, every paycheck, every skill we use—that’s all grace from God.

Even something as small as a tablet is a reminder of God’s grace. Grace that gave me a job to afford it, the energy to work, the wisdom to find it on sale, and a company that lets me pay for it interest-free over 24 months. Amen?

But today we’re turning our focus to something a bit harder to see as God’s grace: time.

Most of us know Ecclesiastes 3:1–8—not because we’ve studied the book, but because we’ve heard the song “Turn! Turn! Turn!” by The Byrds. It’s almost a direct quote from Scripture, except for six extra words at the end: “I swear it’s not too late.”

That version turns a passage about God’s sovereignty into a protest anthem—a plea for peace. And while the intentions might seem noble, it misses the heart of what Ecclesiastes is saying.

The common view is that time “just happens.” There’s a season for everything—life, death, sorrow, joy. That’s just life. Shikata ga nai, the Japanese phrase goes. “It can’t be helped.” Or, in modern terms: “It is what it is.”

But that perspective leaves God out of the picture.

As believers, we know that everything really is God’s. That includes time.

Isaiah 46:9–11 reminds us that God not only declares the end from the beginning, but He also brings it all to pass. He is sovereign—over kingdoms, over seasons, over migrations and decisions. As Job 12:23 says, “He makes nations great, and he destroys them.”

That sovereignty extends to our own lives. In Acts 17, Paul says: “He determined the allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God… In him we live and move and have our being.”

Your move to a new city, your job change, even the friends you’ve made—they weren’t accidents. God purposed them.

It’s easier to believe God controls the big picture—the “macro” level of time. But what about the “micro”? Does God really care how I spend my Wednesday afternoon?

I believe He does.

Now, theologians debate the specifics of how God’s sovereignty interacts with human free will. Some say God rules in general terms and gives us free reign in the details (libertarianism). Others, like myself, lean toward radical sovereignty: that even the moments are under His direction.

This raises tough questions—especially about sin and free will. But the Bible holds this tension: God is sovereign, and we are responsible. We must live within that mystery.

If time belongs to God, then what does it mean to steward it?

Colossians 3:23–24 tells us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ.”

It’s not just about giving God our Sunday mornings. It’s also about our work hours, our family dinners, our leisure time. It’s about balance—because yes, even serving too much can be a form of imbalance, a way of substituting time for tithes or works for worship.

So ask yourself: Where am I not giving time to God? Where am I using time as a way to avoid other forms of obedience? Where do I need to rest, recharge, and refocus in Him?

Time is one of the most precious, most limited resources God gives us. But like everything else, it’s not really ours. It’s His.

So the question isn’t just, “What am I doing with my time?” It’s, “How can I glorify God with every minute?”

Let’s be good stewards—not just of stuff, but of the seconds.

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Everything is God’s

Summary of my sermon, based on Colossians 1:15-17. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on January 12, 2025.

I once heard a story about a golf pro working at a prestigious course. His job was to help golfers improve their game, offering tips and instruction. One day, he was assigned to assist a Middle Eastern prince. The prince was so grateful for the help that, before leaving, he told the golf pro, “I am very grateful for your help, and I would like to give you a present. Please, tell me what you desire.”

The golf pro was used to receiving tips—usually a $5 bill, maybe a $20 if someone was feeling generous. But asking for money from a prince seemed tacky. Unsure of what to request, he blurted out, “Well, I guess a new golf club would be nice.” The prince nodded and left.

Days passed. Then weeks. The golf pro figured the prince had forgotten. Until one day, he received an unexpected invitation to dine with the prince. A limousine picked him up and took him to one of the finest restaurants in town. After an incredible meal, the prince handed him an envelope. Inside was the title deed to an entire golf club—Pine Valley Golf Club—with his name as the owner!

The prince hadn’t just given him a golf club; he had given him an entire golf course. This story illustrates how the generosity of the wealthy operates on a different level. But as believers, we know that God is far greater than any earthly prince. He is the Creator and owner of all things.

Colossians 1:15-17 tells us:

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (ESV)

Jesus is supreme over all creation. The term “firstborn” here does not mean He was created, but rather, it signifies His rank and authority. He is before all things, and everything exists through Him and for Him.

Yet, despite knowing this, we often struggle with truly surrendering everything to God. We say we trust Him, but deep down, we try to maintain control over certain areas of our lives. This struggle can manifest in two ways: idolatry and negotiation.

Idolatry happens when we make anything more important than God. It can be obvious, like worshiping wealth, power, or fame. But sometimes, even good things like family, career, or ministry can become idols if they take God’s place in our hearts. As Isaiah 44:17 warns, “And the rest of it he makes into a god, his idol, and falls down to it and worships it. He prays to it and says, ‘Deliver me, for you are my god!’” (ESV)

Negotiation, on the other hand, is when we try to manipulate God. Like Manoah in Judges 13, who wanted to learn the angel’s name to gain power, we sometimes try to bargain with God—offering something in exchange for blessings. But Romans 11:35 reminds us, “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” (ESV)

Instead of trying to control God, we should focus on stewardship. 1 Peter 4:10-11 encourages us to use our gifts wisely, serving others for God’s glory. Rather than seeking personal gain, we should be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us.

The golf pro expected a mere club, but he received an entire course. How much more will God, who owns everything, provide for those who fully trust in Him? Let’s lay down our idols, stop negotiating, and embrace the abundant blessings found in surrendering to Christ.

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I Will Follow

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 9:51-62. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on November 17, 2024.

If you were a Christian in the 90s, you probably remember the WWJD bracelets—short for “What Would Jesus Do?” This phrase has deep roots in Christian history, tracing back to Charles Spurgeon in 1891. However, it became mainstream in 1896 when Charles Sheldon used it as a tagline in his novel “In His Steps.” His idea was to look to Jesus as a moral example in daily life, which helped birth the Social Gospel movement—an effort to apply Christian ethics to social issues.

This is a good thing. James 1:27 tells us, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” Likewise, 1 Peter 2:21 states, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” However, the WWJD movement also had its flaws, primarily its commercialization and oversimplification of discipleship.

Following Jesus is not just about wearing a bracelet or making a moral decision in a single moment—it is a lifelong commitment that requires sacrifice. Luke 9:57-62 presents three responses to discipleship that highlight its demands.

First, Jesus tells a man who eagerly volunteers to follow Him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). This reveals that following Jesus may require giving up security and comfort. Many missionaries, like Robert and Sheila Cousins, have left everything to serve Christ. Even Christian leaders such as John Piper and Tim Keller could have pursued more wealth and success elsewhere but chose humble service instead.

Next, Jesus responds to another man who wants to delay discipleship until after burying his father: “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). This shocking statement underscores that following Jesus must take the utmost priority. Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Finally, Jesus warns against looking back when called to follow Him: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Discipleship requires focus. Hebrews 12:1-2 exhorts us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”

Ultimately, we cannot do this on our own. Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, resolved to go to the cross for our salvation (Luke 9:51). When the Samaritans rejected Him, James and John wanted vengeance, but Jesus rebuked them, teaching mercy. He was on a mission to save both Jews and Samaritans, showing us that His path leads to the cross and the mercy of God. 1 Peter 1:3 reminds us that we have “a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

So, what sacrifices do you need to make to follow Christ more fully? How can you rearrange your life to better reflect His kingdom?