Uptown Pastoral Library
Because of His Name
It is unbelievable that August is already coming to an end. For many of us, September will present many new and challenging changes to our lives. Despite the pending uncertainties, we are reminded in Psalm 138 that we can nevertheless place our hope in God. Our hope is not based on circumstances, but based on the fact that God is committed to exalting his name. Therefore, he will continue to show his steadfast love toward those who are humble and needy…
Jesus, the Ultimate Pilgrim
Here at Uptown, it's been uncanny how God has been moving in the lives of our community over the past few months during the pandemic. Not only has God been expressing his faithfulness toward us, but recently, there have been many of us experiencing surprising and unexpected breakthroughs and answered prayers. Praise God!
It’s His Name and I’ll Cry If I Want To
Many of us have experienced difficult seasons where we feel great need and lack. As I mentioned before, I am presently experiencing such a season and I know some of you are as well. Often times, we think that we have to be "strong" and "mature" during these seasons by reminding ourselves that God is trying to teach us something important. However, in Psalm 70, we see another perspective, which is equally important…
His Glory; Our Peace
Like Psalm 46, many of us have experienced seasons where our confidence or assurance in life has been severely shaken. In fact, many of us might be experiencing such a season right now--whether it's the discouraging news in the world, difficulties at work, relational tension, personal discomfort, or struggles in our relationship with God. Psalm 46, however, reminds us that we can find assurance by looking to God…
Jesus Was Forsaken So That We Can Worship
One of the common feelings of the Christian is that God is distant from us. This is especially true in light of recent circumstances. Not only has the pandemic disrupted our lifestyle, but the recent injustices to the black community and even our own personal struggles have led many of us feeling like God has forsaken us…
Hindsight is 2020a
It is a relief for some of us that the first half of 2020 has finally ended, as this year has been brutal for the entire world. Although many of us might feel discouraged, God is reminding us to place our confidence in the only thing that never disappoints: the gospel of Jesus Christ…
From a Planted Tree to Hung on a Tree
Have you ever felt like there is a lack of direction, foundation, or purpose in your life? Or that there are certain things that you know that you should do, but you ultimately feel powerless to accomplish them?…
Overcoming Conflict (Part 2)
This week's sermon is the second part of the "Overcoming Conflict" sermon from a couple of weeks ago. In this second part, we will focus on the topic of forgiveness…
Overcoming Your Mind
Mental health conditions, issues, or illness are not rare. Reputable organizations estimate that such conditions affect 20% of our population. Moreover, there are strong indications that these issues will only become more pervasive in future generations…
Overcoming Conflict (Part 1)
The following sermon will focus on how to overcome conflict, especially as many of us are experiencing tension in our household during this pandemic…
After the COVID-19…
This week, we are taking a break from the "From Outbreak to Breakthrough" sermon series because the Bible reading plan is astonishingly relevant to our current situation. Therefore, we will reflect upon what we can learn from the book of Nehemiah…
Overcoming Death
One of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it confronts us with the reality of death. As Christopher Bullock quipped back in 1716, "'tis impossible to be sure of any thing but Death and Taxes." Apart from the gospel, there is very little, if any, hope when we think about the vulnerability of our own lives and the lives of our loved ones…
Creatures of Community
Last week we talked about how a disruption to our routine can have profound and unanticipated ripple effects in the way that we live. This week, we will see that not being able to socialize with others can have an equally devastating impact on our lives. We will therefore address the urgency of a relational community, especially in light of our social distancing…
Creatures of Habit
This week is the first sermon of our new series, "From Outbreak to Breakthrough." As devastating as this pandemic has been for many of us, we can also sense how God might be using this to stage breakthroughs in our own lives. This week's sermon will focus on the need for routine…