Yishun Christian Church (Lutheran) - recorded sermons

Yishun Christian Church (Lutheran)

Yishun Christian Church (Lutheran) is a member church of the Lutheran Church in Singapore (LCS). This channel contains recorded sermons delivered during the Divine Service at our church every Sunday morning from 11am.

You are most welcome to visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/YCCLutheran.

We hope that you will find our channel useful and we look forward to seeing you at our Divine Service, or at any of our ministries or events.

The Lord be with you!

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Qualified to serve God (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

Qualified to serve God (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

Are we qualified to serve God? Do we measure ourselves against the standards of the world or God's criteria? As we learn from the story of Samuel and David, God's standards are not based on outward appearances and human considerations. Rather, God looks at the heart. Samuel learned this as God led him through the process of choosing one of the sons of Jesse, and finally having to send for the youngest son, David, who turned out to be God’s choice! God chose David, a humble shepherd boy with a heart that trusted in Him. David would know that his being sent for, his anointing and his empowering for service was solely by God’s grace, and nothing else.Ultimately, God sent for Jesus, a descendant of David, who truly possessed a pure and perfectly trusting heart. However, despite His divine nature, the world only saw a carpenter's son who was sentenced to death on a cross. Yet, in Jesus, the wisdom of the world is confounded. In Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection God forgives our sin-laden hearts and qualifies us to serve Him. Through Him, we are given new hearts and the power of the Holy Spirit to serve God with the best of our God-given qualities.During today's Divine Service, Pastor Soh encouraged the congregation not to disqualify themselves based on external factors such as age, education, or physical appearance. David did not let his youth or occupation prevent him from submitting himself for God's service. Similarly, all believers are called to serve God, who has qualified us by grace alone in Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Let us trust in God's mercy and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us to fulfill His purposes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Qualified to serve God (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

Qualified to serve God (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

Are we qualified to serve God? Do we measure ourselves against the standards of the world or God's criteria? As we learn from the story of Samuel and David, God's standards are not based on outward appearances and human considerations. Rather, God looks at the heart. Samuel learned this as God led him through the process of choosing one of the sons of Jesse, and finally having to send for the youngest son, David, who turned out to be God’s choice! God chose David, a humble shepherd boy with a heart that trusted in Him. David would know that his being sent for, his anointing and his empowering for service was solely by God’s grace, and nothing else.Ultimately, God sent for Jesus, a descendant of David, who truly possessed a pure and perfectly trusting heart. However, despite His divine nature, the world only saw a carpenter's son who was sentenced to death on a cross. Yet, in Jesus, the wisdom of the world is confounded. In Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection God forgives our sin-laden hearts and qualifies us to serve Him. Through Him, we are given new hearts and the power of the Holy Spirit to serve God with the best of our God-given qualities.During today's Divine Service, Pastor Soh encouraged the congregation not to disqualify themselves based on external factors such as age, education, or physical appearance. David did not let his youth or occupation prevent him from submitting himself for God's service. Similarly, all believers are called to serve God, who has qualified us by grace alone in Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Let us trust in God's mercy and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us to fulfill His purposes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jesus, the Anchor of My Soul (Hebrews 6:19)

Jesus, the Anchor of My Soul (Hebrews 6:19)

During life's many crises, it's easy to find ourselves in a lonely and dark place. But rather than sinking into despair, we can cry out to Jesus, who serves as the anchor of every believer. Just as a boat needs an anchor to remain steady amidst turbulent waves, we need Jesus as our refuge and peace. With God's faithfulness, we can rest assured that when we call upon Him, He will hear us and provide us with the peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).The Boys Brigade emblem is an anchor. Its motto "sure and steadfast" is derived from Hebrews 6:19a: "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul." During his sermon at today's Boys Brigade (19th Singapore Company) Enrolment and Re-dedication ceremony, Rev Dr William Chang shared his own experiences as a committed member of the Boys Brigade and explained the meaning behind their motto and the purpose of Boys Brigade. He encouraged all Boys Brigade members to continue relying on Jesus as the captain of their lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two Perspectives of Life (Titus 2:11-15)

Two Perspectives of Life (Titus 2:11-15)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 ESV)Despite our best efforts, none of us can ever fully meet God's impeccable standards. However, as sinners, we are not beyond the reach of God's all-encompassing grace. Our ultimate hope of salvation does not rest on our own merits, but on God's mercy. While believers in Christ are no longer condemned (Romans 8:1), we must not take God's grace for granted and ignore His commandments. Instead, God desires that we continually grow in godliness during our earthly lives, in preparation for our eventual glorification when Christ returns. Drawing on his extensive experience in the faith, Br Cheng Eng Hwa emphasized in today's Divine Service the importance of holding both God's mercy and His expectations for our spiritual sanctification in balance. As Christians, we must not withdraw from God's presence, but instead, confess our sins and seek forgiveness even in our flawed and sinful state. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suffering & Glory: Transforming into the Image of Christ (Luke 9:28-36)

Suffering & Glory: Transforming into the Image of Christ (Luke 9:28-36)

Although Christians, like everyone else, experience suffering, our response to pain is different. In Christ, suffering and glory are not opposing realities; instead, we become more like Jesus when we endure life's tribulations with faith and obedience to God. Jesus transfigured before his closest disciples, in which he took on an incredibly glorified appearance. This momentary glory was a glimpse of the victory that came with his sacrifice on the cross. Unlike Moses, whose glory faded after withdrawing from God's presence, Christians are inheritors of the new covenant through the grace of Christ, and as we live by faith in his goodness, we grow in glory (2 Corinthians 3:12-18). As apostle Paul wrote, "(for) this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure" (2 Corinthian 4:17 ESV). Today, Rev Dr William Chang urged members of the congregation to depend on the support provided by church ministries as we strive to emulate Jesus in honoring God by remaining steadfast amid life's trials and tribulations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ash Wednesday 2023 (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)

Ash Wednesday 2023 (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 6:1 ESVThe Ash Wednesday message by Pastor Soh was thus, following Jesus’ commandment, be watchful of the intent behind our acts of piety lest they should turn us from God. Desiring to impress others, our works are immediately stained by our deep sinful nature, rendering seemingly spiritual and charitable deeds into acts that incur God’s displeasure. Instead, we ought to live out the new heart that we have received upon Holy Baptism, and strengthened through Holy Communion, bearing fruits of love and service to the Lord, as living trees bearing good fruits, rather than like dead trees appearing to be alive. Before God, we are dust and ashes made alive by the blood of Jesus. Continue therefore to pray, fast and help others in need, with humility and love for God, as the new creation made in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wilderness Victory (Matthew 4:1-11)

The Wilderness Victory (Matthew 4:1-11)

The temptation of Jesus by Satan in Matthew 4:1-11 is a narrative of deep spiritual significance. The fact that our Lord was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, shows that it is only with God's permission that there can be trials in our Christian walk. Unlike the first Adam who succumbed to the lures of Satan, Jesus was victorious over the temptations. Br Lim Geok Seng through his sermon at the Divine Service today called on the church to learn from Jesus. We should trust God's goodness and be obedient to His perfect will so that our walk with Him may be victorious. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Choose Life! (Deuteronomy 30:15-20)

Choose Life! (Deuteronomy 30:15-20)

God has set before the Israelites two choices: to obey and trust Him, or to stop believing and be estranged from Him; the former leads to life, while the latter leads to spiritual death (Deuteronomy 30:15-18). As Deuteronomy 30:19 instructs, we are encouraged to choose life. However, history has repeatedly shown how difficult it was for the Israelites, who were often overwhelmed by their own sinful tendencies, to make the right choice. But for baptized Christians, who have received a new heart from God through Jesus Christ, the help of the Holy Spirit allows us to choose obedience and trust. Today, Pastor Soh Guan Kheng at the Divine Service encouraged the congregation to make walking with God a natural part of their daily lives through consistent repentance. He emphasized the importance of trusting in God's promise of forgiveness when we come to the Lord's Table and living with the hope for eternity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spirit Touch Your Church (Joel 2:28-29 / Acts 1:1-8 / John 14:16-21 & 25-26)

Spirit Touch Your Church (Joel 2:28-29 / Acts 1:1-8 / John 14:16-21 & 25-26)

The Holy Spirit is not merely a force. He is the third Person of the Holy Trinity. It is important for us to know the Holy Spirit intimately so that we can relate to Him personally. The Holy Spirit who dwells in baptised Christians has raised Jesus from the dead, created all things, performed miracles through the apostles, gave St John the futuristic visions in the Book of Revelation. At the sermon during the Divine Service on 5 February, Sr Shirley Cheng exhorted the congregation to seek continual infilling of the Holy Spirit through submitting and consecrating our lives to God, to seek and draw closer to Him on a daily basis. It is only when our being is permeated with the presence of the Holy Spirit that we can lead victorious Christian life, walking with and working out the will of God powerfully.This recording also includes Rev Dr William Chang's prayer for believers to grow in the Holy Spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Family That Reflects The Glory of God (Joshua 24:14-15)

A Family That Reflects The Glory of God (Joshua 24:14-15)

Rev Dr William Chang, at the combined service on 29 January 2023, promulgated YCCL's vision of becoming an intergenerational spiritual community that reflects the glory of God. In his sermon, examples of famous personalities from the Old Testament, whose families have been attacked and divided by the schemes of Satan, were emphatically examined to illustrate the point that the family unit is fundamental to God's Church. It is upon our reverence and love for Lord Jesus that relationship with our loved ones can be set right before God. The congregation is also encouraged to rely on God's mercy and grace to build stronger spirituality within our family. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Call to Follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-23)

The Call to Follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-23)

As Christians, we should heed Jesus' call to follow Him. Christianity is more than just knowing a set of spiritual teaching and coming to church. It is about developing an intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, to surrender our lives to Him. At the Divine Service held on the first day of the Lunar New Year, Br Lim Geok Seng encouraged the congregation to lead a more purposeful Christian life, that we should, in the coming year, endeavour to devote quality time daily to studying the Bible and prayers, in order to draw closer to God. Jesus has all the power, authority and resources to enable us to be fishers of men. Not by our own effort, resolve and ability, but purely dependent on God's unfailing promise and unlimited power, that we are able to glorify Him with our lives. Our part is simply to follow Christ, trust His grace, yield to His will, walking His way, living out His Life in us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connecting Others to God (John 1:29-42)

Connecting Others to God (John 1:29-42)

Everyone needs God. Many will strive to seek God on their own but fail. Our God is therefore not a product of human imagination. He is who He is regardless of what we project Him to be. Christianity is God's revelation. God has chosen to reveal Himself to Abraham, and through the Israelites, His covenant people, Jesus was raised up to be the saviour of the world, bringing us back to God sinless, free from condemnation. Meanwhile, every disciple of Jesus was drawn to Him by the word of an earlier follower. As such, connecting others to the revelation and grace of God is part of our Christian spirituality. We are in fact commanded by Jesus to spread the gospel, to lead all to the saving knowledge of Christ. Evangelism must stem from our love for God. We must live out our faith in God's heartbeat. Pray to be sensitive to the needs and cries of others around us, for God to give us watchful eyes and listening ears, so that God may use us to bring the light of Christ into their lives. - a summary of Rev Dr William Chang's sermon delivered at the Divine Service on 25 January 2023, exhorting the congregation to participate more actively in outreach activities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't just sit there! (Matthew 3:13-17)

Don't just sit there! (Matthew 3:13-17)

What does Jesus mean when He said baptism by John the Baptist would fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:13-14)? Is Holy Baptism an end in itself, that thereafter Christians are entitled to a life of spiritual complacency? At the Divine Service on 8 January in YCCL, Pastor Soh Guan Kheng explained how righteousness is a theme that undergirds Jesus' entire ministry. Righteousness can be understood in two ways: Jesus is the righteous one because He conformed to God's will; He is identified with and has been baptised like all sinners should. It is also through Holy Baptism that Christians are made righteous before God. Meanwhile, Jesus is baptised for spiritual action and mission. As Christians therefore, we should not rest on our laurels. Holy Baptism marks the start of our lifelong spiritual sanctification and service to God. The congregation is encouraged to take the significance of their own baptism more seriously by participating actively in church programmes, and to share the Gospel with their loved ones during the new year.Subscribe to YCCL podcast channel at Spotify (http://shorturl.at/hlnt1) and Apple Podcast (http://shorturl.at/rSU78). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Name of Jesus (Luke 2:21, Galatian 4:4-7)

The Name of Jesus (Luke 2:21, Galatian 4:4-7)

The name 'Jesus', a transliteration from Greek 'Iesus', itself derived from the Hebrew name 'Yeshua', means the Lord saves (or the Lord is salvation). Bearing the name Jesus, Christians enjoy direct access to God in our prayers. We can have God's blessings and goodness before His holy presence. This privilege however comes with responsibility. As Christians, we must also surrender our lives, allowing Jesus unimpeded access into all aspects of our being, transforming us into the salt of the earth and light of the world. At the Divine Service on new year's day, Senior Pastor Rev Dr William Chang exhorted the congregation to lead God-centred lives. 2023 is the Year of the Lord for YCCL. Individually and corporately, members of the church should strive to live the will of God. Pray to God to reveal and convict us of the areas of our lives that ought to be surrendered. Instead of dwelling on personal plans, seek to know what God's plan for us is. Let Jesus, our redeemer and saviour, be the Lord over all our endeavours in the year 2023! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Small But Superior (Hebrews 1:1-4)

Small But Superior (Hebrews 1:1-4)

Many good things in life come in small packages. The world is transformed by the cellphone in our pockets; while World Cup 2022 was won by the Argentinian team under Lionel Messi, a footballer of below average built. Using highly animated analogy to illustrate the profound spiritual significance of Christ's birth, Rev Soh Guan Kheng at the 2022 Christmas Service, explained how a small baby born in Bethlehem carries the tremendous hope of mankind’s salvation. Christ’s superiority, as confessed in Hebrews 1:1-4, was proclaimed using 3 summary words - Speaker, Substance and Saviour. Unlike prophets of the Old Testament who spoke about God, Jesus Christ is God speaking to us directly. As the exact imprint of His nature, Jesus is, in substance, God Himself. Jesus is also the Saviour who has redeemed us with His precious blood shed on the cross. Finally, before His ascension, Jesus left us two seemingly "small" gifts, i.e. Holy Baptism and the Holy Communion, with the immensely powerful promises of the forgiveness of our sins, the strengthening of our faith and the assurance of His constant divine presence in our lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Blessings Of Tithing (Exodus 13:1-2, 12-13 / 2Cor 9:6-9 / Mark 12:41-44)

The Blessings Of Tithing (Exodus 13:1-2, 12-13 / 2Cor 9:6-9 / Mark 12:41-44)

Tithing is an act of faith based on the divine principle that everything we have comes from God. Tithing is also an act of obedience to and honoring God by putting Him first in our lives. At the Divine Service on 18 December 2022, Sister Shirley Cheng expounded on the biblical origins and principles of giving tithes based on the verses framed within the context of the Scripture. The commandment to tithe is accompanied by God's invitation to test Him and His promises to bless. As Christians, we should not deprive ourselves of God's additional blessings that come with cheerful tithing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Highway Shall Be There (Isaiah 35:1-10)

A Highway Shall Be There (Isaiah 35:1-10)

Four vivid imageries indicative of spiritual transformation for God's people are described in Isaiah 35:Barrenness covered with greeneries and shouts of joy. (Isaiah 35:1-2)Conversion of weakness and fear into strength. (Isaiah 35:3-4)Healing has come to the handicapped and lifeless. (Isaiah 35:5-6)Highway constructed over destruction and desolation. (Isaiah 35:7-8)Pastor Soh, at the Divine Service on 11 December 2022, exhorted the congregation to walk in holiness on the highway that is Jesus Christ Himself (Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6). Guided by His Word, cleansed by the washing away of our sins through Holy Baptism, forgiven at our daily repentance and partaking of the Holy Communion, Christians are invited to walk on the "Way of Holiness" where "even if they are fools, they shall not go astray" (Isaiah 35:8). On this blessed occasion, the church celebrated the baptism of Ong Jian Yong Alex, the confirmation of Matthew Ng and Johan Gejo George, as our fellow sojourners on the highway of holiness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Mind the Gaps!" (Matthew 3:1-12)

"Mind the Gaps!" (Matthew 3:1-12)

John the Baptist delivered the baptism of repentance; Jesus baptised for the remission of sins. "Make straight the way for the Lord," cried John. Have our heart been made straight for the advent of Lord Jesus? As Martin Luthur pointed out, all Christian believers should lead a life of repentance. Daily repentance prepares our heart for the Lord, deprives the Devil of having strongholds, even the most tenuous footholds, unto our lives. Rev Dr William Chang at the Divine Service on 4 December 2022 explained the importance of distinguishing between intellectual and relational faiths; he emphasised that it is the latter that we should strive to develop. The sacraments that we receive every Divine Service can grow our love for and submission to God. On this second Sunday of Advent, confess and repent in accordance to God's word, to make straight path for Lord Jesus in our heart. Make our faith real by inviting Jesus to walk with us every step of our lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Business As Usual? (Matthew 24:36-44)

Business As Usual? (Matthew 24:36-44)

As to when heaven and earth will be destroyed, Jesus elaborated, "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only." (Matthew 24:36) At the Divine Service on 27 November 2022, Pastor Soh explained how Christians should not be indifferent to Christ's second coming. The signs are clear. Like Noah's ark, the cross of our Lord is both a warning and a vessel of salvation. We must be spiritually prepared for the end days. While Noah's Ark was visible to all till the great flood came, where is the wooden cross upon which Jesus was crucified? The artefact has perished after 2,000 years. Instead, the cross is to be found in God's word and the holy sacraments. After regeneration through baptism, Christians ought to live a life of repentance by God's grace through the sacraments and fellowship of the church. As we witnessed the baptism of new members today, we must not forget our own baptismal profession, that we should endeavoring to lead God-centred lives, love our neighbors, be members of the community of saints in our commitment to care groups. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jesus is a Different Kind of King (Luke 23:33-43)

Jesus is a Different Kind of King (Luke 23:33-43)

Jesus does not fit into our worldly perception of what a king should be like. When our Lord was crucified, He displayed neither the honor nor power of a monarch. Hanging naked on the cross, He was in excruciating pain and publicly shamed. How does this match our common idea of a king? However, all but one of the thieves crucified beside Jesus knew that He is the Lord. Jesus' Kingdom shall come, he confessed, and his prayer for salvation was immediately accepted by Jesus. At the Christ the King Sunday's Divine Service on 20th November at YCCL, Bishop Lu delivered a sermon on the importance for Christians to understand their reality through the lens of faith. While Jesus might not fit into our worldly notion of kingship, He is definitely the King everyone needs. The thief on the cross has no works to show for; all he has is faith; and he is saved. Let us be good stewards of all that God has entrusted us with and come to His rest with faith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A "Hair" Promise (Luke 21:5-19)

A "Hair" Promise (Luke 21:5-19)

In Luke 21:5-19 Jesus spoke of 3 sets of signs regarding the end times: deceptions (Luke 21:8); destruction (Luke 21:9-11) and hatred towards Jesus’ faithful followers (Luke 21:12-17). Christians in particular are to remember that earthly things will end, and that we should cling on to His eternal promises, especially when our faith is being severely tested. Jesus promised that not a hair on our heads will perish, even under intense troubles (Luke 21:18). At the Divine Service on 13 November, Pastor Soh assured us that trusting Jesus, we are confident that we can endure to the end, not because of our strength, but by the strength of Jesus' promise. The "hair promise" is a promise of eternality. A promise that is also found in His Word and the Sacrament, the body and blood of Jesus, raised for eternal glory, of whom not a single hair has perished.Listen to the sermon at: https://open.acast.com/public/streams/62ef556524f5cd0012edcbc8/episodes/63708307cc535100112cbfa4.mp3Subscribe to YCCL podcast channel at Spotify (http://shorturl.at/hlnt1) and Apple Podcast (http://shorturl.at/rSU78). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.