Welcome to the Pastoral Corner! Here you will find updated thoughts from our lead pastors that are intended to be meaningful and relevant for you.
Mississauga
See all Mississauga Sermon Outlines, Bible Reading Columns or Pastoral Blog Archives
Title: True Love
Passage: John 3:16-21
Speaker: Rev. Jason Noh
Title: Promise of Invincible Joy
Passage: John 16:16-33
Speaker: Rev. Charles Lee
Title: Peace: The Presence of God
Passage: John 14:15-31
Speaker: Rev. Jonathan Hong
Title: Finding True Hope in a Broken World
Passage: John 4:1-26
Speaker: Pastor David Noh
Title: The Love of God In Christ Jesus
Passage: Romans 8:31-39
Speaker: Rev. Charles Lee
Title: Groaning In Hope For Glory
Passage: Romans 8:14-30
Speaker: Rev. Charles Lee
Title: No Condemnation & More
Passage: Romans 8:1-17
Speaker: Rev. Charles Lee
Title: Relationship With Oneself Shapes Relationship With Others
Passage: Matthew 3:13-17
Speaker: Rev. Jason Noh
Title: Waging War Against Sin
Passage: Romans 7:14-25
Speaker: Rev. Charles Lee
Title: Dead to Sin, Alive to God
Passage: Romans 6:1-14
Speaker: Rev. Charles Lee
Title: Thanking God for His Gift of Grace
Passage: Romans 5:12-21
Speaker: Rev. Charles Lee
Title: It All Starts with Relationship with God
Passage: Genesis 1:26-28
Speaker: Rev. Jason Noh
Downtown
Check out our archive of Downtown Pastoral Blogs here.
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:
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.
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.
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
In our journey of spiritual growth, it’s essential to cultivate a right and healthy understanding of our own value as it is revealed in the Word of God. Today’s reading from Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us that by grace, through faith, we have been saved. This gift is not by our works but through God’s grace. Verse 10 calls us “His workmanship,” or as translated in some versions, “His masterpiece,” crafted by God Himself with excellence and purpose. We must remember and declare: “I am God’s masterpiece.”
Introduction: The Study of God’s Word as Spiritual Discipline
Before diving into today’s passage on the study of God’s Word as it relates to our spiritual discipline, let’s take a moment to clarify two fundamental terms: discipline and Christianity.
Discipline
The word “discipline” finds its origin in the Latin term “discipulus,” from which we derive the word “disciple.” A disciple is “one who follows another for the purpose of learning.” The Latin word “disciplina” means “instruct, educate, and train.” This foundational concept reminds us that as Christians, we are all His disciples. We gather to worship Him as God, to read Scripture, and to grow in our understanding of who God and Jesus are so that we might reflect Him in our lives. This notion of discipline is deeply intertwined with becoming “Christ-like” in both attitude and action.When we speak of Christian Disciplines, we refer to the instructions and training that shape us as disciples of Christ. Christian discipline isn’t merely about personal improvement; it’s a pathway to becoming like Christ, embodying His teachings, and living a life that honors God’s principles and character.
Christianity
Christianity is often categorized as one of the world’s religions, but it can also be understood as a worldview—a framework through which we interpret and respond to life. Charles Colson described it as the “lens” through which we see and evaluate events. This worldview is more than a philosophical stance; it’s a perspective shaped by Biblical values, allowing Christians to discern right from wrong, just from unjust, and moral from immoral based on Scripture.For example, early Christian values helped to fuel the abolition of slavery. Christians, not other religions or societal movements, were at the forefront of ending slavery, even when “cultural Christians” supported it. Our worldview, therefore, influences not only personal choices but also has the power to effect social change.
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.
Uptown
Check out our archive of Uptown Pastoral Blogs here.
Based on the overwhelming feedback from last week's sermon, this sermon will expand on our identity in Jesus Christ. Our identity in Christ is important but often times we overlook it or have a superficial/vague understanding of it. In this sermon, we will reflect upon what it means to be conformed to the image of Christ and that Christ is the firstborn based on Romans 8.29-30.
Based on the overwhelming feedback from last week's sermon, this sermon will expand on our identity in Jesus Christ. Our identity in Christ is important but often times we overlook it or have a superficial/vague understanding of it. In this sermon, we will reflect upon what it means to be conformed to the image of Christ and that Christ is the firstborn based on Romans 8.29-30.
Based on the overwhelming feedback from last week's sermon, this sermon will expand on our identity in Jesus Christ. Our identity in Christ is important but often times we overlook it or have a superficial/vague understanding of it. In this sermon, we will reflect upon what it means to be conformed to the image of Christ and that Christ is the firstborn based on Romans 8.29-30.
The theme of this sermon series is the purpose, calling, and mission of God's people. But before we explore those ideas, we must first understand what our new identity in Jesus Christ is. We hear people refer to their identity in Christ all the time. But what does it actually mean?
Based on the overwhelming feedback from last week and as we prepare for this upcoming Passion week, we will continue the theme of submission through the life of Jesus Christ. Before we do that, we need to be reminded of Christ's preexistent form. That is, who is Christ even before the incarnation (i.e., being born as a baby) and his death and resurrection? …
This last sermon of the series will focus on Paul's command for us to submit to one another. Submission, especially in the light of church leaders abusing their authority, is even more controversial today. Nevertheless, Paul talks about submission in a way where it is the cause and/or effect of being filled with the Spirit. In other words, submission is indispensable for us to grow in the image of Jesus Christ and thereby glorify God …
When Paul warns against drunkenness (Eph 5.18), we often neglect the greater context of his warning (Eph 5.15-21). In fact, the passage has less to do with alcohol and more to do with living with a sense of awareness of the times: "make[ing] the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Eph 5.17) …
Contrary to the famous, yet misleading, adage, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me," words are extremely powerful and important in the eyes of God. It was through God's Word that all of the universe was created and it is through his Word that all of life is currently being sustained. As God's image bearers, our words also have a potency that we typically overlook …
The focus for this week's sermon will be on theft and stealing. On the one hand, the Bible speaks about theft frequently (Exod 20.15; Mark 10.19; Rom 13.9; 1 Cor 6.9-11); on the other hand, stealing is not nearly as common in our modern context. This sermon will explain how we should apply the warning against stealing today in the gospel of Jesus Christ as we focus on Ephesians 4.28 …
Anger, bitterness, or wrath can wreak havoc, especially in important relationships. Unlike the other issues that we've been reflecting upon over the past few months, anger is usually directed toward someone in a very traumatic way and can thus create gaping wounds that never fully heal. Sadly, anger has already shaped or is shaping many of us--whether we were exposed to an outburst during our formative years as children or whether our own anger has created open scars on our loved ones, such as our spouses or children …
We are often misled to think that Christian life is centrally about momentous events or circumstances. The truth, however, is that both our victories and failures are influenced more by the little moments that we typically overlook. This is partly what Paul has in mind when he says that our old way of living has been corrupt (or destroyed) by our deceitful desires. These desires might seem innocent, but they have the power to ruin our lives so they are doubly dangerous …
Now that we are a few sermons into this series, we will first revisit the intended outcomes and marvel at how we are already experiencing so much fruit from trusting and obeying God's Word thus far. The topic of this sermon will be covetousness. Although we hardly ever use the word, covetousness is one of the more dominating sins that we commit and is the motivation behind so much of our lives including work, how we engage in social media, how we view finances, etc. …