Introduction:
Have you ever noticed how even the smallest light can pierce the deepest darkness? Imagine being lost in a dense forest at night—cold, alone, and unsure of your direction. Then, suddenly, a flickering light appears in the distance. That one light changes everything. It draws you in, fills you with hope, and leads you toward safety and home.

As we gather today to celebrate Michael’s baptism, I want us to reflect on how the light of Jesus transforms us. Baptism is not just a ritual; it’s a profound symbol of stepping out of darkness and into the light of Christ. It is a declaration that we are leaving behind a life dominated by sin and embracing a new identity, one filled with hope and renewal in Jesus.

The light of Jesus shines into our brokenness, offering healing and transformation. His light doesn’t just guide us—it sustains us in every season of life. And as we celebrate this sacred act of baptism, may it remind us of the great hope we have in Christ, who is our light.

Today, I want to focus on three key aspects of Jesus’ words in John 8:12: His Declaration, His Invitation, and His Promise.

Introduction

The Advent and Christmas narratives in the Gospels remind us of a profound truth: God often interrupts lives, revealing to characters like Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, and Elizabeth that they are not in control. Similarly, God interrupts our lives, reminding us of our lack of control, a reality that can be both unsettling and humbling.

In times of stress or uncertainty, we often seek control over something—whether it’s cleaning our homes, organizing our schedules, or even going for a late-night drive. Yet, no matter how much control we try to exert, life continues to remind us that ultimate control belongs to God. As Barbara Brown Taylor aptly states in An Altar in the World, “We do not lose control of our lives. What we lose is the illusion that we were ever in control in the first place.”

This Advent season challenges us to reflect on how we respond to life’s interruptions. Do we follow the way of King Herod, clinging to control, or the way of King Jesus, embracing surrender?

Introduction

As December arrives, we feel the familiar cold of winter settling in. The temperature drops, and snowflakes gently begin to fall, marking the start of the season. However, more than the cold, what makes winter unmistakable is the early nightfall. For example, when I go to pick up Ian from daycare at 5 p.m., it's already pitch dark. Grace and I often remark, "Can you believe how dark it is already?"

This daily observation about the darkness outside reminds me of something deeper—how darkness invades not just our physical world but our spiritual and emotional lives as well. We don't just experience the early darkness of winter; we feel the weight of a deeper, more pervasive darkness in our world today. It's easy to be overwhelmed by the visible signs of this darkness: violence, division, injustice, and deceit. But this darkness isn't just something "out there"—it's something that touches all of us personally, in our relationships, our struggles, and even our own hearts.

The Book of Acts is the story of the church - continuing the story of Jesus, through the church. In Acts 19, we see a contrast in the power of Apostle Paul and a small group called The Seven Sons of Sceva. Paul encountered God and was transformed from the inside out. He became someone who God performed extraordinary miracles through. Word was also spreading that in the name of Jesus, there is power; in the name of Jesus, miracles can happen.

Introduction

In our journey through the book of Ephesians, we’ve explored three guiding themes: Sit, Walk, and Stand. These words summarize our spiritual progression:

1. Sit – This reflects our position in Christ. When we place our faith and trust in the gospel, we are seated with Christ in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). This position grants us significance, status, and stability.

2. Walk – Flowing from our seated position, we are called to walk in the way of Christ. This stands in contrast to the world, which often walks in ways contrary to Christ.

3. Stand – After learning to sit and walk, we are called to stand firm against the powers of darkness and evil at work in the world.

Last week, we emphasized the reality of spiritual warfare. Whether we acknowledge it or not, demonic activities aim to:

• Isolate us from Jesus and others.

• Incite violence among us.

Our role as Christians is to stand firm. We are not tasked with fighting the battle but with standing in our faith while allowing Jesus to fight for us. As Paul writes, we are to stand equipped with the Armor of God, starting with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the helmet of salvation.

Introduction

The Apostle Paul reminds us to be aware of the schemes of the evil one. The devil has tactics designed to separate us from Jesus, create divisions among us, or incite us to harm each other. Paul explains that God has provided us with spiritual armor to help us stand firm against these evil plans. When Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he was imprisoned in Rome. Surrounded by Roman guards, he likely used them as a metaphor for the spiritual armor needed in the battle against powers and principalities.

However, Paul wasn’t merely inspired by Roman soldiers. He also had in mind "God the Warrior" as depicted in Isaiah 59:17:
“He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.”

Paul wants us to understand that the armor we are called to wear is, in fact, God’s own armor. This is why it’s called the “Armor of God.” It isn’t a weapon of aggression; it’s meant to help us stand firm. This armor isn’t for offense or violence; it’s to help us maintain steadfastness in Jesus’s way of life and character against dark forces.

In our daily lives, we face more than we can handle on our own. God knows this, and so He gives us His armor so that we can stand firm amid chaos. Each piece of armor reflects a characteristic of Jesus, and today we will focus on three aspects of this armor: the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, and the Helmet of Salvation.

Introduction

I don’t know if any of you are familiar with this book by C.S. Lewis  - it’s a book called Screwtape Letters. It's about a senior devil instructing a junior devil in the art of temptation, and this senior devil named Screwtape writes letters to his nephew the junior devil, named Wormwood, talking about all the specifics schemes and tactics on how they can lead Christians into sin. Now, at the beginning of the book, Lewis gives a kind of an introduction and he explains two errors people have about demons, devils, and spiritual warfare. This is what he says:

"There are two equal and opposite errors into which humans can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They [the devils] themselves are equally pleased by both errors..."

- C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

When we look around in the world, and even within the church, people are all over the spectrum on the issue of demons and devils and spiritual warfare. Some people think demons and devils and spiritual warfare is non-existent and belief in these types of things are for people of an unenlightened mind. But then on other side of the spectrum, we have people with unhealthy interests in them. And we all know that there are people obsessed with demons and dark things… right? (show pic)

So from people who deny the existence of demons and evil spirits, to people who not only believe but are very much invested in them - there's a wide spectrum of people who believe different things about evil spirits and demonic powers.  But for us as followers of Jesus Christ, we must have a clear and solid understanding of the realities of the evil spirits and demonic powers.

Introduction:

As I reflect on this past year, I can’t help but wonder how many of us have felt like we were standing in the middle of a relentless storm, unsure if the rain would ever stop. Some of us may have felt like we’ve been carrying extra burdens, whether it be financial stress, family struggles, health concerns, or personal fears. We all go through tough seasons, and often, during those times, the last thing we feel like doing is giving thanks.

But as Paul reveals in Philippians 4:6-7, gratitude is not just for the good times—it is essential in every situation, and it becomes a vital way to overcome the difficulties we face. Today, I will explore how giving thanks to God, even in the midst of challenges, allows us to experience His peace, a peace that surpasses our circumstances. Gratitude anchors our hearts and minds to God and deepens our spiritual growth, strengthening our relationship with Him and others.

Introduction

Now, isn't it interesting how attached we are to things that don't fit us anymore? get attached to things of the past and we have a hard time letting go even though we know that it doesn’t suit us anymore.

Now when we pick in our text today, Paul is reminding the people of God that there is a new spiritual wardrobe that they are to be wearing. He wants to let us know that the old wardrobe needs to be taken off and something new needs to be put on. And that something new is the way of the resurrected Jesus and of his kingdom.

So in this section of Chapter Four, Paul's using new language new metaphors to talk about - what does it mean for us to walk in the way of the resurrected Jesus? 

Introduction

Ephesians can be divided into three sections: to sit with Christ, walk like Christ, and stand for Christ. This structure helps us understand spiritual growth, starting with our relationship with God and leading to serving others.

In my last sermon, I emphasized that a Christian must first be seated with Christ before they can walk or stand for Him. Being seated with Christ means, through His grace, we are given a position of honor and authority in heaven—not by our works, but by His. This gives us identity, stability, and confidence in God's Kingdom.

When seated with Christ, we stop striving for worldly acceptance and security. We rest in the assurance that we belong to Him, which becomes the foundation for walking like Christ in unity.

Introduction

One of the ongoing challenges we face in the church is our limited view of the Resurrection. We often treat it as either a historical event from 2,000 years ago, celebrated on Easter, or something we anticipate in the distant future, when we’ll be resurrected at the Lord’s return. Many don’t even look that far ahead, thinking we’ll simply spend eternity floating in heaven. But we’re actually headed for Resurrection—new bodies and a New Creation. The problem is that we miss the present reality. The Resurrection isn’t just a past event or future hope—it’s something we’re meant to experience daily. This is the heart of what Paul is teaching in Ephesians.

Paul spent three years in Ephesus sharing the gospel, but his goal wasn’t just to deliver a message. He wanted the church to grow deeper in their walk with God. That’s why, in his letter, he starts by telling them who they are in Christ. He makes it clear that their identity is rooted in what Christ has already done. Before telling them what they should do for Christ, he emphasizes what God has done for them in Christ. This order is essential—everything we do flows from what Christ has done.

Paul stresses that because we are in Christ, we have a position and status with God. Yet, the danger for the church, both then and now, is that we fail to live in the fullness of that status. Paul’s desire is for the church to truly experience their position in Christ.

In Ephesians 2:5-6, Paul explains that by God’s grace, we’ve been made alive with Christ, raised with Him, and seated with Him in heavenly places. To grasp this fully, we need a deeper theological understanding. Paul’s view of the Resurrection contrasts with the traditional Jewish perspective, and understanding this difference is key to what he’s presenting in Ephesians.

Introduction

The Apostle Paul's life and ministry, especially his missionary journeys, demonstrate an extraordinary drive to spread the gospel. Despite facing immense opposition and hardships, Paul's resilience was anchored in his unwavering commitment to his divine mission. Acts 20:24 encapsulates his motivation: "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." This verse highlights Paul's understanding that his life belonged to Christ and his primary concern was fulfilling his mission to testify to God’s grace. As we explore Paul's journeys, we see how this motivation propelled him through trials and challenges.

Introduction

Gentleness, despite its importance in the kingdom of God, may seem foolish in today’s competitive and brutal world, especially in big cities. Society teaches us that aggression is necessary to navigate life successfully, but in the kingdom of God, gentleness is the path that heals the world. Paul’s discussion of the fruit of the Spirit, particularly gentleness, outlines a way of life that bears witness to and contributes to the healing of the world.

Introduction The focus is on the word "fruit" and its significance in the Christian life. God uses the concept of "fruit" to explain what knowing Him produces in believers' lives. Paul, in Colossians 1:10, emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit in every good work, which aligns with God's will. "Fruit" represents the outcome of a believer's experience with God. God desires that the fruit produced by believers is consistent with His character and purpose. Christians are called to be fruitful disciples, contributing to the advancement and glory of God's will.

Introduction - Recap

Introduction In our previous sermon from Acts 9, we learned that Saul was on his way to Damascus with the intent of persecuting Christians. However, as he neared the city, a brilliant light shone around him, blinding him. He was then instructed to go to Damascus, where he would receive further instructions. Guided by divine intervention, Ananias came to Saul, prayed for him, and healed his blindness. Ananias revealed that Saul was chosen by God to preach about Jesus. With both his physical and spiritual sight restored, Saul was baptized. This sermon continues from this pivotal moment, exploring what happened next in Saul’s journey.

Introduction

Paul's journey on the road to Damascus took a dramatic turn when he encountered the light and voice of Jesus. According to verse 9, Paul was blinded for three days and refrained from eating or drinking during this period. The significance of these three days of darkness echoes a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing a time of deep introspection, repentance, and preparation for profound transformation.

1) in the Exodus account, darkness lasted for three days before the final plague, which marked God's judgment on disobedience but also the redemption of those who obeyed, leading to their liberation from Egyptian slavery; 2) Jonah spent three days in the belly of the fish as a period of repentance and readiness to fulfill God's command; 3) Jesus was in the tomb for three days before His resurrection, symbolizing the ultimate triumph over death and the promise of new life. During Saul's three days of blindness, recounted in Acts 26, he underwent a transformative experience.

1.     Identity as God’s servant and witness (verse 16).

2.     Task to proclaim what he has witnessed about Jesus (verse 16).

3.     Audience: both Jews and Gentiles (verse 17).

4.     Purpose: to turn people from darkness to light through faith in Jesus (verse 18).

Paul’s blindness may have enhanced his concentration, akin to closing one's eyes during prayer to focus solely on God. This period was a rigorous deconstruction of Paul's former identity and understanding, followed by a reconstruction of his new identity and purpose in Christ.

Introduction - Recap

In last week's sermon, we delved into how God intricately orchestrated the life of Saul, transforming him into the Apostle Paul for a profound purpose at the appointed time. Saul's journey from Tarsus, a city steeped in both Jewish tradition and Hellenistic culture, laid a crucial foundation. His upbringing in this cosmopolitan center equipped him with fluency in Hebrew and Greek, pivotal for his later ministry in writing New Testament epistles and communicating effectively with diverse audiences. Moreover, Saul's Roman citizenship afforded him legal privileges and facilitated his missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, ensuring he could spread the gospel unhindered by political barriers. Despite Saul's initial ignorance of God's overarching plan, his life experiences and background uniquely prepared him to become a pivotal figure in early Christianity.

Introduction - Recap

In last week's sermon, we delved into how God intricately orchestrated the life of Saul, transforming him into the Apostle Paul for a profound purpose at the appointed time. Saul's journey from Tarsus, a city steeped in both Jewish tradition and Hellenistic culture, laid a crucial foundation. His upbringing in this cosmopolitan center equipped him with fluency in Hebrew and Greek, pivotal for his later ministry in writing New Testament epistles and communicating effectively with diverse audiences. Moreover, Saul's Roman citizenship afforded him legal privileges and facilitated his missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, ensuring he could spread the gospel unhindered by political barriers. Despite Saul's initial ignorance of God's overarching plan, his life experiences and background uniquely prepared him to become a pivotal figure in early Christianity.

Introduction - Context of the Passage

In this passage, we witness a tumultuous moment in Paul's life as he faces persecution from a mob in Jerusalem. Accused of defiling the temple by associating with Gentiles, Paul is attacked by the angry crowd. Amidst the chaos, a Roman official intervenes, allowing Paul to address the crowd and defend himself. This pivotal moment offers insight into Saul's life before his transformation into the apostle Paul.

Introduction: In reflecting on the Parable of the Sower, the disciples likely experienced a range of emotions, including potential discouragement. Jesus' teaching that only one type of soil would truly receive the Word might have left them feeling disheartened and questioning their understanding of His message. The disciples, accustomed to more traditional forms of teaching, might have found Jesus' use of parables challenging, especially as they grappled with the deeper spiritual truths hidden within them. This shift in teaching style may have intensified the pressure they felt to comprehend and apply Jesus' teachings accurately.