Tag: Faith and Obedience

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Called to True Repentance

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 12:35–48. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on September 14, 2025.

This morning we looked at Luke 12:35–40, where Jesus tells His disciples, “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.” His message is simple: always be ready. We don’t know the day or the hour of His return, so every moment of our lives ought to be lived in readiness.

The preacher reminded us that this is not a new call for God’s people. Many Christians in the last century looked at world events and believed the Lord’s return was near. On November 29, 1947, the United Nations voted to establish a Jewish homeland after nearly 1,800 years of exile. For Bible-believing Christians, this looked like a direct fulfillment of prophecy, like Amos 9:14–15 where God promised to plant His people back in their land never to be uprooted again. If Israel was back in their homeland, many believed the rapture was just around the corner. Nearly eighty years have passed, and while some things have come to pass, others like the rebuilding of the temple have not. But Scripture reminds us in 2 Peter 3:8–9 that God’s timing is not like ours: “With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” What seems slow to us is actually God’s mercy, giving time for more to come to repentance.

Of course, Christians have understood prophecy in different ways. Some see the millennium as a literal thousand years still to come, others see it as symbolic of the present church age, and still others see it as the spread of the gospel before Christ returns. But whatever our viewpoint, one truth remains the same: Jesus is coming again. We may debate the details, but we cannot ignore the command to be ready.

Jesus uses two pictures to describe readiness. He says, “Stay dressed for action,” or as the old translations put it, “gird up your loins.” In those days, men wore long robes that would get in the way of work or travel, so they would tuck them up into their belts so they could move freely. To stay dressed for action means to live ready, unentangled, unhindered, able to obey quickly. Then He says, “Keep your lamps burning.” In other words, don’t let your faith burn low. Don’t grow drowsy in your walk with God. Be alert, be awake, because He could come at any moment.

And then Jesus gives a surprising promise. He says that when the master returns and finds his servants awake, “Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.” That is astonishing. The servants are the ones who ought to serve, but here the Master serves them. What a picture of the blessing Christ will give to those who remain faithful and ready.

But there is also a sobering side. Jesus says His coming will be like a thief in the night. You don’t get a calendar notice for when a thief will show up; he comes suddenly. That’s how Christ’s return will be—unexpected, swift, like lightning flashing across the sky.

Peter wanted to know if this warning was just for the apostles, but Jesus’ answer shows it is for everyone. Every servant will give an account. The servant who knows his master’s will and ignores it will be judged severely. The one who is careless with what he has been given will also be held responsible. And then Jesus lays down the principle: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.” Week after week we hear the Word of God. That is a gift, but it also carries responsibility. We cannot treat His Word lightly.

The call is clear. Live watchfully. Keep your faith burning. Be faithful in what God has given you. Christ could come at any moment, or our life could end at any moment. Either way, the question remains: will He find us ready?

Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.

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Who Do You Say That I Am?

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 9:18-27. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on October 6, 2024.

Jesus often used moments of reflection to teach deep spiritual truths, and one such moment unfolds in Luke 9:18-27. After a whirlwind of ministry—healing, teaching, and feeding thousands—Jesus retreats to pray with His disciples. As they gather, He asks them a question that cuts through the noise of their experiences: “Who do the crowds say that I am?” The answers are varied. Some think He’s John the Baptist returned to life, others suggest Elijah, and still others, one of the ancient prophets resurrected. These responses, though intriguing, miss the mark.

Jesus then sharpens the focus: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter boldly answers, “The Christ of God.” Finally, someone gets it! In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus praises Peter for his insight, explaining that this revelation came directly from the Father. Yet, Peter’s understanding is incomplete. While he correctly identifies Jesus as the Christ, he doesn’t yet grasp the full meaning of this truth. This is evident when Jesus explains that being the Christ involves suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. Peter, horrified, rebukes Jesus, only to be sternly corrected: “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:23).

The tension in this passage is familiar. Many recognize Jesus but fail to fully comprehend who He is or what He demands. Even demons acknowledge Him as “the Son of the Most High God” (Luke 8:28), and Satan himself knows His identity (Matthew 4:3). But recognition without submission or faith is hollow. It’s not enough to know Jesus intellectually; we must embrace Him as Lord in every area of life.

Sadly, people often reduce Jesus to something less than He truly is. Some see Him as a great moral teacher, appreciating His wisdom while ignoring the radical demands of His teaching, like loving God above all else (Luke 14:26). Others treat Him as a self-help guru, twisting His words to fit modern ideas of personal happiness. A progressive blogger once claimed Jesus’ central message was to love oneself, an interpretation that misses the point entirely. Jesus calls us to self-denial, not self-indulgence (Mark 12:30-31). Still others view Him as a genie in a bottle, expecting Him to fulfill their every wish. This “prosperity gospel” mindset misrepresents the heart of the Christian life and leads to disillusionment when prayers don’t go as expected.

True discipleship means taking up our cross daily and following Jesus (Luke 9:23). It’s a call to deny ourselves and prioritize Him above all else. Like the man who sells everything to buy a treasure-filled field or a pearl of great value (Matthew 13:44-46), we must see Jesus as the most precious gift. This kind of devotion keeps us from being ashamed of Him or His words (Luke 9:26).

When we truly know Jesus as “The Christ of God,” our lives are transformed. This knowledge moves beyond intellectual assent to wholehearted faith, marked by a willingness to sacrifice everything for the One who gave His all for us. As Paul declares, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). May we, too, live boldly in that truth.

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Five Loaves and Two Fish

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 9:10-17. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on July 14, 2024.

In the early days of my Bible school years in British Columbia, one of the most memorable experiences was the annual Temple Tour. We would visit various religious temples in Vancouver, including places for Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Hare Krishna. One of the standout moments was our stop at the Sikh temple, or Gurdwara, where we participated in Langar – the practice of serving a free, communal meal to all. This meal, served 24 hours a day, is a reflection of Sikh values of equality and service, with everyone sitting together on the ground, regardless of age, gender, or background. I remember learning that Langar serves not only as a charitable meal but as a global practice, with many travelers depending on it for sustenance. The Gurdwara in New Delhi, for example, feeds 35-40 thousand people daily, with numbers skyrocketing during religious holidays.

The sight of so many people being fed in such an organized manner brought to mind the feeding miracle of Jesus that we find in Luke 9:10-17. This miracle offers a striking glimpse into the power and provision of Jesus, and also serves as a reminder of His identity as the Messiah. In this passage, after the apostles return from their mission, Jesus seeks to give them rest, only to be met by a crowd eager to hear from Him. As the day grows long and the crowd grows larger, the disciples realize that they face a problem: they have nothing to feed the people. In verse 12, they ask Jesus to send the crowd away to find food in nearby towns. But Jesus responds, “You give them something to eat” (Luke 9:13).

The disciples’ initial response is understandable: they have only five loaves of bread and two fish, insufficient to feed a crowd of thousands. In fact, in the parallel account in John, Philip points out that even 200 denarii—about seven months’ wages—wouldn’t be enough to buy food for everyone. But Jesus, undeterred, has them seat the people in groups of fifty, and He miraculously multiplies the food. The result? Every person is fed until they are satisfied, and twelve baskets of leftovers are gathered up (Luke 9:16-17).

This miracle is significant for a couple of reasons. First, it highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets. In the Old Testament, God provided manna in the wilderness through Moses (Exodus 16:14-18) and fed a hundred men through Elisha (2 Kings 4:42-44). But unlike Moses and Elisha, who acted as conduits for God’s provision, Jesus Himself provides. He is greater than both; He is the Messiah, the Christ of God (Luke 9:20).

In light of this miracle, we also see that provision ministries, like those of the Gurdwara or the various charities that spring up during the holidays, hold significant value. But we must remember that these ministries must ultimately point to the cross. Providing for people’s physical needs is essential, but it must also lead to sharing the gospel—the true “bread of life” (John 6:35). As 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 reminds us, we are ambassadors for Christ, calling people to be reconciled to God, not just to receive food or shelter.

The feeding of the 5,000 points to Jesus’ ultimate provision—His sacrifice on the cross. The language of blessing and breaking bread in Luke 9 echoes the words Jesus spoke at the Last Supper: “This is my body, which is given for you” (Luke 22:19). Just as Jesus fed the crowd, He offers Himself to us as the ultimate provision for our spiritual needs.

As we engage in ministries of provision, let’s remember the source of all provision—God Himself. Just as He provided manna in the wilderness and multiplied the loaves and fish, He continues to provide for us today. Philippians 4:19 assures us, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” As we minister, let’s keep our eyes fixed on the cross, where God’s provision was made most fully known.

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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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Victory in Faith

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 5:1-5. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on April 23, 2023.

We have a new member in my family, my nephew Nathaniel James. As we played the “Who does the baby look like” game, it reminded me of how children inherit physical characteristics from their parents and families. Similarly, as children of God, we inherit certain characteristics that indicate our belonging to the family of God. In this passage, John explores these interconnected characteristics: faith, love, and obedience.

Faith, Love, & Obedience

John highlights the interconnection between faith, love, and obedience, as they are all linked to one another. He teaches us that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ have been born of God (1 John 5:1). This faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. Furthermore, our love for the Father leads us to love those who are born of Him (1 John 5:1). Our love for fellow believers is an outpouring of our love for God. Moreover, our love for God and obedience to His commandments demonstrate our love for the children of God (1 John 5:2). These characteristics are interconnected, and we cannot have one without the others.

Born-Again Christian

The phrase “born-again Christian” comes from Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3. Jesus explains that unless one is born again, they cannot see or enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3). This new birth is not a physical one but a spiritual rebirth. Through faith in Jesus, we become children of God, not by blood or human will, but by God’s divine work (John 1:12-13). Just as a baby inherits physical characteristics from their parents, Christians take on the characteristics of the family of God.

As children of God, we naturally exhibit faith, love, and obedience. Obedience is not a means to earn salvation but a response to the saving grace we have received. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God and not the result of our works. Therefore, obedience is an outpouring of our identity as children of God, rather than a prerequisite for it. As believers, we are called to obey God’s commandments out of love for Him (1 John 5:3). Our obedience is an expression of our faith and love for God.

Similarly, faith is not something we manufacture but is assigned by God (Romans 12:3). It is a gift given to us according to God’s measure (Romans 12:3). While the theological debates around predestination and human will persist, John teaches us that faith, love, and obedience are interconnected characteristics of God’s children.

The outcome of possessing these characteristics is our ability to overcome the world. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego provide a remarkable illustration of this in the Old Testament. Despite facing pressure to renounce their faith and worship foreign gods, they firmly stood their ground. Their response to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3 demonstrates their unwavering trust in God’s deliverance (Daniel 3:16-17).

Similarly, in Romans 8:37-39, Paul affirms that we are more than conquerors through Christ’s love, and nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God. Our faith, love, and obedience empower us to overcome the challenges and temptations of the world. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can stand strong in our faith, love unconditionally, and obey God’s commandments.

As children of God, we are called to exhibit the interconnected characteristics of faith, love, and obedience. These traits are not isolated from one another but work together to reflect our identity as God’s family. Our faith is a consequence of our belief in Jesus, assigned to us by God’s grace. Our love for God and obedience to His commandments naturally flow from our relationship with Him. As we embrace these interconnected characteristics, we discover the power to overcome the challenges of the world and experience the unbreakable love of God.

Let us remember that we are called to be faithful, loving, and obedient children of God, reflecting His character and bringing glory to His name. May we walk in the footsteps of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and experience the abundant life that comes from living out these interconnected characteristics.