Introduction

One of the traditions we have at New Hope is that we celebrate baptism or confirmation on Christmas Sunday and Easter Sunday. This is not simply a tradition we inherited, nor is it something we do for convenience. We do this intentionally because these days help us understand the order of the gospel—how salvation works and how faith responds.

Christmas and Easter are the two defining moments when we remember that God fulfilled His promise to redeem His people.

At Christmas, Jesus Christ is born—not merely as a significant religious figure, but as the Messiah God promised over many generations for the salvation of His people. At Easter, Jesus Christ rises from the dead, confirming that He truly is the Son of God and that His death fully accomplished God’s plan: the forgiveness of sins, the defeat of death, and the restoration of humanity’s relationship with God.

Together, Christmas and Easter remind us of a crucial truth: salvation begins with God, not with us.

God made the promise to save His people. God sent the Savior in His perfect timing. God accomplished redemption through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Only after God acts do we respond in faith. Our trust, our baptism, and our confirmation are our way of saying “Yes” to what God has already done for us in Christ.

This order matters because it protects us from thinking that baptism or confirmation is about proving our faith, earning God’s favor, or demonstrating spiritual maturity. They are not the starting point of salvation; they are responses to God’s grace.

That is why baptism and confirmation belong on Christmas and Easter. They are visible, public ways of saying:

“Because God has kept His promise in Jesus Christ, I trust Him.”

“Because salvation has been accomplished, I respond in faith.”

“Because grace has been given, I now live in allegiance to Christ.”

So today is a special day—not because a ceremony itself has saving power, but because it clearly points us to how the gospel works. Christmas proclaims that all of God’s promises find their “Yes” in Jesus Christ, and confirmation is the moment when that “Yes” is personally received and publicly affirmed with our own “Amen” spoken in faith.

With that in mind, let us hear our Scripture for this morning from 2 Corinthians 1:20:

“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.”

Introduction

Whether at work, at school, or in any community, knowing how to work well with others is essential. Employers and schools understand this well, which is why interviews often emphasize teamwork just as much as skills or knowledge. Questions like, “How do you work with others?” “How do you navigate challenges in a team?” or “Can you lead and also follow?” are asked because success rarely happens alone. Influence, impact, and lasting results almost always come from people who can work together—communicating well, understanding each other’s strengths, and sharing responsibility.

The same is true in spiritual leadership. God never intended His work to be carried by one person alone. Leadership in His kingdom is not only about calling or passion; it is also about partnership—learning to share the load and multiply impact through teamwork.

This brings us to Moses in our passage today. Moses is a faithful and surrendered leader. He is teaching the people God’s ways, judging disputes, and guiding Israel in every aspect of life. But there is a serious problem. From morning until evening, Moses stands alone, hearing every case and carrying the weight of an entire nation. Exodus 18:13 tells us that “the people stood around Moses from morning till evening.” No wonder he is exhausted. No wonder he is overwhelmed.

It is at this moment that Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, steps in. After observing Moses’ leadership, he gives advice that is both practical and life-changing. In verses 17–18 he says, “What you are doing is not good… You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out… You are not able to do it alone.” This is not an attack on Moses’ character or faithfulness. Rather, it is a recognition that even the most devoted leader needs a team. God designed His work to be done in community, with shared responsibility.

As we explore this passage, we see two practical lessons about elevated spiritual leadership, and finally how that leadership is perfectly exemplified in Jesus Christ:

Elevated leadership listens with humility.

Elevated leadership empowers others and shares the burden.

Elevated leadership exemplified in Jesus.

Introduction

When we hear the words spiritual leadership, many of us imagine titles, positions, or authority—pastors, elders, or ministry leaders. And some may think, “This isn’t for me. I don’t have a title. I don’t lead a team.” But spiritual leadership is not defined by position. Every follower of Christ is called to lead spiritually because leadership is simply influence—how our lives point others to Christ in ordinary, everyday moments.

The problem is that we often bring the world’s definitions of leadership into the church. The world measures leadership by position, control, performance, and recognition. And when these standards shape how we lead spiritually, we begin to believe leadership is about visibility, being impressive, or influencing others with our abilities rather than pointing them to Christ.

But leadership built on performance leads to anxiety and exhaustion. Leadership driven by recognition becomes fragile because approval fades. Leadership rooted in control puts burdens on us that only God can carry. When these things define leadership, our influence becomes shallow, our hearts become tired, and many conclude they are “not cut out” for leadership.

But the good news is this: God never intended leadership to be built on position, recognition, or performance. He calls us to a different kind of leadership—one that produces lasting fruit and flows from the heart of Christ. Philippians 2 shows us this pattern. Jesus is not only our Savior but also our model. His way of leading is enduring, transforming, and God-glorifying. From Him we learn two essential truths:

Spiritual leadership is rooted in surrender

Spiritual leadership is rooted in servant-hearted humility

Introduction

Last week, Pastor John gave a sermon that talked about who you were, who you are now in Christ Jesus, meaning you are now part of God’s family, and as a member of God’s family, God is building us up together. Today, I will be piggy backing off last week’s sermon to talk about building up the Next Generation. I want you to know that understand your role in building up the next generation is a way for you and the church to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Introduction

When we hear “build up the church,” we may think of programs, volunteering, or simply doing more ministry. But in this passage, Paul is speaking about something far deeper: our identity as the people of God, the community Christ Himself is forming, and the spiritual house God is actively building with Jesus as the cornerstone. Before Paul tells us how to build up the church, he tells us who we are — because without understanding our identity in Christ, all our attempts will become burdens, performance, or disappointment. But when we understand who we are because of Jesus, building up the church becomes the overflow of grace.

Paul walks us through three movements:

1. We were once far off — separated, divided, and without hope.

2. Christ has brought us near — tearing down walls and making one new humanity.

3. We are now being built together — formed into a spiritual home where God dwells.

Introduction

One of the most important truths about our humanity is that we were created for relationships — deep, meaningful relationships filled with love, trust, and mutual care. Even in the perfection of Eden, before sin entered the world, God identified one thing that was not good: Adam was alone. From the beginning, God designed people to flourish through committed and loving relationships.

Modern research reflects this biblical truth. Children who are unable to bond with stable caregivers experience profound emotional and psychological harm, and their development can suffer in devastating ways. Even in adult relationships, such as marriage, when two people drift apart, it feels like something inside is dying — because relational disconnection truly affects us mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. We deteriorate without connection because God made us for it.

And just as relationship is essential for human life, it is essential for spiritual life. We cannot grow as healthy Christians or function as a healthy church without deep fellowship. This is why Paul’s relationship with the Philippian church is so meaningful. Many scholars believe that Philippians is Paul’s warmest letter, written to a church he considered uniquely close to his heart. From the moment Paul begins, we can sense the affection, history, and mutual love shared between them.

At first, his greeting may seem like a standard opening, but when we look more closely, Paul is actually teaching us what healthy, gospel-shaped relationships look like. Today we will focus on two parts of Paul’s opening:

1. Paul’s greeting and what it reveals about his relationship with the Philippians.

2. Their shared partnership in the gospel.

Introduction

Think about the most meaningful relationships in your life — friendships, family, marriage, or community. Words play a powerful role in shaping them. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Every word carries weight — it can bring life or death, hope or despair, healing or harm. Words reveal the state of our hearts and shape those around us.

The story of Anna and Ian reminds us that words don’t just express how we feel; they shape hearts and relationships. They can tear down or build up, escalate conflict or bring reconciliation. But before we can speak words that build up others, we must start with the source of life — our relationship with God. How we speak to Him — honestly and vulnerably — sets the tone for how we speak to others.

Today we’ll explore three ways our words can reflect spiritual elevation:

1. Speak Honestly to God – pouring out our hearts in trust and vulnerability.

2. Speak Gracefully to Others – using words that encourage and build up.

3. Speak Redemptively through the Gospel – letting the gospel shape our words to reconcile and reflect Christ’s love.

Introduction

Have you ever tried to talk to someone who wasn’t really listening? Maybe a spouse, friend, or colleague — someone who seems present in body but absent in attention. It’s frustrating and leaves us feeling unheard. Not long ago, I was deeply focused on an “important mission” — searching for a World Series Edition Blue Jays hat. While scrolling online for it that evening, Grace walked into my room to confront me about something I’d done earlier that day. I responded with all the right words: “mhmm,” “I see,” “sorry you felt that way” — but my eyes were on my phone the whole time. Needless to say, that evening ended tragically — and it was all because I wasn’t really listening.

Listening matters. It builds trust, deepens intimacy, and invites growth. The same is true in our relationship with God. We can pray, read Scripture, and attend church — but if we don’t listen, we miss His voice and guidance. In 1 Samuel 3, we see God speaking to a young boy named Samuel — not in a dramatic scene, but in a quiet, personal moment. His story teaches us how to listen attentively, patiently, and obediently to the voice of God.

Today, we'll reflect on three truths from this passage:

God speaks to us personally

God teaches us to listen through guidance and community

Listening well leads to a faithful response

Introduction

Sociologists today describe a phenomenon called “Peter Pan syndrome”—adults who resist growing up. Many live as “kidults,” holding on to youthful comforts while avoiding responsibility. We see this in our culture: people chasing pleasure, comfort, and freedom but avoiding commitment, discipline, or sacrifice.

Spiritually, the same issue exists in the church. Many believers have been Christians for years but remain immature in faith—quick to anger, slow to forgive, and self-focused rather than Christ-centered. This was the case in Corinth. Outwardly gifted and active, they were inwardly divided and proud. Paul rebuked them, saying, “I could not address you as spiritual people, but as infants in Christ” (1 Cor 3:1).

The Corinthians pursued status over service and gifts over love. That is why Paul emphasizes in chapter 13 that love—not ability, knowledge, or giftedness—is the true measure of maturity. When he writes, “When I became a man, I gave up childish ways,” he calls believers to move from self-centered childishness toward Christ-like love. Spiritual maturity is not about age or time in church; it’s about being transformed by love that reflects Christ.

Introduction

I remember being told in my earlier days by various people about being thankful. Being thankful is easy to do when things are going smoothly, things are going well, you see results and achievements, money is good, relationships, and marriage is good, and you’re feeling good, even better happy. But what if it’s not? I would then hear people say things like you still have to give thanks to God for the bad stuff too. If you say thanks first the rest will follow. Or something out of the Sound of Music – when God closes a door he opens a window – and I’m thinking well the window better be bigger than the door. Or I would get the biblical answer quoted to me from today’s passage that we have to, we must be thankful because that’s the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. And what the heck does that even mean? But I tried to understand it and tried to live it as well. However, as I tried to live up to God’s command or try to live it down. I found myself reaching a breaking point where I lash out in anger and bitterness, especially against God.

I had many honest feelings and questions about be thankful in all circumstances - How can I be thankful when I don’t feel thankful? How can I be thankful if the last thing on my mind is being thankful. And why is being thankful the will of God? How is being thankful the will of God. And what good is all that when I don’t feel thankful and I’m hurting inside? How do I reconcile my feelings with this command? Am I to count my blessings and look for the things that I should be grateful for? But what if those things are gone? What then?

Introduction

Good morning, church. It’s truly an honor to share God’s Word with you today. Every time I stand here and see God’s people faithfully gather to worship, my heart is stirred. I’m especially thankful for Reverend John—my dear friend and a faithful servant of the Lord. We bonded years ago in Edmonton through shared trials, and I look up to him as a spiritual heavyweight. As for me? I’m more of a spiritual featherweight—so lower your expectations and be gracious with me! But here’s my confidence: our God is too great to be contained by one preacher, and He is faithful to speak through every messenger. So let’s open our hearts—because I believe God wants to meet us.

Let me begin with a question: What matters more—purpose or efficiency?

Introduction

In our passage, Abram faces growing tension between his people and his nephew Lot’s people. Abram, later called Abraham, is one of the central figures of Scripture—a man of faith chosen by God to be the father of a great nation. Through him, all the families of the earth would be blessed. His life was marked by trust and obedience, leaving his homeland to follow God into the unknown.

Lot, Abram’s nephew, journeyed with him from Ur to Canaan, sharing in the blessings God gave. Both households grew so large that the land could no longer support them. Disputes arose, threatening unity. This story is not just history—it is a mirror for us, inviting us to grow in trust, discover the beauty of surrender, and follow God’s leading even when the way feels uncertain.